Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1464168
80 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I APRIL 2022 Help the Supplier to Achieve the Target Condition I really do like to think that our design data serves as the hub of the manufacturing process. In my mind the data and fabrication specifica- tion criteria must be output with all the PCB industry stakeholders in consideration so that it provides a viable starting point for all to be successful in hitting the design, procurement, manufacturing, test, and inspection targets of the whole team project stakeholders. How can a PCB designer "design" solder mask clear- ance without knowing the manufacturing con- straints of unknown suppliers? e key to this dilemma is found within a simple twist of context which is occurring within our industry. With the continuous developments in the creation and utilization of intelligent design and manufacturing data, smart factories lever- aging IPC CFX standards will have more and more access to our data to make corrections without the PCB designer—who may be blind to the process—being involved. is advanced paradigm sets the stage for our whole PCB industry of product stakeholders to design, manufacture, and collaborate with each other simultaneously with access to standardized, accessible data. I suggest setting the solder mask clearance values in a design layout to "zero" and allow the PCB supplier to swell the openings to the minimum value which their overall manufac- turing capabilities can achieve acceptability. Coupled with a simple fabrication note which will allow the supplier's CAM group of man- ufacturing engineers to make clearance and sliver adjustments, your EMS supplier will no longer have to field engineering queries regard- ing these issues. is philosophy will transfer the responsibility to the stakeholders who are the most qualified, and most in touch with the manufacturing processes and capabilities, to vary the solder mask clearance values through- out the design as required. By doing so, they will manufacture with design to set the design data up for success. DESIGN007 Kelly Dack, CIT, CID+, provides DFx centered PCB design and manufacturing liaison expertise for a dynamic EMS provider in the Pacific Northwest while also serving as an IPC design certification instructor (CID) for EPTAC. To read past columns or contact Dack, click here.