Hope,
Not particularly IPC, but have a lot of experience with
photoplots on both ends of the spectrum.

Currently most manufacturers do NOT use each other's
photoplots. They can lay-up a job using someone else's
plots, but the price for the work is comparable to
resubmitting gerbers and having them re-plot (if a
plot is necessary)
The trend seems to be direct transfer, from the computer
to the board, so that would eliminate plots.

Also - It is best to maintain only 1 set of records
for a board. To store photoplots correctly, it is important
to keep them in controlled environment.

Your fabricator should maintain these plots, especially
if they may re-manufacturer the board. They also
have the facilities. Also, many plots have manufacturer
compensation built into them to account for their
etch factor. This could cause you a problem when changing
manufacturers.
In my humble opinion, do not maintain your plots, but specify
to your manufacturer how long you would like them to maintain
them.

Chris Robertson
[log in to unmask]
<mailto:[log in to unmask]>

Senior Designer
Lockheed-Martin Services Inc.
4912 Research Dr.
Huntsville, AL 35805
(256) 722-2626










> -----Original Message-----
> From: DesignerCouncil [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
> Behalf Of Hope
> Lariosa
> Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2001 3:17 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: [DC] Photoplots
>
>
> Does anyone still require these from the fabricators?  Why or
> why not?  And
> does anyone know IPC's opinion on this?  Thanks much!
>
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> 847-509-9700 ext.5315
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