Artwork Scanning

NPI offers high quality scanning services that allow our clients to easily and accurately digitize their PCB artwork. Ideal for supporting damaged or obsolete designs by creating digital files that can then be edited and updated to support newer technologies and/or replacement parts.

• Circuit Board and Film Scanning: NPI uses precision scanning to convert existing physical media—such as mylar film, paper plots, or raw boards—into high-resolution digital files.  Built boards can also be scanned after we remove the components. 
• Format Conversion: The scans are processed and translated from raw data into industry-standard digital files, allowing compatibility across different systems.
• Editing: The scanned data can be edited to change trace and pad sizes and locations.  We can clean up the original design and ensure design rules match your specifications.
• Documentation & Schematic Capture: Recreating schematics and complete board layouts from the scanned data so they are ready for modern fabrication and assembly.

Why Choose NPI for Reverse Engineering?

• Cost-Effective Turnaround: NPI leverages low overhead to provide cost-effective turnarounds without compromising on quality or precision.
• Comprehensive Services: Beyond scanning, NPI provides full-spectrum PCB design, laser photoplotting, DFM (Design for Manufacturing) analysis, and full fabrication support.

 

Considerations

The quality of the photo tool has an effect on the cost of scanning. In general the better the photo tool the less the cost. The major concern is whether the photo tool was generated by a standard CAD program or laid out by hand. Standard pad, trace sizes and features arranged on a grid, greatly increase the efficiency of scanning. Silver Halide (black) film, diazo (brown) film, paper and even raw boards may be scanned to produce accurate CAD data. Clean film without scratches require less modification than old, dirty and scratched films. Whether the film is a positive or negative is not a concern for scanning. Due to the many attributes of art masters, a more accurate final quote may be given after these art masters are reviewed.