0️⃣ Data Fields Overview
ID | A-6-PSEP-200-V2S |
Name | Panel Separation V-Cut |
Process | Panel separation |
Category | Execution |
Level | Unit |
Linked Resources | Panel Separation V Cut Hourly Rate V2S |
Linked Drivers | V2S_PCB_Shape V2S_Has_Tech_Frame pcb_width pcb_height panel_width panel_height panel_factor |
Linked Expenses | No linked Expense |
Calculation Method | Formula |
Revision | V2S-2.0.0 |
Revision Date | 01-NOV-2025 |
1️⃣ What This Activity Is
Panel Separation V-Cut (V2S) models the manual depanelization time per PCB when separating V-scored manufacturing panels.
It simulates how an operator uses a lever wheel cutter or disc tool – or their bare hands (not recommended!) – to cut along score lines, accounting for both axes of separation and the presence of a technical frame.
The formula also differentiates between full-panel passes and strip passes, with a configurable speed multiplier and shape-complexity adjustment.
2️⃣ Why It Matters
Accurate depanelization timing ensures consistent scheduling between SMT finishing and inspection or test.
Even simple panel separation can influence total labor for sparsely populated, highly panelized boards or irregular shapes.
This V2S activity maintains balance between realism and simplicity, modeling physical layout behavior using standard geometry and various flags instead of complex CAD integration.
3️⃣ Where It Fits in the PCBA Flow
Executed immediately after PCB assembly and soldering (and before test or packaging), typically at a manual depaneling workstation in a backend area.
It’s the final mechanical operation before each PCB becomes an independent unit ready for further processing.
4️⃣ Linked Resources
Panel Separation V Cut Hourly Rate (V2S) – represents the human resource performing manual separation using V-cut tools.
5️⃣ Formula Overview
This formula estimates the per-PCB depanelization time by simulating the physical cutting passes along V-scored lines.
It assumes the operator performs two stages of separation:
Axis-1 pass (panel to strips): The panel is cut horizontally (or vertically) to separate it into strips.
Axis-2 pass (strip to singles): Each strip is then cut in the perpendicular direction to release the individual PCBs.
Each stage includes both the internal cuts (between PCBs) and the edge passes (along the frame, if present). Frame passes and irregular shapes increase handling time, while second-axis passes run faster due to shorter travel and easier handling.
Pass inference: The model derives the number of cuts from panel geometry.
For example, a 3×4 panel has 2 internal splits on one axis and 3 on the other.
If a technical frame exists, it adds two extra edge passes for each axis or strip.
Handling multiplier: Increases operator motion and alignment time for curved or irregular outlines.
1.25= modest irregularity (rounded corners or notches)1.50= heavy irregularity (multi-contour shapes, notched frames)
Strip pass multiplier: Speeds up the second stage (0.65 default) to mimic smoother handling when cutting single-direction strips.
Panel loading: Fixed 5-second allowance for loading, alignment, and removal per panel.
Output scaling: The final time divides total panel time by the number of PCBs (
panel_factor), yielding a per-unit result.
Batch setup covers tool checks, debris cleanup, and safe-operation prep.
