Your Professional Panelized PCB Manufacturer in China

Your Reliable Panelized PCB Manufacturer and Supplier in China

We supply Panelized PCB of the highest quality. PCBMay is a prominent Panelized PCB manufacturer specializing in providing innovative research and production solutions to clients in the automotive parts, industrial, medical, telecom, and technology industries. 

PCBMay assists buyers in the configuration, manufacture, shipping, and facility of PCB products by providing comprehensive design, engineering, and production funds specialized in delivering materials, allowing customers to maximize their business functions by decreasing expenses and shortening time to value.

PCBMay is the most acceptable alternative for you since you seek a dependable Panelized PCB producer in China. For more than a decade, we’ve been renowned as a reputable Panelized PCB producer. We can assist you and provide support for your business.

Our designer professionals build the perfect Panelized PCB to deliver high-performance products for your projects. We can provide items with various production current and power rates as a top Panelized PCB producer and distributor in China.

All our merchandise has certifications from multiple international guidelines, including ISO9001, ISO14000, REACH, RoHS, UL, and many more. PCBMay Panelized PCB can be found in various machines and technologies, including basic transformer control systems, wind turbine unit remotes, charging systems, half-wave converters, and on and on.

Furthermore, while producing high-quality Panelized PCB, PCBMay consistently keeps track of all manufacturing stages. PCBMay makes it with a massive quantity, excellent durability, and appropriate heat management in mind.

We also handle distribution for all leading markets throughout the world, not only in China. We do have a PCB manufacturing facility with excellent machines and high-tech technology.

PCBMay can be a one-stop market for all of your electronics needs, and you can guarantee a hassle-free shopping environment. These items are available in a variety of forms and configurations to match your market needs. Our products meet or surpass the stringent requirements required for long-term operation.

We keep investing in high-tech machinery and top-tier basic resources for automated production lines as your leading Panelized PCB producer and distributor. We provide this product according to the needs of the marketplace and various clients. Panelized PCBs with multiple solder mask colors are indeed available.

Contact us now!

Panelized PCB: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

The manufacturing of smaller circuit boards becomes problematic in some cases. Panelized PCB moves easily through a single assembly line that improves the manufacturing efficiency. The immense advantages of PCB panelization significantly improve the performance of electronic devices.

PCBMay is a leading panelized PCB manufacturer in China. We provide effective custom solutions for this PCB in different industries. This FAQ guide will cover the ins and outs of PCB panelization. We hope you can understand how it promotes manufacturing quality. Let’s start.

What Is Panelized PCB?

Panelized PCB is an efficient circuit board where PCB panelization is applied. Its manufacturing efficiency is impressive. Besides, the production time and cost of this PCB are significantly low.

Its base materials are usually FR-4, CEM-1, etc. This is compatible with multilayer designs while used in LED driver cars, generators, etc. It is supportive of heavy copper thicknesses along with metallic surface coating technologies.

These circuit boards are organized in a way that forms a single PCB array. So, its movement is quick. Moreover, the depanelization of these PCBs is completely hassle-free.

Its size is a little bit smaller and sometimes it is found in unusual shapes. But, the processing of this PCB becomes easier and faster while it goes through a proper panelization.

PCB Panelization

Panelized PCB size and dimensional stability turn it into the most widely utilized circuit board in control systems and mechanical industries. Again, it provides standard thermal management in electronic appliances. That’s why this PCB is durable in extreme conditions.

What Is The Standard PCB Panel Size?

In the case of designing a panelized PCB, you need to consider some crucial factors. Such as the board thickness, PCB panel size, etc. You need to apply the best panel size and thickness to ensure optimum efficiency of PCB panelization.

The most effective PCB panel sizes are-

• 18”24”
• 12”18”
• 9”24”
• 9”12”

Again, it is important to keep a 0.5”-1” board near the panel border. It makes the handling of the PCB panels easier. Minimum spacing between the PCBs on a panel is required for smooth depanelization.

Panelized PCB Standard Size

PCB panel size is related to the number of panelized PCB used in a panel. You can customize the standard size to accommodate more circuit boards in a single panel. The highest size of a PCB panel is around 22.5”54” that is viable for a two-layer panelized PCB.

You can use a panel size calculator to determine the ideal panel size and number of PCBs in a panel. This calculator is helpful to optimize the space that reduces the manufacturing cost.

It is easy to calculate the number of boards through the panel size calculator. You just input the panel size, board spacing, and board thickness.

Where Do You Use A Panelized PCB?

