I designed my first PCB and had it manufactured, but there was no solder mask on the manufactured PCB. Is there a specific setting that i need make in order to enable the solder mask layer? I am using Altium Designer.
Thanks
Electronic – Altium Designer, Solder mask layer
altiumedapcbpcb-layerssolder-mask
Related Solutions
That looks correct.
Whether it's your fault or not depends on what you told the manufacturer the file names represent- the names in your title are standard for Altium, but other EDA software uses different names. Even so, I would expect the people at most suppliers to flag it and ask questions, but some folks are doing some pretty weird PCBs these days and the automated front end software requires you to spoon feed correct files to it.
Suggest you check your readme file (or if it was a file-by-file upload to a web site try to find if you uploaded the same file in two places).
Can you post a photo of the PCB? It sounds amusing-- did they at least subtract the mask from the pads? Otherwise it's pretty much useless.
Edit: Now that I see your photos-- the yellow solder mask I've gotten looks about exactly like that- it's almost transparent.
With your PCBdoc open, go to
- Place-->Solid Fill Region
- Draw your custom shape
- Double click on it to open up its properties
- Set Kind: Copper, Layer: Top Solder (or Bottom Solder)
It might be easier to tin first, and then solder because then your components won't get in the way (you'll have hand/arm mobility). But if you can do it either way, then it doesn't matter, so no it won't have any adverse effects on your board.
Best Answer
As mentioned, Altium has a soldermask layer by default. In order to have your manufacturer include it, however, you must include xxx.GBS (bottom soldermask) and xxx.GTS (top soldermask) gerber files when you send it to them. Otherwise how will they know where the soldermask goes? In the outjob, when you set which gerbers to export, you need to make sure these layers are selected. Also, on your manufacturer's order form, make sure you specify (if required) that they have soldermask.
Who manufactured your boards?