DEREK MANSFIELD @
                                    ISL
                              26/03/97 17:03
               (Embedded image moved to file: PIC32248.PCX)

Hi,
     is anyone aware of any technical standards which define a robust
procedure for the design of breakaway holes when used in motherpanel
designs. For example, more and more designs use motherboards or carrier
frets for assembly purposes and there appear to be an unlimited number of
different approaches of supporting the 'frets'.

     My concern, as a PCB manufacturer, is that the strength of the frets
varies from design to design which can result in some designs failing
during the course of normal manufacturing. This in turn can result in scrap
or yield issues. We currently look at the amount of material remaining to
determine if that edge is strong enough to support itself but I would like
to know if anyone else has resolved this issue.