Valor® MSS Process Preparation for PCB Assembly and Test
The Valor MSS Process Preparation module is a complete engineering solution for DFx, process development and test engineering for PCB assembly operations. It improves the efficiency and quality of PCB assembly with tools such as optimized front-end DFA analysis, BOM validation, stencil design, SMT programming and line balancing.
Streamline engineering tasks with production-optimized data
Valor MSS Process Preparation (formerly known as vPlan) delivers a complete software solution comprising DFx, SMT, assembly and test engineering for PCB assembly operations. The Process Preparation software module of Valor MSS leverages process automation and workflows to consolidate data preparation, DFA analysis, BOM validation, stencil design, SMT programming with line balancing and feeder grouping functionality, test data preparation for AOI, SPI, ICT and flying probe, as well as documentation creation for assembly manual placement into one powerful tool.
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With a single central database of engineering data based on import of ODB++, native CAD, and BOM files with fully configurable manufacturing process definitions, Valor MSS Process Preparation ensures automated, error-free set-ups and outputs for PCB assembly, test and inspection, right first time, in half the normal time.
Available sub-modules
Data Preparation
The Data Preparation sub-module supports a wide set of CAD and CAM data formats to create PCA data. Features include:
- Complex BOM file support
- A central master part library (MPL) with part numbers and attributes that supports all manufacturing, test, and inspection processes
- Common product data model
- Highly streamlined, repeatable work flow (ideal for new product introductions)
- CAM data output option that supports eight different outputs to export data into industry formats.
DFA Analysis
DFA Analysis consists of a group of manufacturing-focused checks that cover external fabrication and assembly analysis for both single PCB and PCB panels.
- Highly repeatable, extensive processes ensure that the PCA can be assembled according to process limitations with high quality
- Automates processes to provide accurate information quickly, suitable for quoting purposes
- Provides objective feedback to the PCB design team, ensuring a more manufacturable design
- Component shapes and pin sizes can be pulled from the Valor Part Library (VPL) for more accurate component dimensions and pin-to-pad analysis
SMT Multi -Vendor Programming & Part Data Management
The SMT programming sub-module is a complete SMT programming solution for all supported machine models, including part data models.
- Includes Virtual Sticky Tape, which finds and fixes all component rotation or X-Y position programming errors offline, before you run the first board
- Offline process simulation prevents loss of production time when troubleshooting programming data
- The auto-generation option creates complete, ready-to-run programs that include machine-specific shape and supply form data that have been auto-generated from a neutral shape into the target machine-specific part
- The optimization and balancing option provides iterative line balancing and machine optimization of supported machines and grouping of multiple products into the fewest number of product groups, based on line capability and part commonality
- Multi-vendor optimization and balancing option allows managers to create and program mixed vendor lines
Documentation For Manual Assembly, Test & Inspection
The Documentation sub-module creates clear work instructions for assembly processes. It eliminates production process errors by synchronizing each SMT, THT and hand-assembly process to its corresponding work instruction, and automatically updates.
Documents can be output as read-only PDF sets, or as an interactive document viewed through the Valor Document Viewer.
Stencil Design
The Stencil Design sub-module optimizes stencil design, reduces errors and shortens the review cycle between the manufacturer and the stencil supplier.
It uses the same common datasets as other Valor processes, ensuring a streamlined, error-free workflow. In addition to creating the paste stencil, it will also save the design to ODB++ or RS-274X Gerber files.
Inspection Programming
Use the Inspection Programming sub-module to create machine-specific automated optical inspection (AOI) and automated optical x-ray inspection (AXI) output files on supported platforms.
It optimizes the product data model and MPL during the DFx analysis, to support test and inspection programming.
Test Programming
Create machine-specific ICT and FPT output files for supported platforms including physical design for test (DFT) analysis.
The optional fixture reuse feature performs automated analysis of fixture files on new revisions of a PCB, determining which test probes can be altered.
Contact Us
To learn more about the Valor MSS product line, contact us or call toll-free: 1-800-547-3000.
White papers and publications
White Paper: Reducing Costs and Time to Market with Design-Through-Manufacturing Support(PDF, 2mb)
White Paper: Process Preparation for World-Class Competition(PDF, 729kb)
White Paper: SMT Data Preparation, Load Balancing, and Schedule Performance(PDF, 1mb)
Success Story: Computrol, Inc.
testimonial: Phoenix Contact Customer Reference - Production Cost and Quality
Webinars and Videos
product demo: DFM for PCB Assembly Demo
product demo: Data Preparation for SMT and PCB Assembly Demo
product demo: Solder Stencil Review and Customization Demo
product demo: SMT Programming Demo