A note requesting edge plating needs a route that exposes the intended sidewall at the correct stage. The completed outer shape alone does not reveal when each edge was created. Review the manufacturing panel and separation sequence before assuming that the whole finished perimeter will be plated.
Mark the edge by segment
Identify the start and end of every required plated segment, including internal cutouts where applicable. State the intended copper connection and any edge region that must remain unplated. Use a section drawing if the requirement cannot be understood in a plan view.
Eurocircuits explains round-edge plating using routing before direct metallization, with extra surrounding material retained for manufacture. This sequence highlights the central review question: which surfaces actually exist and are accessible when metallization occurs?
Show support and separation features
| Feature | Question for the panel review |
|---|---|
| Pre-routed edge | Is this surface exposed at the plating stage? |
| Support tab | What finished edge remains after removal? |
| Final cut | Does it create a new unplated surface? |
| Copper connection | Which intended layer connects to the plated edge? |
Do not assume that a tab location is irrelevant because it lies on an otherwise plated side. If continuous coverage is functional, its local interruption needs an explicit design and manufacturing decision.
Check the final contour rather than a panel photograph
Review a sample after every separation operation. Record the location of any transition between plated and newly cut surfaces. An image taken while the board remains inside its production frame may conceal the condition that the customer receives.
For example, a shield connection may require a defined plated region along one side rather than plating around every corner. Express that local requirement clearly so support tabs can be placed without an accidental conflict.
Agree verification appropriate to the function
- Compare segment locations with the released drawing.
- Examine the required sidewall and its transitions.
- Verify specified copper connections and isolation.
- Check dimensions after the final edge operations.
Appearance does not establish every property of a plated edge. Thickness, adhesion and electrical requirements need their own agreed evidence where they are part of the product specification.
Retain the accepted panel route alongside the product drawing. A new nesting arrangement or support-tab position can alter the finished coverage without changing the nominal board outline.
Photograph the plated segment ends after separation with their coordinates visible. This creates a practical reference for future inspection and prevents an approved local gap from being confused with an unexpected interruption elsewhere on the contour.
The temporary plating-connection guide addresses another process-stage dependency. The edge inspection guide helps distinguish dimensional concerns from local surface condition.
Move from reading to a build-ready project
Use the fabrication and assembly checklists to prepare drawings, production files and test requirements.
Open the DFM checklist