Pad on the edge of the PCB

[XavierG]

Hello,

I created a pad on the top and on the border of the PCB. But I also want that pad on the edge of the PCB.
So my question is how to add something on the edge of the PCB? Maybe not a "real" Altium pad but a "custom" pad with "Top Layer" and "Top Solder"?

[Kjelt]

You mean you want copper (pad) on the side of the pcb?
Your problem is not only how to do that with Altium but also to find any pcb manufacturer that can make that. 

[Codemonkey]

If you're referring to castellated pads of the sort found on the edge of bluetooth modules etc, then the way to do it is just create an oval pad with a plated through hole. Then, you have to have the boards panelised but not routed out (if the pcb fab use a router to separate the boards, the rotating action of the router bit will tear out the through hole plating as it moves along its path). Instead, the boards should be cut from the panel using a dicing / singulation saw as these are precise enough to saw down the middle of a plated through hole without damaging it.

[coppice]

If you're referring to castellated pads of the sort found on the edge of bluetooth modules etc, then the way to do it is just create an oval pad with a plated through hole. Then, you have to have the boards panelised but not routed out (if the pcb fab use a router to separate the boards, the rotating action of the router bit will tear out the through hole plating as it moves along its path). Instead, the boards should be cut from the panel using a dicing / singulation saw as these are precise enough to saw down the middle of a plated through hole without damaging it.

This approach used to be something you only saw with RF modules, but a lot of other modules are made this way now. It should be easy to find a fabricator who knows exactly what you need.

[Batang]

Most PCB manufactures can do this, we use it on a few boards.

See Included image.

Cheers

[Kjelt]

Most PCB manufactures can do this, we use it on a few boards.

And how do you guarantee mechanical longlevity of this thin plating?
Or is it only to be used a couple of times max. ?

[T3sl4co1l]

What do you mean "used"?  It's a pad like any other, intended for one soldered joint, maybe some rework at your peril, and that's that.

Tim

[Kjelt]

What do you mean "used"?  It's a pad like any other, intended for one soldered joint, maybe some rework at your peril, and that's that.

Ah ok then my mistake I thought about it being used as a connector for instance for ICP or something like that.