I found that there are so many variables regarding panelization, that a
universal calculator is impossible.
for example,
Do you V-groove, or route-and-perf?
What limitations does your factory have, (pick&place machine limits, etc.)
Which size panel does your particular vendor use?

The first thing we did was to find a universal panel size used by our
vendors. In our case, 18 X 24
Secondly , I created a spread sheet so I could experiment with board
rotations, etc.
The spread sheet is simple. For example, I enter length and width of PWB
and tell it how many up in the width dimension and how many up in the
length dimension. It is set up to add 'x' number of slots @ .094 plus our
factory's requirement of .400 rails all around.
This total must fit within 16 X 22, (the vendor need 1.00 inch all around
for handling.)

I also recommend faxing your supplier your proposed panelization, and
gaining their input. Our vendors have saved us significant amounts of
money by suggesting minor mods to our panel drawings.

Regards,
Gary Bauder
PWB Design Supervisor
Amtech Systems Corp

________________________________________________________
On 02-25-98, you wrote:

     Does anyone know of software which a PCB designer can use to
     construct panelization configurations for optimum board house
     material utilization?

     Thank you.

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