FOCUS ON LAB 2026 – a brand-new event
Design a PCB live with the students of the Politecnico di Milano
Focus on LAB is a brand-new initiative at Focus on PCB 2026: a practical PCB design lab, developed in collaboration with Professor Marco Carminati of the Politecnico di Milano, where students and firms collaborate to design a PCB.
The initiative brings together students and companies: while the participants design a PCB live, the industry professionals share approaches, tools and real-world examples.
The lab is made possible thanks to the sponsorship of ACX Design, Fineline Italy and PreventLab, while the software is kindly provided by Var Industries/Siemens EDA and Artedas/Cadence Design Systems.
The lab will start with a short introduction followed by a theory session held by Alessandro Checchia (ACX Design), Roberto Lavelli (PreventLab) and Roberto Spaiardi (Fineline Italy).
How does the lab work?
The lab combines a short theory introduction with a practical design activity: the students will work in pairs to design a PCB using professional software, assisted by technicians and industry experts. Visitors will also get the chance to actively participate, thanks to a dedicated workstation.
Final test – PCBs ready for production:
During the session, the PCB layouts developed will be reviewed by Var Industries to assess their actual manufacturability. The goal is to ensure that each design is ready for production by identifying any critical issues related to technological and manufacturing constraints, in accordance with IPC standards. At the end of the activity, participants will gain a clear understanding of how to turn a layout into a fully manufacturable PCB, reducing risks, costs, and time to industrialization. A comprehensive electronic report prepared by Ottavia Tameni, including all findings, will also be provided.
The designed PCBs will be physically produced and handed to the students during a follow-up meeting at the Politecnico di Milano.
Why should you visit Focus on LAB?
Focus on LAB will offer a more valuable and engaging experience at Focus on PCB 2026.
Main benefits for visitors:
- A live workshop to experience the design of PCB.
- The chance to actively participate in the design of PCB.
- Get an inside look at professional workflows and industry-standard software.
- Engage directly with companies, young talent, and industry professionals.
- Explore tools, methods, and techniques you can apply in your own projects.
Timetable
Wednesday, 13th May
- 10:15 AM-10:45 AM Welcome and activity intro
- 10:45 AM-12:00 PM First group activity
- 12:00 PM-12:10 PM Groups swap
- 12:10 PM-01:25 PM Second group activity
- 02:25 PM-02:55 PM Welcome and activity intro
- 02:55 PM-04:10 PM First group activity
- 04:10 PM-04:20 PM Groups swap
- 04:20 PM-05:35 PM Second group activity
Thursday, 14th May
- 10:15 AM-10:45 AM Welcome and activity intro
- 10:45 AM-12:00 PM First group activity
- 12:00 PM-12:10 PM Groups swap
- 12:10 PM-01:25 PM Second group activity
- 02:25 PM-02:40 PM Welcome
- 02:40 PM-03:55 PM First group activity