PCB edge chamfering: a 45° angled edge, and how to design and order it
A chamfer replaces the square edge of the board with an angled one. Here is what we make, what to check in the files and what to write in the request.
What chamfering is
Chamfering (also called bevelling) mills the edge of the board at an angle instead of leaving it at 90 degrees. Angled milling of the edge is the same operation. The result is a sloped face along one edge of the board, on the top or on the bottom side.
Why use a chamfer
- Guiding: the sloped edge helps the board slide into a slot, a card guide or the rails of a housing.
- Fit: it lets the board sit against an angled wall or a sloped part of the enclosure.
- Safer handling: it removes the sharp square edge of the laminate.
What we make
| Feature | PCB-ELECTRA |
|---|---|
| Angle | 45° |
| Process | Angled milling of the board edge |
| Where | Edge of the board, top or bottom side |
We do not make gold-finger boards, that is, boards with hard-gold contacts for edge connectors. The chamfer at PCB-ELECTRA is for guiding and fitting the board, not for connector contacts.
Design checklist
- Show the chamfer in the outline or mechanical layer and add a note: which edge, the angle of 45° and which side is cut.
- Keep copper away from the chamfered edge. The milling removes material and can cut or expose copper close to the edge; see copper pour and the DFM checklist. Ask us for the clearance that suits your board thickness.
- Do not place components, pads or fine traces on the chamfered edge.
- Remember that the chamfer takes part of the board thickness; on a thin board check how much material is left (standard PCB thickness).
- Write the chamfer in the notes of the request, as one of the special features (what to put in a request).
Chamfer or V-cut
They are different operations. A V-cut is a groove that separates boards on a panel; a chamfer shapes the edge of the finished board. Both can appear on the same project; see panelization and the design rules.
How to order
Upload the files in the price calculator, choose the options and write the chamfer in the notes. We confirm in the quote that it can be made and what it adds to the price. If you are unsure how to draw it, contact us with your files.
Frequently asked questions
What chamfer angle do you make?
45 degrees, by angled milling of the board edge.
Is angled milling the same as chamfering?
Yes. Chamfering, bevelling and angled edge milling describe the same operation.
Do you make gold fingers?
No. We do not make boards with hard-gold edge-connector contacts; the chamfer is for guiding and fitting the board.
How do I order a chamfer?
Write it in the notes of your request, with the edge, the side and the angle of 45 degrees. The quote confirms if it can be made and the price.
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