From Layout to Fab: Top DFM Tips from Gerry Partida

When it comes to real-world, actionable DFM (Design for Manufacturability), few people bring more clarity and experience than Gerry Partida, VP of Technology at Summit Interconnect.

With over 25 years of experience preparing fabrication files, Gerry has helped thousands of engineers avoid costly delays, miscommunication, and failed handoffs. I’ve worked with Gerry for over a decade and consider him my go-to DFM expert.

Gerry Partida, VP of Technology Summit Interconnect

In this article, I share seven DFM lessons I’ve learned from Gerry that every PCB designer should know—including what to communicate, how to avoid Gerber-only pitfalls, and why your fab notes might be sabotaging your design.

Here’s a Preview of Gerry’s Top DFM Advice:

• Control what you can control—don’t leave key decisions like stackups or impedance targets to your fab house.

• Be specific—your fabricator can’t read your mind. Include materials, via details, and supporting data.

• Avoid outdated fab notes—cut-and-paste documentation is a common source of delays.

• Don’t rely on Gerbers alone—always send a complete, intelligent data package.

  
  

“A design isn’t successful until it’s built, tested, and shipped—without drama.”— Gerry Partida

📚 More DFM Resources from Summit Interconnect

Want to sharpen your DFM instincts? These expert resources from Gerry and the Summit team are packed with practical insight:

• 📘 The Key to First-Pass Success in PCB Design

  How early designer-fabricator collaboration improves yield and minimizes redesigns.

  
  

• 📘 Reliability Challenges of Microvias Placed Over Epoxy-Filled and Cap-Plated Vias

  A deep dive into HDI design risks and long-term reliability strategies.

  
  

• 📘 Removing Non-Functional Pads and Routing Conductors

  Best practices for spacing, IPC compliance, and avoiding field failures.

  
  

• 🎓 Browse Summit’s Full Library of Technical Blogs and Webinars

  Stay current with best practices across fabrication and advanced board technologies.

  
  

🎧 Want the Full Article + Podcast Episodes?

In the full post on Substack, I share all seven tips in detail, plus links to three podcast episodes I recorded with Gerry on:

• Wrap plating

• Fab file pitfalls

• Via protection strategies

  
  

👉 Read the full article on Substack and listen to my podcasts with Gerry