Pre-Production Engineering
PCB Journey 1:
Pre-Production Engineering
Everything starts with the Engineering Department. They receive the GERBER file, check it and compare it with the order, IPC standards, and supplier capabilities.
1 - Gerber File Check
ICAPE Group engineers carry out a Design For Manufacturability (DFM) review, check the data, the copper layers, the mechanical drawing, the specifications, and the line and space between the tracks. Once done, we create a file called ‘Technical Questions’ if necessary.
![](https://www.icape-group.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/products-educative-pcb-manufacturing-process_gerber_file_check-1-1024x545.png)
![](https://www.icape-group.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/products-educative-pcb-manufacturing-process_dfm_review-1.png)
2 - DFM Review
This file is sent to the customer in order to propose a possible solution or improvement, such as different panelization techniques, solder mask type, design, base material, brand or specifications, and even different technologies in order to be feasible and cost-effective in the selected partner factories according to IPC standards.
3 - Partner DFM Review
Our partner factory enters the scene, receives the data, conducts a second DFM review, and starts combining Circuit designs on the production panel.
![](https://www.icape-group.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/products-educative-pcb-manufacturing-process_partner_dfm_review-1.png)
![](https://www.icape-group.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/products-educative-pcb-manufacturing-artwork_printing-1.png)
4 - Artwork Printing
Each PCB layer is verified and transferred to the Printing artwork machine. We have one artwork for each layer: inner, outer, solder mask, legend printing, and also special layers like vias, peelable mask, carbon, etc. All those artworks can be used for thousands of panels.
5 - Artwork Control
Each PCB layer is verified and transferred to the Printing artwork machine. We have one artwork for each layer: inner, outer, solder mask, legend printing, and also special layers like vias, peelable mask, carbon, etc. All those artworks can be used for thousands of panels.
![](https://www.icape-group.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/products-educative-pcb-manufacturing-artwork_control-1-1024x562.png)