How PCB panelization Works

The PCB panelization process begins with the design phase. The individual PCB designs are arranged on a larger panel, taking into account the spacing between boards, the placement of tooling holes, and the type of panelization technique to be used. The panel layout is then sent to the manufacturer for production.

During manufacturing, the panel is treated as a single unit, going through the various stages of PCB Fabrication, including:

1. Printing the circuit pattern onto the copper-clad board
2. Etching away the unwanted copper
3. Drilling holes for components and vias
4. Applying solder mask and silkscreen
5. Surface finishing (e.g., HASL, ENIG, or OSP)

Once the fabrication process is complete, the individual PCBs are separated from the panel using a technique called depaneling. This can be done through various methods, such as routing, punching, or v-scoring.

Panelization Techniques

There are several techniques used for PCB panelization, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The choice of technique depends on factors such as the size and shape of the individual PCBs, the required panel strength, and the depaneling method to be used.

Technique	Description	Advantages	Disadvantages
Tab Routing	Individual PCBs are connected by tabs, which are milled away during depaneling	Strong panel, minimal waste	Time-consuming, can leave rough edges
V-Scoring	V-shaped grooves are cut between the PCBs, allowing them to be easily broken apart	Fast, clean break, no additional material	Weaker panel, potential for damage during breaking
Perforated	Small holes are drilled between the PCBs, allowing them to be snapped apart	Easy to separate, no additional material	Weaker panel, potential for damage during snapping
Snap-Apart	Similar to tab routing, but with thin, breakable tabs	Strong panel, minimal waste	Potential for damage during snapping, rough edges

Benefits of PCB Panelization

PCB panelization offers several key benefits for both manufacturers and customers:

1. Cost Reduction: By producing multiple PCBs on a single panel, manufacturers can reduce material waste, minimize setup times, and optimize machine usage, leading to lower production costs.

2. Increased Efficiency: Panelization allows for the simultaneous processing of multiple PCBs, reducing handling time and increasing throughput.

3. Consistent Quality: Since all the PCBs on a panel go through the same manufacturing process, there is a higher consistency in quality across the boards.

4. Faster Turnaround: With increased efficiency and streamlined production, panelization can lead to shorter lead times and faster delivery to customers.

5. Simplified Assembly: Panelized PCBs can be designed to facilitate automated assembly, with features such as fiducial marks and breakaway rails for machine handling.

Designing for Panelization

To ensure successful panelization and maintain the integrity of the individual PCBs, several design considerations should be taken into account:

1. Panel Size: The panel size should be optimized to maximize material usage and minimize waste. Standard panel sizes are typically used to ensure compatibility with manufacturing equipment.

2. Spacing: Adequate spacing should be maintained between the individual PCBs to allow for depaneling and to prevent damage during the separation process.

3. Tooling Holes: Properly placed tooling holes are essential for accurate registration and alignment during manufacturing. These holes should be positioned outside the active PCB area to avoid interfering with the circuit design.

4. Depaneling Method: The design should account for the chosen depaneling method, whether it’s tab routing, v-scoring, or another technique. The appropriate spacing and panel features should be incorporated to facilitate clean and efficient separation.

5. Fiducial Marks: Fiducial marks are important for automated assembly processes. These marks serve as reference points for machines to accurately place components on the PCBs.

6. Panelization Software: Using dedicated panelization software can help designers efficiently layout panels, optimize material usage, and ensure compliance with manufacturing requirements.

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” alt=”” class=”wp-image-136″ >

Depaneling Techniques

Once the panelized PCBs have gone through the manufacturing process, they need to be separated into individual boards. This is done through depaneling, which can be accomplished using various methods:

Method	Description	Advantages	Disadvantages
Manual Depaneling	PCBs are manually broken apart along the scored or perforated lines	Low cost, no special equipment needed	Time-consuming, potential for damage, inconsistent results
Pneumatic Depaneling	A pneumatic tool is used to apply pressure and break the PCBs apart	Fast, consistent results	Higher cost, potential for damage if not properly adjusted
Routing	A CNC router is used to mill away the tabs or excess material between the PCBs	Clean edges, minimal stress on the PCBs	Higher cost, time-consuming
Punching	A custom-made die is used to punch out the individual PCBs from the panel	Fast, clean edges, minimal stress on the PCBs	Higher cost for die fabrication, limited flexibility

The choice of depaneling method depends on factors such as the panelization technique used, the PCB design, and the volume of production.

FAQ

1. What is the main purpose of PCB panelization?

2. The main purpose of PCB panelization is to increase manufacturing efficiency and reduce costs by producing multiple identical PCBs on a single panel.

3. What are the most common panelization techniques?

4. The most common panelization techniques include tab routing, v-scoring, perforated, and snap-apart. Each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of panel strength, ease of separation, and waste reduction.

5. How does panelization affect the design of PCBs?

6. When designing PCBs for panelization, considerations such as panel size, spacing between boards, tooling holes, and depaneling methods should be taken into account. The design should ensure adequate space for separation and include features that facilitate the chosen depaneling technique.

7. What are the benefits of using panelization software?

8. Panelization software helps designers efficiently layout panels, optimize material usage, and ensure compliance with manufacturing requirements. It can automatically generate tooling holes, fiducial marks, and other necessary features, saving time and reducing errors.

9. How does the choice of depaneling method impact the PCB manufacturing process?

10. The choice of depaneling method can impact the speed, cost, and quality of the PCB manufacturing process. Manual methods are low-cost but time-consuming and prone to inconsistencies, while automated methods like routing or punching offer faster and cleaner results but require specialized equipment and higher setup costs.

In conclusion, PCB panelization is a crucial technique in the manufacturing of printed circuit boards, offering numerous benefits such as cost reduction, increased efficiency, and consistent quality. By understanding the various panelization techniques, design considerations, and depaneling methods, manufacturers can optimize their production processes and deliver high-quality PCBs to their customers.