Combine two Kicad layers into one file during Gerber plotting?

[ebastler]

I have just completed a PCB design which needs a V-score, and want to submit it to JLCPCB. (The PCB can be used as one board, and there are traces on the bottom layer which connect the two sections. Alternatively the sections can be separated and re-connected via optional connectors provided in the layout.)

JLCPCB explicitly asks for V-cuts to be drawn in the outline layer, and states that otherwise they will miss them: https://support.jlcpcb.com/article/68-instructions-for-ordering, section 7. But if I draw the V-cut across the board directly in Kicad's "edge cuts" layer, the DRC goes crazy with error messages about a malformed board outline, plus clearance violations from all the traces crossing the V-cut.

Is there a way to draw the V-cut in a separate layer in KiCad, and combine that layer with the edge cut layer during Gerber plotting?

Any other ideas on managing the V-cut in a way that is compatible with both, Kicad and JLCPCB, are appreciated too, of course!

[golden_labels]

KiCAD allows you to ignore specific violations. In the rules checker output right click on the item and select “Exclude violation”. This will ignore that particular instance.

However… I may be missing something, but the v-cuts would break the trace. So how do you plan to use the PCB connected? Ignoring that issue completely and assuming you cut/break the board over a trace, be aware that copper too close to the edge may cause shorts: both due to not being isolated on the side and because small whiskers of copper being drawn over the edge.

[ebastler]

Ouch! Seems it was me who has missed something...

My only experience with (what I assumed to be) V-scored boards was from cheap Chinese premade boards which I bought off the shelf and had to break apart myself; various small SMD-to-THT adapters, if I recall correctly. These were scored from the top side only, so that's what I always understood V-scoring to look like. Just looked it up and indeed, everybody seems to be scoring from the top and bottom side -- which makes sense to get a reasonably clean split line.

So, back to thinking about this...Do I really need the choice between the two different configurations? Many thanks for pointing this out; that would have been a bummer upon receiving the PCBs...

[langwadt]

Ouch! Seems it was me who has missed something...

My only experience with (what I assumed to be) V-scored boards was from cheap Chinese premade boards which I bought off the shelf and had to break apart myself; various small SMD-to-THT adapters, if I recall correctly. These were scored from the top side only, so that's what I always understood V-scoring to look like. Just looked it up and indeed, everybody seems to be scoring from the top and bottom side -- which makes sense to get a reasonably clean split line.

So, back to thinking about this...Do I really need the choice between the two different configurations? Many thanks for pointing this out; that would have been a bummer upon receiving the PCBs...

https://youtu.be/V5BDcEqEaKg

[ebastler]

Alright; I think I made up my mind regarding this particular project. The "both boards stay together" configuration is the preferred one for me, so I will forego the V-cut and have regular traces connect both sections. If I (or other hobbyists building this) want the two sections separated, there will be the additional step of scoring the board by hand, or cutting it with a guilloutine-style cutter.

Thanks again for the advice! I learned something and avoided losing some money and a week or two of waiting time for a second round of PCBs...