Zhengye CB21 Long-Throat PCB Thickness Gauge
| Brand | Zhengye |
|---|---|
| Origin | Guangdong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Region Classification | Domestic (China) |
| Model | CB21 |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The Zhengye CB21 Long-Throat PCB Thickness Gauge is a precision mechanical metrology instrument engineered for non-destructive, high-repeatability thickness measurement of rigid flat substrates used in printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing and advanced electronics assembly. It operates on the principle of contact-based displacement sensing using a calibrated linear encoder coupled with a precision-ground stainless-steel anvil and hardened steel measuring spindle. The gauge employs a robust C-frame architecture with extended throat depth—designed to accommodate large-format laminates, multilayer PCBs, and copper-clad dielectric panels up to 400 mm in width without repositioning. Measurement resolution is maintained at 1 µm (0.001 mm), with typical repeatability ≤ ±0.003 mm under controlled environmental conditions (20 ± 1 °C, 40–60% RH), consistent with ISO 9001-compliant quality assurance workflows in PCB fabrication facilities.
Key Features
- Extended throat depth (>210 mm) enables measurement of oversized PCBs, prepreg stacks, and rigid-flex laminates without edge interference or fixture constraints.
- High-precision linear scale with digital readout displaying thickness values to three decimal places (0.001 mm / 0.0001 in) on a backlit LCD screen.
- Bi-directional unit switching between metric (mm) and imperial (inches) modes via front-panel toggle—no recalibration required.
- Zero-point offset function allows user-defined reference positioning at any spindle location, facilitating differential thickness profiling across panel zones.
- Granite base plate (grade G60 natural granite, surface flatness ≤ 2 µm/m²) ensures long-term dimensional stability, thermal inertia, and vibration damping.
- Foot-switch actuation interface minimizes hand movement during sequential measurements, reducing operator-induced parallax and fatigue in high-volume QA/QC environments.
- Modular design supports optional SPC data export via RS-232 or USB virtual COM port, compatible with industry-standard statistical process control platforms.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The CB21 is validated for use with FR-4, polyimide, ceramic-filled PTFE, and metal-core substrates ranging from 0.05 mm to 6.0 mm in nominal thickness. It accommodates surface finishes including ENIG, immersion silver, OSP, and bare copper without probe damage or measurement drift. The instrument conforms to mechanical metrology requirements outlined in IPC-TM-650 Section 2.2.17.1 (Thickness Measurement of Rigid Printed Boards) and supports traceable calibration per ISO/IEC 17025-accredited procedures. Its granite platform and hardened contact surfaces meet ASTM E833-22 specifications for dimensional stability in production metrology fixtures.
Software & Data Management
When equipped with the optional SPC software module, the CB21 transmits real-time thickness readings—including timestamp, operator ID, and measurement location tags—to local or networked databases. Data logging supports X-bar/R chart generation, capability indices (Cp/Cpk), and automated out-of-specification alerts aligned with IATF 16949 and IPC-A-600G acceptance criteria. All electronic records maintain audit trails compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when deployed in regulated medical device PCB manufacturing environments.
Applications
- Final thickness verification of finished multilayer PCBs prior to solder mask application or electrical testing.
- In-process monitoring of core and prepreg lamination stack-up consistency during press cycle validation.
- Quality gate inspection of incoming copper-clad laminates per IPC-4101 specifications.
- Thickness uniformity mapping across large-area HDI substrates to identify warpage-related compression anomalies.
- Calibration verification of automated optical inspection (AOI) systems using certified thickness standards.
FAQ
What is the maximum sample width supported by the CB21’s throat geometry?
The standard throat clearance allows unobstructed measurement of samples up to 400 mm wide; custom throat extensions are available upon request.
Does the CB21 require periodic recalibration, and what standards are recommended?
Yes—annual calibration against NIST-traceable gage blocks (e.g., Class AA stainless steel blocks, 0.1–6.0 mm range) is recommended per ISO 10012 guidelines.
Can the foot switch be disabled for manual trigger operation?
Yes—the instrument includes a front-panel button override mode for applications requiring tactile confirmation before data capture.
Is the granite base pre-leveled and vibration-isolated?
The base incorporates adjustable leveling feet and is supplied with elastomeric isolation pads suitable for standard laboratory benchtops; active vibration cancellation is not integrated but can be added externally.
How does the CB21 handle thermal expansion effects during extended measurement sessions?
The granite base and Invar-scale components minimize coefficient-of-thermal-expansion mismatch; users are advised to stabilize ambient temperature within ±1 °C for metrologically critical applications.
