Description:
If several printed circuit boards are combined for processing (structure, plating, surface), this is referred to as a benefit. This often happens with small printed circuit boards, for reasons of cost and better handling. The assembly of components and the subsequent soldering can also be simplified through production in panels.
In order to avoid major mechanical stress when later separating the (possibly assembled) printed circuit boards, the contours of the individual printed circuit boards are provided with scored notches and/or milled grooves. These separating processes are referred to as scoring or milling (with predetermined breaking points); these can also be combined.
If several identical circuits / circuit boards are placed next to each other in the layout, this is referred to as multiple uses. With several different circuits from a multi-use.
Multiple panelsmilled
The manufacturing benefit refers to the greatest possible, processable benefit for the manufacturer. For cost reasons, all printed circuit boards (also by different customers at the same time) are produced in such a panel. All printed circuit boards with the same specifications can be placed on such a production panel (e.g. FR4 thickness, track width, solder stop color).
The manufacturing panel is only separated at the end of the manufacturing process by scoring or milling. A production panel can also contain or correspond to a (customer) panel.
See also Multi-CB design help: panel creation