Blog
Notes from the engineering desk.
Practical, jargon-light writing on DFM, tooling, surface finishes and getting a board built right the first time.
IPC Class 2 vs Class 3: Which PCB Quality Class Do You Need?
The difference between IPC Class 2 and Class 3 PCB quality, why Class 3 costs more, and how to pick the right class for your product without over-spending.
ReadFront-End Engineering vs. CAM vs. DFM: What's the Difference?
The pre-manufacturing PCB world uses a lot of overlapping names. Here is what front-end engineering, CAM, DFM, DFF and DRC each mean and how they fit together.
ReadDFM Checklist Before Your First Spin
A practical, fab-oriented DFM checklist to run before you release your first board spin, from annular ring to solder-mask webs.
ReadPCB Surface Finish Comparison
HASL vs lead-free HASL vs ENIG vs hard gold — how the four common PCB finishes compare on flatness, cost, shelf life, and use case.
ReadWhat Is PCB CAM and Why It Matters
CAM is the bridge between a PCB design database and a manufacturable panel. Here is what happens in that step and why it drives yield.
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