V Cut for multiple layers PCB

It's not wise at all to try and just break a scored PCB (for the reasons you otulined, plus stress around vias close to the flex line). However you can use a knife or saw to do it by hand, without much risk.

Pay the 2 dollars. Epoxy boards are hell on knives, drills, saws.

I've had no problems with this, but usually the inner layers are power planes and I keep traces and planes well away from the V-groove.

I agree. Inner layers on all my boards have a greater keepout to the edge then surface layers. My surface keepout from the edge is usually 50 mils minimum and inner layers are 75.

As to breaking them apart, it's ok if you take care. My experience is the same; I've had no problem breaking V-score boards apart by hand.

Cheers

PeteS

I've had success in getting th PCB manufacturer to completely separate boards by V groove. Cheaper than routing. Leaves a sharp corner that can give you FG splinters, though.

Cheers, Alf

I've had mixed results. I guess I'd break someone else's boards this way, but not ones I'd paid for. Blades are cheap :)

It can reduce handling costs if the boards are left attached through the assembly and even the testing process.

There is some cosmetic deficiency in the edges, and they can affect people like myself who have skin that is sensitive to the dangling fibers, but if there are no tight mechanical requirements on the V-groove edges, it works fine.

Best regards, Spehro Pefhany