PCB special processes: chamfer, cavities, castellated and countersunk holes
Beyond the standard board there are processes that need to be requested. Here is each one, what we make and which guide explains it.
The processes in one table
| Process | What it is | What we offer | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plated milling | Milling the outline or a slot with copper on the walls | Plated slots and plated edges, chosen as plated routing in the calculator | Panelization |
| Castellated holes | Plated holes cut in half at the board edge, to solder a module onto another board | Hole diameter above 1 mm, pitch 0.5 mm | Castellated holes |
| Chamfer | The board edge milled at an angle | 45° angle, on one or both faces; no gold fingers | Edge chamfering |
| Cavity | A pocket milled into the board to a set depth | Depth tolerance ±0.2 mm, at least 0.3 mm left under it, boards from 1 mm | Cavities |
| Countersunk hole | A hole with a conical or stepped recess for a screw head | On request, decided case by case | Countersunk holes |
| One-side scoring | A V-groove cut on one side of the board only | Available; mention it in your request | Panelization |
How to request a special process
- Draw the feature in the outline or mechanical layer of your files and add a short note.
- Tick it in the “Special processes” section of the price calculator and give its details, or write it in the notes of your request (what to put in a request).
- We confirm in the quote that it can be made and what it adds to the price. For a feature with no fixed specification, such as a countersunk hole, we decide the case with you before the order.
If you need something that is not in the table, contact us with a drawing; we tell you if we can make it. The general limits of the process are in the design rules.
Frequently asked questions
Which special processes do you make?
Plated milling, castellated holes, a 45° chamfer, cavities, one-side scoring and, on request, countersunk holes.
How do I ask for one?
Tick it in the “Special processes” section of the calculator, or write it in your request with a drawing. The quote confirms if it can be made and the price.
Do you make gold fingers?
No. We do not make boards with hard-gold edge-connector contacts.
What if my feature is not on the list?
Contact us with a drawing and we tell you if we can make it.
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