Re: gEDA-user: Panelizing multiple boards into one with PCB

[John Luciani <jluciani@xxxxxxxxx>]

Panelizing is very easy to do just using PCB. After I get my
individual layouts complete I make a panel layout that contains each
of the individual layouts. Creating the compound layout is typically a
five minute job.

Since I cut the boards on a bandsaw or sometimes with a hacksaw I usually leave
about 1/4" between layouts. You could place a silkscreen line between layouts to
help you guide the saw. If you are not doing a silkscreen you could
manually mark
the boards with a Sharpie marker.

You need to check with each vendor to see if they allow panelizing,
v-scoring or perforations. PCB Express allows panelizing but I believe
they do not
do v-scoring or perforation (PCB Pro does but is most likely mor money).
Some vendors charge for panelizing.

(* jcl *)

On 2/15/06, Christopher Bailey <cbailey@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> I am a fairly new PCB user. I completed my design, in PCB, of a small
> board that measures 1400 mils x 775 mils. I would like to make up a
> panel with multiple boards on a single board to help me reduce prototype
> fabrication costs that typically charge "by the board" up to certain
> dimensions. I former colleague did this before and somehow included data
> to have the v-groove cut allowing me to break apart the panel into
> individual boards.
>
> Any advise on the panelizing process would be much appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
> Chris
>


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