PCB Scanning - Reverse Engineering
GB £0.00
Professional reverse engineering and PCB scanning services. We convert films, artworks, PCBs, and drawings back into accurate CAD and GERBER data for production, with full quality control and secure file storage.
In stock
SKU
PCBscan
AN EFFICIENT ALTERNATIVE TO REDESIGN
If you need digital data but only have films, hand-taped designs, diazo film, PCBs, or technical drawings, our Service Bureau can help. We scan and convert these materials back into precise production files, eliminating the need for time-consuming redesign work.
PCB SCANNING AND CAD CONVERSION
We scan and engineer your projects directly into the CAD format you require. Simply send us your project details, and we will provide a tailored quotation by email or fax, typically within minutes. Our services include placing designs on grid, making revisions to silk-screens, verifying tolerances, comparing PCBs to GERBER data, and reviewing different design versions. All work undergoes a detailed quality control process to ensure accuracy and reliability.
SECURITY
We securely store complete copies of all processed jobs on-site for five years. If original files are lost or damaged, replacements and associated documentation can be provided immediately.
BENEFITS
- Supply production-ready GERBER data.
- All essential files from one service provider.
- Enhanced board quality with verifiable inter-layer pad, tooling hole, and edge alignment.
- Preserve film and drawing integrity by storing images digitally.
- Maintain multiple copies of designs on and off-site.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
ScanPlace enables the creation of fully documented Pick and Place data for automated assembly machines. ScanStencil allows us to inspect stencils by comparing etched or cut versions against original CAD data using our scanning technology.
PRODUCTS OFFERED
- Reverse Engineering
- PCB Scanning
- AOI Inspection
FORMATS INCLUDE
- Film
- Artworks
- Drawings
- PCBs
- Diazo Film
- Prints
- Screens & Stencils
KEY FEATURES
- Fast Turnaround
- Cost-Effective Solutions
- Quality Assurance
| Specification | SCAN SPECIFICATIONS Resolutions: 400, 1000, 2000 dpi Mediums: Positive Films, Negative Films, Diazos, Pen Plots, Artworks, PCBs, Paper Prints Accuracy Return of Data Data Geometry / Format Tracking: If the original was CAD-based, the resulting data will consist of clean vector tracks and flashed pads. Hand-drawn originals with irregular routing will generate polygon or bitmap-based data. Ident layers are typically created as bitmap Gerbers. Masks are built using single flashes where possible. Please advise if specific formatting is required. Inner Planes Inspection Procedure
Not all procedures apply to every job. Scans from physical PCBs without stripping may have limitations due to the lack of accessible raster data. Dimensioned Drawings Scanning from PCBs Turnaround Important |
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| FAQ | FAQ's
Q: Can you scan physical PCBs? Q: What CAD formats can you supply? Q: Do you offer data security or backup? Q: How quickly can you process a scan? |
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Material Specifications
General
SCAN SPECIFICATIONS
Resolutions: 400, 1000, 2000 dpi
Standard scans from films and artworks are typically performed at 1000 dpi. Colour reference scans from finished PCBs are usually captured at 400 dpi to manage file size. Scans at 2000 dpi are reserved for applications requiring very fine feature resolution.
Mediums: Positive Films, Negative Films, Diazos, Pen Plots, Artworks, PCBs, Paper Prints
Preferred source materials are positive films. Other formats may incur additional set-up charges.
Accuracy
Scanner positional accuracy is ±0.002". Calibration is performed every 12 hours using a glass master grid. Variations may occur due to the way raster data is interpreted and reconstructed, particularly with hand-taped or non-digital masters. All layers are thoroughly inspected.
Return of Data
Completed data is typically returned via email. Master films and artworks are sent by guaranteed next-day delivery unless otherwise specified.
Data Geometry / Format
Data is supplied as standard in Gerber RS-274X format, with Excellon 2.3 imperial drill files if required. Geometries may vary depending on the original material but will always be fully compatible with CAM systems and photoplotters.
Tracking: If the original was CAD-based, the resulting data will consist of clean vector tracks and flashed pads. Hand-drawn originals with irregular routing will generate polygon or bitmap-based data. Ident layers are typically created as bitmap Gerbers. Masks are built using single flashes where possible. Please advise if specific formatting is required.
Inner Planes
Simple pad-only planes will use negative flashes. Mixed signal and plane layers are created as composite layers or treated like standard outer layers depending on design complexity.
Inspection Procedure
- Overplacement Check (Medium): Ensures raster and Gerber data alignment.
- Vertex Join: Snaps tracks to pad centres for accurate connections.
- Vector Check: Identifies and highlights disconnected tracks or pads.
- Overplacement Check (Fine): Higher precision alignment verification.
- Spacing Check: Confirms minimum gap requirements are met.
- Final Test Plot: Physical overlay inspection against the original master.
Not all procedures apply to every job. Scans from physical PCBs without stripping may have limitations due to the lack of accessible raster data.
Dimensioned Drawings
Scans are produced to replicate the supplied master. Comparison to separate dimensioned drawings is only performed if explicitly requested. Adjustments to match drawings are classed as modifications and incur additional charges.
Scanning from PCBs
Scanning from finished PCBs involves multiple steps: colour reference scanning, chemical removal of solder mask and silkscreen, optional Tin/Lead stripping, and sometimes application of a black oxide finish. Resulting data reflects the actual board, including any manufacturing deviations such as drill wander or routing offsets.
Turnaround
We aim to complete standard scans within one week from receipt of materials. Express services, including same-day scanning for films, are available. Lead times may extend during peak periods.
Important
All data must be checked by the customer before use. We accept responsibility for reworking or crediting faulty work but cannot accept liability for consequential losses. Prototypes should be made to verify accuracy before full-scale production.
FAQ's
Q: Can you scan physical PCBs?
A: Yes, we can scan actual PCBs. Higher resolutions produce sharper edges, finer features, smoother curves, and greater overall accuracy. The choice of resolution depends on your specific requirements. If needed, we can advise on the best settings after reviewing your data or sample.
Q: What CAD formats can you supply?
A: We can provide data in a range of formats including GERBER, DXF, DWG, ODB++, and other industry-standard file types to suit your production or design needs.
Q: Do you offer data security or backup?
A: Yes, we securely store all processed jobs for five years. If your original files are lost or damaged, we can quickly supply replacement data and documentation.
Q: How quickly can you process a scan?
A: Turnaround times vary based on the complexity and resolution required, but most standard scans and conversions are completed within a week. Express services are available on request.