Classic use case: I need to remove the solder mask from high power tracks to be able to add solder.
Up to now, I am achieving this by drawing filled rectangles on the solder mask layer over the tracks. But I have to repeat the process for each segment of the track.
I tried converting a track to a polygon in the hope of copy/paste it to the solder mask layer, but it does not work (Ver 8.0.1)
Is there a way, or an add-on which could allow me to easily:
Select a track and with “u” expand the whole connection OR select a given net
Select an action or a property “Remove solder mask from selection” ?
Without seeing your layout I can only suggest an alternative.
Also know adding solder to a track does little to reduce I2R losses. The tin/lead/?? will conduct little current. The solder will slow down any transient overload effects.
My first thought is to create a device footprint with a rectangular pad (not sure if Kicad can handle a 1 pad device). Connect this pad-object to your trace (in schematic). Place a few of them on your track. Then solder solid copper wire to these pads, creating additional copper in parallel with your track.
I was making a Video while mf_ibeew was posting so, I won’t post my Text description, just post the Video… (did not bother with setting clearance/gap…)
A additional option that may or may not work in your situation. I’m planning to make a fence charger. Some areas will have huge amounts of current but will be short in duration. To beef it up a little, I plan to add braided copper wire to those areas or traces. Solder isn’t as good a conductor as copper but may work in some edge cases where just a little more is needed. Copper braided wire tho will help a good bit since it is copper.
Make sure you get the right kind tho. Some braided copper wire is used to sleeve a wire. The kind you want is made for grounding equipment/boards and such. I think I’ve seen it as small as 2MM or so but as large as 15MM or so. May have larger too. It’s not cheap but you likely only need a small roll.
I’ve found copper braid difficult to solder to a trace like this. I suggest you used tinned solid copper. If you don’t have tinned copper use solid copper from Romex (#14) or doorbell wire (#18) etc. You would be best to “tin” the bare copper first, for ease of soldering.
OR you can simply put a large gauge wire jumper and not worry about following a trace.
Hi, I was just shown a method that looks to work. I drew a trace on the front copper then selected front mask and drew a line on
top of the trace with the same width (ver. 8) . When I view it in the 3d viewer the line shows up like there is no solder mask on it.
