Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1534120
found, while finding errors earlier makes them cheaper to fix. Interactive DFM tools offer inherent effi- ciency. Because back-end DFM tools require a round-trip between the design tool and the DFM tool, using them inevitably interrupts the design process. Interactive DFM tools dem- onstrate, while you are designing, how those design choices will impact yield and manufac- turability. You can make more informed design decisions at the outset, balancing any tradeoffs or taking advantage of opportunities to lower costs down the line. Working With Your Manufacturing Partner Not every manufacturer prioritizes making DFM rule sets for popular design tools avail- able, cost-effective, and up-to-date. You can save time and money if your manufacturer has those rule sets matched to your chosen design tool. Together with their design pro- visions, engage with them when transitioning that CAD file to production. Key collaboration points include: • Understanding what DFM checks take place aer the manufacturer receives a design file. • Learning about their DFM and quality assurance (QA) processes. • If they receive a design with manufactur- ability problems, how they will work with you to resolve the issue? • What is their scrap rate? A manufacturer's scrap rate is a single metric proxy for other efficiency and quality-related met- rics. A low scrap rate indicates a manufac- turer has good internal DFM and QA pro- cesses. If a designer wants to collaborate with their fabricator, they must be able to establish contact easily. Your manufac- turing partner should have available sup- port staff to help solve manufacturability puzzles early and oen. • Do they make it easy to receive competent technical support? • How quickly will they respond to your needs? • How can you obtain support for time-sen- sitive issues other than by e-mail? • Are they available around the clock? • What is their escalation policy for difficult support requests? • Is support free or is it pay-per-incident? ese are important questions to ask before settling on a manufacturing partner. Other critical elements to keep in mind as you dive into the prototyping process include: • PCB layout review: Many manufacturers will offer feasibility assessments of your 44 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I APRIL 2025