Elmatica: KwickFit Implements CircuitData to their PCB Panel Layout Optimizer

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

KwickFit, an enterprise-grade cloud-based PCB array, and panel layout optimizer are first out to implement CircuitData into their solution. They support the initiative of creating a common language for communicating PCB fabrication data.

“Personally, I think OTTP and CircuitData have the potential to be as impactful in the PCB industry as HTTP and HTML were to the creation of the web. I imagine a future of collaborating entities for goods and services driven by the information being shared with CircuitData”, says Tom Monico CEO of MicroMega Solutions, developer of KwickFit.

An Important Innovation

The first version of KwickFit was released in 1996 with a basic layout calculator. It transformed what was once an incomprehensible manual operation, to one that could be performed in a matter of seconds.

“The first version was a great success and over the years we've built on that success, adding powerful new features while maintaining KwickFit's simplicity. CircuitData is the latest implementation. It’s a common language that provides a means to specify all aspects of an article, not just the location of lands and traces. With CircuitData, you can also specify things like the color of the solder mask, legend ink, and more. Plus, it’s an open source initiative and I applaud Elmatica and the CircuitData team for driving this innovation forward”, says Monico.              

CircuitData, takes the design and manufacturing information found buried in documents and turns it into usable data by systems.

“We are delighted that Tom and KwickFit support the initiative of a common language for PCB fabrication data, and have implemented it into their existing system. Watching the language evolve is like watching your kid grow up. We see challenges and opportunities each day as the community drives the development of this free language onwards. This is just the beginning”, says CTO of Elmatica and Founder of CircuitData Andreas Lydersen.

A Significant Change

Monico identifies CircuitData as more significant than just a language for communicating PCB fabrication information. He thinks OTTP and CircuitData can move the industry into new ways of doing business, both more collaboratively and effectively.

“Our mission with KwickFit has always been to reduce costs for both the PCB buyer and manufacturer. CircuitData is poised to eliminate many of the back and forth questions between the fabricator and the buyer, and every other participant in the process from concept to a finished product. The net effect should be improved quality and reduced cycle time, which will lead to reduced costs for the PCB buyer, which is squarely aligned with our values”, he says.