Panelization should not be the bottleneck
In PCB production, panelization is rarely just a layout task. It sits right at the intersection of design rules, fabrication requirements, and data consistency, which means small inefficiencies can quickly turn into delays downstream.
The Panel Builder plugin in PCB-Investigator is built to reduce that friction. It helps you combine PCB designs into a panel, optimize spacing, and rotate individual steps or complete layouts with more control and less manual effort.
Built for real fabrication workflows
One of the strengths of Panel Builder is its flexibility. With functions such as Add new Step, Import Step, and Create Panel, you can build panel structures from scratch or integrate data from other sources into one workflow.
That matters when engineering teams need to work across ODB++, GenCAD, or IPC2581 and still deliver manufacturing-ready results. The plugin also supports fiducials and nesting logic, helping teams prepare panels more efficiently for production.
Practical value for engineering teams
When panel creation is standardized, teams reduce manual rework, lower the risk of errors, and save time during handoff to manufacturing. For high-mix environments or fast-moving development cycles, that can have a measurable impact.
- Optimized placement and spacing
- Rotation of single PCBs or full panels
- Import of external step data
- Support for dummy PCBs
- Fiducials and nesting for fabrication prep
Better panelization is not just about fitting more boards on a panel. It is about making the path to production more predictable.
If panelization is part of your day-to-day process, take a closer look at Panel Builder and see how it can fit into your workflow.
