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What Do Know About Soldermask?

John T

Should PCB designers supply exact soldermask information in the artwork files when ordering boards? And should this be 1:1 with pad-size?


After some time at Cadence, a vast difference is very apparent between various designers. Some PCB designs exhibit strict rules regarding soldermask openings, gaps and sizes.

However, many other designers simply export soldermask artworks with an exact 1:1 replica of each components’ copper pad sizes. What are the pros and cons; and what about paste mask artworks?

Please let us know what you expect or do? Should designers: 
A. Supply 1:1 soldermask. Let the PCB Fabricator decide.
B. Supply exact custom soldermask. The Fabricator must follow the artwork precisely. 
C. Supply exact custom soldermask AND solder-paste information should also be supplied.  

Example of SM gap control affecting copper exposure

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  • DG202504226528

    I used to do B, but the last few years, I've been doing the A since my fab prefers it.

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  • DG202504226528

    I used to do B, but the last few years, I've been doing the A since my fab prefers it.

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