> From: piclist@maksimov.org
> To: piclist@mit.edu
> Subject: Re: [EE]Through hole plating PCB
> Date: Tue, 2 Mar 2010 09:10:52 -0700
> 
> BOB wrote:
> > What is the best way to plate through holes on a milled PCB.
> >
> > Is there any suggested sites or tutorials.
> 
> Why is plating even necessary, for a one-off type of application? Why not 
> thread a piece of wire through vias, and solder it on both sides? It would 
> seem that component leads can be used for the same purpose: to connect the 
> two sides of a pad.
> 
> Am I missing something?
> 
> Vitaliy 

I posted the link to the LPKF page about through-hole plating equipment.  However with the boards coming off my machine, I do the above.  If I need more than two of some board I'll just send it out for fab anyway.

During layout, if I know I'm going to be making just one on the milling machine, I tune the layout to take best advantage of any through-hole parts otherwise for moving between layers.  Sometimes it makes the layout look a little odd but generally works just fine.

The most difficulty I have with non-plated holes is some connectors are difficult to route without being able to run traces on both sides.  YMMV.

Rob
 		 	   		  
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