Panelized PCB improves the functionality of numerous electronic applications. Its most noteworthy applications are-

• Transformer control system
• Wind turbine unit remotes
• Charging systems
• Half-wave converters
• Telecommunication systems
• Medical instruments
• Military equipment

Panelized PCB Applications

What Are The Design Considerations In Panelized PCB?

Panelized PCB provides immense benefits to the large-scale manufacturing of PCB products. You should consider the following factors if you want to get the best result of PCB panelization.

PCB shape

PCB shape influences the efficiency of the panel to a certain extent. Usually, manufacturers prefer rectangular panelized circuit boards. You can face some difficulties while dealing with irregular shapes of PCBs.

You can use design software to determine an ideal PCB shape that is compatible with the PCB panel.

PCB Panel size

It determines the maximum number of PCBs located in a panel. That’s why you need to find out the perfect panel size along with the PCB thickness to optimize the panelization in your circuit boards. A panel size calculator can make your job easier in this case.

You need to use multilayer PCBs on a 12”18” panel. Besides, apply 0.5” panel margin for 2 layer boards and 0.75” spacing for higher layer count designs.

Component Layout

Component placement plays a significant role in designing a panelized PCB. You should avoid placing surface mount devices near the panel border. It decreases the effectiveness of PCB panelization.

Panelized PCB Design

Tooling Holes

You need to design a panel in such a way that there are sufficient spaces for tooling holes. These holes are used in automated inspections of panelized PCB assembly. Here, proper use of break-away edges and arrays creates spaces for the tooling holes.

Panel Stackup

Circuit boards need to be depanelized from the panel. So, the panel stackup must be the same as circuit boards.

Assembly

Wave soldering assembly and pick-and-place method create some accidental breakdown during the panelization. That’s why you should provide the necessary support to avoid such complications.

Array Strength

You can improve the strength of the PCB panel by increasing the board count in a panel. It is also worthwhile for resisting vibrations during the PCB assembly. The higher array strength means more complex depanelization.

That’s why you need to trade-off between these two crucial factors. These PCB panelization design guidelines are effective for achieving the optimum output of panelized PCBs.

How To Depanelize Circuit Boards?

Depanelization methods of PCBs vary concerning how circuit boards are connected in the panel. You can separate the circuit boards by applying machines or manually. The following methods are reliable for standard depanelization.

Depanelization Router

Here, a router that has a resemblance with a wood router is involved. A depaneling router contains a bit. It is applied to cut the circuit boards from the panel.

Saw Cut

In this process, V-scoring is attached to a saw blade. This blade cuts the required PCBs from the panel.

Laser Cut

The laser-cut method is preferable to the manufacturer because of delivering almost zero mechanical stress. This automated method can separate panelized PCBs from a panel containing irregular shapes and cones.

PCB Depanelization

Die Cut

This is also known as punch cutting. You need to use a die-cutter fixture to depanelize PCBs.

Except for these mechanical methods, you can manually depanelize circuit boards. You have to use the necessary fixtures and equipment to perform PCB depanelization. But, manual processes are time-consuming.

Moreover, there is a chance of making mistakes while conducting this task manually. That’s why automated depanelization methods are becoming popular in recent times. Watch the following video to get a better idea:

What Are The Advantages Of Panelized PCB?

Panelized PCB develops the production quality of electronic projects. Its most notable advantages include-

High-volume Production

Panelized PCBs are highly effective for mass production. Proper panelization makes this PCB compatible with high-volume manufacturing. Thus, this PCB saves your time greatly.

Functionality

These PCBs have superlative functionality in high-density applications. Its manufacturing efficiency is impressive compared to other traditional circuit boards. Besides, component mounting during its assembly is supremely reliable.

Since this PCB is processed as a segment of array, its soldering and inspection take minimum time.

Space Utilization

Useful PCB panel size enables it to make the highest utilization of PCB surface. Its component placement is very effective. That’s why it is the most reliable option for high-density PCB applications.

Panelized PCB Advantages

Cost-effective

Here, PCB panel size and rapid processing influence the manufacturing cost of panelized circuit boards. It is cost-effective concerning its outstanding performance in advanced electronic gadgets.

Durability

This PCB is tolerant to various mechanical stresses and thermal effects. Again, it can resist extreme vibrations during the PCB assembly due to panelization.  So, its use is consistently increasing.

What Are The Effects Of V-cut Lines In A Panelized PCB?

A V-cut line in a panelized PCB is a V-shaped groove on the circuit board. It remains on both surfaces of PCB and a small number of materials hold the circuit boards together. V-cut is also known as V-scoring. It is primarily applicable in rigid PCBs.

