I have transistor with which I would like to switch several (many 
) ampere. So I put a bigger connector whow. This connector should now be connected to the transistor via a “free area”. I would like to be able ot solder on the whole area.
I created a filled zone on the layer with 0 as “Freiraum” (I have the german version installed so don’t know all the right english words) that there is no free room to the pads.
That worked nice. But there is still the “anti-solder” mask on this area. This solder mask prevents soldering on this area. So I would like to have no solder mask on this area.
How can I do this?
You should be able quickly change language (Preferences-Set Language) to English and back.
If you define special footprint for that transistor than each pad you have there has ‘by default’ not solder mask on it.
On the right hand side, got to the “area” icon.
Switch to desired Layer (F.Mask/B.Mask) and add a rule “fill”.
That’s how I would do it…
edit: now with correct screenshot
There are several ways to achieve this.
- Copy the zone to the F.Mask layer and turn that copy into a graphics element (or just draw graphics on F.Mask.
- Draw the zone in thefootprint editor, make it overlap with the SMT pad and then press [Ctrl + E] twice to enter and exit the “Pad Edit Mode”. This makes the zone a part of the pad, and this extends the technical layers (Mask, Paste, etc) to include the zone.
- Just make the SMT pad bigger and call it done
Great to get so good answers so fast.
How could I verify my result? Shouldn’t I be able to see it in gerver view?
I added the wrong screen before. It’s literally just a “fill” in the Mask layer. You see it in 3D viewer if correct.
For my understanding: what I see in the mask layer is that area where I can later solder, right? So on all areas not shown the manufacturer will place solder resist (found this word in a translater), right?
Yes. PCBs are manufactured in an additive process. Once the outer Layers got etched, a “mask” is put over all areas that need to get soldered later on. Then the PCB gets the insulation coating and after it dried, the “mask” gets removed. That’s why it is called “mask”.
I’m not sure if OP noticed it.
In PCB Editor: View - 3D Viewer.
Gerber.
It is the most accurate method. The easiest/fastest is 3D viewer.
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