Numerical Innovations - Help Center

Now that you have your panel template created, lets go ahead a panelize a 3X1 array on a new set of Gerber files (or ODB++, IPC-2581, or from any other PCB format type).  

1. Import Gerber (or ODB++, IPC-2581, etc.) into FAB3000.
2. Assign all Layer Types (Gerber files Only).
3. Assign PCB Outline Border Layer  (Gerber files Only) .
   • It's extremely important to define a separate border layer containing the PCB outline in a single continuous closed boundary (FAB3000 will not properly panelize your PCB if the PCB layer is not correctly defined).  Click here for more information about creating Border layers
4. Create a New Panel.  Go to menu:  File | New | Panel...
5. Choose the Panel Template to use for your PCBs.
6. Press OK.  
   • Note:  You will now be in the FAB3000: Panel editor.   The outline of your selected Panel will be visible in the background.

Use command Panelize (Minimum Size).  

• In this example we will permit our overall Panel Size (Width/Height) to be stretched to fit the minimum area for 3 PCBs.  Panelize (Minimum Size) is also very useful for creating Sub-Panels that will later be merged into a larger master Panel.
• Skip to the Next section: If you do not wish to have Panel Sizes adjusted or creating Sub-Panels

1. Use command Panelize (Minimum Size).    Go to menu:  Tools | Panelize | Minimum Size
   • Select the Job and the total you need to panelize.
   • Verify the other options and press Next.
2. Verify the Panel Options such as Add Scoring lines, Crop Marks, etc.; and press Next
3. Choose the best Panel layout, and press Finish.

FAB3000 will Insert those Jobs into the Panel.  

• Note: The Panel Size (Width/Height) will adjust to the smallest panel size possible.
• Finish Panel:  If you have selected the Panel option Finish Panel, FAB3000 will also add all the features defined in the Panel Setup dialog - like Fiducials, Venting patterns, Tooling Holes., etc.  
  • Sub Panel:  If you do not use Finish Panel, then this panel could be considered a Sub-Panel, that could easily be merged/inserted into another larger panel along with other Jobs (forming optimized panels) - which can drastically reduce overall fabrication costs.

Use command Panelize (Fixed Size). 

Using a fixed size panel is the more common method.  In this case you include all Jobs (i.e unique PCB designs) that you wish to have, the minimum count required, and any surplus (in the event there is still area available on the panel for another Job).

1. Use command Panelize (Fixed Size).    Go to menu:  Tools | Panelize | Fixed Size
   • Select the Job, the minimum count required, and any surplus (in the event there is still area available on the panel for another Job).
   • Verify the other options and press Next.
2. Verify the Panel Options such as Add Scoring lines, Crop Marks, etc.; and press Next
3. Choose the best Panel layout, and press Finish.

FAB3000 will Insert those Jobs into the Panel.  

• Finish Panel:  If you have selected the Panel option Finish Panel, FAB3000 will also add all the features defined in the Panel Setup dialog - like Fiducials, Venting patterns, Tooling Holes., etc.