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Subject: Re: [geda-help] Panelizing howto or examples?
From: Richard Rasker <rasker AT linetec DOT nl>
To: geda-help AT delorie DOT com
Date: Thu, 09 Oct 2014 10:36:38 +0200
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Hello Jason,

Thank you for your very detailed explanation,

Jason McLafferty wrote:
> Hi Richard,
> 
> I have panelized boards that I later separate myself.  To do this, I
> draw a line on the top silk layer so I know where I want to cut the
> boards.

[snip first 11 steps]

> (12) Now, convert the OUTLINE board edges to SILK lines.  The board
> house I use only wants one outline, for the entire board.  By using
> SILK lines, they will show up and I know where to cut.
[snip]

OK, so basically you indicate the cut lines of the individual boards on
the silk layer, with the outline layer defining the overall panel edge.
This sounds simple enough, but it doesn't work. I just adapted and
uploaded my little PCB by way of a test, but as expected, the
manufacturer's automated design check now simply recognizes one PCB, not
a panel with cut lines or the likes. If I try indicating that it should
be treated as a panel, it says that no panel is recognized, so that
option is not available.


Perhaps I wasn't entirely clear:
The idea is to have a panel with the individual PCB's pre-cut along
their outlines, only held in place at two or three locations of my
choosing, that I can easily snip with a cutter.
Should I create another layer defining the cutting lines? Does it have
to have a special name (such as 'outline' for the overall outline? Does
anyone have an example file that clarifies things?

The whole point of this is that I wish to produce a few dozen or so of
these very tiny PCB's using a stencil and reflow process, and doing it
by the panel and being able to cut or snap these free in a few seconds
saves hours of fiddly work.


@Bob Paddock:
Yes, I know that I should leave enough material around the PCB's to
support them. Fot Eurocircuits, their cutting tool has a 2 mm diameter,
and individual PCB spacing of at least 5 mm (10 mm for larger PCB's) is
recommended.

@DJ Delorie
> My panelizing scripts aren't plug-ins ...
OK, that's sorted then. As explained above, the idea is to end up with
the assembled PCB's in a panel, that I can detach using a sharp wire
cutter. As far as sawing goes, I don't have anything more sophisticated
here than a hacksaw, and that's not much use.

Anyway, thanks again for your answers so far. I'll also contact
Eurocircuits if they can explain how to add cutting information for
panelization -- but from my experience, they often refer to specific
options in Eagle and the likes when confronted with specific questions.
Their panelization guidelines only mention distances and tips for
creating mechanically stable panels.

Best regards,

Richard Rasker