What is a reasonable panel size to choose when ordering panelized PCBs from my manufacturer if I want to be able to get them assembled by as many PCB assemblers as possible (i.e. I haven't decided on which assembler to use yet, and/or I may change to a different assembler in the future).
Also, are tooling holes needed on the tooling strips, or are just plain tooling strips sufficient?
Best Answer
The panels actually used are something like 18" x 24", for your internal panelized PCBs using about letter size (A4) is probably reasonable as a first cut.
The PCB house is not the only, perhaps not even the main, consideration. You have to make sure your assembly houses can all handle the size of the panelized boards or your assembly costs will skyrocket.
You should put tooling holes in the tooling strips and fiducials, plus additional fiducials around BGAs and such like.