EAGLE: Panelization and V-score

[jpanhalt]

I have a small board that is quite simple.  It's a 3-pin, spring contact for a cell phone battery with PTH for attaching wires.
(Capture).  I would like it made in panels of 3 or 6, not that I need the parts, but the larger size will be easier to handle.  Contacted JLCPCB via chat and was told simply to make a new layer, e.g., vscore.  That is also what a Google inquiry and a search here returned.  That would require me changing the CAM processor, which I don't know how to do.  Some authors have said that internal Dimension layer outlines are automatically converted to V-score by the board houses.  Attached is a 3-piece panel image (Capture2).

1)  Do you have experience with JCPCB converting internal Dimensions to Vscore?
2)  What allowance should I make (i.e., width) for Vscore?

Regards, John

Dimensions are in mm.

[thm_w]

https://www.reddit.com/r/PrintedCircuitBoard/comments/a9mgfk/how_to_indicate_vcuts_for_jlcpcb/
https://support.jlcpcb.com/article/49-pcb-panelization

Any reason you can't just use the "panel by jlcpcb" option?

The minimum size appears to be 8x6 PCBs.

[jpanhalt]

I have always used Oshpark (usually) or a China-based board house (once) whose name I can't remember.  This is a first for me with JLCPCB, and I didn't realize that option existed.  I will definitely look into it more.  My thought was that if I go with a stencil and solder paste, panelized will be easier with a larger board area.

Regards, John

[fastbike]

I had issues with the gerberx2 files produced by DipTrace being flagged by JLCPCB. It appeared the v score panelisation created a file "V-Scoring.gbr".
I've got a post over on the diptrace support forum explaining the issues I and the temporary fix I've come up with to get the zip file containing the correct data. DipTrace are working with me to patch their software (which is otherwise very good).
https://diptrace.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15208

As to why you would want to do your own panelisation cf getting the fab house to do it? I need fiducials and alignment holes to be laid out in specific places to aid board assembly and I'm not aware that JLCPCB can offer that.

[jpanhalt]

Follow up:  The board is 10mm x13mm.  Panelizing by JLCPCB is expensive relative to its regular prices.  After discussing with its online chat, I am still a little confused. 

Attached is an image of a panelized version.  "Dimension" (layer 20) was used both for the outline and the internal "V-cuts."  It will be submitted as panelized by user.  Will JLCPCB recognize the interior dimensions as V-cuts?  My Eagle ver. (7.xx) also has a layer #102 called "Vscore."  I have never used that and fear that using it will simply be ignored.

I submitted Gerbers created by the JPCPCB CAM processor, and the images that pop up appear correct.  The 5mm x width borders at top and bottom were added as JLPCB adds them when it does the panelization.  According to the chat, they are not necessary, but I will include one for the JLC label.

Regards.

[JLCPCB Official]

When it comes to JLCPCB Panel manufacturing, it is important to draw the V-cut lines on the same layer as the board outline. This will automatically indicate that these lines are intended for V-cuts when you specify that your design is a Panel by customer design. Additionally, ensure that you set the appropriate row and column panel pieces for your design.
Alternatively, you can upload the design of a single board and select the "Panel by JLCPCB" option. Our skilled engineers will then create the PCB panel based on the number of panel pieces you specify for the row and column.
Please remember to adhere to JLCPCB's manufacturing capabilities, which you can review at this link: https://jlcpcb.com/capabilities/pcb-capabilities
If you have any further questions or require assistance, feel free to reach out to us through support@jlcpcb.com

[jpanhalt]

@JLCPCB Official
Those procedures were followed and JLCPCB correctly interpreted the panel.  I used the JLCPCB CAM processor.

Unfortunately, the PCB was so small that there were extra charges based on the number of boards that fit on the 70 mm x 70 mm minimum.  As I only need a few of the boards,  I changed the design to a single board (attachment).

That design had a small margin  to give a final size of 20 mm x 20 mm and a place for the JLC order number.  I have no problem trimming boards to what I need.  That design was submitted early on 06/26/23 (EDT) and was held in review.  The JLC message said "awaiting payment."  There was no way I could find to pay for it.  There was no, "button," on my order history page. After multiple "chats", your agent said that button would appear after review was complete.  24 hours later (0500, 06/27/23 EDT), there was no indication review was done and still no button.  I deleted the files and will likely go to another supplier.

Regards, John

[thm_w]

You can resubmit and pre-pay, I never used the review first option. Might be the reason.

Anyway, seems like a lot of hassle over just letting the fab do the job. You claim its "expensive" but the engineering fee was $4. and v-cut fee of $15 for tiny boards. Thats not significant compared to the time you've spent.

[jpanhalt]

Problem was resolved by deleting everything and starting a new order.  That submission went as expected including payment.