Scoring & Mouse Bites Combined
Scoring and mouse bites combined is a special PCB panelization method. It combines V-Scoring and mouse bites (stamp holes) in one panel design. This method may be used when part of the panel can be separated by straight scoring lines, while other areas need breakaway tabs with drilled holes because of the board shape or panel structure.
Illustration
What Does It Mean?
In this method, some parts of the PCB panel are separated by V-Scoring, which works well for straight-line breakaway. At the same time, other parts of the same panel use tabs with mouse bites, which are better for irregular shapes or areas where scoring alone is not suitable.
In other words, this is a mixed panelization method. It is used when one single separation method is not enough for the whole panel design.
Straight areas may use V-Scoring.
Special areas may use tabs with mouse bites.
Both methods can exist in one panel when engineering design requires it.
Why Is It Used?
- It gives more flexibility for complicated panel layouts.
- It allows regular straight sections to use V-Scoring for cleaner separation.
- It allows irregular or difficult sections to use mouse bites where scoring cannot work well.
- It may improve panel usability for both PCB fabrication and SMT assembly.
When Is This Method Suitable?
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Panel has both straight and irregular board edges | This mixed method may be suitable because one single method may not handle all edge conditions well. |
| Part of the panel can be scored, but part cannot | V-scoring can be used in straight sections, and mouse bites can be used in the remaining special sections. |
| Complex panel engineering design | This method may be selected after engineering review for manufacturability. |
| Need both clean separation and shape flexibility | This combined method can balance both needs in some projects. |
Method Comparison
| Item | V-Scoring | Mouse Bites | Scoring & Mouse Bites Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Straight-line board separation | Irregular outlines and breakaway tabs | Panels with both straight and special-shape sections |
| Edge Finish | Usually cleaner on straight edges | May leave rough marks at tab locations | Mixed result depending on which area uses which method |
| Flexibility | Lower | Higher | Higher for mixed layouts |
| Typical Limitation | Not suitable for many irregular shapes | Tab marks remain after breakaway | Needs more careful engineering evaluation |
How to Quote This Type of PCB
If your panel requires both V-Scoring and mouse bites, please clearly indicate this in the Gerber files, panel drawing, or fabrication notes.
- Show which edges use V-Scoring.
- Show which locations use tabs and mouse bites.
- Provide a panel drawing whenever possible.
- State whether you need panelized delivery or separated single boards.
Please make this PCB panel by using V-Scoring in straight sections and mouse bites on the required tab locations.
Important Notes
- This is not a standard solution for every board. It is usually used only when needed by panel design.
- Mouse bite sections may still require light edge cleanup after separation.
- Keep components away from score lines and tab breakaway areas.
- If appearance, edge smoothness, or assembly handling is critical, please tell us before ordering.