Traces across perforated break-away PCB sections

Patrick Van Oosterwijck wrote 04/06/2017 at 17:05 • 0 points

Does anyone have experience with running traces between perforated break-away PCB sections?

For my #LiFePO4wered/Pi+ project I am considering making one PCB design that can be configured by breaking away sections based on the battery configuration. I am used to doing perforated tabs when panellizing my designs, but in those cases I never have copper running across the break line. Will copper across the break cause any problems with peeling or damage to the solder mask because of frayed copper edges? Does anyone have experience with this or tips to make this work?

Any info would be appreciated!

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oshpark wrote 04/10/2017 at 21:10

@Patrick Van Oosterwijck our engineer Dan wrote this article: http://docs.oshpark.com/tips+tricks/protosnap/

He describes different techniques.

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Patrick Van Oosterwijck wrote 04/11/2017 at 16:43

Thanks Drew! Will this cause problems if I prototype with OSH Park? Will you guys break all the pieces apart before shipping because it looks like different paneled designs?

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oshpark wrote 04/12/2017 at 17:44

Whatever you upload as a board design will be left intact. Only the different orders are broken apart.

Here's our documentation on "Submitting Panels and Panelized Designs":
http://docs.oshpark.com/submitting-orders/panelized-designs/

Please email support@oshpark.com if you want additional feedback. Thanks. -Drew

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electrobob wrote 04/07/2017 at 08:32

I have experimented with this. Best result is when the parts holding the two together are small enough to cut with diagonal cutters.

Using larger connecting parts or trying with a SAW always results in tracks that can peel off.

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helge wrote 04/08/2017 at 09:29

but you can anchor traces with via + cream on both sides and neck down the trackes at the break line.

My guess: run tracks only on one side and break the perforation outward. The middle of the PCB will be strain free and there will be tensile strain where the tracks will snap.

Besides, Mikeselectricstuff has a good video on panelizing for ATE.

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Patrick Van Oosterwijck wrote 04/10/2017 at 16:27

Thanks for that useful info! Vias at the break line to anchor the copper sounds like an excellent idea. I just hope they won't act as a perforation as well. :)

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ma wrote 04/07/2017 at 03:07

I've had the same question recently. Thinking about making boards with parts in a default place, but can be broken off and stuck in other spots if desired.

Hope you get some answers!

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Traces across perforated break-away PCB sections

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