It affects PCB panelization in many ways. Such as:

• V-cut lines deliver sufficient support to the assembly process.
• It ensures minimum pressure to surface mount devices on the PCB surface.
• V-cut is effective for a low time consumption in panelized PCB.
• Depanelization of circuit boards is easier with V-cut lines.

V-Cut Lines In PCB Panelization

What Is The V-scoring Tolerance In Panelized PCB?

V-scoring is used in PCB panelization to make manufacturing more effective. Here, thin residual materials are left to hold PCB. You need to define the V-scoring tolerance properly to optimize the panelization.

The ideal ridge thickness is around 0.30mm to 0.40mm. Its highest tolerance is 0.10mm along with a scoring angle of 30 degrees. In some cases, the V-scoring angle can be 45⁰ or 60⁰. You should use PCB panelization software to optimize the V-scoring in your panelized PCB.

Panelized PCB V-Scoring

How To Compare Tab Routing And V-score In Panelized PCB?

V-scoring and tab routing are two reliable ways of PCB panelization. The following issues are important to compare tab routing and V-score in a panelized PCB.

Time Consumption

V-scoring takes a minimum time in PCB panelization. Here, a v-scoring machine is involved that reduces the panelization time. On the contrary, tab routing deals with a router in a panelized PCB. So, it consumes more time compared to V-score panelized PCB.

Panel Border Components

Tab routing is more preferable to V-scoring in placing components near the panel border. You just need to be careful about locating tabs close to the edge components.

Utilization Of Materials

V-scoring panelization is highly effective for optimizing the materials. In contrast to this, tab routing wastes more materials compared to V-scoring.

Cost

Since V-score PCB panels utilize the materials properly, this method offers a lower cost than tab routing panelization.

Tab Routing Vs V-Scoring In PCB Panelization

Edge-quality

The panel borders or edges created in V-score panelization are not very smooth. So, the edge quality is not good in this case. But, tab routing produces some rough nubs in the PCB panel borders. You can easily sand off this roughness.

That’s why this panelization method offers optimum smoothness in a panelized PCB.

PCB Shape

The tab routing method is reliable for unorthodox panelized PCBs. But, V-scoring is supportive of rectangular and square PCB panels.

So, it is clear that both of these methods have different positive points. So, you need to choose the most perfect PCB panels based on your project’s requirements. You can also use them combinedly in some cases.

Which Software Is Used In Panelized PCB Design?

PCB panelization software allows the designer to modify the placement of circuit boards on a panel. Altium Designer is the most used software in panelized PCB design. This design software determines a standard PCB arrangement that delivers the highest output.

Panel PCB Altium is an effective tool that enables a designer to panelize multiple circuit boards into one panel. You can easily determine the number of boards and PCB panel size for optimizing the PCB panelization.

PCB Panelization Software

Besides, this PCB panelization software consists of outstanding built-in features and design rules. So, it makes depanelization easier and quicker. Moreover, you can deliver standard output CAD files to your manufacturer.

That’s why the manufacturing of panelized PCBs is almost error-less. A high-quality PCB panelization software reduces the chances of making faults during the assembly. So, the manufacturing cost also becomes low.

Again, waste of materials is decreased due to the use of design software. Eagle, KiCAD, etc are also some reliable design software used in PCB panelization.

How Do You Design Panelized PCB Through Design Software?

The design method of a panelized PCB through a design software like Altium designer is not a brainstorming job. We are here with a PCB panelization design guideline so that you can easily design your PCB panel. Let’s have a look.

Choosing The Board Shape

You first need to choose the correct PCB panel size. To do this, create a new PCB project in panelize PCB Altium software. Then, open the window of “Layer Stack Manager”.

Here, you can define the PCB panel size, board thickness, number of PCB layers, relative permittivity, etc.

Panelized PCB Layout

PCB placement

In this step, you have to click on “Place>Panelize”. Then, you will find a blank rectangle where you can place your PCBs. Next, you have to define the PCB dimensions, number of rows, and columns used in the panel.

You can pick and place the required number of circuit boards similarly. Then, move the panels around the PCBs to create a panel border. You have an opportunity to edit as much as you need.

When the entire procedure is completed, send it to the manufacturer. Panelize PCB Altium contains CAD features that make the design prepared for delivery to your reliable panelized PCB manufacturer. Watch this video to know more about it:

What Are The Combination Methods Of A Panelized PCB?

Panelization enhances the manufacturing efficiency of small printed circuit boards. combination methods are widely used in panelized PCB. Some combination processes of PCB panelization are explained here for your convenience.

