PCB Board Processing Technology (2)

2. Organization of the CAM Process

Since there are dozens of popular CAD software on the market, the management of CAD process must first start from the organization, and a good organization will achieve multiplier effect with half the effort.

Since the Gerber data format has become a standard in the light-painting industry, Gerber data should be used as the processing object in the entire light-painting process. The following problems arise when using CAD data as an object.

A.There are too many types of CAD software. If various process requirements are to be completed in CAD software, each operator is required to be proficient in the operation of each CAD software. This will require a long training period to make the operator skilled enough to meet actual production requirements.

This is not justified in terms of time and economy.

B. Due to the numerous process requirements, some requirements cannot be realized for some CAD software. Because the CAD software is used for design, it does not take into account the special requirements in the process, so it cannot meet all the requirements. The CAM software is specially used for process processing.

C. CAM software has powerful functions, but all of them operate on Getber files, but cannot operate on CAD files.

D. If CAD is used for process processing, each operator is required to be equipped with all CAD software, and there are different process requirements for each CAD software. This will create unnecessary confusion for management.

In summary, the CAM organization should be the following structure (especially large and medium-sized enterprises).

(1) All process processing takes Gerber data as the processing object.

(2) Each operator must master the skills of converting CAD data into Gerber data.

(3) Each operator must master one or more operating methods of CAM software.

(4) Develop uniform process specifications for Gerber data files.

CAM operations can be handled relatively centrally by several operators for easy management. A reasonable organization will greatly improve management efficiency, production efficiency, and effectively reduce the error rate, so as to achieve the effect of improving product quality.