New release includes integration to CAM350 for complete PCB post-processing, support for Panel Document creation,
as well as other new enhancements
Marlborough, Mass – July 21, 2008 – DownStream Technologies, LLC today announced BluePrint for PCBs®
Version 2.0, the latest release of its’ comprehensive documentation authoring tool. BluePrint 2.0 helps designers simplify and
automate the creation of the documentation that drives the PCB fabrication, assembly and inspection processes. This release also
completes a strategic milestone in DownStream’s product development lifecycle as BluePrint now integrates with DownStream’s flagship
product, CAM350®, to create a completely synergistic solution for all PCB post- processing including manufacturing verification,
optimization, out put generation and documentation. This sets the stage for a process by which the user can utilize CAM350 and
BluePrint to create and distribute all the deliverables required for a complete PCB fabrication and assembly release package in
one single electronic file. The electronic release package can then be used to distribute, view and extract documents, Gerber files,
NC Drill/Mill data and panel designs for the manufacturing process.
“The release of BluePrint 2.0 marks another highlight for DownStream as it extends our vision of focusing
on the entire PCB release process. But make no mistake about it, BluePrint 2.0 is a powerful point tool on its own providing
a significant benefit to customers seeking to shorten the PCB documentation process,” said Rick Almeida, one of DownStream’s Founders.
BluePrint 2.0 is the second major release of the revolutionary software application from DownStream Technologies.
In addition to tight integration to CAM350, BluePrint 2.0 supports a new module for panel Document creation. Users can first create
the panel using new or existing panel templates, step and repeat the design automatically and or interactively and place fiducials
and pinning holes. Users can then use the panel view of the design to drag and drop on a document, provide mill tab and v-scoring
details, notes and drill counts to quickly create a panel drawing to drive PCB assembly and fabrication. One notable feature of the
panel function is that any panel defined by CAM350 can be used automatically in BluePrint without the need to recreate the panel
creation process. Conversely, any Panel defined in BluePrint can be accessed by CAM350 without the need to re-enter the data.
BluePrint-PCB Version 2.0 Highlights
Version 2.0 includes new functionality and enhancements including:
- Panel Document Module - A new module for creating panels and panel documents has been added. Users can
define panels using existing or new templates, step and repeat the design automatically, add fiducials, and pinning
holes, then drag and drop onto a panel drawing for dimensioning and documentation.
- Flip Panel - Allows the user to select boards in the panel and flip them so that the top side of half
of the boards and the bottom side of half will be side by side in the panel.
- Universal Release Package Navigator - A new Release Package Navigator allows BluePrint users to create and store
all CAM350 and BluePrint outputs in a single electronic file. Users can now view and insert various documents, and files into
the release package such as PDF, Gerber, NC, DXF, and BluePrint native files and the imported PCB database. When sent to a
manufacturer, these files can then be viewed, and or extracted depending upon the file type so that all the contents of a PCB
assembly can be stored in a single electronic file and shared as needed by down stream processes.
- CAM350 Embedding - BluePrint is now integrated with CAM350 so that data created or imported by either
product can be used and shared with the other application.
- Usability Updates – A number of usability enhancements have been added to streamline BluePrint’s user interface
as well as expedite access to frequently accessed dialog box commands including:
• New toolbars and context menus for reference designators, components and callouts
• New Component fill and fill-style commands for PCB views, variants and process steps
• New Noteblock line spacing and starting number controls
• New Insert Time and Date command
• Ability to select parts for process step using any attribute
• Automatically generate a Parts List from any PCB View
• Reference designators follow any angle component rotation
• Assembly Variant displays now support components with fill patterns and outline patterns
• New coordinate toolbar for location feedback during graphic editing
- GD&T improvements for Compliance with the ASME 14.5M-1994 specification.
- ODB++ Version 8.0 – Supports the latest version of the Valor® ODB++ specification.
- Defect Fixes - Other software corrections have been made to previously existing functionality, further
improving upon BluePrint’s quality and reliability.
Product Availability
BluePrint Version 2.0 is scheduled for availability in late Q3 2008 for download and distribution
to current users with valid maintenance contracts. Pricing for new users starts at $2,750 USD.
For more information visit
http://www.downstreamtech.com, e-mail
sales@downstreamtech.com or contact one of DownStream’s
local Value Added Resellers (VARs).
About DownStream Technologies
DownStream Technologies, LLC is a progressive software company
focused on helping engineering organizations automate the PCB Release Process.
Our tools redefine how engineering professionals post-process PCB designs to
create and distribute all the deliverables required for a complete PCB assembly
release package. CAM350® provides verification, optimization and output
generation to efficiently drive PCB fabrication. BluePrint for Printed Circuit
Boards® works with CAM350 and PCB CAD systems to help users quickly produce
comprehensive electronic drawings to drive PCB fabrication, assembly, and
inspection processes. More information
about DownStream can be found at www.downstreamtech.com.
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© 2008 DownStream Technologies, LLC. All rights reserved. CAM350® and BluePrint for Printed Circuit Boards® are registered
trademark of DownStream Technologies, LLC. All other registered trademarks and trademarks contained within this document are
the property of their respective owners.
