What are Mouse Bites in PCB?

Various designs and methods are used when producing PCBs. While some circuit boards are flat, others feature tiny notches, like a mouse-bite PCB. The crucial query is which one of these PCBs is best for your projects. To assist you in making a more informed choice, this essay will go into great detail regarding the key designs. You’ll discover more about items like PCB panelization, variations in fabrication, and more. Let’s start!

What are mouse bites in PCB?

Mouse bites on PCBs are microscopic holes in the boards. Mouse bites also resemble the half-holes on a postcard. Therefore, these perforations enable connecting little boards into a group. Breakaway tabs are another name for the holes perforated PCB. These holes aid in enhancing a board’s grip while mounting. The ability for manufacturers to process several boards in the panel for one pricing is an excellent advantage of these holes. Fabricators use the depanelization technique to separate the boards after completing the production process.

The hooks that separate along the hole in the board also make depanelizing a breeze. The board’s remaining pieces will therefore resemble mouse bites.

Mouse Bite PCB: Locations, Dimensions, and Sizes –

• Breakout tab holes typically differ. The breakout tabs on most boards, however, have five holes. The typical hole diameter is 0.020 inches or 0.5 millimeters. The holes are separated by 0.76 millimeters or 0.030 inches. However, some boards don’t adhere to these requirements.
• As a result, the holes’ diameters and spacing may vary. Unexpectedly, random sizes have both positive and negative aspects. For instance, it’s less difficult to smooth out if the mouse bites are small. It also implies that you could require additional holes.
• Additionally, it will require more work to smooth out the bites if the perforations are too big.

The mouse bite PCB holes seem to have random sizes and spacings. This lessens the amount of cleanup required after the board is separated from the panel. Smaller holes need less work to smooth out, but more holes must be drilled, and more bulk material must be removed. However, if the holes are too large, the board will develop larger mouse bites that need to be smoothed out. 

Things to Consider During Placement of PCB breakaway Tab –

Before using the perforations breakout tabs on a board’s outline, remember to abide by the following guidelines:

• Using fewer tabs is suitable for saving time and effort on the router bits.
• It’s crucial to check that the panels have enough tabs to completely support the PCB during a PCB assembly.
• Make sure that any tabs with a requirement gathered of 0.1125 inches are placed close to the nearest components.
• Ensure the tabs are placed far from delicate circuitry or component locations to prevent breakout stresses.

It’s essential to keep in mind that you cannot identify stress scarring early if it damages the circuitry as a result of the tabs breaking. Additionally, it could result in persistent problems that are challenging to troubleshoot.

Furthermore, the board will bend significantly if insufficient tabs are used or if they are not strategically placed during production. You can have an unsteady assembly as a result.

What is V Groove PCB?

Circuit boards are separated, and the result is the V groove PCB. In order to hold these circuit boards, it is necessary to cut the circuit board, leaving a small amount of material behind. Polishing the V groove PCB and cutting it from the manufacturing panel are the last steps in the production process. Either routing or v-cut scoring is used to accomplish this.

Breakaway Tab PCB: Panelization Techniques –

Breakaway tab PCB panelization can be done in various ways. Each of these has advantages and disadvantages of its own.

1. Tab Panelization Routing – PCBs for mouse bites are often pre-cut from the palettes and then positioned correctly on the board in this case. In most cases, the perforation designs employ 3-5 holes. Due to this method’s capacity to support design, you may surely gain from it.
2. Panelization with V Grooves –  This panelization method is used frequently. Numerous printed circuit boards are separated using V-shaped grooves in this. These grooves on the bottom and top of the board, made with a blade, eliminate about 33% of the width of the board.
3. Panelization with solid tabs – Designing arrays with sturdy tabs between both boards will increase overall strength. A depaneling router, a laser cutting machine, or a blade tool are required for the procedure of depaneling this particular sort of panel, though (hook-shaped).

Tab Routing Vs. V Groove PCB Panels –

Your PCB design will significantly determine whether you need to use tab routing or v-groove approaches in the panel. These are a few things to think about before you decide.

1. Edge elements – If your breakaway tab PCB depends on components that are attached close to an edge, employing a different tab routing method in place of v-groove PCB panels may be highly appropriate.
2. Time Costs – It takes longer to set up tab routing. Under machines, a V groove takes less time.
3. Board Shapes – Rat bites Adding PCB shapes to any array typically has a big impact on panelization. V groove PCB panels work wonderfully for square and rectangular boards.
4. Edge Quality – The truth is that tab routing might be preferred over v grooving if edge quality is a deciding factor. Rough edges result from V grooving. This can require more sanding if you want nice edges.
5. Waste – V grooving will offer the greatest benefit if you are worried about material waste. This approach wastes less material than tab routing. This implies that each board will cost substantially less overall.

Mouse Bites PCB Manufacturer –

There are many factors to consider when preparing the production panel for printed circuit boards. This is the reason why the mouse bites PCB manufacturer needs to be skilled in this area.

Based on the design requirements and the board’s unique requirements, your mouse bites PCB manufacturer can determine if a breakout board or V-groove will complement your design the best. Additionally, they know your company’s requirements and will customize the panel’s design to meet those needs and your anticipated production volumes.