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EXE 960AT Online Laser Depaneling Machine

The EXE 960AT is an inline laser PCB depaneling machine designed to automate PCB/PCBA feeding, positioning, laser cutting, material transfer, and output within an integrated production workflow. Unlike mechanical router depaneling, the laser cutting process separates the PCB without direct router-bit cutting force.

The system combines CCD vision alignment, AC-servo motion, laser displacement sensing, and CNC motion control. With published cutting precision of ±25 μm and repeatability of ±2 μm, the EXE 960AT can be evaluated for automated electronics production where precision, non-contact separation, and inline material handling are important.


EXE 960AT Inline Laser PCB Depaneling Machine Specifications

The following parameters are based on the current EXE 960AT technical data. Final configuration should be confirmed according to the PCB material, production requirements, laser process, and automation setup.

Laser Cutting Performance
Cutting Precision±25 μm
Repeatability±2 μm
Maximum Moving SpeedX/Y Axis: 1000 mm/s; Z Axis: 800 mm/s
Mirror Speed≥8000 mm/s
PCB Size300 × 350 (Customizable)
Machinable Material Thickness≤2 mm
Laser Power20 W (Optional)
X/Y/Z Resolution2 μm
Motion, Vision & Control
XYZ Control ModeCNC Motion Controller
XYZ Drive MethodAC Servo
Platform StructureMarble Platform
CCD Light SourceCircular Light + Coaxial Light
Positioning & CompensationCCD + Mark; Linear Compensation + Single-PCS
Cooling MethodWater-Cooled
Vision & Cutting Functions
Mark Point TypesStandard Shape, Circular, Square
Cutting FunctionsStraight Line, Semi-Circular Arc, Circular Arc, Left/Right Copy, Rotational Copy, Matrix Copy, Automatic Correction Compensation
Equipment & Utilities
Equipment PowerAC 220 V ±10%, 50/60 Hz, 1.5 kW
Air Supply4–6 kg/cm²
Operating Humidity30%–60%
Machine Dimensions1400 × 1500 × 1600 mm
Machine Weight900 kg

From Panel In to PCB Out: How the EXE 960AT Works

The main difference between the EXE 960AT and a standalone laser depaneling machine is not simply the laser source. The 960AT is designed around an inline automated material flow, allowing PCB handling and laser processing to operate as one production sequence.

01 — Automatic PCB Feeding

PCB or PCBA panels enter the depaneling system as part of the automated production workflow.

02 — Product Transfer & Positioning

The product is transferred into the processing position, where the motion system prepares the PCB for vision alignment and laser cutting.

03 — CCD Vision Alignment

CCD and Mark recognition are used to identify PCB reference positions and support coordinate correction before processing.

04 — Programmable Laser Depaneling

The system executes the programmed laser cutting path, including straight lines, circular arcs, semi-circular arcs, copy functions, and automatic correction compensation.

05 — Automatic Product Output

After laser processing, the separated product moves to the output stage for connection with the next manufacturing operation according to the configured production line.

Why Use Laser Depaneling in an Inline Production Line?

Inline laser depaneling is not automatically the best solution for every PCB. Its value becomes clearer when non-contact separation and automated production-line handling are both important to the manufacturing process.

Non-Contact Cutting

Laser processing does not require a mechanical router bit to contact the PCB, avoiding direct milling-cutter force during the cutting operation.

No Router-Bit Tool Change

Because material is removed by laser rather than a milling cutter, the process does not depend on router-bit wear or periodic router-bit replacement.

Programmable Cutting Geometry

Straight lines, arcs, copy functions, and compensation functions support a range of programmed PCB cutting paths.

Inline Material Flow

Automated feeding, positioning, cutting, transfer, and output reduce dependence on separate manual loading between processing steps.

Core Features of the EXE 960AT

CCD Vision Positioning

Circular and coaxial lighting support Mark recognition and PCB reference positioning before laser processing.

CNC Motion Control

A dedicated CNC motion controller coordinates the programmed XYZ movement required during the laser depaneling process.

AC Servo Drive System

AC servo drives provide controlled motion across the machine's positioning axes.

Marble Platform Structure

The marble platform provides a stable structural foundation for precision motion and laser processing.

Programmable Pattern Processing

Cutting functions include straight lines, semi-circular arcs, circular arcs, left/right copy, rotational copy, matrix copy, and automatic correction compensation.

Automated Production Workflow

The system is designed to combine PCB feeding, positioning, laser processing, and output within an inline production configuration.

EXE 960AT Inline vs. EXE 960 Offline Laser Depaneling

Both systems use laser processing, but they address different production environments. The key distinction is automation mode, not simply which machine has the higher specification value.

