Panelization is a way to maximize the profits of the circuit board manufacturing industry. There are many ways to panelize and non-panel circuit boards, as well as some challenges in the process.

Producing printed circuit boards can be an expensive process. If the operation is not correct, the circuit board may be damaged or destroyed during production, transportation or assembly. Paneling printed circuit boards is an excellent way to not only ensure safety in the production process, but also reduce the overall cost and production time in the process. Here are some methods to make printed circuit boards into boards, and some common challenges faced in the process.

Panelization method
Panelized PCBs are useful when handling them while still arranging them on a single substrate. The panelization of PCBs allows manufacturers to reduce costs while maintaining the high quality standards that they meet at the same time. The main two types of panelization are tab routing panelization and V-slot panelization.

V-groove paneling is done by cutting the thickness of the circuit board from the top and bottom using a circular cutting blade. The rest of the circuit board is still as strong as before, and a machine is used to split the panel and avoid any additional pressure on the printed circuit board. This method of splicing can only be used when there are no overhanging components.

Another type of panelization is called "Tab-route panelization", which involves arranging each PCB outline by leaving a few small wiring pieces on the panel before routing most of the PCB outline. The PCB outline is fixed on the panel and then filled with components. Before any sensitive components or solder joints are installed, this method of splicing will cause most of the stress on the PCB. Of course, after installing the components on the panel, they must also be separated before being installed in the final product. By pre-wiring most of the outline of each circuit board, only the "breakout" tab must be cut out to release each circuit board from the panel after filling.

De-panelization method
De-panelization itself is complicated and can be done in many different ways.

saw
This method is one of the fastest methods. It can cut non-V-groove printed circuit boards and circuit boards with V-groove.

Pizza cutter
This method is only used for V-grooves and is most suitable for cutting large panels into smaller panels. This is a very low-cost and low-maintenance method of de-paneling, usually requiring a lot of manual labor to rotate each panel to cut all sides of the PCB.

laser
The laser method is more expensive to use, but has less mechanical stress and involves precise tolerances. In addition, the cost of blades and/or routing bits is eliminated.

Severed hand
Obviously, this is the cheapest way to take off the panel, but it only applies to stress-resistant circuit boards.

router
This method is slower, but more precise. It uses a milling cutter head to mill the plates connected by lugs, and can rotate at an acute angle and cut arcs. Wiring dust cleanliness and redeposition are usually wiring-related challenges, which may require a cleaning process after subassembly.

punching
Punching is one of the more expensive physical stripping methods, but it can handle higher volumes and is performed by a two-part fixture.

Panelization is a great way to save time and money, but it is not without challenges. De-panelization will bring some problems, such as router planing machine will leave debris after processing, use a saw will limit the PCB layout with contour board outline, or use laser will limit the thickness of the board.

Overhanging parts make the splitting process more complicated-planning between the board room and the assembly room-because they are easily damaged by saw blades or router planers.

Although there are some challenges in implementing the panel removal process for PCB manufacturers, the benefits often outweigh the disadvantages. As long as the correct data is provided, and the layout of the panel is repeated step by step, there are many ways to panelize and de-panel all types of printed circuit boards. Taking all factors into consideration, an effective panel layout and method for panel separation can save you a lot of time and money.