Abstract: A method of shaping printed circuit boards comprises the steps of providing a base plate, installing a board shaped element including the parts to be shaped on an upper surface of the base plate, fixing the base plate and board shaped element on a table of a machine tool with a lower surface of the base plate in contact with the table, drilling a hole through the board shaped element within the contour of each part to be shaped, the hole extending substantially as far as the lower surface, installing a pin in the hole, carrying out the shaping of the parts, and, machining the pin to partially or completely remove the pin.