Soldermask on both sides?

September 08, 2016, 11:25:10 am

Hello,

I am very new to designing PCBs so please forgive me if this question seems idiotic -

I would like to make a 1-layer PCB with a routed design on the bottom, and drilled holes where the components will sit on the top side (that has no design on it). I was wondering, if choosing the 2-layer option on the site, PCBs will get coloured soldermask on both sides regardless of whether there is a design? - I would like there to be a colour on both sides, however the soldermask is only required technically for the side with the routed design.

Thanks,

A

Re: Soldermask on both sides?

Reply #1 – September 08, 2016, 04:58:03 pm

I would advise you make the unused layer a ground plane (full size copper pour). Unless you take steps to remove the mask in your design, you will have mask on both sides. You can take advantage of that to then put silkscreen on to the top side to identify your components for assembly.