I am a user of version 5.1.12 of Kicad (Windows 10) where I can make my PCB prototypes machined on my own CNC.
I tried to migrate to the current version 7, but I discovered that it is not possible to make pads (NPTH) on just one side of the PCB in this version, or I haven’t figured out how to make them yet.
I run my prototypes on my own CNC milling machine and I do not have hole metallization technology available for my prototypes… only in the production phase, this makes the migration to version 7 unfeasible.
I’ve read a lot about the subject and haven’t figured out how to migrate to version 7.
I CNC Mill my PCB’s. All that’s needed is to Plot the Gerber for the Rear/Back side and no need to worry about the front.
And, NPTH is still best way to do Mechanical Holes (or, put the holes in the Edge_Cut layer). The Holes for connecting to the Pads (using THT Pads) and the DIP’s is still the way to do them.
I prefer using CopperCAM to get the Gcode from the Gerbers…
ADDED: Doube-Click the pad and You won’t seen them in the 3D-View if you set them to Connected layers only…
What you are describing is a circular pad with a NPTH hole through it. There is no reason why you should not be able to do that, although you do need a substantial annular ring to avoid the NPTH drilling ripping the copper off the board
Not having plated holes in a prototype, while they are included for normal production runs is a bit nuisance. Have you ever tried PCB rivets?
I have never used them myself, and I have heared mixed opinions about these. My guess is that using them properly is not trivial and most of the people complaining are using them wrong, or don’t have the proper tools to press them into the PCB.
“Official” tools are quite expensive, but I guess you can make a small anvil from for example a nail in a vise and use a second nail (or the flat end of a drill) in a drillpress to be able to generate a controlled force for mounting them.
Industry has used them forever for single-sided, wave soldered, domestic consumer products.
The rivets suck up a lot of solder, thereby keeping dry joints under control over time, while adding mechanical strength for mounting large components.
