In a previous post, we introduced the Elsyca CAE framework for a shift-left/shift right approach, a dedicated framework to ensure plating quality over the entire PCB design and manufacturing chain, improve design for manufacturing to ultimately reduce production costs. 

But what is actually PCB plating and why PCB designers should consider it in the early design stages to ensure no plating issues are faced down the road? 

So what is PCB Plating? 

First of all, let's recall that designing and manufacturing PCBs is extremely complex, there is no doubt about it. Furthermore, increased cost constraints over the past pushed the industry to be more productive and effective. So talking about PCB plating and

An additional task for the designers? 

PCB designers do already have to cope with a lot of technical requirements and challenges. Adding the integration of upfront plating feasibility within an existing design process should be done ingeniously in order to limit user operations and focus on providing the relevant insights when it is needed. PCB designers should be able to know when there is a potential threat, where it is located in their design, and what solutions they can apply to solve it. 

Elsyca's solution focuses on delivering PCB designers a fast assessment of their designs with respect to plating based on standardized input files. The flexible API capabilities of the software allow for an automated and tailored integration within existing design processes. Our patented solution provides a unique approach able to consider the 3D effects of the holes on the final copper thickness, show user-defined KPIs, and suggest an optimized copper balancing all at once. 

For PCB designers curious to run their first plating analysis on existing designs, Elsyca did develop the first PCB DFM software on the cloud. From simple analyze to more sophisticated balanced optimization, user can upload their design and get an instant feedback on whether or not their design will have fabrication issues and therefore potential electrically inconsistency.

A significant benefit! 

Being able to know early in the design stage if designs can actually be manufactured according to the highest requirements of quality and manufacturing yields is a major step forward in design for manufacturing. It goes behind the ability to avoid quality issues but also provides significant cost reduction together with energy consumption and material waste reduction. 

Safran testifies that adding this solution to their existing process will help them make savings from 5% to 15% depending on the complexity of the designs. Within a context where RAW material prices and in particular copper foil prices are going up, the ability to avoid material waste while ensuring faster go-to-market delivery is key for more being more competitive. 

What the future holds? 

With PCBs becoming thinner and more lightweight, designers and manufacturers need to rely on solutions ensuring them that the right width and thickness of copper layers are deposited while making sure signal integrity, efficiency, heat absorption capability and durability are not compromised. 

The ability to verify as early as possible within the design cycle all aspects of manufacturing will accelerate the deployment of innovative and more effective solutions.