PCB panelization combines multiple identical or different PCB designs into a single manufacturing panel. Producing several boards as one panel improves handling during fabrication and assembly while reducing manufacturing costs. After assembly, the individual boards are separated using V-scoring, tab routing, or other depanelization methods.

Why need panel design when manufacturing PCBs?

Improving fabrication efficiency

Some PCBs are too small to meet the requirements of SMT fixtures, put them into a large board is more convenient for manufacturing. And the SMT process of multiple PCBs can be run at the same time in automatic machines, then increase the utilization rate of machines.

Good quality control

Automated production is conducive to quality control and improves the yield of fabrication.

Reducing PCB assembly cost

Panel design is more suitable for automatic production line, which can save labor costs. And it helps to use the PCB area effectively and reduce materials waste by panel design for some different shaped PCBs.

Panel types of PCB assembly

V-Scoring

V-scoring also called as V-cut or V-groove, it is the most popular panel type nowadays. The V-shape line between each board is a connection of each board in the panel and easy to break. The space between each PCB usually can be 0.0mm or 0.3mm with V-Scoring techniques, and the recommended V-cut angle is 30°.

V-cut is suitable for the regular panel design, and the cut line should be horizontal and vertical lines. For this panel type, the minimum size of the boards should be 75mm*75mm.

Routing slot/milling slot +Tab (Tab-routing)

Routing slot includes two types:

Tab-routing with breaking holes (stamp holes)

This panel type also named as stamp holes and is usually used in the special-shaped PCBs, like round-shaped boards.

The space between each PCB for this panel type should be 1.6mm; the hole spacing is generally greater than 0.25mm, and the hole diameter should be greater than 0.45mm.

Tab-routing without holes

The width of the tab should at least be 2.0mm.

Both V-Scoring & Tab-Routing

Both V-scoring and tab-routing techniques can be used on a single board, as shown in the following picture. The board space should be greater than 2.0mm between each unit. Usually, the space of the V-scoring area should be 3.0mm, and the tab routing area should be 1.6mm.

Other specifications in panel

For each panel, there need at least three fiducial marks, and the diameter should be 1.0mm. Usually, the tooling holes should be set to 2.0mm, and the minimum tooling strip width is 5.0mm. Please contact us if you need more panel design tips.

Panel service in PCBgogo

PCB assembly panel with a minimum size of 75mm*75mm and a maximum size of 600mm* 500mm can be produced in PCBgogo. You can choose one of these board types when you run an online quote on our website: single piece, panel by customers, and panel by PCBgogo. If you have any idea about the panel design of your order, please contact our online service or send E-mails to service@pcbgogo.com.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need to panelize my board for assembly? 

For mass production, yes, if the board is smaller than 50mm × 100mm or is any shape other than rectangular. Larger rectangular boards can be assembled as single pieces. For prototypes and low volumes, a single piece is often accepted.

What spacing should I leave between boards in a V-scored panel? 

0.0mm or 0.3mm between units, with a 30° V-cut angle. V-scoring requires all units to be the same size with straight, aligned edges.

Why can't V-scoring be used on a panel with different sized boards? 

The V-scoring blade cuts across the full width of the panel in one uninterrupted pass and cannot stop midway. Mixed unit sizes leave no continuous straight line to follow, so tab-routing is used instead.

How many fiducial marks does a panel need? 

At least three, each 1.0mm in diameter, on the panel frame. Three marks let the placement machine correct both position and rotation. Add local fiducials beside fine-pitch or BGA packages where placement accuracy is critical.

Can PCBgogo create the panel for me? 

Yes. Select "panel by PCBgogo" when running the online quote and supply the single-board file with your panel requirements.