The short answer
What this setting controls
Assembly machines need reliable datums. Tooling holes are normally placed in rails or non-functional areas so they do not consume circuit space.
Use a clear datum scheme, adequate edge clearance and non-plated/plated status appropriate to the fixture. Coordinate holes with global fiducials, panel rails and depanelisation.
Options in the order form
How the available choices differ
| Choice | Use it for | Engineering note |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended / default | Builds without a documented exception | Keeps the current compatible process path. |
| Alternative selection | A released drawing, stack-up or assembly plan requires it | Recheck every dependent option after changing tooling holes. |
Compatibility
What can change with this selection
- Tooling holes are not the same as component mounting holes.
- Incorrect rail dimensions can invalidate the tooling layout.
- 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
- Let TekRabbits add tooling holes when no controlled customer panel exists.
- Use customer-added holes only when the panel drawing owns them.
- Keep holes outside the delivered board unless the product needs them.
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.
- Let TekRabbits add tooling holes when no controlled customer panel exists.
- Use customer-added holes only when the panel drawing owns them.
- Keep holes outside the delivered board unless the product needs them.
Frequently asked questions
Answers for ordering and design review
What should I do if I am unsure about Tooling holes?
Keep the safe compatible default and add a concise question in Special instructions, or ask the TekRabbits concierge for guidance.
When should I change Tooling holes?
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.
- IPC J-STD-001J and IPC-A-610J overviewIPC — Assembly process control and post-assembly acceptance context.
- KiCad component placement filesKiCad — Reference, position, rotation and side data for pick-and-place.
- IPC document revision tableIPC — Current revisions for assembly, solder paste, stencil and acceptance standards.