Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1514189
10 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I JANUARY 2024 Much of a designer's job involves creating a product that is compatible with the capa- bilities of their chosen fabrication and assem- bly providers. But very few PCB designers have visited a board shop or assembly facil- ity in decades, if ever, and seemingly simple DFM problems continue to dog our industry. What manufacturing concepts are designers missing? We posed this question to Tony Bell, divi- sion manager of San Diego PCB Design, which was acquired by APCT in April 2023 and continues to operate under its original name, with plans to transition to its official new name of APCT Design. Tony has experi- ence in PCB design, fab, assembly, and test, so we asked him what PCB designers need to know about manufacturing. He points out What Do You Know About PCB Manufacturing? the need to continue learning about fab and assembly processes throughout their careers, and asking questions is not bothersome, it's necessary for the job. Andy Shaughnessy: Tony, you have a pretty wide background in this industry. Tell me about that. Tony Bell: I've been in this industry for a while, and am fortunate to have a diverse background that got me to where I am now. I came to San Diego PCB Design from Plexus in October 2021. At Plexus, I learned assembly process flow and I was an in-circuit test technician. Later, one thing led to another, and I moved into Plexus' Engineering Solutions, where I managed the North American region's PCB design team. ere, 12 designers reported to Feature Interview by the I-Connect007 Editorial Team SOURCE: IPC CHECKLIST