Step 1: Planning and Preparation
Analyze Your Designs: Before diving into the panelization process, carefully review your PCB designs to ensure they're finalized and ready for production. Identify any common features or constraints that may impact the panel layout.
Determine Panel Size: Based on your manufacturing requirements and equipment capabilities, decide on an appropriate panel size. Consider factors such as the size of the individual PCBs, the need for routing channels, and any additional spacing requirements.
Step 2: Opening Altium Designer and Importing Designs
Launch Altium Designer: Open the software and create a new project or open an existing one that contains your PCB designs.
Import Designs: Import the PCB files you intend to panelize into your Altium Designer project. Ensure they're properly organized and labeled for easy reference.
Step 3: Setting Up the Panel
Create a New Panel Board: In Altium Designer, create a new board document that will serve as the base for your panel. Specify the desired panel size and configuration.
Place and Align PCBs: Using the Place › Embedded Board Array command, place each of your PCB designs onto the panel board. Arrange them strategically, taking into account routing channels, alignment holes, and any other manufacturing considerations.
Step 4: Adding Panelization Features
Routing Channels: Define routing channels between PCBs to facilitate separation after fabrication. These can be created using the Draw › Line command, ensuring they're wide enough to accommodate your chosen cutting method (e.g., V-scoring, milling, or breaking).
Alignment Holes and Markers: Add alignment holes and fiducial markers to aid in accurate placement and cutting during production. These can be placed manually or automatically using Altium Designer's advanced placement tools.
Board Outlines and Cuts: Define the final outline of your panel, including any necessary cuts or notches. This can be done using the Place › Keep-Out Area command or by drawing precise lines that represent the desired shape.
Step 5: Verification and Optimization
DRC Check: Run a Design Rule Check (DRC) to ensure your panelized layout adheres to all relevant manufacturing standards and constraints. Address any issues identified by the DRC report.
Optimization: Review your panel layout for potential optimizations, such as reducing waste by adjusting PCB placement or minimizing routing channel widths.
Step 6: Output and Manufacturing
Generate Manufacturing Files: Export your panelized PCB design as Gerber files or other appropriate manufacturing data formats. Include all necessary documentation, such as assembly drawings, bill of materials, and any special instructions for manufacturing.
Send to Fabrication: Submit your manufacturing files to your chosen PCB fabricator, along with any additional information they may require. Work closely with your fabricator to ensure a smooth and efficient production process.
Conclusion
Panelizing PCBs in Altium Designer is a powerful way to streamline your electronic design workflow and optimize production efficiency. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create optimized panel layouts that meet your manufacturing requirements and minimize waste. With Altium's advanced tools and intuitive interface, panelizing PCBs has never been easier. Start leveraging the benefits of panelization today and take your electronic design projects to the next level.
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