Mouse bites on a PCB: perforated tabs that let you break boards out of a panel
A tab held by a row of small holes lets a board snap out of the panel by hand. We make them on request, with the values you give.
What mouse bites are
When boards are separated by milling, the outline is routed all the way round except for a few small tabs that hold the board in the panel. Mouse bites are a row of small drilled holes across such a tab. The perforation weakens the tab, so the board breaks out cleanly by hand instead of being cut.
Mouse bites, routing tabs and V-cut
| Method | Edge shape | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| V-cut | Straight lines only | Boards sit side by side; the cleanest edge |
| Routing with plain tabs | Any shape | The tab is cut or snapped and leaves a stub |
| Routing with mouse bites | Any shape, including curves | The tab is perforated and breaks by hand |
| V-cut and mouse bites in one panel | Straight and shaped edges | V-cut on the straight sides, perforated tabs on the shaped sides |
We make mouse bites when the panel is separated by milling with tabs, and also in panels that combine V-cut with milling: the straight sides are V-cut and the sides with a curved or irregular outline are held by perforated tabs. See panelization for the methods.
What we make
Mouse bites are made on request. We have no fixed values: you give the hole diameter, the number of holes per tab and the tab width, and we confirm in the quote that they work for your board.
Design checklist
- Draw the tabs in the outline or mechanical layer, with the row of holes across each tab, and write the hole diameter, the holes per tab and the tab width.
- Place the tabs where the board can be held without stress, away from components and fine traces.
- Expect a small rough stub where each tab was broken; do not put parts or fine traces next to it.
- Use V-cut for the straight edges where you can, as it gives a cleaner edge (design rules).
- Tick “Mouse bites” in the “Special processes” section of the calculator and give the values, or write them in the notes of the request (what to put in a request).
How to order
Upload the files in the price calculator, choose milling with tabs or V-cut for the panel and tick “Mouse bites” in the “Special processes” section. We confirm in the quote that they can be made and what they add to the price. If you are unsure how to draw them, contact us with your files.
Frequently asked questions
Do you make mouse bites?
Yes, on request, with the values you give: hole diameter, holes per tab and tab width.
When are mouse bites made?
When the panel is separated by milling with tabs, and in panels that combine V-cut with milling.
What is the difference between mouse bites and V-cut?
V-cut is a groove along a straight line; mouse bites are small holes across a routing tab, so they suit curved or irregular outlines too.
Is a rough edge normal after breaking a tab?
Yes, a small stub remains where the tab was; keep parts and fine traces away from it.
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