Why use PCB Visualizer?

We launched PCB Visualizer in 2012 so that users could view their data on screen, check that it showed the exact PCB they wanted and make sure that there were no data issues which might delay delivery.

The result was a big fall in the delays due to data issues (“exceptions”) raised by our engineers during data preparation. And the delays have fallen further thanks to the Pre-Production Approval procedure introduced in April 2015. Now you need make only 1 mouse-click to get your job into production.

But what happens if you are away for a day or two? Your delivery is delayed.

Better sort the issues before you place your order.

That’s where PCB Visualizer comes in. Get a price and upload your data into your Shopping basket. Then wait 2 – 3 minutes for PCB Visualizer to analyse your data-set and identify any issues which may delay production (missing files, design-rule parameters that don’t match your chosen service, ….). Check the PCB Visualizer column on the Shopping basket page. If there is a green tick, there are no data issues. Place your order confident there should be no delays.

If there is a red flag, there are critical issues which may delay delivery.

The new Auto-repair tools will help you deal with red-flag issues with minimum time lost.

Automatic repair functions in PCB Visualizer.

From July 2015 PCB Visualizer includes automatic repair functions.

Our data preparation procedures include a number of routine automated procedures which adjust the design data to our manufacturing tolerances. They are described in our data preparation BLOGS Eurocircuits Data Preparation – Single Image 1 and Eurocircuits Data Preparation – Single Image 2. We are now gradually introducing them as automated repair functions into PCB Visualizer.

Auto-repair function #1 – annular rings on via holes.

The first automated repair function is now available to use. It repairs annular rings (outer and inner) on via holes where the copper ring remaining after drilling is below the minimum value for the chosen service. The repair function automatically reduces the via hole size, for example from 0.50 mm to 0.25 mm, so that the copper ring around the drill tool meets the service specification.

Although the repair function is automatic, the user retains full control of the operational parameters. He can:

  1. Define which holes are vias. Important as some component leads need very fine (0.40 mm) finished hole sizes
  2. Set the smallest finished hole size allowed. For example, to keep within the parameters of the lowest cost pooling service

To see in detail how the new Auto-repair can help you, go to our new PCB Checker User Guide. This is the first in a series of User Guides to our design-optimisation, data-checking and order preparation tools which will be released over the next 2 – 3 months.

All new User Guides will be available online, but if you would like to receive an email with a link to each as it is released, opt in for the mailing here

Auto-repair ongoing.

We plan more Auto-repair functions to help you get lower cost and more robust PCBs with no delays to delivery.

Meanwhile a couple of tips to solve data issues fast:

TIP 1.

Smart menus can provide fast 1-click solutions to data issues. In the example pictured just click the “Measured” radio button to change the PCB classification and clear the flag.

TIP 2.

Yellow-triangle (non-critical) minor issues will usually be resolved by our data preparation engineers. So they can be safely left open.