Skip to content

PCB

Geometry or Cost Engine Changes that Could Impact Configured Digital Factories

The following changes might impact costing, even for Digital Factories that use earlier cost model versions.

  • This release improves interpretation of the following ECAD modelling practices:
    • Definition of holes/vias in Altium and CADSTAR Gerber files.
    • Use of legend Gerber files from PADs.

    Note:

    This change takes effect only if you import the latest PCB XSLT script when you upgrade to 2024 R1.

Bug Fixes or Small Improvements to Prior Cost Model Versions

The following changes might impact costing for Digital Factories that use earlier cost model versions.

  • NO IMPACT

Cost Model Changes that Do Not Affect Configured Digital Factories

The following changes do not affect costings with Digital Factories that use earlier cost model versions. The changes are available only in the latest cost model version.

  • Dip Tank Processes (impacts process routing, cycle times, and piece part cost): This release updates the process model structure and cycle time logic for all dip tank processes: Desmear, Plate Through Holes, Copper Plate, Tin Coat, and Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold:

    • Desmear and Plate Through Holes are combined into a single process and Copper Plate and Tin Coat are combined into a single process.

    • Cycle time logic has been updated to better account for concurrent processing. The changes result in significant reductions in cycle times and costs:

    • The Desmear and Plate Through Holes process is projected to experience a substantial average cost reduction of 99.8%.

    • A similar cost reduction is anticipated for the Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold process, which is typically not initially included in manufacturing costing.
    • The Copper Plate and Tin Coat process is expected to see an average cost reduction of around 93%.

  • Laser Drilling of Micro Vias: This release adds support for laser drilling of micro vias that are too small to create with a mechanical drill. This addition enables aPriori to cost a wider range of PCBs, including HDI boards.

  • Mechanical Drilling Expendable Tooling: This release provides more accurate estimates of mechanical drilling expendable tooling costs by updating material pricing and re-usability. In a set of test parts, the Drill Circuit Holes process experienced an average cost reduction of around 30%, compared to the previous release. Expendable tooling cost for this process decreased by an average of around 85%.

Overall, the Fully Burdened Cost for the PCB Process Group is expected to decrease by an average of around 45%.