N200 punch separates round and odd-shaped panels without dust. Is a top-down air-operated punch for singulating tab-routed PCB panels one tab at a time.

Revision 2016.11 permits inclusion of CAD netlist to Gerber files. New X2 attributes include CAD netlists in Gerber fabrication data; ability to attach component reference designator, pin number and net name to the component pads in outer copper layers; attach netlist name to any conducting object on any copper layer; and attach component reference to any object.

Ucamco, www.ucamco.com

MacuSpec HT 360 is a direct current acid copper plating process. Reportedly offers excellent microdistribution at high current densities. Provides throwing powers of greater than 80% at current densities up to 30 ASF in through holes with aspect ratios of 8:1. Deposits reportedly exceed IPC Class 3A tensile strength and elongation requirements; pass all thermal reliability testing. Components are analyzable by CVS.

MacDermid Enthone, http://www.macdermid.com/companies/macdermid-enthone-electronics-solutions/

Altium Designer 17’s new features include ActiveRoute for designing printed circuit board layouts with guided routing technology; dynamic copper to modify copper polygon shapes; back drilling to reduce signal integrity disturbances on high-speed designs with control over drill hole specifications. Altium Vault 3.0 now features streamlined project releaser to add verified project snapshots with included design variants for fabrication and assembly; customized item manager automatching to synchronize projects and define parameters to update unmanaged assets with verified design data; expand templates to keep design projects standardized. Both are free upgrades to all subscription customers.

Altium, www.altium.com