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Singulating Pre-Scored printed circuit cards can most effectively be done with the use of circular blade depanelizers such as the FKN K Series. These are available in a variety of models, from the low cost K1000 for manual depaneling to the K5000 and K6000 multiple blade Depanelizers for use on automotive electronics and other high volume applications. The K Series singulates panels by using two blades to pinch the remainder material along the PCB Score-Line, breaking the fibers holding the panel together.

Tab Routed PCBs can be singulated quickly and cleanly by using one of the N Series punch tools. For square and rectangular panels it is possible to use the N100 to cut the tab and separate the panels. Circular and oval panels such as used in instrumentation can be cut using the N200. Both tools are a fast and dust free method to singulate panels from the matrix. Tooling for the N200 is available to help speed up the singulation process for a variety of boards. The N200 is ideal as a stand alone process, or as back up for high volume presses, when prototype or small replacement part runs have to be processed.

Routing Tab Routed panels is a common way singulate these populated PCBs. In order to provide cost effective and flexible tools for low volume production FKN has developed the R100 and R200 router system. The R100 is a tabletop router which allows the operator to place the routed channel and tab over two guide pins to align the router bit with the board. The router bit can be adjusted up or down to set the exact depth of cut, and brought out above the table for replacement.

In order to singulate pre-scored copper or aluminum based PCBs it is possible to use the Circular Blade depaneling method by setting the blades to shear the material. Since standard fiberglass PCB panels can be singulated by pressure on the fibers holding them together, is not necessary to set blades to pass each other. Aluminum or copper based panels have different material characteristics, so it is necessary to cut all the way through the material in order to completely singulate the panel. The K3000 can be set to effectively depanel these types of Printed Circuit Boards.

One fast, clean and inexpensive way to separate the carrier strips from panels with connectors overhanging the edge of the card is to bend and break the scrap strip. Use of a punch or the circular blade method is not possible since the overhanging components prevent access to both sides of the panel. Saws and Routers may to the job, but they are slow and generate dust in the process. To this end FKN has developed the B Series of Bend and Snap tools to help break the edge strip from underneath the components without excess stress on the panel.

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FKN SYSTEK, INC. - 86 Kendall Avenue- Framingham, MA. 01702

( TEL: (508) 935-2282 FAX: (508) 935 -2286 ----- : E-MAIL: fkn@fknsystek.com

Singulating straight panels which have no score-line, or those with overhanging components, is done in a cost effective way by using Diamond Blade Saws. In addition to the advantage of long blade life and relatively high throughput speeds, using a diamond blade saw leaves the highest quality edge finish with the least stress on components of any of the depaneling methods.. The S Series is available as a single blade universal model in the S100 or as multiple blade PLC controlled automatic and semi-automatice systems. Blade life is 1000 to 3000 meters.

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FKN SYSTEK, INC. - 86 Kendall Avenue- Framingham, MA. 01702

Copyright© 1997, 98 FKN Systek, Inc. 08/17/03 Last Update 03/20/08