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Technical article in PLUS
offers an overview of the "art" of circuit board digitization...
Reconstructing Multilayer Boards
even complex multilayer boards can be reconstructed from samples...
SCAN-DIGI-SERVICES
The BFK-SCAN-DIGI-SERVICE for circuit boards is based on almost 20 years of development of software and methodology, during which time around 1,500 circuit boards were digitized - first at ERICH KERN GmbH and then at BFK-Services . The main software tool is RECAD, and it is still being developed today. The most important questions and answers:
Which documents can be digitized from?
- preferably from films (positive, negative, diazo)
- of manual drawings (e.g. adhesive labels)
- of 1- and 2-layer printed circuit boards directly (non-destructive)
- (conditionally) of multi-layer printed circuit boards (not non-destructive, high effort)
- with restriction also of paper copies and photos
Which documents are also helpful?
- existing drilling programs and milling programs
- Dimensional drawings and drilling plans
- Component information for special components and connectors
Which circuit boards can be digitized?
From films, practically all types of circuit boards can be digitized (and have already been digitized at BFK):
- simple to high-layer multilayers
- rigid, flexible and rigid-flexible printed circuit boards
- conventional and SMD printed circuit boards
- and printed circuit boards up to a high structural fineness
Incidentally, not a single digitization has been refused by BFK Services for technical reasons!
What documents and services can be expected?
In general, we generate complete production documents with extensive control documents:
- Perfect, clean GERBER data is generated from all the layers required for ladder production
- new production drawings (dimensional drawings, drilling plans with legend) are created
- Drilling programs and contour data are supplied
- desired improvements are carried out (optimization)
- Simpler changes are also possible
How high are reliability and accuracy?
Accuracy and reliability (freedom from errors) have also been continuously improved by BFK in recent years; for example, we have not become aware of any relevant errors for over 500 digitizations. In terms of accuracy (position accuracy of elements), we have almost never been reported to any errors.
This is achieved through special processes, because the scanners available on the market do not offer any defined geometric accuracy. We will be happy to provide you with more detailed information on request.
The entire digitization process is carried out according to a detailed quality manual.
Which software and hardware tools are used?
- The backbone of the digitization is the internally developed RECAD system, which is now used on several workstations at BFK and as a client version at external service providers
- high resolution A4 and A3 scanners with transmitted light are available
- special image processing software such as ADOBE Photoshop® are used to prepare the scans
- extensive CAM software is used to complete the production and documentation data.
Last but not least: how high are the costs of digitization?
An exact cost formula cannot be provided, we always prepare offers at short notice based on representative documents and information.
As a guideline, however, it has been shown that digitizing a circuit board usually only costs around 10–20% of a new CAD layout - and this with significantly higher reliability.
To ask? Apply to us!