First off, venturing into the world of reviewing CAM software for all to see
is a double-edged sword at least. If you are using a specific package and
point out the flaws, you will most likely get a call/email from the vendor -
"BUT, you don't need to do that, or you should do it this way, or this is
what you're doing wrong, or insert reason here". If you point out what
package you are using and mention a couple of 'better-if's, you can bet a
salesman will call or e-mail with everything you ever wanted to do with his
package.
With that said, I enter the mine field:
I have used three 'major' CAM packages, in no particular order and things as
I see them, and what I would consider using the mentioned package for.
PAR (Producability Analysis Report) from IGI (Infinite Graphics)
INFO: Purchase cost is low
DRC can detect almost everything that can go wrong on a circuit
board (fab perspective)
These are set-up thru class.def files - these are rigid and
cannot be accessed from
inside the program - they can be edited in notepad
or wordpad easily -
I had several versions I updated with a batch file to run different
difficulty jobs.
Training:
Experienced fab type with computer experience (graphics, methods) a month or
so
with speed developing from there out to a plateau at 6 months or
so.
Inexperienced with computer experience (New hire, bagger, etcher) at least
three months
of hands on with almost constant attention, speed begins to develop
at 6 months
and plateaus at 12 months or so.
Implementation:
Most bugs and 'shop specifics' are worked out within 3
months (because every occurrence
can't happen overnight.
User Friendliness:
This software has some 'idiot' settings that I wish could be
customized -
"Warning - you are editing features on multiple layers"
If you are deleting extraneous data outside the border - you want to do
this.
Speed
Good but cannot run on the latest and greatest - fastest and
most powerful. For some reason
The coding is specific enough that when the Pentium
IV comes out - wait for at least two versions
before buying one to run it - or you're in a world
of hurt.
Negative data gives this software a nervous breakdown - I
once output a layer of 4 composites - (flattened/merged) -
Into an RS-274-X file - it took at least eight (8)
hours.
Panelization
I did not have that option (PARCAM - has it)
If it works as demo'd - its an average panelization
package.
Netlist
I had to throw this in - you must tell it to create, and
compare or you can make shorts and opens and you'll never know it.
File sharing
I had to put this in too - you can open files from anywhere
on the drive or network in the CAM tool but so can your co-worker,
File revisions can be a problem - see below.
This package is outstanding for 1 or 2 person CAM department just starting
out or upgrading from the old tablet driven, dual-monitor days.
If you have multiple sites and/or shifts, I probably wouldn't get this
package.
UCAM from Barco
INFO: Purchase cost is reasonable.
DRC can detect everything that can go wrong on a circuit board (fab
perspective)
These are set-up thru DRC editor, the checks are based on
layer checks (spacing/line width for example)
and layer-layer check (drill to pad for example)
I just finished re-writing DRC's in this package - very easy for someone
with 10+ yrs, a std CAM'R would have some difficulty
These files can be cut and pasted in notepad or wordpad but it's best to
make changes in the CAM software editor.
These files may (your choice) work in conjunction with a
board type file that sets process break points - pretty cool.
Training:
Experienced fab type with computer experience (graphics, methods) a month or
so
with speed developing from there out to a plateau at 3 months or
so.
Inexperienced with computer experience (New hire, bagger, etcher) at least 2
months
of hands on, speed begins to develop at 4 months and plateaus at 6
months or so.
VERY EXPERIENCED (PAR+GENESIS+10yrs) - a week or so
(me).
Implementation:
Most bugs and 'shop specifics' are worked out when they do
the set-up, they have a phone support line that is also very helpful.
And again - they can't plan for everything so there will be bugs.
User Friendliness:
From my perspective - intuitive. This software has some
scripting(built in flow chart) ability that walks you
through what to do - it can automate some tasks but not all.
Speed
Good but if you tell it to do something - it may 'miss it'
and leave the last command active (mouse buffer is my guess).
If you ask it to say, list a defect already fixed - it may take 5 - minutes
to come back to life (it appears to freeze - but it's just taking a nap)
Dual-process systems are a no-no due to JAVA coding.
Panelization
You set-up the frames, coupons, and first/last holes and it
does exactly what you tell it to.
Setting up the frames (15 sets) took me a couple of days (16-20 hrs)
Netlist
I had to throw this in - you must tell it to create, and set
as reference. Compare is/can be done through DRC automatically.
