PCB Panelization Calculator
Calculate optimal panel layout and utilization for PCB manufacturing.
Panel Analysis:
About PCB Panelization Calculator:
This free PCB Panelization Calculator calculator helps optimize PCB panel layouts to maximize manufacturing efficiency and reduce production costs.
Formula Used:
- Usable Area = (Panel Length - 2 × Edge Margin) × (Panel Width - 2 × Edge Margin)
- Boards per Row = Floor(Usable Width / (Board Width + Spacing))
- Boards per Column = Floor(Usable Length / (Board Length + Spacing))
- Total Boards = Boards per Row × Boards per Column
- Panel Utilization = (Total Board Area / Panel Area) × 100%
- Where:
- Edge Margin = Minimum clearance from panel edge
- Board Spacing = Gap between individual boards
- Floor() = Rounds down to nearest integer
Design Guidelines:
- Minimum edge margins: 5mm recommended
- V-score spacing: 2.5mm typical
- Tab routing: 3-5mm spacing typical
- Panel utilization: >70% considered good
PCB Panelization Guide: Optimizing Board Layout for Manufacturing Efficiency
In professional PCB manufacturing and PCB assembly, efficient panelization is crucial for reducing production costs and improving yield. This PCB Panelization Calculator helps engineers optimize panel layouts for both prototype and production runs, ensuring cost-effective PCB fabrication.
How to Use the PCB Panelization Calculator:
Follow these steps for optimal PCB panel design:
- Enter individual board dimensions (length and width)
- Select standard panel size or enter custom dimensions
- Set board spacing (typically 2.5mm for V-scoring)
- Adjust edge margins (minimum 5mm recommended)
- Choose whether board rotation is allowed
Example Panelization Case:
Consider a typical PCB design for production:
- Board size: 50mm × 30mm
- Panel size: 12" × 18" (305mm × 457mm)
- Board spacing: 2.5mm (V-score)
- Edge margins: 5mm
- Result: 60 boards per panel with 82% utilization
Complete PCB Design Workflow:
For comprehensive PCB design and manufacturing, combine this panelization tool with other essential calculators:
Design Verification:
Start with the PCB Impedance Calculator and PCB Differential Pair Impedance Calculator for signal integrity. Use the PCB Signal Propagation Delay Calculator for high-speed designs.
Manufacturing Requirements:
Ensure manufacturability with the PCB Trace Resistance Calculator and PCB Via Size Calculator. For flex PCBs, use the PCB Bend Radius Calculator. The PCB Solder Mask Expansion Calculator and PCB Annular Ring Width Calculator help optimize manufacturing yield.
Power and Thermal:
For power-intensive designs, use the PCB Power Plane Voltage Drop Calculator and PCB Heat Dissipation Calculator. The PCB Stencil Aperture Calculator ensures proper component assembly.
Efficient PCB panelization is crucial for cost-effective PCB manufacturing. Whether you're doing PCB prototyping or volume production, proper panel layout optimization can significantly reduce PCB fabrication costs while maintaining quality standards. Consider factors like V-scoring, breakaway tabs, fiducial marks, and test points when designing your panel layout.
