The short answer
What this setting controls
Think of a panel as a sheet holding several copies of the board. The copies are separated after fabrication or assembly. A panel is useful when the process handles a sheet more efficiently than loose boards.
Define array orientation, spacing, rails, fiducials, tooling holes, coupons, mouse-bites or V-score, depanel direction and delivered-unit count. Assembly rails may be different from a fabrication-only panel.
Options in the order form
How the available choices differ
| Choice | Use it for | Engineering note |
|---|---|---|
| Single board | Simple prototype delivery | No rail or breakaway design is introduced. |
| V-score array | Straight full-length separation lines | Best for rectangular outlines with adequate component-to-edge clearance. |
| Routed tabs / mouse bites | Irregular outlines or selective breakaway | Plan tab position, residual nibs and depanelisation stress. |
Compatibility
What can change with this selection
- Panel dimensions can become the analysed board dimensions.
- A panel can change shipping weight and the number of boards represented by the selected quantity.
- If the page disables a choice, treat it as a compatibility result and adjust the controlling design decision rather than forcing the value.
Practical recommendation
How to make the decision
- Use a single board for a simple prototype.
- Use a customer panel when panel geometry is already in the Gerber package.
- Use TekRabbits panelisation when you want the production team to propose a suitable panel arrangement.
Before release
Check these points before adding the quote to cart
- Confirm the selected value matches the released Gerber, drawing, stack-up, BOM or assembly plan.
- Review any fields that changed automatically after this selection.
- Check the board preview and server-calculated estimate before adding the quote to cart.
- Use a single board for a simple prototype.
- Use a customer panel when panel geometry is already in the Gerber package.
- Use TekRabbits panelisation when you want the production team to propose a suitable panel arrangement.
Frequently asked questions
Answers for ordering and design review
Will a panel arrive as one sheet?
That depends on the selected delivery and depanelisation process. State the required delivered format in the order brief.
When should I change Panelisation?
Change it when the released electrical, mechanical, thermal, assembly or quality plan gives a measurable reason. Otherwise keep the compatible default and review the resulting board preview and estimate.
Why is an option disabled?
The current material, geometry, layer count, quantity or another selected process makes that combination unavailable. Change the controlling selection or revise the design package rather than trying to bypass the disabled state.
Can I rely on the online choice as final manufacturing approval?
No. The interface screens known combinations and requests pricing, while final manufacturability remains subject to the released files and technical review.
What should I record outside the order form?
Put controlled requirements in the fabrication drawing, assembly drawing, stack-up, BOM or acceptance plan. Use Special instructions only for a concise pointer to that controlled requirement.
Will changing this update other selections?
It can. The order form re-evaluates compatibility and may replace a now-invalid dependent choice before requesting a fresh server-side estimate. Review every highlighted or automatically changed field.
What if the design requires an option that is not offered?
Do not approximate it with a different label. Recheck the controlling material and geometry, document the actual requirement, and request technical review before placing the order.
Useful engineering tools
Calculators and preparation guides
Further reading
Standards and technical references
Use the latest applicable revision and your organisation’s controlled requirements when a standard forms part of product acceptance.