Catch manufacturability issues before they reach the fab
In PCB development, functionality is only half the story. If a design cannot be manufactured reliably, it becomes a schedule risk, a cost driver, and a source of endless feedback from the fab.
That is why the Bare Board Analysis DRC in PCB-Investigator matters. It checks whether your PCB layout is actually producible in seconds, helping engineering teams validate design rules before release instead of discovering issues after fabrication starts.
What the DRC can check
The rule set covers the kinds of details that often trigger production questions or rework. Typical checks include:
- Copper spacing and track widths
- Annular rings for laser drill holes and copper pads
- Solder mask clearance for holes, pads, and test points
- Copper spacing to non-plated holes
- Drill diameters and hole spacing
- Missing or duplicate holes
- Exposed copper areas, undercuts, missing connections, and short circuits
What makes this especially useful for technical teams is the flexibility. Existing inspection rules can be extended with your own rules using the Rule File Manager, so company standards and supplier requirements can be reflected directly in the check process.
Better DFM checks do not just prevent errors. They reduce production cost, minimize back-and-forth with manufacturers, and help accelerate time to market.
More than a checkbox exercise
For experienced engineers and PCB designers, the value is clear: manufacturability needs to be validated early and consistently. A fast, configurable DRC helps keep designs aligned with fabrication reality and gives teams more confidence before release.
If manufacturability is part of your quality workflow, take a look at PCB-Investigator’s Bare Board Analysis DRC and see how quickly it can support your next board review.
