Dave,

Obviously it is not a Fabrication Issue.  However, some PE 
Departments can easily program the CIM avoiding the X-out parts 
while others choose not to.  It is also machine driven.  Some 
Pick and Place units allow for such modifications, while others 
do not.  

Using a scenario from my past experience; take a DIMM Module, 8 
DIMMs per array in a 1x8 configuration.

If you have a Production Control Department, they issue BOMs to 
Manufacturing Dept. for KITTING.  The BOM is for 40 arrays or 320
parts.  More than likely they are not aware that 50 arrays were 
sent to complete the 40 array order.  Somebody in MFG is confused
because they have excess boards at Pick and Place.

The X-outs are not all in the same location on the array, so the 
CIM program would have to be modified for each X-out case. 

Back to machinery:  If your through-hole or SMD equipment allows, 
add to the PCB legend an Array configuraion (legend).  Request 
your PCB supplier to mark x-outs with a black marker or similar
across the legend for the designated board in the panel.  The 
assembly unit would first read the bar code (legend) to determine
which parts were good or bad in the array.  Then assembly could
presume.  There are other methods I've used, this beig the most 
practicle.

Keep your Production Control and Manufacturing informed of
the arrays delivered to yield parts for the lot.  The tracking
is sometimes a pain.

Hope this helps.

ps.  Allow X-outs, everyone benefits.

John Gulley - PE
Compuroute Inc. 
The Big D



> From:          [log in to unmask] (King, Dave)
> To:            [log in to unmask] ('TechNet')
> Date:          Mon, 29 Jul 1996 14:34:49 GMT
> Subject:       X-outs on panels

> 
> We buy boards in panel form and do not allow any x-outs. Occasionally we 
> have discussions about allowing x-outs and the potential cost savings by 
> doing so.
> 
> Does anyone have any comments on the pros & cons of allowing x-outs?
> 
> Dave King
> [log in to unmask] 
> 
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