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PCB Artwork- Design Guidelines Every PCB Manufacturer Need To Now

Do The Complex Measurements Involved In PCB Artwork Designing Befog You?

Alternatively, Do You Know You Can Create A PCB That Can Enthrall Your Audience Making Them Burst
Out Laughing?

An entirely new level of innovation is involved in PCB artwork; you need to dig in more or get expert
assistance to help you take the lead.

PCB is on the rise these days. As technological advances flourish, many tech-giants have introduced
devices with complex technicalities and reduced sizes.

In such times, when every other designer is striving to beat the best, there arises a need to get a better
grip on the complex functions involved in PCB artwork including the need to choose right thickness to
the use of Copper-to-Edge Clearance.

pcb artwork

What Is PCB?

PCB Artwork Scanning- Convert Any Artwork Efficiently

An Introduction to the Types of PCB Artwork

PCB Artwork Design Guidelines

PCB Artwork Rules and Recommendations

Conclusion

1、What Is PCB?

PCB abbreviated as Printed Circuit Boards constitutes essential components in many electrical devices.
Its manufacturing involves an array of sophisticated functions including the use of plates, screen,
dimensions and profound knowledge about blending the different elements to make the circuit work.
PCB Artwork

Image 1: Printed Circuit Board

1.1 Composition of PCB

The PCB boards involve some copper traces layers laminated together to create a connection along with
FR4, thin copper foil, Soldermask, and Silkscreen. The process of making the design and completing the
circuit predicts the functionality and performance of the circuit.

Due to such a vast array of functions and steps involved in the creation gives rise to several issues.

Usually, novice designers get caught in assembling the different parts and making the correct
measurements.

1.2 Scope of PCB Artwork

PCB Artwork has its roots in the advanced technological fields to simple DIY techniques. Where
experienced designers and developers are infusing complex functionalities to create smart wearables
and ultra-technical devices, people are also incorporating the PCB processes and technologies to
manufacture small daily use items and stuff on a smaller scale.

iPhones, one of the most commonly used smartphone involves the latest versions of PCB. It has such
mini boards that are in reduced sizes and are backed up with complex functionalities. The PCB boards
have made the smartphones perform much more efficiently and to do functions that were never
expected. Similarly, the rise of wearables depicts the use of similar PCB techniques.

Furthermore, the fun side of PCB usage is that it can help you create such artwork that can enthrall your
audience. You can use it in your DIY techniques and can make cool keychains, birthday presents,
household items, organizers and many more by adding a spark of technology.

PCB Artwork

Image 2: Scope of PCB Artwork

1.3 How are PCBs Manufactured?

When using PCB artwork, you need to have an idea about an appealing product. Once you know what to
design you have to begin the process with a few necessary steps as listed below:

Convert PCB Design to Photo Films

The transfer of artwork involves printing the PCB schema on one or more films. Once you create the
films, it is then converted into actual boards, which has different films for each physical component of
the PCB.

Transfer Films onto Copper

The second step involves the transfer of films onto copper. It is a multi-step process in which you have to
clean the copper transfer the design films and zap it using UV light and wash off the unwanted copper
using chemicals. After fusing, drilling and plating you can be sure that your PCB can conduct electricity in
just the way you want it.

Solder Mask Application

You need to apply the solder mask using UV lights and special inks.

Surface Finish

Ensuring easy solderability, the designers plate the PCB with silver or gold.

Silkscreen

Silkscreen enhances the entire PCB functionality. It is used when you print the electrical information onto
PCB.

Once you are through with these steps there comes the time to get your hands dipped in the PCB
scanning task.

2、PCB Artwork Scanning-Convert Any Artwork Efficiently

2.1 How to scan PCB artwork in Gerber files?

Upon completing the PCB electrical Artwork design, you need to convert your design into Gerber files to
have a digitalized version of your creation. Gerber files are the universal language. It helps the PCB
artwork printing devices to read the information by converting the content into one of its files.

2.2 Gerber Files

To describe each one of the layers present in the PCB artwork the 2D vector illustration is used which is
called Gerber Files. For instance, one file will denote the silkscreen while the other one will describe the
copper layer. These general files include two types namely RS-274-D and RS-274-X. Among both of these
file types, the former one requires D coding to elaborate the graphics involved whereas the latter itself
consists of D coded files.

