Dave et al:
               From a board fabrication point of view, there is a
          difference in the price of the board if "X-outs" aren't
          allowed for shipment to the customer.  If no "X-outs" are
          allowed, the entire array of boards is generally quoted as
          "one piece", and this price is divided by the number up
          within the array or pallet to determine the unit price.  If
          "X-outs" are allowed, the board is priced out as individual
          parts on the panel that will fit, given the array size and
          shape.  The price changes depending upon the yield factor
          used by the quote system.  As the parts get smaller, this
          difference is enhanced.
               In my experience, I have seen more customers allow
          "X-outs" to one degree or another than not.  Certain issues
          should be worked out with the board supplier, such as:
                segregating boards with "X-outs" in shipment
                allowing only a certain per cent of shipped arrays to
                 have "X-outs" (5% is quite common)
                allowing only a certain amount of "X-outs" per array
                 (typically 25% to 40%, depending on the number up
                 within the array)
               The easiest way for baord fabricators to indicate a
          board defect within an array is to "X" out (thus the
          moniker) the bad board on both sides with a black "Sharpie".
          I have seen other more sophisticated methods, such as BBI's
          (bad board indicators); usually a pad or fiducial that must
          be drilled out if that particular part is defective.  I've
          also heard that this method can cause pain during assembly
          solder paste operations.
               Ask your board fabricator to quote a particular
          palletized part using both scenarios.  This will give you an
          idea of what the actual savings to you would be.  Then make
          your decision relative to the extra work required during
          assembly.
          Regards,
          Tom Coyle
          Field Services Engineer
          HADCO Corporation

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