ComparisonEXE 960ATEXE 960
Production ModeInline automated productionOffline standalone production
Material FeedingAutomated workflowOperator-assisted offline workflow
Cutting ProcessProgrammable laser cuttingProgrammable laser cutting
Product OutputIntegrated automated outputOffline handling workflow
Best Evaluated ForAutomated lines requiring laser depaneling and continuous material handlingFlexible standalone laser processing and offline product changeovers

If production-line integration is not required, review the    EXE 960 Offline Laser PCB Depaneling Machine  for a standalone laser depaneling configuration.

What Should Be Checked Before Choosing Inline Laser PCB Depaneling?

Laser depaneling should be evaluated from the actual PCB and production process. A non-contact cutting method does not mean every material, board thickness, or production requirement will produce the same result.

PCB Material:  Material compatibility should be confirmed according to the configured laser source, PCB construction, and required cutting quality.
Material Thickness:  The published EXE 960AT machinable-material thickness is ≤2 mm, but actual processing capability should still be validated for the specific material.
Cutting Geometry: Straight lines, curves, internal geometry, and surrounding PCB structures should be reviewed before programming the final cutting path.
Component Clearance: Components, connectors, coatings, and other heat-sensitive areas close to the laser path should be considered during process validation.
Edge & Thermal Requirements: Evaluate required edge appearance, thermal influence, discoloration, residue, and other application-specific quality criteria.
Production Cycle Time:  Laser is not automatically faster than mechanical routing for every PCB. Required takt time should be validated using the actual cutting length and product configuration.
Fume Extraction:  Laser processing does not create router-bit dust, but ablation can generate fumes and fine particulate. Appropriate extraction should be evaluated for the actual PCB material.

Not sure whether laser or router depaneling is more appropriate?  Compare the main differences in cutting principle, mechanical stress, geometry, dust, and application requirements in our  PCB Depaneling Methods Comparison.

Typical Applications for Inline Laser PCB Depaneling

The EXE 960AT can be evaluated for electronics manufacturing applications where automated production and non-contact laser separation are both important. Final suitability depends on the actual PCB material and process requirements.

Precision Electronics

Compact PCB layouts, programmed contours, and production processes where controlled laser positioning and automation are required.

Medical Electronics

Laser depaneling may be evaluated for medical electronic assemblies where non-contact processing, precision, and controlled manufacturing are important.  View medical PCB depaneling solutions.

Communication Electronics

Communication, network, RF, and related electronic assemblies may require precise routing geometry and automated processing.  View communication PCB depaneling solutions.

Compact & High-Density Electronics

Small-format or densely integrated electronics can be evaluated where narrow processing areas, programmable cutting paths, or automated material handling are required.

Need an Inline Router Instead of Laser?

For automated PCB routing with a mechanical spindle, automatic tool change, and inline PCB handling, review the  EXE 880AT Inline PCB Depaneling Machine.

EXE 960AT Inline Laser PCB Depaneling Video

Watch the EXE 960AT production workflow to see automated PCB handling and laser processing in operation. Actual handling configuration and production-line integration may vary according to the PCB and customer application.

   

Frequently Asked Questions About the EXE 960AT

What is an inline laser PCB depaneling machine?

An inline laser PCB depaneling machine combines automated PCB handling with non-contact laser cutting in a production-line workflow. Instead of manually transferring each panel to a standalone workstation, feeding, positioning, cutting, and output can be integrated into an automated process.

What is the difference between EXE 960AT and EXE 960?

The EXE 960AT is designed for inline automated laser depaneling, while the EXE 960 is an offline laser depaneling platform. The choice depends mainly on production-line integration, material-handling requirements, product mix, and manufacturing workflow.

What is the cutting precision of the EXE 960AT?

The published cutting precision is ±25 μm, with repeatability of ±2 μm and X/Y/Z resolution of 2 μm.

Does laser PCB depaneling require router bits?

No. Laser depaneling removes PCB material using laser energy rather than a mechanical milling cutter, so there is no router-bit wear or router-bit replacement during the laser cutting process.

What information is needed before evaluating the EXE 960AT?

Useful evaluation information includes PCB material, PCB and panel dimensions, material thickness, cutting drawing or path, component clearance, required cutting quality, production cycle time, expected volume, and production-line automation requirements.

EXE 960AT is an automation choice, not simply a “higher version” of EXE 960

Choose between the two systems according to the real production workflow. The EXE 960 is intended for flexible offline laser processing, while the EXE 960AT focuses on combining laser depaneling with automated PCB feeding, transfer, and output. PCB material compatibility and final cutting quality should be validated before either process is confirmed.

Is the EXE 960AT Suitable for Your PCB Production Line?

Send EXE your PCB material, panel size, thickness, cutting drawing, required edge quality, component-clearance information, cycle-time target, and automation requirements. Our team can evaluate whether an inline laser or alternative PCB depaneling process is more appropriate for your application.

           Request a Laser Depaneling Evaluation        

Video of EXE 960AT Online Laser Depaneling Machine

EXE 960AT Online Laser Depaneling Machine
Contact EXE to Get Professional PCB Depaneling Solutions
Contact EXE to Get Professional PCB Depaneling Solutions
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