PCB panelization: V-cut, routing tabs and castellated holes
How boards are grouped and separated, what the delivery options mean and how to design the edge of a board for production and assembly.
Why boards are panelized
Small boards are difficult to handle one by one in production and on an assembly line. Grouped on a panel they are processed together, and the panel provides the rails, fiducials and tooling holes an assembler needs. After assembly the boards are separated again.
The three delivery methods in the calculator
- Single boards: each board is shipped individually.
- Free delivery: the manufacturer decides whether boards are shipped individually or grouped on a panel without technological margins, with the circuits separated by V-cut scoring.
- Client-defined panel: the panel dimensions, the technological margins and the separation method are set by you.
V-cut or routing
| Method | Suits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| V-cut (scoring) | Rectangular boards with straight edges and no overhanging parts | Fast and economical; the boards sit directly side by side; keep components and copper clear of the score line |
| Routing (milling) with tabs | Any outline: rounded corners, cut-outs, irregular shapes | Boards stay connected by small tabs; a gap of about 2 mm between boards is usual; tab positions leave small marks at the edge |
| V-cut and routing combined | Panels with both straight and shaped edges | Defined in the panel drawing |
PCB-ELECTRA separates boards by V-cut (scoring) or milling; one-sided scoring, chamfering and plated milling are possible too. In the calculator, circuit routing can be non-plated (final outline) or plated (for example plated slots and castellated edges).
Panel size limits
The maximum panel is 390 × 520 mm for 1- and 2-layer and aluminium boards and 335 × 440 mm for 4- and 6-layer boards. See capabilities.
Castellated holes
Castellated holes are plated holes cut in half at the board edge, so that a small module can be soldered onto another board like a surface-mount part. At PCB-ELECTRA the hole diameter must be above 1 mm, with a hole-to-hole spacing (pitch) of 0.5 mm. Place them on the edge in your Gerber and drill files and mention them when you order.
Tips for the panel design
- Add rails with fiducials and tooling holes if the boards will be assembled on a line.
- Do not place components or fine copper too close to a V-cut line or a tab.
- Keep tabs away from connectors and sensitive parts.
- Describe the panel in a separate drawing and upload it with your files (see the Gerber guide).
Choose the delivery method in the price calculator or contact us with your panel drawing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum panel size?
390 × 520 mm for 1-layer, 2-layer and aluminium boards, and 335 × 440 mm for 4-layer and 6-layer boards.
Which is better, V-cut or milling?
V-cut separates boards along straight lines and suits rectangular boards that touch each other. Milling with tabs suits boards of any shape and leaves a small gap between them.
Can I deliver the panel layout myself?
Yes. Send a drawing or the panelized files; otherwise we can deliver the boards as single pieces.
Browse the questions and answers →
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