PCB Fabrication Process: Pre-Production Engineering - A Detailed Overview
Pre-Production Engineering
Everything starts with the engineering department of the PCB factory. Our PCB process engineers receive Gerber files, check them, and compare them with the orders, IPC standards, and our manufacturing capabilities.
Pre-Production Tasks of PCB Manufacturer
As JHYPCB, a professional PCB manufacturer, our pre-production work involves several important tasks that are crucial to ensuring the high-quality and reliability of our PCBs.
- PCB Design Review:
Before starting the actual production process, we review the PCB design files to ensure that they are complete and accurate. This includes checking the circuit connections, component placement, and routing. Any errors or issues are identified and addressed to ensure that the PCBs will function as intended. - Production Parameters Determination:
We determine the production parameters required for manufacturing the PCBs. This includes board thickness, copper layer thickness, surface finish, and other specifications. We ensure that the PCBs meet the required specifications and are suitable for their intended use. - Manufacturing Technology Selection:
Based on the PCB design and production parameters, we select the appropriate manufacturing technology. We choose the materials and processes needed to manufacture the PCBs, such as the type of substrate, copper plating method, and soldering method. - Production Process Development:
We develop a detailed production process that includes a step-by-step plan for manufacturing the PCBs. From creating the bare board to applying the surface finish, we ensure that every step of the process is carefully planned and executed to ensure a high-quality final product. - Production Equipment Preparation:
We prepare the production equipment needed to manufacture the PCBs, including drilling machines, plating baths, and imaging equipment. We ensure that all equipment is in good working order and calibrated to produce high-quality PCBs. - Quality Control Implementation:
We implement a rigorous quality control process to ensure that the PCBs we manufacture meet required standards. This includes visual inspections, electrical testing, and other quality checks throughout the production process. We maintain a thorough record of every stage of the production process, from raw material inspection to final inspection, to ensure quality control and traceability. - Customer Communication Establishment:
We establish open communication with the customer to ensure that we fully understand their requirements and expectations. We provide regular updates on the production process and address any questions or concerns they may have. This ensures that we meet or exceed their expectations and deliver high-quality PCBs on time.
By completing these pre-production tasks, we ensure that the PCBs we manufacture are of high quality, reliable, and consistent. Our commitment to thorough planning, communication, and quality control enables us to deliver PCBs that meet or exceed our customers’ expectations.
Further reading
PCB Design Software and Gerber File
There are many PCB design software options available, each with its own set of features and capabilities. Some popular options include Altium Designer, Eagle PCB, KiCAD, and OrCAD. These software packages allow designers to create schematic diagrams, lay out the components on a board, and create the necessary files for production.
One important file that is created during the PCB design process is the Gerber file. A Gerber file is essentially a set of instructions that tell the manufacturer’s machines how to create the PCB. It contains information about the layers of the board, the placement of components, and the routing of traces. The Gerber file is a standard format that can be read by any PCB manufacturer, ensuring that the board is produced exactly as intended. Without a properly formatted Gerber file, the PCB manufacturer would not be able to accurately produce the desired board.
PCB Design Review Tools Introduction
There are several PCB design review tools available in the market that can help in the inspection of PCB designs. These tools can detect design errors and check the functionality of the circuit before the PCB goes into production. Some of the commonly used PCB design review tools are:
Altium Designer: Altium Designer is a popular PCB design software that also includes design review capabilities. The tool allows for the review of schematics, PCB layouts, and other design files. It also has collaboration features that enable multiple users to work on the same design simultaneously.
Mentor Graphics Xpedition: Mentor Graphics Xpedition is a comprehensive PCB design and analysis software that includes design review features. The tool allows for the review of schematics, PCB layouts, and other design files. It also has simulation and analysis capabilities that enable the verification of the design.
Cadence Allegro Design Review: Cadence Allegro Design Review is a powerful design review tool that allows for the inspection of schematics and PCB layouts. The tool includes features such as real-time DRC checking, cross-probing, and 3D visualization.
Eagle PCB: Eagle PCB is a user-friendly PCB design software that includes design review capabilities. The tool allows for the inspection of schematics and PCB layouts. It also includes a simulation tool that can verify the functionality of the design.
PCB Artist: PCB Artist is a free PCB design software that includes design review features. The tool allows for the inspection of schematics and PCB layouts. It also includes a DRC checker that can detect design errors before the PCB goes into production.
These PCB design review tools can help in the identification of design errors and ensure the functionality of the circuit before the PCB goes into production. The selection of the appropriate tool depends on the specific requirements and preferences of the user.