Depaneling Techniques

Subscribe to Thread

I have issues with damaging PCB with depaneling in my compan... - May 11, 2023 by johndep7

I will always stand with routers. Tried them all in the past... - May 12, 2023 by MagyarT

It does help a lot, are there any companies you recommend? ... - May 12, 2023 by johndep7

Just for reference, I really like the Sayaka SAM-CT-23Q rout... - May 12, 2023 by Thomas

Funny enough, I actually have a link open for Sayaka, I was ... - May 12, 2023 by johndep7

johndep7

#89345

Depaneling Techniques | 11 May, 2023

I have issues with damaging PCB with depaneling in my company. Mostly mousebite depaneling and some vscore. I have looked into laser depaneling, pneumatic, routers, hand tools but have not found something that I can put full trust in. To understand my business, we have hundreds of different parts we are making, it isn't a low mix high volume company.

With Laser depaneling, I am under the understanding they are extremely expensive and can burn the PCB causing IPC defects and other issues.

Pneumatic depaneling tools, whether hand tools or a standalone machine seems like a good idea but I am not sure how consistent/safe they really are.

Router my main issue is the dust, it usually is best for us to depanel when boards are conformally coated (easier to coat in panel form), a lot of companies claim "Dustless" but I am not sure how true those claims actually are.

For Vscore, we have a pizza cutter, but I occasionally run into issues with longer/thinner boards warping while going through the pizza cutter.

Is there any suggestions or ideas on what the best method I should look into?

reply »

MagyarT

#89348

Depaneling Techniques | 12 May, 2023

I will always stand with routers. Tried them all in the past in different companies, and the router seemed the least risky. With a proper extraction system and good maintenance schedule you will not have to worry too much about dust. To help even more, design the routing jigs specifically for the routing machine with 'breather holes' which help with a better extraction of the dust while cutting. Obviously you will be restricted in what size of PCBA can you cut , but keep this in mind when before buying the router itself. Hope this helps.

reply »

johndep7

#89350

Depaneling Techniques | 12 May, 2023

It does help a lot, are there any companies you recommend?

reply »

Thomas

#89351

Depaneling Techniques | 12 May, 2023

Just for reference, I really like the Sayaka SAM-CT-23Q router; even though it's very old model, but it's very simple to use and extremely reliable. The biggest drawback would be the programming (manual), unless you get the software for offline programming.

reply »

johndep7

#89352

Depaneling Techniques | 12 May, 2023

Funny enough, I actually have a link open for Sayaka, I was looking to see if anyone recommended them. I will contact them now. Thank you!

reply »