Again if don't set a reference you can make shorts and opens
and you'll never know it.
File sharing
I am currently working on this so I will withhold comment.
This package is outstanding for 4 to 6 person CAM department with no more
than 3 per shift. If you have multiple sites and/or shifts,
some file management structure instructions are probably in order. A good
package, even rated by Frontline/Valor/Orbotech as its closest competion.
GENESIS 2000 from Frontline
INFO: Purchase cost is highest out of the bunch.
DRC can detect everything and then some that can go wrong on a
circuit board (fab perspective)
These are set-up thru scripting (UNIX platform is the one I
used) - VERY DIFFICULT - you need a full time MIS guy just for Genesis.
If you have that, you can get this package to run only the checks that apply
to a given job by what you tell it when you read it in.
The packages above run all checks selected - all the time. This package
also has a job difficulty rating method.
Training:
Experienced fab type with computer experience (graphics, methods) a month or
so
with speed developing from there out to a plateau at 3 months or
so.
Inexperienced with computer experience (New hire, bagger, etcher) at least a
month
of hands on, speed begins to develop at 2 months and plateaus at 4
months or so.
Implementation:
I wasn't involved with this portion - but they do have a 'KIT' email system
and regular updates.
User Friendliness:
As configured at my former employer - you could literally
CAM a job with less than 10 keystrokes if no errors are found to fix.
Can be 100% automated and only stop with an error.
This MUST be done by the MIS person who has nothing but time to learn
Genesis keywords, ODB++, and UNIX language.
If you start from scratch with no scripts or coding - you've got a handful.
Speed
Probably the best out of the bunch when scripted - the same
to slightly slower than UCAM when not.
Panelization
You set-up the frames, coupons, and first/last holes and it
does exactly what you tell it to.
Netlist
I had to throw this in - there is a completely automatic
online-netcompare. You can't (unless you try really hard) goof this up.
File sharing
Genesis uses a check-in, check-out method so only one CAM
station can edit a job at one time. They also have floating licensing on
the options
(AOI output/Testing) so, for example, you can have one
license of AOI output to share between as many stations as you wish. It
will stop processing
while waiting to get a free license - but a cost effective
method to get full functionality at a lower cost.
This package is outstanding for large operation TYCO, HADCO, MERIX,
PRAGITZER(now Tyco). Probably only a large organization can do justice to
its abilities as well
as providing the necessary support staff.
If I were setting up a new CAM area I would give serious consideration to
all packages listed above. The packages all work well for what they were
meant to do, some are overkill for certain applications and some will leave
you comparing artwork before & after CAM 'just to make sure'.
These are not by any means a complete list of packages in the industry or
what I have worked with, just some experiences and info I have retained over
the years of the range of CAM packages out there.
You may direct all complaints and bashing of my reviews to:
Joseph E. J. Duclos Jr.
CAM Engineering Manager
Proto Technology
Clinton, MA
Work : [log in to unmask]
Home: [log in to unmask]
If anyone needs a contact for the above vendors - I can provide them
offline.
-----Original Message-----
From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Scott A. Bowles
Sent: Tuesday, November 14, 2000 8:42 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [TN] Orbotech/Frontline Genesis CAM software
Hello TechNetters,
Are there any CAMMERS out there that have experience with or are currently
using Orbotech's Genesis camming software? How difficult was it to learn?
How long did it take to implement? Do you consider it user friendly? How
long to train new operators? How do you rate its performance, e.g., speed,
DRC capabilities, panelization?
Thanks for any input,
Scott A. Bowles
Engineering Manager
Sovereign Circuits Inc.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----
Technet Mail List provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8d
To unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in
the BODY (NOT the subject field): SIGNOFF Technet
Search previous postings at: www.ipc.org > On-Line Resources & Databases >
E-mail Archives
Please visit IPC web site (http://www.ipc.org/html/forum.htm) for additional
information, or contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700
ext.5315
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Technet Mail List provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8d
To unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in
the BODY (NOT the subject field): SIGNOFF Technet
Search previous postings at: www.ipc.org > On-Line Resources & Databases > E-mail Archives
Please visit IPC web site (http://www.ipc.org/html/forum.htm) for additional
information, or contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.5315
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
