PCB Panelisation/ Part patterning?

[Regthing]

Morning all.


I am trying to panelise a PCB. What I would like to be able to do is take the part I have modeled and pattern the whole part, not just features in it, without making it an assembly.


Any ideas.


Cheers, Scott

 

[dlongmi]

Scott,


One way I know is to create a local group of the features you want to move and pattern them asa group. You will need to do a few things first for it to work though.


I assume you have a base protrusion for the PCB with mounting holes and traces. Redefinethefirst featureand give it an offset value that you can modify later. Let'scall it value Alpha. In other words, redefine the base feature so it is not locked to the datums and offset it in the direction you ultimately wish to pattern. Reset the value to 0 and regen.


This is where it could get tedious. You will need to ensure all subsequent features are referenced to the base feature in some way. (to an edge or a datum hole in the base protrusion...NOT THE DATUM PLANES). Redefine each feature in your modeloneat a timeand perform what I just described. I said tedious because if you have a six layer PCB then run for the hills. If that is the case then copy all features and pattern the copy. IF you are just starting out on the model then its loads easier.


Once all the features have areference to the base protrusionyou can create a local group containing all the features including the base protrusion. This can be done with a "range" selection which should make it easier. Pattern the group and you only have to select the dimension (Alpha)you created for the base protrusion offset. The group pattern will carry everything with it. It's important that your features reference the base protrusion however. If not, those features will not go along for the ride.


Hope it helped.

 

[Regthing]

dlongmi,


That makes complete sense now. Had done everything bar offsetting the base protrusion from the datums.

Cheers.