Step 1 : Design for manufacture

Design for Manufacture (DFM) is used to ensure that a product or design is reliable, testable, reworkable or serviceable. DFM can be used to avoid designs incompatible with existing manufacturing processes and any extra processes. DFM can make the assembly process very easy and reduce the frequent design changes. Goals and strategic guidelines need to be defined clearly before implementing a DFM program. A DFM program need to be motivated by customer needs and include teamwork and creative thinking. The management of any SMT organization need to provide its employees support and encouragement for adopting DFM program. DFM design process need to include general design criteria, component selection criteria, land patterns, component orientation, spacing requirements, soldering considerations, testability requirements, and fabrication specifications.