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Customer Panels
Customer panels, also known as assembly panels or PCB panels, are larger boards that hold multiple individual printed circuit boards (PCBs). These panels are used in the manufacturing process to facilitate the assembly, handling, and testing of multiple boards simultaneously.
Customer Panels in PCB Manufacturing:
Panelization Methods:
- There are various methods for creating customer panels, including V-grooving, tab-routing, scoring, and mouse bites. Each method allows for the separation of individual PCBs after assembly.
V-Grooving:
- V-grooves are milled or routed into the panel to create channels between individual PCBs. This method allows for easy separation after assembly.
Tab-Routing:
- Tabs or bridges of material are left intact between PCBs, and they are later removed using a router or other cutting tool.
Scoring:
- A series of small grooves or cuts are made on the surface of the panel, allowing for clean separation of individual PCBs.
Mouse Bites:
- Small perforations or holes are created at the corners of each PCB, allowing for easy separation by breaking or cutting along these points.
Tooling Holes and Fiducials:
- Tooling holes are used for precise registration and alignment of the panel during the assembly process. Fiducial marks are visual reference points used by automated machinery for accurate component placement.
Component Placement and Orientation:
- The orientation of components on the PCBs within the panel should be considered to ensure efficient assembly and avoid conflicts with assembly equipment.
Panel Design Guidelines:
- Designing a customer panel requires careful consideration of factors like panel size, board placement, and allowances for tooling holes and fiducials. It’s important to follow industry standards and guidelines for panel design.
Handling and Storage:
- Customer panels need to be handled and stored carefully to prevent damage to the PCBs or any interference with the assembly process. Racks, trays, and other specialized equipment may be used.
Testing and Quality Control:
- After assembly, both individual PCBs and the entire panel may undergo testing and inspection to verify functionality and quality.
Custom Requirements:
- Depending on the specific needs of a project, customer panels can be tailored to include specific features, such as test points, slots, or other design elements.
Documentation and Communication:
- Clear documentation detailing the panelization design, including dimensions, hole placements, and fiducial locations, is essential for ensuring accurate production.
Cost Considerations:
- While customer panels can offer cost savings in terms of material and handling, it’s important to balance these benefits with any potential increase in assembly complexity or costs associated with tooling.
Purpose and Benefits:
Customer panels serve several important functions in PCB manufacturing:
- Facilitate Handling: Larger panels are easier to handle during assembly, testing, and transportation compared to individual, smaller PCBs.
- Increase Throughput: Multiple boards can be processed simultaneously, leading to higher production throughput, which is crucial for high-volume manufacturing.
- Reduce Costs: Panels can lead to reduced material costs, as they may require less material overall compared to individual PCBs. Additionally, handling and assembly costs can be lower.