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58 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I MAY 2024 manufacturability (DFM) and looked at the crucial step of CAM (computer-aided manu- facturing) tooling. I also touched on how receiving feedback and making design adjust- ments during CAM can significantly improve your final PCB. In this installment, we will talk about the first phases of the physical manufacturing process. CAM outputs, imaging processes, and physi- cal materials—this is where PCB design gets messy. Roll up your sleeves, it's time to dig in. CAM Output: The Blueprint for Manufacturing We describe the process of transferring the electronic design onto the PCB material as imaging. is step is critical in defining the traces, component pads, and other fea- tures on the circuit board that will later be etched to create the actual circuit. ough this process may sound simple, a lot goes into it. CAM output refers to the set of files and documentation gen- erated from the PCB design. It tells the manufacturer how to produce the PCB. CAM output includes detailed instructions Designing for reality is focused on the art and science of PCB design and production. If you're trying to make a PCB that stands out for being reliable, easy to manufacture, and meets all design goals, then you're in the perfect spot. We're here to break down the PCB manufac- turing process while sharing essential tips for smooth design and production. Our goal is to show you how to cra PCB designs that are great on paper and in reality. is means considering how your designs will come to life in the manufacturing phase and working closely with your manufacturing part- ners to understand their specific needs. In last month's column, I discussed the importance of choosing the right CAD (com- puter-aided design) file formats and design for Designing for Reality: The Physical Manufacturing Phases Connect the Dots by Matt Stevenson, SUNSTONE CIRCUITS