Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1535183
10 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I MAY 2025 Feature Article by Dana Korf Victory Giant Technology Imagine a day when a design data file—not a traditional documentation package—is out- put directly from the eCAD system, transmit- ted to selected fabricators, and automatically loaded into their engineering/CAM systems, initiating tooling and production without any human inter vention. is is zero touch data transfer in action. By eliminating manual processes, front-end personnel at fabrication facilities can be rede- ployed to strategic areas such as R&D and customer engagement. Many of these profes- sionals are ideally suited to transition into field application engineer (FAE) roles. While many components of this vision exist independently today, full implementation remains elusive. Why? e core issue is cul- tural: the industry has long tolerated defective data packages. Currently, over 95% of manu- facturing data packages are based on just three formats: Gerber (and its related documents), ODB++, and IPC-2581. Notably, ODB++ and IPC-2581 do not require the multitude of sup- plementary documents typically bundled with Gerber-based submissions. The Reality of Defective Documentation Our teams have analyzed common failure modes in customer documentation packages. While defect rates vary across companies and customers, the categories of failure are con- sistent. Figure 1 is a high-level Pareto chart of common defect categories. Even a perfect documentation package can- not eliminate all transfer issues. Let's explore each category of quality. Zero Touch Data Package: The Future of Seamless PCB Manufacturing