The scanner software then converts the raster data into vector format. Once this is done, the vector data may be converted to an industry standard format (Gerber data). However, just because we now have Gerber data for the artwork does not mean that the Gerber data is able to manufacture. It must be extensively edited to meet the stringent requirements set forth by the PCB manufacturing industry, and even then, the data may not be usable because the file sizes are too large to be laser photo plotted during the manufacturing process.

2. IS PCB scanning a viable alternative to re-designing the entire PCB?
Although EDT Electronic Devices (EDT) is able to redesign or even reverse engineer any bare board, artwork, paper, Mylar's, or schematics, this is often time consuming since the typical turnaround for PCB design is 2 weeks. Moreover, PCB design tends to be rather expensive given that more expensive CAD systems must be utilized to complete the designs. On the other hand, the cost for PCB scanning is normally only a fraction of the cost for PCB design. In addition, the normal turnaround time is 3-5 days as opposed to 2 weeks.

3. What differentiates EDT ELECTRONIC DEVICES among the other so-called "scanning" service bureaus?
As the largest PCB Engineering Service Bureau in California, EDT ELECTRONIC DEVICES is dedicated to meeting the quality requirements expected by the PCB industry. Unlike other service bureaus which typically use a "clean-up" method, whereby the scanned data is merely aligned and edited, EDT ELECTRONIC DEVICES actually re-digitizes or rebuilds your artwork layer using the scanned data as just a template. Because the data EDT ELECTRONIC DEVICES creates is on a new layer, the data looks as if it was actually re-designed from a CAD station. The data does not look messy or dirty and you would receive Gerber data that has flashed pads and single line connections, which is drastically different from drawn pads and unclean lines that are typical of clean-up. Furthermore, the file sizes received from EDT ELECTRONIC DEVICES are only a fraction of the file sizes received from service bureaus that merely cleaned up the scanned data. More important, EDT ELECTRONIC DEVICES is the only service bureau in the world that offers 100% perfect layer to layer registration, 100% perfect CAD quality data, loyalty to the original design, and 100% satisfaction or your money back guarantee!

4. What is the difference between full re-digitization and clean-up methods?
Full re-digitization requires that the scanned data be used only as a template where a brand new pad master is created on a new layer and the circuitry is actually traced on that new pad master layer. This ensures that the file sizes are small, all pads are flashed, and circuit lines are clean and are in single line format as opposed to scanned data that is merely cleaned up.

Thank you for giving us this opportunity to explain the process of scanning. If you require further clarification, please do not hesitate to call us. We would be more than happy to accommodate your needs.