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EXE 960 Offline Laser PCB Depaneling Machine

The EXE 960 is an offline laser PCB depaneling machine designed for precise, non-contact separation of PCB and PCBA panels. It combines laser processing, CCD vision positioning, CNC motion control, and dual Y-axis worktables to support accurate cutting of straight lines, arcs, irregular contours, and other programmed PCB profiles.

With cutting precision up to ±20 μm, repeatability of ±2 μm, and X/Y/Z resolution of 1 μm, the EXE 960 is suitable for electronics manufacturers that require high-precision PCB separation with very low mechanical cutting force.


EXE 960 Offline Laser PCB Depaneling Machine Specifications

The following specifications summarize the core performance, motion control, vision positioning, cutting functions, and equipment requirements of the EXE 960. Actual configuration may vary according to selected options and application requirements.

ParameterSpecification
Core Performance
Cutting Precision±20 μm
Repeatability±2 μm
Maximum Moving SpeedX/Y Axis: 1,000 mm/s; Z Axis: 800 mm/s
Mirror Speed≥8,000 mm/s
PCB Size300 × 350 (Customizable)
Machinable Material Thickness≤2 mm
Laser Power20 W (Optional)
X/Y/Z Resolution1 μm
Motion, Vision & Control
XYZ Control ModeCNC Motion Controller
Platform StructureMarble Platform
CCD Light SourceCircular Light + Coaxial Light
Positioning MethodCCD + MarkThermal
Compensation MethodLinear Compensation + Single-PCS
Cooling MethodWater-Cooled
XYZ Drive MethodAC Servo
Mark Point TypesStandard Shape, Circular, Square
Cutting Functions
Supported Cutting FunctionsStraight Line, Semi-Circular Arc, Circular Arc, Left/Right Copy, Rotational Copy, Matrix Copy, Automatic Correction Compensation
Utilities & Machine Data
Equipment PowerAC 220 V ±10%, 50/60 Hz, 1.5 kW
Air Supply4–6 kg/cm²
Operating Temperature-20°C to ±45°C
Operating Humidity30%–60%
Machine Dimensions1,400 × 1,500 × 1,600 mm
Machine Weight900 kg

Features of the EXE 960 Laser PCB Depaneling Machine

Stable Marble Platform:  The precision marble platform provides a stable mechanical reference for laser processing, motion control, and repeated PCB positioning.

Dual Worktable Design: Two work areas can accommodate separate fixtures and product setups, supporting flexible loading and production changeovers in an offline environment.

Servo-Driven Dual Y Axes: Independent Y-axis worktables use servo-driven motion to support stable positioning and efficient PCB loading and processing.

Dedicated CNC Motion Control:  An independent CNC motion controller coordinates the machine axes and programmed cutting paths for repeatable laser processing.

CCD Vision Positioning: Vision-based Mark recognition helps identify PCB position and supports coordinate correction before laser cutting.

Flexible Cutting Paths: The system supports straight lines, arcs, circular paths, copying functions, and automatic correction for different programmed PCB profiles.

Bilingual User Interface: Chinese and English interface options support machine setup and daily operation for different production teams.

Safety Light-Curtain Protection: The PCB loading and unloading areas use safety light curtains to help reduce the risk of unintended operation during manual handling.

Why Choose Laser PCB Depaneling?

Laser and router depaneling solve different PCB manufacturing requirements. Laser processing can be especially useful when mechanical cutting force, precision, narrow paths, or complex contours are major considerations.

Non-Contact PCB Separation

Laser processing removes material without a rotating milling cutter contacting the PCB. This significantly reduces mechanical cutting force transferred into the board compared with mechanical separation.

High-Precision Cutting

The EXE 960 specifies ±20 μm cutting precision and ±2 μm repeatability, supporting applications where dimensional consistency is an important process requirement.

Flexible Cutting Geometry

Programmed laser paths can support straight lines, arcs, circular profiles, and irregular contours without relying on a physical router-bit diameter to define every cutting radius.

No Router-Bit Wear

Because laser depaneling does not use a mechanical milling cutter, there is no router-bit replacement or cutting-edge wear to manage during the separation process.

Important:            Laser depaneling is not automatically the best choice for every PCB. Material, thickness, cutting path, thermal characteristics, required cycle time, extraction requirements, and production cost should all be evaluated before selecting the process.

Who Should Choose the EXE 960?

The EXE 960 is suitable for manufacturers evaluating offline laser PCB depaneling where precision, complex cutting paths, low mechanical cutting force, and flexible product changeovers are important. It is particularly relevant when the production process does not require direct integration with an SMT or automated handling line.

Machine selection should consider PCB material, material thickness, panel dimensions, cutting geometry, component clearance, required cutting quality, expected cycle time, production volume, and extraction requirements.

For high-volume production requiring automatic board feeding, cutting, and output, manufacturers can also evaluate the  EXE 960AT Online Laser Depaneling Machine.

