PCB Cloning Service
At OurPCB, we offer expert PCB cloning services for clients who need precise duplication of existing circuit boards. Whether you’re looking to clone PCB designs or replicate a fully functioning board, our team ensures high-quality, accurate reproduction. We use advanced techniques to copy your PCB, preserving its functionality, layout, and design.
What is a PCB Clone?
A PCB clone, also known as PCB duplication or PCB copy, is a replica of an existing circuit board, typically created through reverse engineering. This process is crucial for companies needing to replicate an exact PCB design or reuse parts of a board for different applications. It’s the fastest way to clone PCB design, making it ideal for businesses requiring quick, cost-effective solutions for circuit board reproduction.
What is a PCB cloning service?
A PCB cloning service allows you to replicate the design of an existing PCB without going through the entire design process. This service is cost-effective and efficient, especially when using PCB clone software to produce precise copies of the circuit board for testing or client samples.
PCB Manufacturing Process
Advantages of PCB cloning
Cloning PCBs comes with multiple benefits and purposes for your company. Here are a few advantages of PCB clones:
PCB manufacturing can be time-consuming and expensive, but PCB clones provide a cost-effective alternative without compromising quality. With PCB duplication, you save on testing, prototyping, and design costs, reducing both development time and expenses. By streamlining the process, PCB clones ensure consistent quality while allowing faster time to market and lower overall costs.
Companies looking to adopt advanced technologies must thoroughly analyze their PCBs. Our analysis helps engineers create high-quality designs by ensuring optimal performance and reliability. With the right techniques, engineers can also construct temperature-reliable PCBs that meet industry standards for durability and efficiency.
PCB cloning automates much of the production process, making it ideal for replacing obsolete PCBs in electronic products. Manufacturers use reverse engineering to identify innovative designs, which are then used to create new PCBs. This streamlined process reduces production time and ensures the new board matches the original’s functionality.
Cloning PCBs allows you to modify designs to meet the specific requirements of your components. You can also create entirely unique products or update an existing design to suit new needs. Custom designs make it easier to adapt to technological advancements or market demands, offering greater flexibility in your product development.
PCB cloning enables mass production from a single design, resulting in multiple PCB copies. The flexibility in manufacturing ensures that each PCB assembly can be tailored to the customer’s needs. This scalability offers businesses greater freedom to meet specific production demands while maintaining high standards.
PCB cloning ensures that cloned boards maintain the same performance standards as the originals. The mechanical and electrical properties of the cloned PCBs make them ideal for high-performance applications, ensuring they meet the required specifications for reliability and longevity in critical environments.
PCB Cloning Process
Step-By-Step Guide
Let’s get into how to copy a PCB! Make sure to follow these steps when cloning PCB:
- Remove components and scan: First, from the PAD hole and the tin, remove all active components. Next, use an ultrasonic to clean the board. Then put the empty board on the scanner and scan it horizontally. Ensure that the contrast and brightness of the scanner are set, otherwise the images won’t be viable.
- Copy the scan into Photoshop: Launch Photoshop and copy the scanner into the program. Usually, the bottom and top screen-printing methods are similar; both save the name of the custom while utilizing a color sweep.
- Polish and relaunch Photoshop: Polish the top and bottom layers of the board using paper yarn. Place the board back on the scanner and relaunch Photoshop. Complete the process by color sweeping both layers.
- Adjust lighting: Adjust the brightness, lightness, and contrast of the canvas. It will help verify whether the image lines are clear. If this is not the case, you must repeat the process or use Photoshop to correct the sketch. However, if the picture is clear, save it as a BMP file in black and white.
- Convert and generate: Convert the BMP files into a PROTEL file. Then, open PROTEL99 and create a new PCB file. Now, select import CAD from the PCB’s editor’s menu and place the CAD file inside it. With the PROTEL file, generate two levels. That’s not all! You will know a stage is complete and correct if the VIA and PAD are in the same place.
- Import, copy, measure, an arrange: You should open both imported CAD files. Then, copy the component package into the CAD using the PCB image as a reference. After this, put the pads and VIAs in their correct places and measure both the outside and inner sizes of the pads. This will help to get the diameters of the ring. Finally, arrange the pads according to their sizes when doing the layout.
