Author Topic: Minimum via size for seeed/itead  (Read 12824 times)

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Offline 8086Topic starter

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Minimum via size for seeed/itead
« on: March 02, 2014, 03:48:12 pm »
I wonder if anyone has tried really small vias with success from seeedstudio or iteadstudio?

They specify 0.8mm finish hole, 0.3mm drill hole, but 0.8mm is pretty large for my current space-limited project.

Anyone tried under 0.8mm with success? Ta.
 

Offline papo

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Re: Minimum via size for seeed/itead
« Reply #1 on: March 02, 2014, 07:51:35 pm »
Hello

Anyone tried under 0.8mm with success? Ta.

Yes. I was wondering about the same a while ago and checked their eagle design rule file. I don't remember what was in there, but it was smaller than the drill size quoted in their table. I'm not sure whether I got lucky or not, but I used these figures, they didn't complain and the boards were flawless.

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Matt

Edit: This was seeeed.
 

Offline 8086Topic starter

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Re: Minimum via size for seeed/itead
« Reply #2 on: March 02, 2014, 08:11:33 pm »
Thanks, I just downloaded the eagle design rules and had a look.

Seems like you can go down to 12mil hole (0.31mm) and 24mil overall diameter (0.61mm). Better than 0.8mm hole thats for sure!
 

Offline Dago

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Re: Minimum via size for seeed/itead
« Reply #3 on: March 03, 2014, 11:59:49 am »
I have always used 0.3/0.6mm vias with itead and seed without problems.
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Offline 8086Topic starter

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Re: Minimum via size for seeed/itead
« Reply #4 on: March 12, 2014, 08:20:31 pm »
So I have ordered some boards with lots of 0.62mm diameter vias with 0.32mm hole size from seeed. When they arrive I'll see if they actually work.
 

Offline 8086Topic starter

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Re: Minimum via size for seeed/itead
« Reply #5 on: March 25, 2014, 11:13:50 pm »
So I have ordered some boards with lots of 0.62mm diameter vias with 0.32mm hole size from seeed. When they arrive I'll see if they actually work.

I received my boards today, seems to be a success!  :-+





« Last Edit: March 25, 2014, 11:32:18 pm by 8086 »
 

Offline peter.mitchell

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Re: Minimum via size for seeed/itead
« Reply #6 on: March 26, 2014, 06:03:13 am »
hey 8086, would you be able to take a close-up of around the outlined area;


i want to see how good the soldermask between pads and the vias in pad are, if you feel uncomfortable posting in the forum, that's understandable.
 

Offline 8086Topic starter

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Re: Minimum via size for seeed/itead
« Reply #7 on: March 26, 2014, 01:57:17 pm »
This is about as up close as I can get - haven't had a good camera for a while.

 

Offline peter.mitchell

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Re: Minimum via size for seeed/itead
« Reply #8 on: March 27, 2014, 01:07:30 am »
This is about as up close as I can get - haven't had a good camera for a while.


Thanks! What mask expansion did you use? On some pads/traces it looks quite large.

Also, you're the fellow that does assembly in the UK correct? Just wondering what flux cleaner you use? I've been using MG Chemicals "Flux remover for PC Boards - 4140" and getting a fair amount of residue (even though quoted as zero residue) and require a quick wash of isopropyl to clean that.
 

Offline poorchava

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Re: Minimum via size for seeed/itead
« Reply #9 on: March 27, 2014, 11:59:35 am »
My standard via size is 0.35mm/0.7mm hole/via diameter. I'm usually ordering from Elecrow and have used iTead before, but I guess they use same fab houses as seeed and others. I've never had a failed via and never got a DRC question from Elecrow or iTead.

I recall using 0.3/0.65 somewhere, but I don't remember whether they sent to production that way.
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Offline 8086Topic starter

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Re: Minimum via size for seeed/itead
« Reply #10 on: March 27, 2014, 01:47:40 pm »
Thanks! What mask expansion did you use? On some pads/traces it looks quite large.

Also, you're the fellow that does assembly in the UK correct? Just wondering what flux cleaner you use? I've been using MG Chemicals "Flux remover for PC Boards - 4140" and getting a fair amount of residue (even though quoted as zero residue) and require a quick wash of isopropyl to clean that.

I intended 0.102mm soldermask expansion. The width of the QFN pads is 0.25mm so it looks like it's close but maybe not quite right. Still, close enough for me.

I am that fellow, indeed. I have been getting good results with the PCB cleaner aerosol sold by Maplin. I usually clean with IPA first of all, with the help of a small brush, then give them a spray with the aerosol and it leaves no residue.

 

Offline Milentije

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Re: Minimum via size for seeed/itead
« Reply #11 on: April 13, 2014, 06:02:49 pm »
I received my boards today, seems to be a success!  :-+



What? You ordered these PCBs from itead/seed and they routed it like this (non-rectangular shape)? Was that some special order or the regular one?
 

Offline 8086Topic starter

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Re: Minimum via size for seeed/itead
« Reply #12 on: April 13, 2014, 06:08:24 pm »
What? You ordered these PCBs from itead/seed and they routed it like this (non-rectangular shape)? Was that some special order or the regular one?

I ordered from seeed, and yes they have no problem with unusual shapes, as long as there's no internal cut-outs. I've ordered several non-rectangular boards and they've never had a problem with it.
 

Offline Milentije

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Re: Minimum via size for seeed/itead
« Reply #13 on: April 13, 2014, 06:37:47 pm »
Oh, my bad. I thought you panelized this design.
 

Offline free_electron

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Re: Minimum via size for seeed/itead
« Reply #14 on: April 13, 2014, 06:42:00 pm »
12/24 with 8/8 or 6/8 clearance

12 mil hole
24 mil pad
6 mil track 8 mil gap (they prefer 8/8/ but have no problem with 6/8
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