Rotation Angle Panelization

This type of panelization deals with 90⁰ or 180⁰ angular rotations. Rotation angle penalization ensures the maximum use of PCB materials by utilizing free spaces. Here, some components are space-effective.

That’s why the designer gets an opportunity to use additional spaces. You need to be careful about the mounting efficiency of this panelization. Besides, it demands extra care because of frequent changes in angles.

Order Panelization

This is the most utilized combination method used in panelized PCBs. It renders immense positive impacts on the manufacturing process. Order panelization is cost-effective and applicable in versatile conditions.

There is no obligation related to SMT fabrication while conducting this process. You can panelize the highest number of boards concerning your SMT equipment. Besides, it is supportive of pad orientation that ensures a higher printing quality during PCB manufacturing.

Combination Method Of PCB Panelization

Double-side Panelization

It is reliable for printed circuit boards consisting of low thermal-resistive components. Double-side panelization enables the manufacturer to panelize both sides of a PCB on the same side. This method improves the functionality of double-sided PCBs.

Its production cost is also comparatively low. Again, proper use of PCB materials makes this combination method effective for high-volume PCB projects.

How To Panelize Gerber Files In PCB?

You can panelize PCB Gerber files through Altium Designer software. You just follow these steps to ensure a faultless panelization:

• Import the Gerber file into a blank document.
• Click on “Table” and define the top layer there.
• Go to the “Tool” section and select panelize PCB and choose the required PCB panel size concerning your project.
• Go to “Edit” and import all the Gerbers.
• In the end, click on File>Export>Gerber.

This is the easiest process to panelize your Gerber file in panelize PCB Altium software.

How Do You Test A Panelized PCB?

You can test a panelized PCB through both manual and automated inspections. Some trustworthy testing methods are-

Automated Optical Inspection

A well-structured AOI machine is used here to capture 3D and 2D photographs of a panelized circuit board. Then, this machine compares these photographs with the images of PCB having a proper panelization.

The unmatched portions are considered to be defective. The AOI test is capable of detecting critical defects related to soldering, current rating, panel size, etc. It is expensive, but reliable for high-volume PCB manufacturing.

Flying Probe Test

Here, electrical proves are connected to specific portions of a PCB panel. These probes are placed at different axes and moved from one board to another quickly. That’s why it is called the flying probe test.

You can find out faulty connections, open circuits, defective solder joints, and unusual ratings of electrical properties through this test. It is ideal for small-scale productions.

Panelized PCB Testing

Besides, functional tests are effective for observing the real-time performance of panelized PCBs. In-circuit tests, vibration tests, etc are conducted along with functional tests to produce a fault-less PCB.

What Are The Major Drawbacks Of Panelized PCB?

PCB panelization makes the circuit board advantageous in many aspects. But, it also has some limitations. The major drawbacks of panelized PCBs are-

• It requires top-class maintenance to achieve the maximum output from this PCB.
• Improper panelization and defective design layout cause serious damage to your project.
• There is a possibility of tearing the solder mask layer and surface layer during the depanelization.

Functional Panelized PCB

You need to consult with a reliable manufacturer to get the most dependable panelized PCB. We supply top-quality PCB manufacturing at a competitive price. Contact us immediately to experience the best PCB panelization.

How To Choose A Reliable Panelized PCB Manufacturer?

The following factors should be kept in mind to choose a reliable panelized PCB manufacturer.

• Long manufacturing experience of panelized circuit board manufacturing.
• Capability of producing IPC Class 2 or Class 3 standard products.
• RoHS-certified skilled technicians to provide custom solutions for PCB panelization.
• Affordable Product’s cost.
• Standard customer care service.

Panelized PCB Manufacturing

What Are The Effects Of Panel Size In PCB Panelization?

PCB panel size has vital impacts on PCB panelization. Like-

• It is necessary to determine the number of usable PCBs in a panel.
• A well-designed PCB panel with a standard size is useful to reduce the material’s waste.
• You can easily separate a panelized PCB from the PCB array if the panel size and PCB thickness are correct.

Panelized PCB Part Size

Conclusion

PCB designs with proper panelization reduce the manufacturing delay and cost to a large extent. Panelized PCB is the ultimate option for electronic appliances used in numerous fields.

Its superior functionality and compatibility with high-volume productions increase its applications. PCBMay is renowned for producing this circuit board to deliver top-quality performance for your projects.

We hope this article will help you to enjoy premium PCB performance. Get in touch with us for more information.