Unit-level formula
// Panel Separation V-Cut
// ------- DRIVERS -------
PANEL_FACTOR := panel_factor; // PCBs per panel
PANEL_WIDTH_MM := panel_width; // panel W
PANEL_HEIGHT_MM := panel_height; // panel H
PCB_WIDTH_MM := pcb_width; // PCB W
PCB_HEIGHT_MM := pcb_height; // PCB H
SHAPE_COMPLEXITY := V2S_PCB_Shape; // 0=normal, 1=irregular, 2=highly irregular
HAS_FRAME := V2S_Has_Tech_Frame; // 0=no frame, 1=frame
// ------- CONSTANTS (tune to site) -------
BREAK_TIME_PER_PASS_S := 3.0; // time per cutter pass along a V-score
PANEL_LOAD_TIME_S := 5.0; // handling overhead for the panel
STRIP_PASS_MULT := 0.65; // -35% time to make one-dimensional strip passes faster
// Shape handling multiplier
HANDLING_MULT :=
if (SHAPE_COMPLEXITY = 2) { 1.50 }
else_if (SHAPE_COMPLEXITY = 1) { 1.25 }
else { 1.00 };
// ------- LAYOUT INFERENCE -------
COLS := max(1, floor(PANEL_WIDTH_MM / max(PCB_WIDTH_MM, 1))); // number of PCBs across
ROWS := max(1, floor(PANEL_HEIGHT_MM / max(PCB_HEIGHT_MM, 1))); // number of PCBs down
// ------- PASS COUNTING (frames + internal splits) -------
// First axis (create ROWS strips): 2*frame edges + internal splits (ROWS-1)
PASSES_AXIS1 := (2 * HAS_FRAME) + max(0, ROWS - 1);
// Second axis (depanel each strip into single PCBs): for EACH of the ROWS strips,
// 2*frame edges + internal splits (COLS-1)
PASSES_AXIS2_PER_STRIP := (2 * HAS_FRAME) + max(0, COLS - 1);
TOTAL_PASSES := PASSES_AXIS1 + (ROWS * PASSES_AXIS2_PER_STRIP);
// Final calculation
TIME_AXIS1_S := PASSES_AXIS1 * BREAK_TIME_PER_PASS_S * HANDLING_MULT;
TIME_AXIS2_S := ROWS * PASSES_AXIS2_PER_STRIP * BREAK_TIME_PER_PASS_S * HANDLING_MULT * STRIP_PASS_MULT;
PANEL_TIME_S := TIME_AXIS1_S + TIME_AXIS2_S + PANEL_LOAD_TIME_S;
UNIT_TIME_S := PANEL_TIME_S / max(PANEL_FACTOR, 1);
// Output
round(UNIT_TIME_S * 10) / 10
Batch-level formula
// Panel Separation (V-Cut) – batch setup
// Fixed 5 minutes per batch (tool checks, debris cleanup, safety prep)
BATCH_SETUP := 180;
BATCH_TEARDOWN := 120;
TOTAL_DEPANEL_BATCH_SECONDS := BATCH_SETUP + BATCH_TEARDOWN;
TOTAL_DEPANEL_BATCH_SECONDS
6️⃣ Customization & Tailoring
💡 Tuning for your site:
The constants in this model should be field-calibrated with stopwatch data, ideally from at least 3–5 measured batches of panels of different types.BREAK_TIME_PER_PASS_S(default 3.0 s)
→ Increase to 4–5 s for manual wheel tools or hand breaks.
→ Decrease to 2–2.5 s for fast, guided electric or pneumatic cutters.STRIP_PASS_MULT(default 0.65)
→ Lower values (<0.6) make the second, strip-separation stage faster.
→ Higher values (0.8–1.0) simulate a slower strip-separation time.HANDLING_MULT(default 1.0–1.5)
→ Adjust per your site’s experience with odd shapes; higher values penalize ergonomic difficulty.PANEL_LOAD_TIME_S(default 5 s)
→ Add or reduce seconds based on loading method (e.g., conveyor-fed vs. manual).
💡 Simplify for early use:
If every job uses standard rectangular panels and consistent tools, fixHAS_FRAME = 1andSHAPE_COMPLEXITY = 0– instead of using drivers – to streamline inputs.💡 Advanced site variants:
For plants using detailed data packs, you can replace the geometric pass inference with a direct input:
V2S_Passes_Total→ manual or automatic count of all V-score passes in both directions.
In this case, keep constants the same: this substitution increases accuracy for complex layouts.💡 Process improvement use:
Tracking the same formula across multiple operators helps visualize and average out skill curves or tool-degradation effects over time.
💡 For more detailed customization, visit the Professional Formula page.
👉 << COMING SOON >>
7️⃣ Linked Expenses or Activities
No direct linked expenses are defined.
Commonly comes after PCB assembly, soldering, inspection and coating, and precedes post-depanelization activities such as testing, assembly and packaging.
8️⃣ Summary
Panel Separation V-Cut (V2S) provides a geometry-based, easy-to-calibrate model for manual depaneling effort.
It reflects both panel layout and shape complexity while remaining light enough for routine cost modeling and scheduling use. With only a few intuitive drivers, it delivers strong accuracy for manual or semi-automatic depaneling processes.