PCB Artwork

Image 3: Gerber Files

2.3 Instructions for Conversion

A step-by-step guide to convert your content into Gerber Files

Step#1: Install A CAD Software

You need to install a proficient CAD software if you want to get your PCB content digitalized. Over the
internet, some CAD software is there that can assist you with this task efficiently.

Step#2: Open the CAD Software

Open the software and note the [Deleted:importa]essential tools present in it before proceeding.

Step#3: Upload the File

You need to select your PCB file the one you want to convert into Gerber Format. You can choose the
“import file” option present in the drop-down menu.

Step#4: Select the Gerber File

Next step involves the selection of a Gerber file. The option is present as “export format” in the drop-
down menu. Note that you must leave the option of “Skip Options Dialog’ unchecked.

Step#5: Import Options

In the window of ‘GDSII Import Options’, a window will pop up in front of you in which you have to check
the option of ‘Ignore Text.’

Step#6: Conversion Requirements

You have to configure for all those options that are involved in your conversion requirements. The menu
will appear on the screen where you will be required to set the desired options.

Step#7: Selection of PCB File

Coming towards the end of the process, you have to select the PCB file that you want to convert and
click it open.

Step#8: Conversion Process

After uploading your file, you have to click the “Next” button upon which the conversion begins. After
the completion of the conversion, a new Gerber file will be uploaded to the same location where your
original PCB file was present on your hard disk.

pcb artwork

Image 4: Rigid PCB Board

3、An Introduction to the Types of PCB Artwork

We live in a technology-driven era in which dozens of circuit boards surround us. However, did you ever
wonder with how many printed circuit boards we interact? It’s funny to know that you have to count on
many PCBs to do your everyday chores, from the time you wake up till the time you fall asleep.

From being present in your television remote to operating your electric razors, PCBs are everywhere
around you.

It was a simple glimpse of the large application of PCBs. Manufacturers have to choose a different kind of
PCB for the different category of product. When planning to create a PCB board you must learn about
the many types of PCBs, so read in the following guide:

Single-Sided PCBs

This type of PCB involves a single layer of a substrate, which gets covered by a metal layer. Usually,
copper is preferred for covering a single side of the material, with a protective solder mask on its top.
The final element is the silk screen is used to mark the individual parts of the board.

Double-Sided PCBs

The double side print circuit boards are commonly used. Its manufacturing involves a substrate, which
has its both sides layered with metal. Holes in boards are there to allow the connection of circuit present
on one side with that of the other. Usually, one of the two technologies is involved in making the
relationship- the hole-technology or the surface mount technology.

Multilayer PCBs

Much modern manufacturing of double-sided PCB is seen in the multi-layer PCBs. It involves several
layering systems with the use of insulating materials too. Usually, multilayer boards consist of 4, 6, 8, or
10 layers. This type is used in the manufacturing of large devices like computers, medical machinery and
many more.

Flex PCBs

In flex PCBs, flexible plastic is used as a substrate, which helps them in creating a board that can bend
without breaking. It is time-consuming to produce than any other rigid board but has many advantages.
Apart from these, Rigid-Flex PCBs and Rigid PCBs are also used to create some fantastic electrical boards.
PCB artwork design techniques are a bit complex. It involves rules and guidelines, which a designer must
follow to produce a successful artwork.

pcb artwork

Image 5: PCB Design Artwork

4、PCB Artwork Design Guidelines

The printed board circuits are the backbone of highly technical devices. It supports the manufacturing of
nearly every giant technology present today. Its production involves several steps and process along with
tricky rules to follow.

The role of PCBs in the electronic devices is to provide an electrical route to the signals that satisfy the
electrical and mechanical requirements of the device, let say a digital clock or a calculator. Every single
element present on the board exhibits an individual role and perform a unique purpose.

The most common software involved in PCB design manufacturing are KiCad, OrCAD, and Altium
Designer. Once the design is created, it is transferred to the universal language that is a Gerber format. It
helps the users to read the file digitally on professional software like CAD.

Moving on phot films of the PCB are created using laser scanners to deliver an advanced and detailed
film of the PCB artwork design. Each layer of a printed board has its film report, which represents the
different sections present.

For example, black ink is used to show the conducting areas of the copper metal whereas the remaining
parts present the non-conductors. Same goes for the film having a solder mask.

