News - Valor DFM Solutions

Migrating from Gerber to ODB++ CAM Compare

August 29, 2023

Gerber files have long been the industry standard for PCB design and manufacturing data. However, with the increasing complexity of modern designs, Gerber files have become less effective in conveying all the necessary data required for manufacturing. ODB++ is a newer format that was developed specifically to address the shortcomings of Gerber files. ODB++ is a comprehensive format that includes all the necessary data for manufacturing, including component placement, drill files, and manufacturing details such as the thickness of the PCB and the type of solder mask just to mention a few.

By Kevin Webb

3 MIN READ

Manufacturing Driven Design – Taking DFM to the Next Level

August 7, 2023

Manufacturing Driven Design (MDD) is an evolutionary approach to DFM. It enables the effortless exchange of manufacturing process constraints so that an OEM can assess the manufacturability of a design in perfect alignment with their supplier

By Patrick McGoff

2 MIN READ

What is DFM and DFA?

July 18, 2023

DFM and DFA are relevant to almost any product be it assembling bicycles where primarily the product is mechanical components to electronic devices such as cell phones, routers, and computers which require both mechanical and electrical components. The primary focus of this blog will be PCB Design through PCB Fabrication and PCB Assembly within the electronic realm and how it relates to DFM and DFA.

By Kevin Webb

3 MIN READ

What’s New in Valor NPI 2305

June 7, 2023

Valor NPI has recently been updated with version 2305. Included within are many of the revisions and feature updates for this latest version of the software

By Maya Shani

5 MIN READ

What’s New in Z-planner V2023.1

May 30, 2023

Z-planner V2023.1 builds on previous versions by enhancing rigid/flex useability, tighter integration with Xpedition and HyperLynx and the addition of more Mil-Aero materials to the dielectric materials library.

By Don Kost

5 MIN READ

6 material properties that can save you money when designing your PCB stackup

May 9, 2023

Introduction Stackup decisions are critical to every PCB and electronic product, but they don’t always get the attention that they…

By Patrick Hope

4 MIN READ

Optimizing PCB DFM Guidelines

April 25, 2023

Typical DFM checklists assume the use of legacy DFM formats. In a world where much of our data transfer is becoming intelligent and seamless, why are we relying on designs from 60 years ago?

By Max Clark

4 MIN READ

Making Parts Part of Manufacturing Driven Design

April 4, 2023

When it comes to PCB assembly level MDD, many designers have not concerned themselves with the component manufacturing Bill of Material (BOM). Designers work from a CAD library that has component libraries associated with internal part numbers (IPN) their company uses. The CAD Design Rule Checking software uses those CAD library shapes for its analysis and even, in some cases, the avoidance of where components are placed. There is nothing wrong conceptually with this mentality. However, like all things, the details matter.

By Patrick McGoff

5 MIN READ

detectives investigate DFM within a PCB design

The Mysterious Case of the Missing Bowties Part III

February 7, 2023

Previously… People often say ‘better late than never’, but I’ve never heard my boss say that. After much difficulty in…

By I. M. Baffled

2 MIN READ