Hello Technetters;

I am trying to improve our process here and I want to update the CAM
software I am using.  We have two Philips CSM-84 II machines and we are
using the Philips Production Preparation System running under OS/2.  We
are using PADS Power PCB for the cad side of things.  My problem is that
the PPS is not a graceful solution.  It is difficult to get the data
into the program and the error messages are very cryptic and almost
useless.  There is a high amount of pre-processing of the data and it is
prone to error.  I am also looking at procuring a Philips Topaz machine,
so I need something that will encompass this as well.

We have a Camalot model 3000 and 5000 that I want to be able to generate
the adhesive files at the same time that I am generating the placement
files.  Currently, we are manually programming the adhesive application.
I can't justify the cost of the Camalot C.O.P.S. and from what I have
read on the DL this week, I don't want to (Thanks, Paul & Nasir).  The
Camalot Philips FTIP to Camalot converter does not work either.

We are also considering procuring an ICT system so the CAM package must
have the capability to generate nail files and net optimizations, etc.

Documentation is also critical.  I need to be able to do overlay
drawings showing the smt parts on the bottom of the PCB, since we do not
use a bottom side silk screen.  I am also setting up the TH line and
want to use a color coding system for the different operations in the
various cells.  The ability to integrate ECN/ECO's is critical.

Besides Mitron's Cimbridge, CAM Software's Unicam and Aegis' CircuitCAM,
are there any really good packages out there that anyone can recommend.
I don't want to get into the details of the above mentioned software on
the DL.  If you want specifics, I will be more than happy to provide
them if you contact me directly.

I have heard of a program called UniCIM, but don't know who to contact
for info.  Is it any good?

I have been trying to resolve this for over five months without any
viable solutions.

Sorry for the long posting, but any recommendations and points of
contact will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Jared Lang
Manufacturing Engineer
Minarik Corp.
Glendale, CA.
818-637-7434

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