PCB assembly through SMT double-sided reflow soldering has become the mainstream process in contemporary electronic manufacturing. However, occasionally, many individuals inquire, “Is there a method to proactively determine, or is there any calculation formula to predict the risk or rate of components falling off during the second reflow on the first side?”
There are several methods to cut and separate pre-panelized PCBs into individual boards, and one commonly adopted approach for thin and finely dimensioned mobile phone PCBs is using a Router Cutting Machine. It offers numerous advantages over V-Cut scoring machines, with the primary benefit being a higher quality of panel separation, surpassing the benefits of manual operation.
If you’re not yet familiar with why printed circuit boards (PCBs) are panelized before assembly and then separated, please refer to the article titled “Why is Panelization and Break-away Tab Necessary in PCB Manufacturing, then De-paneling after PCBA is Completed?”
The term “V-cut” refers to a pre-cut separation groove made by printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturers at specific locations on the PCB. This groove is designed to facilitate the “de-paneling” process after the completion of surface mount technology (SMT) and PCB assembly. Its cut shape resembles the letter “V,” as shown above, hence the name.
Since PCBs primarily use fiberglass as their structural material, they possess considerable strength and hardness. Attempting to manually break them apart is impractical, which is why pre-cut grooves like V-Cut are essential for operators on the production line to easily perform the PCB de-paneling process.
The term “V-cut” in the context of printed circuit boards (PCBs) refers to predefined cutting lines made by PCB manufacturers based on customer drawings. These lines are typically arranged in a V-shaped pattern, resembling the letter “V,” which is why they are called “V-Cuts.”
The primary purpose of including V-Cuts on a PCB is to facilitate the process of “de-paneling” after the completion of Surface Mount Technology (SMT) PCB assembly. PCBs are primarily constructed using fiberglass as their main structural material, which provides them with a certain degree of strength and hardness. Trying to manually break or snap a PCB by hand is virtually impossible, and even if it were possible, it would likely damage the electronical components on the PCB. Therefore, the presence of these pre-cut V-Cut lines serves the specific purpose of aiding assembly workers in cleanly and accurately separating the original panel into individual boards. This separation process is referred to as “de-paneling.”
Why is “Panelization” performed during PCB manufacturing? And after surface mounting (SMT) assembly and wave soldering, why is it necessary to go through the additional process of “de-paneling” to separate the individual boards? What is the purpose of the PCB’s break-away edges or coupons? Isn’t it cost-effective to use less material? What exactly is meant by “material utilization rate”?
