# /manufacturing

Production-ready files for PCB fabrication and assembly.

## Purpose
This directory contains final, production-ready files for manufacturing your KiCad project:
- Final Gerber files for PCB fabrication
- Drill files for hole drilling
- Pick and place files for automated assembly
- Assembly instructions for production

## Directory Structure
- `gerbers/` - Final Gerber files for PCB fabrication
- `drill/` - Drill files and hole specifications
- `pick-and-place/` - Pick and place files for automated assembly
- `assembly/` - Production assembly instructions and documentation

## Manufacturing Workflow
1. **Design Complete**: Finalize your KiCad design
2. **Generate Files**: Create production files from KiCad
3. **Review**: Verify all files using Gerber viewers
4. **Package**: Prepare files for manufacturer submission
5. **Submit**: Send to PCB fabricator and/or assembler

## File Generation from KiCad
### Gerber Files
1. Open PCB (`.kicad_pcb`)
2. **File → Fabrication Outputs → Gerbers**
3. Select all required layers
4. Set output to `manufacturing/gerbers/`
5. Generate files

### Drill Files
1. In Gerber plot dialog, click **Generate Drill Files**
2. Set output to `manufacturing/drill/`
3. Configure drill file format
4. Generate files

### Pick and Place
1. **File → Fabrication Outputs → Component Placement**
2. Set output to `manufacturing/pick-and-place/`
3. Configure format (CSV recommended)
4. Generate files

## Quality Assurance
- Review all files with Gerber viewer
- Verify drill file completeness
- Check pick and place coordinates
- Validate BOM against placement files
- Test with manufacturer's online tools

## Manufacturer Submission
- Package all files in organized ZIP
- Include clear documentation
- Specify PCB specifications (thickness, color, finish)
- Provide assembly requirements
- Include contact information for questions

## Version Control
- Tag releases with manufacturing file sets
- Include version numbers in file names
- Document any changes from previous versions
- Maintain traceability to design files