Laser vs. Router PCB Depaneling

The EXE 960 is designed for laser depaneling, while mechanical PCB routers provide a different balance of board thickness capability, process cost, cutting speed, and material compatibility. The correct technology should be selected according to the actual PCB.

FactorEXE 960 Laser DepanelingRouter Depaneling
Cutting MethodNon-contact laser processingMechanical milling
Mechanical Cutting ForceVery lowLow when fixture and routing parameters are optimized
Cutting Tool WearNo mechanical router bitRouter bit is a consumable tool
Complex ContoursExcellent flexibilityExcellent where router-bit access is available
Typical SelectionPrecision and mechanically sensitive applicationsBroad rigid-PCB routing applications

For conventional rigid PCB routing or broader mechanical depaneling requirements, see the  EXE 880 Offline PCB Depaneling Machine.

EXE 960 Offline vs. EXE 960AT Online Laser Depaneling

Production FactorEXE 960 OfflineEXE 960AT Online
Machine TypeStandalone offline workstationAutomated inline laser system
PCB HandlingOperator-assisted loading and unloadingAutomatic board feeding, cutting, and output
Typical ProductionFlexible offline or high-mix productionAutomated high-volume production
Line IntegrationNot requiredDesigned for automated production-line integration

Typical Applications of the EXE 960

The EXE 960 can be evaluated for electronic PCB assemblies where cutting precision, low mechanical force, complex cutting geometry, or non-contact processing are important. Suitability should be confirmed according to the actual PCB material and production requirements.

Medical Electronics

Precision control boards, monitoring electronics, diagnostic equipment, and other medical PCB assemblies can require controlled separation where mechanical cutting force and component clearance are important. Learn more about PCB depaneling for medical electronics.

Communication & RF Electronics

Communication modules, RF electronics, optical communication equipment, and high-density network electronics may require precise cutting paths and controlled PCB separation.  See PCB depaneling for communication and 5G electronics .

Smart Wearable Electronics

Compact wearable electronics may use small PCB layouts, narrow separation paths, and components located close to the board edge. Explore  PCB depaneling for smart wearable electronics.

Compact Consumer Electronics

Small electronic devices with dense layouts, irregular contours, or limited cutting clearance can be evaluated for precision laser depaneling.

Precision Electronic Assemblies

PCB assemblies requiring repeatable cutting dimensions, complex programmed contours, or especially low mechanical cutting force may also be suitable candidates for laser depaneling.

Not sure which depaneling technology is appropriate?  Compare router, laser, V-cut, punching, and other separation processes in our  PCB Depaneling Methods Comparison.   

Frequently Asked Questions About the EXE 960

What is a laser PCB depaneling machine?

A laser PCB depaneling machine uses focused laser energy to remove material along a programmed separation path. Because no mechanical milling cutter contacts the PCB, the process introduces very little mechanical cutting force.

What is the cutting precision of the EXE 960?

The EXE 960 specifies cutting precision of ±20 μm, repeatability of ±2 μm, and X/Y/Z resolution of 1 μm.

Does laser PCB depaneling apply mechanical stress to the PCB?

Laser depaneling is a non-contact process, so it does not apply the mechanical cutting force created by a router bit, saw, or mechanical separator. However, the complete laser process and PCB material should still be validated for the specific application.

What material thickness can the EXE 960 process?

The published EXE 960 specification lists a machinable material thickness of ≤2 mm. Actual suitability depends on PCB material, laser configuration, cutting requirements, and the validated process.

Can the EXE 960 cut irregular PCB shapes?

The EXE 960 supports programmed straight lines, semi-circular arcs, circular arcs, copying functions, and automatic correction compensation, allowing it to process a range of programmed PCB profiles.

Should I choose laser or router PCB depaneling?

Laser depaneling is worth considering when non-contact processing, very low mechanical cutting force, high precision, or complex cutting paths are important. Router depaneling can be more suitable for many conventional rigid PCB applications and broader mechanical routing requirements. The final choice should be based on the actual PCB and production process.

What information is needed to evaluate the EXE 960?

Useful information includes PCB material, thickness, board and panel dimensions, cutting drawing, cutting-path geometry, component clearance, required cutting quality, expected production volume, and cycle-time requirement.

Evaluate the EXE 960 for Your PCB Application

Send EXE your PCB material, thickness, panel drawing, cutting path, component clearance, production volume, and expected cycle time. Our team can help evaluate whether the EXE 960 laser PCB depaneling machine is suitable for your production requirements.

           Request a PCB Depaneling Evaluation        

EXE 960 Laser PCB Depaneling Machine Video

EXE 960 Offline Laser Depaneling Machine
Contact EXE to Get Professional PCB Depaneling Solutions
Contact EXE to Get Professional PCB Depaneling Solutions
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