PCB Slot: The Perfect Solution for Your Electronics Assembly Needs

What is a PCB Slot/PCB Cutout?

Prototype high-frequency amplifier circuit board

PCB slots are special types of PCBs that have cutouts in them. You can use these cutouts to mount parts or to hold other boards in place. PCB cutouts are usually made from FR-04 material, but they can also use other materials such as FR-14, FR-16, or even G11. The most common type of PCB slot is the 0603 PCB slot, which manufacturers design for use with 0603 resistors and capacitors. Other sizes include the 0402 PCB slot, the 1206 PCB slot, and the through-hole PCB slot.

Why use a PCB Cutout?

PCB slots offer a number of advantages over traditional methods of securing parts. For example, they are cheaper and faster to manufacture, and they offer a more secure connection. Besides, PCB cutouts also allow for easy replacement of parts, which is convenient if you need to replace a component.

How to use PCB Slots?

The bottom layer of circuit boards

It can be applicable in a number of ways, such as to mount parts or hold other PCBs in place. In addition, we can also PCB cut use them to create electrical connections between two PCBs. To use PCB slots, solder the component onto the PCB using the appropriate soldering technique.

Benefits of PCB Slots

circuit boards on red Gerber mask for manufacturing

There are many benefits to using a PCB slot over traditional methods of securing parts. They are cheaper and faster to manufacture, offering a more secure connection. Besides, PCB slots are also easier to use, and they offer a more reliable connection.

Types of PCB Slots

The PCB slot

There are two main PCB slots in PCB manufacturing: Non plated slot and surface Plated slot.  In this section, we will take a closer look at the features and benefits of each type.

Non plated slot

NPTH & PTH slots

Non-plated slots are the most basic type of PCB slot. Non-plated slots do not have the copper layers coating.  It is typically in use for lower-density applications. The non-plated slot is less expensive and easier to manufacture than surface-plated PCB slots. Furthermore, Non plated slot offers a more secure connection and is easier to use.

Plated slot

Plated-through slots have a thin copper layer on the surface that contacts the electronic components. Moreover, the Plated slot is a more advanced type. It is typically applicable for higher-density applications. Besides, Plated slots are more expensive and challenging to manufacture than non-plated PCB ones. Also, the Plated ones offer a more reliable connection and are easier to use.

Applications of Non-plated and Plated Slots 

Hi-Tech electronic circuit board

PCB slots can be common in a variety of electronic devices, such as computer motherboards, cell phones, and other portable electronic devices. PCB cutouts are also applied in more specialized applications such as military and aerospace electronics.

Except for ideal for high-density applications, they offer a more reliable connection and are easier to use. Therefore, they are more expensive and challenging to manufacture than non-plated PCB cutouts.       

What to Consider When Creating Plated Cutouts

There are many factors to consider when creating plated PCB cutouts. The most important factor is the width of the PCB trace. This will determine the maximum width of the PCB slot. Besides, it also affects how much current can flow through the slot.

The next factor to consider is the depth of the slot. This will determine how deep you can mill the PCB slot. Moreover, it also affects how much current can flow through the slot.

Also, slot holes and slot length are very important for the plated slot means.

The last factor to consider is the size of the PCB copper pad. This will determine how big you can make the slot. The size of the PCB pad also affects how much current can flow through the board slot.

Define Slots on the PCB 

In this part, we’ll define slots from the following:

Mechanical Layer

PCB slots can also be on any layer in the PCB stack up, but they’re most commonly placed on an inner layer to save space. Placing them on an outer layer may be necessary to avoid signal crosstalk or other interference from nearby components.

Drill File

Typically, we use a CNC drill to create circuit slots, but they can also be milled or laser-cut. The most important thing is to make sure the PCB cutout is the correct size and shape to accommodate the component.

Plated or Non-Plated cutouts

PCB slots can be plated or non-plated. Plated PCB slots provide a better connection to the component, but they’re more difficult to manufacture. Non-plated PCB cutouts are easier to manufacture, but they may not provide as strong a connection.

What is the Smallest Slot on PCBs? 

For flexible PCBs, the smallest slot width as to be 0.254 mm (0.010 inches). This is because the minimum width of a PCB trace is also 0.254 mm. So, the mechanical NC milling process can only produce PCB slots down to this width.

However, for rigid PCBs, the smallest slot width that can be cut is 0.508 mm.

How to Mill Slots and Cutouts? 

PCB with electronic Components

Milling PCB cutouts is a process of removing material from the PCB to create the desired shape. The most common way to mill PCBs is with a CNC machine.

CNC machines use a rotating cutting tool to remove material from the board. The cutting tool is controlled by a computer, which allows for very precise cuts.

How can I show the plated holes/slots on the Gerber?

The following are the steps to show slots:

Firstly, make sure that the board is in the top layers.

Then, go to File->Document Properties and click on the “Layers”  tab.

After that, select the “Top” layer and click on the “Add” button.

Select the “ PCB Slots” layer from the list and click on the “OK” button.

Your Gerber file will now show the PCB slots. You can also add this layer to your BOM if you want to.

The Importance of Plated-through Slots

Blue circuit board with many components

In-circuit board manufacturing, slots are very important as they provide many benefits.

Some of the benefits are:

– They help in the manufacturing process by allowing for easy soldering of the PCBs.

– Slots also help improve the electrical connection between the PCB and the components.

– They provide greater mechanical strength to the board.

This is why slots are very important in circuit manufacturing, and you should always use them when possible.

The Plated Slot Capability 

Electronic circuit board close-up

We can provide PCB cutouts with different PCB stack-ups.

For plated slots, the smallest size we provide is 0.5mm, with a minimum width of 0.8mm for non-plated.

Because the growing size of the pins necessitates larger blade-shaped connections rather than circular holes, it is preferable to utilize plated slots.

Also, the plated slots take up less room than circular holes, allowing you to use smaller or cramped PCB layouts. 

As a seasoned PCB maker, we can provide high-end manufacturing equipment and experienced technical assistance in the pcb fabrication process to clients. T us, we can meet the varied requirements of individual customers.

FAQs

Macro photo of the electronic circuit. symbol of technology

Here are some frequently asked questions:

Is it true that a circuit board with slots costs more than a conventional one?

No. T e PCB Slot is a more efficient design and can actually save you money on your production costs.

What is the size of the PCB plated slot?

The minimum size for a plated cutout is 0.5mm. It’s a through-plated slot if the pcb manufacturer knows the through-plating within the circuit boards.

S de-plating occurs when the manufacturers do end plating on the outside edge of the board.

Summary

PCB slots are the perfect solution for your electronics assembly needs. Tey is easy to use, offers a more secure connection, and is faster and cheaper to manufacture.

With the PCB cutouts, you can be sure that your parts will be securely mounted and that your electrical connections will be reliably made.

If you’re looking for an easy, efficient, and affordable way to assemble your electronics, PCB cutouts are the answer. So, PCB slots are the perfect solution for your next project!