Electronics from a single source
PCB separation and transport at Bavaria Digital Technik
Karlsruhe, Germany | September 23, 2025
Pfronten in the geographical Allgäu region, gateway to the Alps: This is where BDT develops, manufactures and distributes electronic components, assemblies and systems ready-for-use in data acquisition, recording and control technology. BDT stands for Bavaria Digital Technik GmbH. The company accompanies many customer projects from the initial idea to fully assembled delivery, whether it is prototyping or serial manufacture, hardware or software, project planning, mechanical engineering, testing, approval, logistics or service. At the warehouse, about 50 cab series 700 magazines are stacking PCB panels for safe transport and further steps of manufacture. Within the processing and assembly lines, cab MAESTRO 5 units are separating PCB precisely with low stress.
PCB transport
Reliable processes, ruggedness, stability and easy handling are major requirements posed by BDT on the use of PCB magazines. cab units can do all these. They are made of electrically conductive plastics. Torsion-resistance supports continuous operation. Low weight and tool-rounded edges enable the magazines been carried by hand without risk. When operating different PCB sizes, the magazines can be aligned to new widths using a toothed belt. For use in plants with higher-level control, in which loaders transport PCB, cab offers magazines whose moveable side walls adjust automatically when being placed onto the loader.
Separation of PCB
In electronics, a panel refers to several PCB arranged on a carrier. It is crucial to minimize mechanical stress when separating the PCB. Sensitive components such as microcontrollers or capacitors must not be damaged. MAESTRO PCB separators operate with low stress thanks to precisely guided circular and linear blades. BDT benefits from the persistence and consistent quality of the assembled PCB.
At BDI, lots of an order can comprise as many as 5,000 PCB. The MAESTRO 5 unit is particularly economical when separating pre-scored PCB in large quantities. A maximum of 15 PCB in multiple-use panels can be separated simultaneously. The number of circular blades and their spacing are selected according to a PCB. Stable and precisely manufactured blade shafts make up top-notch cuts. The circular blades are hardened, grinded and coated with Titanium for high working capacity. BDT employees insert the panels to the MAESTRO 5 guide. It would also be possible to feed panels automatically using a loader or an external conveyor. The base frame of MAESTRO 5 can be adjusted in height for any application. Separated PCB are transported on an integral conveyor.
Cobot, take control!
In further manufacturing steps, robots guide PCB through additional assemblies to BDT end products, such as modules for trailer monitoring in towing vehicles, PLC control in industrial electronics, nerve stimulation in medtech or protocol converters for combined heat and power stations.
Harmonious synergy
Gerd Atzler is responsible for production engineering and maintenance at BDT. He recalls: “We got in contact with cab in 2008. At that time, our incoming goods department had cab label printers in use and had always been satisfied.” This led to an extended requirement for the electronics manufacturing department. A PCB separator was needed that met BDT‘s demands for efficiency and ease of use. “The initial contact,” Mr. Atzler adds, “proved to be particularly valuable for us. During the meeting, we quickly got aware of the potential of cab solutions for our processes. We therefore decided to collaborate.”
Reliable partners on equal terms
BDT has always been satisfied with the partnership. The units can be handled straightforward, free of complex programming. Durable equipment results in trouble-free manufacturing. Gerold Marsch as a technical consultant and cab‘s phone support provide competent and quick assistance when needed. “For BDT, cab has long been more than just a supplier,” says Mr. Atzler: “A powerful partner on equal terms.”
Productronica 2025
cab in Munich will exhibit various devices for PCB separation or transport, added by solutions for PCB labeling. November 18-21, 2025, hall A3, booth 305
Company profile
cab is Europe’s biggest manufacturer of label printing systems. The range of devices includes solutions for marking individual components, units, products or packaging. Healthy global growth, pioneering technologies, products designed according to the needs of operators and the competent support of all customers are prior goals of the company. Employees at locations in eight countries and 850 distribution and service partners around the globe are there to meet the targets.
Contact
Guntram Stadelmann
Marketing, Technical Editing
cab Produkttechnik GmbH & Co KG
Wilhelm-Schickard-Str. 14
76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
Phone: +49 721 6626-285
Email: g.stadelmann@cab.de
www.cab.de/en