PCB Panel Size Calculator

Panel Area Formula:

\[ Panel Area = Board Count \times (Board L \times Board W) + Rails \]

Board Count:

unitless

Board Length:

Board Width:

Rail Width:

Array Layout:

Panel Area (mm²):

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1. What is PCB Panel Size Calculation?

PCB panel size calculation determines the total area required for manufacturing multiple printed circuit boards on a single panel, including necessary rails for handling and processing during fabrication.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the panel area formula:

\[ Panel Area = Board Count \times (Board L \times Board W) + Rails \]

Where:

\( Board Count \) — Number of individual boards on the panel
\( Board L \) — Length of each individual board (mm)
\( Board W \) — Width of each individual board (mm)
\( Rails \) — Additional area for handling rails (mm²)

Explanation: The calculation accounts for the total area occupied by all boards plus additional space required for manufacturing rails that facilitate handling during the PCB fabrication process.

3. Importance of Panel Size Calculation

Details: Accurate panel size calculation is crucial for optimizing manufacturing efficiency, reducing material waste, ensuring proper handling during fabrication, and calculating production costs accurately.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter board count as a whole number, board dimensions in millimeters, rail width in millimeters, and select the appropriate array layout. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are rails in PCB panelization?
A: Rails are the additional border areas around the panel used for handling, tooling holes, fiducial marks, and breakaway tabs during manufacturing.

Q2: How does array layout affect panel size?
A: Single row layouts typically require fewer rails, while multiple row layouts may require additional rails between rows and around the perimeter.

Q3: What is the typical rail width?
A: Rail width typically ranges from 5mm to 15mm depending on the manufacturer's requirements and panel size.

Q4: Can this calculator account for spacing between boards?
A: This basic version includes rail area only. For precise calculations including inter-board spacing, additional parameters would be needed.

Q5: Why is panelization important in PCB manufacturing?
A: Panelization allows multiple boards to be manufactured simultaneously, reducing costs, improving efficiency, and ensuring consistent quality across all boards.