Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/921680
JANUARY 2018 I SMT007 MAGAZINE 89 The benefit to this panelization is that the line oper- ator cannot send the panel down- line with the wrong rotation. The line will not stop unless the panel is put in upside down. The line setup changes if there are bottom- side components. This may be feasi- ble if all the compo- nents can survive a second r eflow on the bottom side in your process. This array can be rotated incorrectly by the operator in process. This panelization will eliminate changeover setup, so you would build one side, return it to the beginning of the line, flip it over and build the other side without changing your printer or placement setup. This panelization also only requires you to purchase one stencil. This array can be rotated and mirrored any way as long as the unpopulated side of the panel is up. Eliminating line stoppage due to operator orientating the panel incorrectly, there is no changeover setup between top and bottom sides. An additional benefit to this array is for PCB borders with a cutout. Your bare board fabricator has their own set of constraints and material sizes unique to their process. Work with them and consider it during your panelization design to keep mate- rial cost down. SMT007 Ken Horky is a process engineer at Peterson Manufacturing. To contact Horky, click here. Figure 4: An array with a combination of mirroring and rotations. Within the four PCB orientations are the top side mirrored horizontally and vertically. Figure 5: The cutout can be aligned so the panel can be scored rather than tab routed, saving scrap material.