Stuart,
My suggestion is a DFM meeting (most of the process people dream about a meeting like this, and luckily, I've been to a few) with:
- project manager (if there's one) - customer service rep (annual volume, lot size, product life) - smt process person (machine limitations, reflow oven limitations, preferred board width to reduce setup time, per previous experience) - blank pcb manufacturer rep (suggested final panelized board size for lowest cost per board) - wave soldering process person (selective soldering required?, preferred board width to reduce setup time?) - depanelization process person (v-grove? break-away? preferred clearance between each panel copper?!!!!) - packing process person (new esd bags, new cardboard boxes required?)
Depending on the company size and/or organization you might not have someone for every position given above. Few may be covered by one person. This meeting will not only answer your question but others' and will prevent possible mess caused by surprises...
Hope this doesn't sound too much like a perfect world...
Regards Erhan
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