Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1514189
JANUARY 2024 I DESIGN007 MAGAZINE 51 ers oen toss their designs over the wall and request a DFM without a clear understanding of what it entails. Many perceive it as a tool- ing department activity, involving running scripts, planning the job, and identifying issues in a technical query. While this is valuable, it consumes front-end engineering resources and may result in prolonged back-and-forth exchanges with the customer on design updates. To address this, my team intervenes at the initial stages of the design process, even before it reaches the CAM department. One innova- tive solution we offer is called "preliminary DFM." is involves a semi-automated review where we thoroughly examine all design requirements. e ensuing report allows us to provide valuable insights, such as assuring designers that their design is manufacturable or identifying potential design rule violations. In cases where adjustments are needed, such as increasing pad sizes to meet annular ring specifications, or address- ing challenges in etching small spaces on specific copper weights, we can intervene proactively. is approach ensures that potential issues are tackled before the design is released or sent into manufacturing, preventing the com- mon cycle of revisions and updates. Designers benefit from a personalized, one-on-one inter- action with our team, leveraging our expertise in design for manufacturing and our in-depth knowledge of each of our shops' capabilities. Essentially, we aim to provide customized solutions that address a variety of needs. With preliminary DFM, you're getting design- ers and fabricators to communicate, which isn't always the case. What are customers saying about this? It's been received very well by customers. ey appreciate the quick and insightful assessment of their designs, giving them confidence before committing to a full tooling DFM. It's a win- win situation. We avoid using up our front-end engineering resources on designs that might need extensive revisions, and designers get a more efficient, one-on-one interaction that addresses their specific design. At last year's PCB Carolina, you were teach- ing a class on fabrication for designers. Yes, that was my PCB 101 class. It delved into the basics of board fabrication, all the way from raw material to laminating, drilling and plating, and final finishes. Are you an electrical engineer? My academic background is in industrial engi- neering with a focus on manufacturing. It turned out to be a perfect fit for my journey. I started as a technician at an OEM, learning hands-on board building without a degree. Aer transitioning into front-end engineering, I pursued my engineering degree part-time. By the time I graduated, I had already gained a deep understanding of DFM and board fabrication. It was a seamless integra- tion of knowledge and experience. What are your plans for 2024? e past year has been a whirl- wind, and there's so much oppor- tunity at Summit. Our focus on auto- mation, customer obsession, and making the design-to-manufacturing handoff seamless are driving positive changes. I'm excited about the future and the chance to continue serving our customers in the best possible way. I feel like I'm just getting started, and there's so much more to accomplish in this dynamic and enjoy- able industry. It is a great industry. Thanks for speaking with me, Laura. ank you, Andy. DESIGN007 Essentially, we aim to provide customized solutions that address a variety of needs.