--- title: "Creating Panels for Round Circular PCB's | Numerical Innovations Blog" description: "Learn how to panelize round circular PCB designs in FAB 3000 using optimized staggered arrays, routs, tabs, and auto-fit tools. Video tutorial included!" lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Organization", "name": "Numerical Innovations Inc.", "url": "https://www.numericalinnovations.com", "logo": "https://numericalinnovations.com/logo.png", "description": "Leading solutions for CAM, DFM, and 3D Software. Discover FAB 3000, ACE 2D/3D Translator, EasyGerb, and Numerical Cloud for engineering-grade precision.", "sameAs": [], "contactPoint": { "@type": "ContactPoint", "contactType": "Customer Service", "email": "support@numericalinnovations.com" }, "hasOfferCatalog": { "@type": "OfferCatalog", "name": "CAD/CAM Software Products", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "Product", "name": "FAB 3000", "description": "The Ultimate CAM Tool for PCB Manufacturing with advanced DFM analysis, Gerber, ODB++ IPC-2581 support", "category": "CAM Software" }, { "@type": "Product", "name": "ACE 2D/3D Translator", "description": "CAD Conversion Tool for DWG, DXF, STEP file conversion and translation", "category": "CAD Conversion Software" }, { "@type": "Product", "name": "EasyGerb for AutoCAD", "description": "Instant Gerber Output from AutoCAD with seamless integration", "category": "AutoCAD Plugin" }, { "@type": "Product", "name": "Numerical Cloud Subscription", "description": "Cloud-based software management with single activation code for unlimited computers", "category": "Software Management" } ] } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BlogPosting", "headline": "Creating Panels for Round Circular PCB's", "description": "Learn how to panelize round circular PCB designs in FAB 3000 using optimized staggered arrays, routs, tabs, and auto-fit tools. Video tutorial included!", "datePublished": "2023-05-24", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Simon" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Numerical Innovations", "url": "https://www.numericalinnovations.com" }, "keywords": [ "FAB 3000 Panelization", "Circular PCB Panel", "Staggered PCB Array", "Round PCB Panel Design", "CAM Panel Tools", "PCB Manufacturing Optimization" ] } ] --- We use cookies and analytics to improve your experience. By clicking "Accept", you consent to our use of cookies. [Learn more](/privacy-policy) DeclineAccept [🔁 Lifetime Support user? Click here for downloads](/lifetime-support-downloads) [![Numerical Innovations](/assets/ni-logo-C3u5Pfq2.png)](/) - Products - Support - Download - [Online Viewer](/free-gerber-viewer) [About](/about-us)[Blog](/blog) Toggle theme [Order Now](/order-now) Toggle theme Toggle menu [Back to Blog](/blog) FAB 3000 PCB Panelization Tutorials # Creating Panels for Round Circular PCB's Simon May 24, 2023 Most automated Panelize tools are optimized for standardized rectangular PCB shapes. However, **FAB 3000** supports hierarchy, nesting, and sub-panels, making it possible to create optimized panels for **any PCB shape**! In this tutorial, we'll create an optimized panel for **Round Circular PCB's** using FAB 3000. After importing your circular PCB design (Gerbers, ODB++, 2581, DXF, etc.) and defining all layer types, please perform the following: * * * **1\. Create PCB Rout and Outer Tabs** (used to hold PCB in the panel during assembly) 1. Place FAB3000 into **NC mode** and use: **Auto-Rout PCB Border** - Or from CAM mode: Featured Tools → Auto-Rout PCB Border... 2. Verify the Auto-Rout option values and press OK. 3. Select the PCB outline and the rout will be automatically created. - **Note:** The outline must be closed and continuous. [More details here](https://support.numericalinnovations.com/support/discussions/topics/14000015876) 4. Add Tabs: - Use command **Add Tab…** (or Featured Tools → Add Tab…) 5. Verify options and press OK. - **Important:** In the command window, type **R** to set tab shape to **Rounded** for curved edges. 6. **Select Tab Locations** - Select spots that allow the PCB to remain intact throughout manufacturing. - For circular PCB's, 4+ tabs are typically required. - **Note:** This tutorial uses randomly placed tabs as a demo. Your PCB manufacturer can recommend best placement for your panel. 7. Save the workspace (Ctrl+S). * * * **2\. Panel Setup** 1. Create a new panel: File → New → Panel… 2. Review options. [**Panel setup details here**](https://support.numericalinnovations.com/support/discussions/topics/14000018621) 3. Press OK to create the panel. - **Note:** For circular boards, we will not use the Panelize Wizard. We'll place them manually (see next step). - **Tip:** FAB3000 supports inserting multiple jobs or sub-panels. [Learn more](https://support.numericalinnovations.com/support/discussions/topics/14000003475) * * * **3\. Array Circular PCB (Staggered) for Maximum Material Efficiency** ![Staggered circular PCB array example](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/14122723461/original/spWpf2TwyACg5B35u_ljNZTe1seKMU-IHg.png?1684964010) 1. Use: **Insert Job** (Job → Insert Job…) 2. Select the circular PCB job to insert. 3. Select **Insert Type:** Arrayed 4. Enter desired **X and Y Counts**. 5. Enter a Count larger than needed (we can delete extras later). 6. Enter required **Spacing** - Typically equal to rout diameter, or 3× for added stability. - Enable **Use Staggered Array**. 7. Press OK and choose the insert point. 8. **Delete any excess PCB's** that exceed the panel boundary. - If too few: Undo → Insert Job again → increase count. * * * **4\. Finish Panel** Use: Tools → **Finish Panel** to automatically generate panel elements (fiducials, tooling holes, bars, text labels, etc.). Verify the result, and your panel is complete! **Sub-Panel Creation?** A sub-panel is simply the array without using Finish Panel. You can then place multiple sub-panels into a master panel. **Want the Smallest Possible Panel?** FAB3000 can auto-shrink the panel to fit what's needed: Tools → **Auto-Fit Panel (existing Inserts)** * * * **Example Tutorial Movie (no sound):** Your browser does not support the video tag. ![Numerical Innovations](/assets/ni-logo-C3u5Pfq2.png) Leading solutions for CAM / DFM / 3D software. 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