Hello,
I just made my first PCB, and I only routed the bottom side (I didn’t need the top side), but Kicad doesn’t offer single-sided routing, and the footprints are all multi-layer with plated-through holes.
To have the single-sided PCB manufactured, I think I only need to send the “xxxxx-B_Cu.gbr” layer, but the Gerber generation only produced a “xxxxx-PTH.drl” file (the “xxxx-NPTH.drl” file is empty).
My question is: how do I have a single-sided PCB manufactured with unplated holes?
Thanks.
Alain
By actively not using the 2nd layer and using NPTH. The real question is how to use NPTH instead of PTH.
The single-sided PCB’s I design and procure are all IMS so these are subtly different as these are 100% SMT and thus its a case of ignoring the B_Cu layer and only providing the F_Cu later.
If you are using through-hole components then you need to disable the 2nd B_Cu (or F_Cu, depending on your reference) pad ideally as a new footprint OR on a footprint by footprint basis.
Another option is to use the “remove unused pad” option and untick “Keep outside layers” and ensure that EVERY part has a track, even a stub, otherwise this will remove EVERY pad
It also may be that your manufacturer will just take a “normal” PCB (one copper Gerber and either a combined or separated drill file) and simply not plate the “PTH” holes in their 1-layer process.
You should contact them and ask how they want the data presented for your desired effect.
Also remember that for small-volume FR4 stuff, you’ll barely save any money (if any) with single sided vs 2 sides, and a PTH barrel and far-side pad really helps with cold joints with soldering and avoiding delamination and plug pull-out during rework. Which may not be relevant for you, but if it’s a price thing rather than a technical thing, do check that it really is cheaper for you.
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Many Thank’s,
As johnbeard says, it may not be necessary to bother doing hazardous manipulations to make small circuits in small quantities.
Alain