I have a PCB panel that basically has a three stage circuit on it (three dissimilar stages). I want to order the board with a V-Groove separating each stage because sometimes I may want to stuff the board with all three stages, and for other projects I may only want a two stage or one stage board. So I want to be able to snap the board apart based on my needs so it can become either a single stage, double stage or triple stage board depending on what I snap off.
This is different than panelization of a single design where you simply tell JLCPCB to copy a design into lets say a 3 x 4 grid and V-Groove between rendering 12 identical snappable boards per each sheet. I've done this many times, it is economical over single board ordering, and the web site makes this easy.
JLCPCB is closed at the moment otherwise I'd ask them. Has anyone done this? Would I simply draw the 2 lines on the outline layer which should be V-Grooves and write "this is a v-groove" next to them on the silkscreen? Do you think the engineers will see that and know to make those lines v-grooves?
This is different than panelization of a single design where you simply tell JLCPCB to copy a design into lets say a 3 x 4 grid and V-Groove between rendering 12 identical snappable boards per each sheet. I've done this many times, it is economical over single board ordering, and the web site makes this easy.
JLCPCB is closed at the moment otherwise I'd ask them. Has anyone done this? Would I simply draw the 2 lines on the outline layer which should be V-Grooves and write "this is a v-groove" next to them on the silkscreen? Do you think the engineers will see that and know to make those lines v-grooves?
I asked JLCPCB a question about V scoring and they sent me this. There is more about this when you search for information about panelizing. Also I believe there is a minimum size for the pcb of 70mm x 75mm. Information can be found here: https://jlcpcb.com/help/article/374-Panelizing-your-PCB-for-Assembly
George
Thanks audiorasp,
It sounds like all I need to do is add the lines in the outline layer then. I think I will also add "this is a v-cut" to the silkscreen just to be sure. I know when I add polygons to the outline layer JLCPCB is very good at recognizing that those are to be routed holes with no further explanation. Perhaps when they see a line they know its a v-cut, I hope so. Because if it were a full cut, then that would be costed as two separate orders, this is still one board with scoring so pricing shouldn't change.
Rick
It sounds like all I need to do is add the lines in the outline layer then. I think I will also add "this is a v-cut" to the silkscreen just to be sure. I know when I add polygons to the outline layer JLCPCB is very good at recognizing that those are to be routed holes with no further explanation. Perhaps when they see a line they know its a v-cut, I hope so. Because if it were a full cut, then that would be costed as two separate orders, this is still one board with scoring so pricing shouldn't change.
Rick
Yesterday I sent in gerbers to JLCPCB for a pcb and today one of their engineers contacted me regarding a problem with a v score ( my pcb was too narrow). A fix was suggested that needed my approval and now it's good to go. If there is a problem with what you send in they will let you know and probably suggest a fix. I've had great service form JLCPCB and also PCBWAY.
I have done one v-groove design that was fabricated at jlcpcb. It was for a smt adapter design containing multiple design images. At review they determined there was more than one design so they re-quoted the cost because of this, which is okay. Actual it was 3 separate designs in multiples but the difference between two designs was so small that they missed it so I got a bit of a freebie🙂
I identified the locations of the v-scores on a fab layer drawing that contained the pcb outline too.
I do the same for slots, put the info in the fab layer Gerber data that is part of the fab set.
I identified the locations of the v-scores on a fab layer drawing that contained the pcb outline too.
I do the same for slots, put the info in the fab layer Gerber data that is part of the fab set.
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Yes it would be three designs so I have no problem if they up the price. This is exactly what I was thinking they should do. I'll try it.