Comprehensive layout specifications and panelization guidelines for defining optimized array structures, breakaway configurations, and multi-board panels to ensure efficient PCB manufacturing and high-yield assembly processes.
Guidelines when customers provide pre-paneled gerber data.
Panel by Customer refers to a situation where the client submits PCB data already arranged in panel format. This may include panel-level Gerber files or detailed panel drawings prepared according to their specific mechanical, assembly, or border requirements. In such cases, manufacturing is carried out exactly as per the customer’s submitted panel design.
A panel is treated as “Customer Defined” in the following situations: • When Gerber files are provided in panel format. • When the customer supplies panel layout drawings. • When the panel includes customized borders, tooling holes, fiducials, or special mechanical features. • When unique assembly or separation requirements are involved.
For optimal handling and assembly stability, we recommend adding a minimum 5 mm panel border on all four sides, regardless of who prepares the panel design.
The number of unique PCB designs on a panel is determined by counting the distinct Gerber sets combined within that panel layout. If multiple different board designs are merged into one panel, each unique design is counted separately.
If a single panel contains: • 6 different board layouts → the panel has 6 unique designs. If multiple panels are submitted: • Panel A may contain 1 design. • Panel B may contain 4 different designs. • Panel C may contain 5 different designs. Each panel is evaluated independently.
For customer-defined panels, we support: • V-Cut (V-Score) – Ideal for rectangular PCBs. • Break Routing (Tab Routing) – Recommended for irregular shapes or multi-design panels. Break routing is generally preferred when different PCB designs are combined within a single panel.
Guidelines when requesting our team to step-and-repeat your single board.
Panel by Us refers to cases where the customer provides a single PCB design, and we create an optimized panel layout to improve manufacturing efficiency and assembly convenience. The customer typically provides: • PCB dimensions • Quantity requirements • Special assembly instructions • Step-and-repeat details (if required)
Panel-Ups indicate how many times a PCB is repeated in the X and Y directions within a panel. For example: If a PCB is repeated: • 2 times in X direction • 3 times in Y direction Total boards in panel = 2 × 3 = 6 boards
When PCB dimensions are small (for example below 20 mm × 20 mm), we optimize panel layout to achieve: • Maximum production efficiency • Better material utilization • Reduced manufacturing cost Our engineering team selects the most suitable panel size for best yield.
We recommend: • Minimum 5 mm border on all four sides • Additional 2 mm spacing if break routing is used This ensures mechanical strength and smooth processing during assembly.
Spacing depends on the separation method: • V-Cut: 0 mm spacing required. • Break Routing: Minimum 2 mm spacing required. • Small or Round PCBs: Recommended 10 mm spacing for improved stability and mechanical strength.
We support: ✔ V-Cut • Best for rectangular PCBs • Suitable for heavier component assemblies • Clean straight-line separation ✔ Break Routing • Ideal for irregular shapes • Recommended for multiple design panels • Provides better flexibility for complex layouts
In break routing, small tabs are used to hold boards together. The boards are separated after assembly by snapping along routed edges.
In V-Cut panels, boards are separated along scored straight lines. This method is commonly used for rectangular PCBs with uniform geometry