-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- pcb007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueDon’t Just Survive, Thrive
If we are to be relevant and prosper during these next critical decades in electronics, we must do more than survive. As an industry, we can and must thrive. In this issue, our contributors explore these concepts meant to help you take your business to the next level.
Material Matters
Materials management is nuanced, multifaceted, and requires a holistic systems approach for business success. When building high mix, low volume, and high technology, managing materials and overall cost containment are even greater challenges.
Additive Manufacturing
In this month’s issue, we explore additive manufacturing technology for the PCB fabricator: where it stands today, the true benefits, and where it seems to be headed.
- Articles
- Columns
Search Console
- Links
- Events
||| MENU - pcb007 Magazine
A Potpourri of Design PD Classes
May 14, 2024 | Kelly Dack, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
![](https://iconnect007.com/application/files/8616/9086/8452/Kelly_Dack-300_2021.jpg)
What is invention without innovation? What is innovation without capability? What is capability without standards and guidelines? What are standards and guidelines without the design and manufacturing stakeholders who produce them?
Folks say that invention involves the creation of things entirely new, while innovation is the process of improving the creations or finding new ways to use them. This observation holds true in all realms of PCB design. However, PCB designers, seated at PCB design workstations with very powerful CAD tools at hand, often misunderstand the concept of invention. Like a new musician making a lead error in a blues riff will refer to off-color notes as “jazz,” many new PCB designers not checking in with supplier capabilities will consider their work an “invention.”
A mistake is a mistake. DFM is a step in the innovation process, which is a necessary part of design. If new materials or processes do not exist, applying the concept of invention involves long timelines and astronomical financial backing, which must occur in order to reach the goals of a new product concept.
On Sunday, April 7, I attended a “design for” Professional Development session taught by Dale Lee. Presented as a two-part morning and afternoon class, Dale covered some very important DFs: design for manufacture (DFM), design for reliability (DFR), and design for assembly (DFA), referred to holistically as DFX (design for excellence). Lee gave many examples that stressed the importance of following industry standards and guidelines in the design of printed boards and assemblies. He stressed the importance of becoming familiar with common materials, machinery, and processes the PCB industry uses in order to “design for” measured success needed by the industry in order to provide measurable quality, performance, and reliability.
Later that morning, I bounced over to the “Ask the Flexperts” PD sessions featuring Mark Finstad and Nick Koop from TTM. Both innovators in their own rights, this Flexpert tag team was able to cover all aspects of flex and rigid-flex design principles to not only confirm industry-proven design methodology but follow up with tangible, expert, manufacturing stakeholder responses from TTM to illustrate what designers can do to improve their future flex designs. The two generously provided all attendees with a tote ring of flex circuit reference material, which can serve as a tactile guide in determining how flex structures behave mechanically.
To read this entire article, which appeared in the 2024 issue of Show & Tell Magazine, click here.
Suggested Items
Looking For That Perfect Job? Check Out jobCONNECT007
07/25/2024 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamThere are a lot of open positions in this industry today. But where do you begin to look? We have the answer: jobCONNECT007, your guide to career opportunities in the electronic industry. In jobCONNECT007, you’ll find job openings that span the entire circuit board supply chain. Whether you’re involved in design, fabrication, assembly, test, or material development or distribution, this handy resource can help you get on your way to a new gig.
Strip Etch Strip: Episode 9 of On the Line With... Designing for Reality Podcast Now Available
07/25/2024 | I-Connect007Don't miss the latest episode of "On the Line With... Designing for Reality," where we walk through the PCB manufacturing process. At this stage, we have a panel made up of all the internal layers laminated together, through-holes drilled, and the outer layer copper features covered with a protective layer of tin.
Ventec Giga Solutions & Hi-Print Team up to Launch World's First 3-Color Inkjet Printing Solution
07/24/2024 | Ventec International GroupVentec Giga Solutions, Ventec’s value-added PCB equipment division, and leading inkjet printer manufacturer Hi-Print have teamed up to launch the industry’s most cutting-edge inkjet printer for solder mask technology.
Ian Walsh Appointed as Sondrel’s Regional VP for America
07/23/2024 | SondrellSondrel, a leading provider of ultra-complex, custom chips for leading global technology brands, has appointed Ian Walsh as its Regional VP for America, with the responsibility of growing Sondrel’s US semiconductor business from its new Silicon Valley offices in Santa Clara, CA.
LG Accelerates Smart Factory Solutions Business Integrating AI with 66-year Manufacturing Expertise
07/23/2024 | LGLG Electronics is advancing its smart factory solutions business by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation (DX) with its extensive 66-year history of manufacturing and production expertise.