<< Click to Display Table of Contents >> Navigation:  Designing a PCB with the DEX PCB Designer > Designs > PCB Design > PCB Design > What are Panelized PCBs > What are PCB V-cuts?

PCB V-cuts, also known as scoring or grooving, are cuts made in the surface of a printed circuit board (PCB) to facilitate the separation of the board into individual pieces. V-cuts are made by routing a V-shaped groove into the surface of the board along the line where the board is to be separated.

V-cuts are commonly used in the manufacturing of PCBs, where multiple boards are assembled on a larger panel and then separated into individual boards after assembly. The V-cuts allow the individual boards to be separated easily and cleanly, without damaging the components or traces on the board.

V-cuts can be made using a variety of methods, including mechanical milling or routing, laser cutting, or even manual cutting using a blade or saw. The depth and width of the V-cut are carefully controlled to ensure that the board can be cleanly separated without damaging the components or traces on the board.

In addition to facilitating board separation, V-cuts can also be used to create complex board shapes and to reduce the overall size of the board. By cutting away portions of the board in a V-shape, designers can create intricate shapes and patterns that would be difficult or impossible to achieve using other methods.

In summary, PCB V-cuts are cuts made in the surface of a printed circuit board to facilitate the separation of the board into individual pieces. V-cuts are commonly used in PCB manufacturing to separate boards from larger panels and to create complex board shapes.