Half Vias (if thats what they're called) help

Community PCB Design
1

Hi, what are the half vias called that are usually on the edge of boards to solder them via usual smd methods and how are they usually done?

This has had me pickled for a few days now :smiley:

2

Someone please correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe that this is done simply by making a plated hole and then cutting along said hole.

3

They are called castellations.

/mike

4

Is there a trick to making these, as it seems when its being routed the copper would get damaged.

5

Philipf:
Is there a trick to making these, as it seems when its being routed the copper would get damaged.

My understanding is that they are quite tricky to do for exactly this reason. The advice I've always been given is to work very closely with your PCB fab.
6

I’ve always just placed pads and ran a route line through them, and have never had a problem (including with Gold Phoenix). I second working closely with your PCB fab as mentioned above, as they’ll be the ones who will know if their process will accept that or not.

Roko