How much space should be left between a PCB’s edge and traces and holes?

Last week, I received an email from PCB suppliers, which told that the space between traces and board edge is too small. We were required to make some adjustment on that. So do you have some suggestions on how much space should I leave?

PCB Assembly
September 19, 2023

For a commercially fabricated PCB, minimum space between traces and board edge may be 0.5mm.
The minimum space is 1mm if the board uses v-grooves; or around mouse-bites.

Remark: However, components shouldn’t be this close in practice.

Some components (multi-layer chip capacitors, especially) are very sensitive to damage due to flexion. If the PCB singulation process involves any unusual strains, like a bending torque, then the components are likely to be damaged. Because they are close enough to experience the stress.

Any PCB with components close to the edge will probably need to be panelized, since the PCB needs to travel on the handling conveyor down the assembly line.

#PCB Assembly #PCB Design

Oliver Smith

Oliver is an experienced electronics engineer skilled in PCB design, analog circuits, embedded systems, and prototyping. His deep knowledge spans schematic capture, firmware coding, simulation, layout, testing, and troubleshooting. Oliver excels at taking projects from concept to mass production using his electrical design talents and mechanical aptitude.

Oliver Smith

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