Matthew,

Our PC Design guru is out until Monday so I can offer some information that
I am aware of.

We have begun to use/test the mouse bite method, only modified. (Here is
where I need our guru!) I am not sure why, but the pattern we use is arched
with larger holes at the slot and smaller holes between them. Unlike the
782-3-31, we are using them on pallets of boards, so the holes are on both
sides of the slot.

Our first go at it used holes spaced as shown in 782-3-31, close together,
but still with the larger at both ends and arched. That was a little too
easy to breakaway. We reduced the number of small holes and gained strength.
We are now on our third version where the number of small holes is again
minimized and of course the distance between holes is greater.

I will try to remember to ask our guru on Monday what the reason for the
arched pattern is and relay it to you.

Bottom line is, it does seem to be a good method. Reduced strain on adjacent
traces, parts, etc. Easy to break apart. No special machinery necessary.

Hope this helps some.

Richard Hamilton
Clemar Mfg. / Rain Bird
[log in to unmask]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Matthew Lamkin [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Thursday, October 12, 2000 1:58 AM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      [TN] IPC-782-3-31 BREAKAWAYS?
>
> Hi there folks, After just perusing through the IPC-SM-782A std/book I
> have
> noticed the mouse bite breakaway pattern IPC-782-3-31.
>
> Has anyone any experiences of this that they might share? (good or bad).
>
> It does look as though it would provide greater stability/strength to a
> panel yet have less actual
> material to break off than a single 1.5mm tab (which is what I normally
> use).
>
> Thanks in advance for any replies :-
>
> Matthew Lamkin.
> Printed Circuit Board Draughtsman
> (And General Dogsbody).
>
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