Eagle - single board panelization 3x time for seeedstudio

[wan65]

Hello
I want to use this service:
https://support.seeedstudio.com/knowledgebase/articles/388503-what-are-the-pcb-panelization-rules
but I don't fully understand what do they mean with their requirements...
So far I've done this:

I have the same board 3 times, but what do they mean by "V-cuts on 20 layer"? The 20 layer is board outline:

Is this okay?

Also, which JOB script for eagle should I use to export the gerbers for seeedstudio?

 

[barry]

They are telling you to put the v-cut on layer 20. Put traces/lines on layer 20 that define where the v-cut is.

 

[wan65]

So where should I put the board outline?

 

[KlausST]

Hi,

The V-cut is the board outline.

After assembling and soldering you may break the boards along the V-cut.

Klaus

 

[wan65]

but they say that V-cut should be from edge to edge... also,
I have the holes made with board outline (layer 20) - should I remove them before ordering?

 

[KlausST]

Hi,

Holes are drilled.
Cut outs are milled

Only the board outlines (usually of recangle shape) are made as V-cuts.

Trust them. They are used to produce boards, and they should contact you if they find an issue in your data.
On doubt you send them your file and ask your questions directely to them.

Klaus

 

[wan65]

I've sent four email and they still didn't reply, even before starting this thread. So, any help here is welcome! I dont get what they mean with "v-cuts" from edge to edge, do they mean that I have to modify the board outlines so they are from edge to edge? Guess they machine can't stop cutting inside the panel..

 

[FvM]

The requirements are pretty clear when you understand what V-cut is.

It's not clear to me what kind of panelization you actually want. You have placed three board copies with surrounding space as if you want them milled out. If the intended panelization is V-cut, you would place them without spacing.

But your board has copper features very near to the board edge, to be suitable for V-cut, there should larger distance to the outline.

V-cut pattern could look like below, but it makes no sense to have two cut lines between the board edges, the parts will be hard to separate.

 

[wan65]

Thanks, I want just those boards done, I don't know what kind of panelization should be used.
Please check it now.

Is this correct now?
Can I now just use their JOB for gerber and order the PCB?
View attachment Fubarino_SD_v15_pan_nospace2.zip

 

[KlausST]

Hi,

Why panelisation at all?
I think you don't need it Just order three PCBs.

Panelisation (and V-cuts) is done with huge PCB count to reduce production costs.

Klaus

 

[wan65]

Panelization because I get 10 pieces 100x100 mm square of PCB for 10$ with free shipping.
If I no panelize, I get 10 PCBs for 10$.
If I panelize, I get 30 PCBs for 10$.
That's how it is with seedstudio.

So, do you think that my panelization is OK and I can order?

 

[wan65]

Their DRU file is giving me only:
-KEEPOUT
and
- STOP MASK
warnings, see:

There are no clearance errors, just those two, do I have to fix them?

 

[KlausST]

Hi,

Ok, if you want 10 pieces, then I recommend 5 x 2 panelization.

For 30: 10 × 3.

I think it's already said above.
Just place the PCBs next to each other without a distance to each other.
But draw the cut lines into the dimension layer.

The problem with your layout is, that the copper and drills are very close to the PCB dimension limits.
This usually is no problem for PCB production, but if you later separate the PCBs by breaking the remaining V-cut, then you get mechanical stress to the copper traces and the drill holes. You risk to destroy the PCB.

I recommend to leave at least 2mm of distance from copper/drills to dimension outline...if possible.

Btw: doesn't seeedstudio provide design rule documents on their internet site?


Klaus

- - - Updated - - -

Hi,

Sorry for the wrong post order.
****

Are you sure that you use their design rules?

Out of curiosity i tried to find the answers on their internet site.
They have a good and detailed wiki.
Did you read it?


There are a lot of design rules and description about panelisation..

Klaus

 

[wan65]

Hey, It must be the 10 Quantity because I can't order smaller quantity. So the best price/pieces ratio is with 3 pcbs panelized on panel, 10 panels, 10*3 = 30 pieces for 10$.

You see, this PCB is FUBARINO (as you can see on attached images), and I am not an experienced designer. I just want to order PCBs, so it's kinda hard to understand all of their requirements.

Are you saying that I should modify the PCB or can I just order it now as is?

PS: the distance between edges and copper is bigger now (see screenshots in previous posts)

 

[KlausST]

Hi,

I never said you should order less than 10 pieces.
It is solely your decision what quantity to order.
And if you read their wiki about panelisation you know what I mean with 5 x 2...

Are you saying that I should modify the PCB or can I just order it now as is?

No, all I can do is to refer you to their design rules.
I'm not authorized by seeedstudio to give you other recommendations than given on their internet site.

You will have to read and follow their rules.

Klaus