Subject: Re: Pads available on copper pour area through solder mask

: Hello,
:
: I intend using your services very soon, but before I do, could you answer a few simple questions.
:
: I am using Easy PC s/w to develop a double sided board that contains a mixture of SMT and conventional (through hole) components. Firstly there are different layouts of SMT parts on the two sides of the board, so does this mean I need two different solder masks?
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: Also there are SMT and conventional components that are connected to GND which I intend to link to a copper pour area (ground plane) on both sides. I want to pour the copper without selecting ‘thermal pads’ ie no spokes. This then pours copper over any pad (smt & conventional) that is connected to GND and removes the pad from view.
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: My question is: when you use the solder mask, will the original pads still be available to solder to? i.e not green
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: Thanks for the help.
:
: Adrian
:
:


Hi Adrian,
The answer to your first question is "Yes" you will have to pay 2 soldermask charges if you use smd components.
Regarding you second question. You will be able to solder to all components both thru hole and smd if you include them in the soldermask layer. Then they will be free of soldermask (tinned finish)

Best Regards
Seamus