How to drill and rout your multilayer board

How the drilling advisor works

The drilling advisor proposes starting parameters for drilling and routing a multilayer build. Enter the stackup data: board thickness, number of layers (2 to 16), material, inner and outer copper, smallest hole, new or reground drill, parameter level (conservative or aggressive) and maximum drilling and routing spindle speed.

The tool assigns a drilling class and proposes cutting speed, feed, retract, stack height, panels per stack, hits between regrinds, entry and backup. You also get drilling parameters by diameter, routing parameters and notes for slots, with warnings on aspect ratio and peck drilling. It is the third step of the chain: if you used the tool selector, build-up and smallest hole are carried over automatically.

Frequently asked questions

Which parameter level should I start from?

From the conservative level, which is recommended: reduced starting values. After trials on your machine you can move to the aggressive level.

What if the tool manufacturer gives different parameters?

If the tool manufacturer specifies its own parameters, those apply. The advisor’s values are starting points, to be refined with trials on your machine.

Can I start from my stackup data?

Yes: “Use my stackup data” loads the build you created in the stackup builder. For a special case you can contact our technical support.