We often think of "design" as relating only to the finished product. Things like:

• what does it do?
• how heavy is it?
• what does it look like?
• who will buy it?
• how much will they pay?

You probably take care of that stuff pretty well.

But "design" also influences and refers to issues regarding what technology or methods will be used to manufacture:

• is the layout simple and straight-forward?
• can it be built on automated equipment?
• are the components and/or materials rare or plentiful, reliable or prone to failure, expensive or reasonable?
• can it be tested during the manufacturing process?

The items we address in DFM include:

• general board size and configuration
• placement area shape, size and orientation
• panelization
• fiducials
• tooling holes
• component package style
• component orientation
• component clearance
• media that the components come in
• solders and fluxes
• and more

You may or may not have expertise in these things. If you don't we can help with them, and we call this activity "Design for Manufacturability."

To make suggestions about our website or to give input of any kind, please contact us at info@aetec.com.

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