How to do fixing holes?

[thomasvl]

Hello guys,

I am new to Kicad and I was wondering how to do fixing holes ?
Do I have to create a new footprint with just a mechanical hole ? If yes, how can I relate it to my GND so that I have a common GND ?

Moreover, I would like to know if it is possible on pcbnew to place components at specific coordinates automatically ?

Thanks in advance !!

Best regards

Thomas

[Rene_Poschl]

I think your question has two parts.

1.) You want to create Plated mounting holes.

You will need to do it as you already guessed. Create a footprint with one pad.
There are two ways to connect it with ground.
option 1: make a one pin symbol and connect it in eeschem with gnd.
option 2: edit the pin options of the footprint in pcb_new and connect it there.
Work flow of option 2:
https://contextualelectronics.com/learning/via-stitching-in-kicad/

2.) Auto placement of parts (holes)
I don’t know of any automatic placement capabilities build in within kicad.
You could write a python script
You could use dxf import and place your mounting holes as close as possible.
for that you could look at this post:

Import dxf of holes for precise mounting hole placement

I do the same. The dxf import has got very tiny marker holes in it (0.4mm) and the footprint for the NPTHs has got a cross hair. The hole from the dxf file that’s on the edge.cuts layer will ‘vanish’ in the drill hole definition that way, but I can leave it there for reference (surely could go for 0.1mm or less even). Considering the tolerances of the fab house for drilling the placement at 0.01mm grid is better by a factor of 10 or more. [image]