Once the components are adapted and placed in its right position concerning the schematic produced by
the CAD software, designers carry out the process of wiring. The PCB netlist wires a footprint.
pcb artwork

Image 6: PCB Design

To keep the structure of the board perfectly aligned, you need to place copper onto the surface, which
goes into the newly drilled holes. These copper traces are used to create a link between the different
components, and finally, the PCB artwork is produced.

After the initial copper plating bath, the components inside the board gets tin-plating which helps in
removing the excessive copper present. This action is performed during the etching process in which the
etching process help in removing the copper foil from the panel.

Furthermore, after the final etching process, the solder mask application is carried out on both sides of
the board with a spark of UV light. The PCB designers apply the final surface finish followed by the silk
screen.

After completing the necessary design procedure, you must check the performance of your PCBs
through a series of electrical test. Take it as a final precaution to ensuring the highest productivity and
premium quality performance assurance. In this part, a technician has to perform an electrical test on
your PCB. The automated procedure is carried out that deliver the report about the functionality of your
device.

You have to get your hands on some advanced software and tools to confirm the level of efficiency of
your creation. The electrical testing is known as Flying Probe Testing that involves moving probes for
determining the electrical performance.

That’s how the entire PCB artwork is designed; however, there are a few essential rules you need to take
a look on.

5、PCB Artwork Rules and Recommendations

You know how tricky it is to manufacture the entire PCB artwork, but what if you think you have placed
every component correctly, but still your final product shows an inability to perform well. The tip here is
that you must make a list of possible dos and don’ts that can assist you in giving the final finishing with
exact measurements followed by the right procedure.

You must know the ratio between the current and the voltage and the distance between the various
layers. Each of these plays a vital role in making the current flow at a standard rate. The difference
between the voltages of the different track determines the clearance present between the conductors.

If you did not pay attention to making the clearance, your PCB might result in a power breakdown or a
short circuit. It eventually will ruin your efforts and can cause a functional failure. The safety precautions
are to learn about eh different distribution of ratios as per the model.

Tracks Restricted Area

In the manufacturing of PCB, holes are drilled on the outside spots that are prone to get scratched or
cracked. These areas or sections are used to transport the printed circuit board from a single process to
another one in which conveyor belts are used.

Hence, in all such areas track must not be located as it can easily be peeled off damaging the entire
infrastructure. Therefore, in the areas where holes that are used for mounting the PCB spacers are
drilled, tracks should not be placed.

pcb artwork

Image 7: Tracks Restricted Area

Recommended Thickness & Width of Conductors

To determine the amount of current carried thought eh PCB conductors a specific ratio between the
thickness and width is followed. According to the IPC standard, a rate of 1 oz/square-feet between the
conductor’s breadth and depth is selected. Though, depending upon the functionality ad requirement of
the board a higher ratio is also chosen which can be around 2 to 3 oz/square-feet.

pcb artwork
Image 8: Recommended Thickness & Width

Recommendation for Electrical Clearance

To protect PCB users from electrical hazards, we usually recommend a standard clearance of 8mm. You
must as well keep the clearance between adjacent tracks as suggested by the standard IPC
recommendations. Moreover, if you want to avoid performing these clearances, you can go for coating
the PCB.

Many designers prefer coating the surface to reduce the need for adjusting clearance. In this case, the
material used in the coating process is essential. If you use poor quality or unacceptable material, you
can damage the flow of current through your device.

Therefore, its best to stick with the standard clearance requirements and follow what the experts guide
you about. Learn about the clearance requirements from the table shown below.

pcb artwork

Image 9: Recommendation for Electrical Clearance

6、Conclusion

That was the entire PCB artwork procedure from the tips to assemble components for scanning the films
to fixing the clearance requirements. As you see, PCB Artwork is not a child’s play, so need to back
yourself up with a great deal of expertise still you may not be able to produce a flawless circuit.

To assist designers in manufacturing top class PCB artwork, we extend our support and deliver durable,
reliable and top-notch quality PCBs. If you want to have the most exceptional PCB prototypes along with
some cool custom printed circuit boards you can contact us freely and get in touch with us.

By editer editer|September 30th, 2018|Blog|Comments Off on PCB Artwork- Design Guidelines Every
PCB Manufacturer Need To Now
Hey, I am John, General manager of OurPCB. I am a responsible, intelligent and experienced business
professional with an extensive background in the electronics industry, I own and operate PCB, PCB
Assembly, and One Stop Wire Harness & Cable Assemblies Solution services in China.

Please feel free to contact me for any requirements. Thank you.

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