PCB Metrology Gap: How SCAN Labs Is Automating Microsectioning

OnTrack · 5 May 2026 · 51m · Episode 341

What this episode covers

Geoffrey Leeds, founder of SCAN Labs, explains the 'metrology gap' between semiconductor and PCB industries, detailing how his company automates microsectioning to provide high-fidelity data for high-reliability sectors. He describes a serialized grinding and imaging system that produces analyzed IPC coupons every six minutes, generating 3D digital twins and spatial analytics to replace manual, operator-dependent processes. The conversation highlights the labor shortage in skilled metrology, the limitations of non-destructive X-ray inspection, and the potential to feed standardized as-built data back into design tools like Altium and SolidWorks.

Mentioned

Companies
SCAN Labs, In Selectro, Leeds Engineering, Allied High Tech, Altium
Tools
SolidWorks, HFSS, FIB-SEM, SEM, X-ray
Also
IPC

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