-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- pcb007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueVoices of the Industry
We take the pulse of the PCB industry by sharing insights from leading fabricators and suppliers in this month's issue. We've gathered their thoughts on the new U.S. administration, spending, the war in Ukraine, and their most pressing needs. It’s an eye-opening and enlightening look behind the curtain.
The Essential Guide to Surface Finishes
We go back to basics this month with a recount of a little history, and look forward to addressing the many challenges that high density, high frequency, adhesion, SI, and corrosion concerns for harsh environments bring to the fore. We compare and contrast surface finishes by type and application, take a hard look at the many iterations of gold plating, and address palladium as a surface finish.
It's Show Time!
In this month’s issue of PCB007 Magazine we reimagine the possibilities featuring stories all about IPC APEX EXPO 2025—covering what to look forward to, and what you don’t want to miss.
- Articles
- Columns
Search Console
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - pcb007 Magazine
Learning to Speak ‘Fab’
April 23, 2025 | Ray Fugitt, DownStream TechnologiesEstimated reading time: 1 minute

Over the years, I’ve seen many PCB designers make DFM mistakes. At DownStream, I work with design and fabrication, and sometimes it feels as if the two segments are speaking completely different languages. But once designers learn to speak “fab,” many of these DFM challenges disappear.
I taught a class at PCB East 2024, “The 21 Most Common Design Errors Caught by Fabrication (and How to Prevent Them),” with my co-presenter Mike Tucker of Millennium Circuits. At PCB West 2024, we presented an updated class, “10 (More) Common Errors in PCB Design and How to Catch Them.” Is this an evergreen topic?
Design007 Editor Andy Shaughnessy and columnist Kelly Dack attended our PCB West class, which was packed with designers and design engineers, and many of them had questions. When Andy asked me to contribute an article on the most common miscommunication errors made by PCB designers, I said, “Sign me up.”
You Know the Drill
Let’s start with the drill chart shown in Figure 1. It seems like a normal drill chart at first. But take another look. What is a “finished drill size” anyway? Do they mean hole size? What’s the difference?
To read this entire article, which appeared in the March 2025 issue of Design007 Magazine, click here.
Suggested Items
HyRel Technologies Celebrates Future Innovators: Intern Program Empowers the Next Generation of Engineers and Professionals
05/01/2025 | HyRelHyRel Technologies, a global provider of quick turn semiconductor modification solutions, is proud to spotlight its 7th class of interns in partnership with Peoria Unified School District, featuring three outstanding young women who are already making meaningful contributions to the company's innovative engineering and operations efforts.
SEMI 3D & Systems Summit to Spotlight Trends in Hybrid Bonding, Chiplet Architecture and Geopolitical Dynamics
05/01/2025 | SEMILeading experts in 3D integration and systems for semiconductor manufacturing applications will gather at the annual SEMI 3D & Systems Summit, June 25-27, 2025, in Dresden.
Cadence Expands Design IP Portfolio Optimized for Intel 18A and Intel 18A-P Technologies, Advancing AI, HPC and Mobility Applications
05/01/2025 | Cadence Design SystemsCadence announced a significant expansion of its portfolio of design IP optimized for Intel 18A and Intel 18A-P technologies and certification of Cadence® digital and analog/custom design solutions for the latest Intel 18A process design kit (PDK).
A Visit With ‘Flexperts’ Mark Finstad and Nick Koop
05/01/2025 | Joe Fjelstad, Verdant ElectronicsAt IPC APEX EXPO 2025, I chatted with seasoned flex experts Mark Finstad and Nick Koop about "Flexperts" and their roles as leading educators and in the realm of standards development for this increasingly indispensable electronic interconnection technology. They have been teaching about lessons learned and how to successfully navigate the “seas” of flexible circuits to help their students avoid the hazards that have taken down many of their predecessors in the past.
Siemens Expands Global Electronics Intelligence Reach and Supplyframe Portfolio with Wevolver Acquisition
04/30/2025 | Siemens Digital Industries SoftwareSiemens Digital Industries Software announced its intention to acquire Wevolver, expanding its audience reach, enhancing the Supplyframe product portfolio, and combining digital marketing and integrated campaign programs that include go-to-market support and content creation.