- Install and delete: On the board, there is a silk layer. Carefully draw a line on the TOP Layer and install the device as previously described. After, delete the silk layer.
- Integrate diagrams: BOT and PCB are two different types of circuit boards. So, convert the PCB to PROTEL and integrate the two diagrams into one.
- Print and place film: Next, in a 1:1 ratio, print both layers on a clear film. Then put the film on the PCB, and it is complete. Furthermore, print the TOP LAYER and BOTTOM LAYER on clear film (1:1 ratio) on a laser printer. Then place the film on the PCB and compare for errors.
- Test it out!: Finally, test the cloned PCB to ensure it works as the original.
Remember, you need to focus on completing a successful PCB copy with the correct methods. Usually, an experienced PCB clone servicer normally carries out the process, but you can too!
The Legal Boundary of PCB cloning
You might be wondering, “Is PCB cloning legal?”
Since the start of reverse technology, a lot of doubts have ensued. Its legitimacy has constantly been in question for a long time.
For example, the court in China around January 2007 stipulated that trading information gained from reverse engineering was irrelevant. Thus, this meant that reverse engineering violated trade secrets and was hence inappropriate.
However, in the following month, the court revisited the case. Now, engineering services play a vital role in circuit industry development. However, its legitimacy is still in question.
Currently, most companies have rules on the issue. For example, anyone who wants to use reverse engineering must own design copyrights. This is necessary for legal purposes. The copyright protects the interests and legitimacy of the original designer.
Streamline Production With PCB Cloning
PCB cloning makes work easier, cuts costs, and increases PCB production capacity. Most manufacturers prefer cloning to construct a PCB schematic diagram from scratch. Before trying PCB cloning, you should understand its procedures, advantages, and legal considerations.
We truly hope this article has been beneficial to you. For any further questions regarding PCB cloning, do not hesitate to contact us. Our friendly team are more than willing to help you!
PCB Assembly Services
We handle everything from parts sourcing to final assembly, providing a hassle-free experience that ensures top-quality boards every time.
Whether you need a few prototypes or large-volume batches, our flexible assembly services adapt to your project’s scope and timeline.
Stay environmentally responsible with our compliant assembly processes, offering RoHS and lead-free options for safe, reliable builds.
No matter the complexity, we can assemble boards of all configurations—single-layer, multi-layer, or a mix—to match your exact specifications.
From one-off prototypes to bulk orders, we accommodate projects of all sizes without compromising on quality or turnaround time.
Join our growing community of satisfied clients who rely on our dependable assembly expertise and dedicated customer support.
Millions of business and innovators use OurPCB
Technical Capabilities
Capabilities & Services
- One-stop PCBA Services (PCB Manufacturing + Components Sourcing + Assembly)
- SMT Assembly + THT Assembly, Single/double-sided Assembly Mixed PCB Assembly
- BGA Rework
- 60,000 Chips/Hour
- Down to 01005/0210 Size
- Accuracy<±40μm
- Min. QFN Pin Width/Space: 0.15mm/0.25mm
- Min. BGA Diameter/Space: 0.2mm/0.35mm
- Rigid, Flex, HDI, & High-speed Power Boards
- Up to 64 Layers
- 60GHz High Frequencies
- Min. Trace Width/Spacing: 1.8mil/1.8mil
- AOI, X-ray, ICT & FCT Testing
- Controlled Impedance
- ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 14001, IATF 16949, IPC-A-610, UL Certified
- Automotive, Medical, & Military-grade PCBA Manufacturing
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FAQ's
What is the difference between a PCB and a microchip?
The main difference between a PCB and a microchip is that PCBs enable connectivity between electronic components, while a microchip analyses data and sends out instructions. PCBs are boards with multiple components, including microchips.
What is the cheapest PCB material?
FR-4 is one of the cheapest PCB materials. It’s from woven glass fiber and epoxy resin. While it is cost-effective, it still has great mechanical strength and insulation.
