PLEASE NOTE:

1.   IPC is a NON-PROFIT organization with  2000+ (over two thousand) member 
companies comprised of PWB manufacturers, EMSI (Electronics Manufacturing 
Services Industry) providers (assemblers of PWBs), OEMs (Original Equipment 
Manufacturers), and Suppliers to the industry.  In addition, Designers can 
become members through the numerous Designers' Councils sponsored by IPC.

2.   Therefore, any "slamming" of the IPC,  necessarily results in 
"slamming"  those 2000+ companies and their numerous employees, most notably 
those who have actively participated in the creation of the standards, 
specifications, training materials and, yes, artwork, for IPC.  I'll bet you 
have to work with some of these companies.

3.   Most of the publications and training materials are available as a 
result of much, much effort put in by employees at those member companies 
(read volunteers).  Standards, specifications and training materials do not 
appear out of thin air, nor are they created by IPC staff, who for the most 
part merely administrate.  They also take care of the publishing and 
printing.

4.   Any monies made on the materials sold are used to finance other IPC 
endeavors, such as ... TechNet, ComplianceNet, and DesignerNet.  There are 
many other programs also.   All major decisions on such things as programs 
are made by a Board of Directors which is comprised of people employed by 
regular member companies (PWB and EMSI manufacturers only).

5.   According to the catalog I have (First Quarter 1997, "Publications and 
Training Materials"), test patterns are indeed available in Gerber format 
(see page 2).  Maybe you need to ask for a new catalog.

6.   Generally, when somebody has a complaint, it is taken as a sign that 
he/she wishes to volunteer to improve upon that which he/she is critiquing. 
 IPC and us chairmen (note that chairmanships are voluntary positions) 
ALWAYS welcome volunteers who are interested in improving upon the 
standards, specifications, training materials, etc., for our industry.  The 
100+ committees, subcommittees and task groups always welcome fresh input. 
 Welcome aboard!

Too bad you just missed the IPC Spring Meeting and Expo in San Jose (last 
week).  I heard there were about 7000 attendees (of course that includes 
many who were involved only with the Expo or attending presentations).  So, 
see you in October in Crystal City, MD at the Fall Meeting.

Patricia Goldman
PPG Industries, Inc.
Chairman, IPC Process Control Management Committee
Chairman, IPC Process Effects Handbook Subcommittee
Member, IPC Video Steering Committee
 ----------
From: Robert Donovan
To: technet
Subject: IPC ARTWORK
Date: Thursday, March 13, 1997 8:12AM


I'm sure that it IPC released the gerber files for the qualification
coupons, they would be "swapped" more and more frequently between
companies and individuals and eventually no one would buy copies from
IPC.  Lets all remember that the IPC is a business and is ultimately
there to make money.  If there is any doubt to that, just look at the
outrageous prices that they charge for a 30 page black and white
photocopied standard such as the J standards.  I am not criticising,
they are a necessary evil to which we all depend upon.

 -Robert Donovan
Infinite Technologies

____________________Reply Separator________________________

Can anybody tell me why IPC wants the industry to use their
Qualification Coupons and the Artwork is only availiable as photo-plots
and not in gerber format.  This is really a pain since after you buy
their artwork you have to pay to have it scanned at a high price I might
add, ... What is the reason that such a large organiztion can not handle
a couple of gerber files... this just blows my mind.. Then we tried to
order the artwork and they tell us their all out and can't in touch with
"The Guy" who does their artwork... Does "THIS GUY" need a lesson on how
to output gerber files... I would appreciate a response from IPC
directly if possible...

Thank You

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