Frontline Genesis 2000 & Star 1000
Stevenage Circuits has come a long way since setting up our CAM department in 1987. It seems a lifetime away when we think that we handed out free 9600 baud modems to our customers so that we could receive our first gerber files!
Back then, we used the Optrotech Image 2000 system where aperture lists were manually typed in and some data manipulation took days to complete. We then moved on to the Optrotech 5000, Orbotech Xpert 1700 (after Optrotech and Orbot merged in the early 90's), and now the Frontline Genesis 2000 system where Frontline is the amalgamation of expertise from both Orbotech and Valor. During all this time of change and development our key CAM staff still remain, providing our customers with over 50 years combined experience in data management.
The Genesis system can input a range of varied file types, including RS-274-D gerber, RS-274-X (extended) gerber, ODB++, IPC netlists, DXF and HPGL drawing files, and Excellon / SiebMeyer drill formats. From there, our CAM engineers validate, interrogate, check and re-check the data supplied by running a series of extremely comprehensive DFM (Design For Manufacture) rule sets, before finally panellising the PCB ready for manufacture. Once complete, the various outputs are automatically sent via our internal high speed network to the individual manufacturing departments such as LDI, Laser Drilling, Conventional Mechanical Drilling, and Electrical Test.
For more details on the capability of the Genesis 2000 system please see the attachment below:
Download (801kb) 
With complete manufacturing data files sometimes exceeding 100Mb (Megabyte), the importance of reliable storage and back-up becomes paramount. Back in 1987 we were storing files in back-up systems in Kb (Kilobyte) and Mb. Now, we are storing manufacturing data in the realms of Tb (Terabyte or 1,000,000,000 Kb). The system we currently use is Frontline Star 1000.
Frontline Star 1000 holds the entire database of our manufacturing files including our Genesis output ODB++, Image files and Drill files, with strict revision controls built in for security and reliability. The back-up and restoration of manufacturing files is also made effortless due to the direct integration between our Genesis CAM stations and the Star system.
For more details on the Star 1000 system please see the attachment below:
Download (553kb)
There are many different PCB manufacturers around the globe that use the Frontline CAM solution, but not all manufacturers use it in the same way. Our CAM data cycle uses a strict set of rules, adhered to by advanced scripted automation, under the supervision of some of the most experienced engineers in the industry, all of which enables Stevenage Circuits to provide our customers with service and quality that is second to none.
