First, why do you want to make PCB jigsaw puzzle?
To put it bluntly, PCB jigsaw puzzle is to "combine" several small boards and then process them together. There are three obvious benefits:
Meet the production demand: board is too small? The fixture won't hold? The equipment can't run? It doesn't matter, just put it together into a big board!
Improve production efficiency: Only one patch welding is needed to complete the processing of multiple PCBs, and the efficiency is increasing!
Cost savings: For special-shaped PCB, splicing can maximize the use of materials, reduce waste and save you a lot.
Second, the design method and skills of PCB splicing
一． V-CUT splicing principle
pen a V-shaped groove between two PCBs, leaving a connection of about 0.4mm in the groove, which is convenient for subsequent breaking and separation. Applicable scene: Suitable for regular rectangular PCB, with simple splicing and convenient separation.
Design skills: process edge: if the component is less than 3 mm away from the board edge, it is necessary to increase the process edge by more than 5mm to facilitate fixture fixation. Safe separation distance: the distance between components and V-CUT groove is at least 0.5mm, so as to prevent damage to components or circuits during separation. Shape of jigsaw puzzle: try to make it into rectangle or square, with reasonable length-width ratio, which is convenient for equipment processing.
二． Stamp hole jigsaw puzzle principle
PCB is connected with small holes (like sawtooth on the edge of stamps), which is suitable for circular or special-shaped boards. Applicable scenario: "optimal scheme" of jigsaw puzzle for special-shaped PCB.
Design skills: hole spacing and aperture: the recommended hole spacing and aperture is 0.5-0.7mm, which not only ensures the connection strength, but also facilitates breaking. Process edge: If the whole jigsaw puzzle is small or components are dense, it is also recommended to increase the process edge to ensure stability. Splice shape: try to design it as a regular shape to avoid wasting plates or being difficult to process when separating.
三．The principle of hollow connecting strip splicing
conecting plates with narrow strips, but not including through holes, is often used for modular splicing with half holes around. Applicable scenario: special demand scenario (such as half-hole module).
Design skills: width of connecting strip: the recommended width is 1.0-1.2mm, which not only ensures the strength of splicing, but also facilitates subsequent breaking. Safe separation distance: the component shall be at least 3mm away from the connecting strip to prevent the component from being damaged due to stress. Shape of jigsaw puzzle: It is also recommended to make it into a regular rectangle, which is convenient for production and separation.
