Hi Tim,

If the question is coming from a board house, I would suspect that either your gerber data did not leave mask clearances for the vias and they are making sure that is what you want or you have via pads very close together and there is a concern about solder shorts during hot air level. I do not think a board manufacturer would be concerned with covering or not covering the vias unless the customer has specifically asked for tenting. Most shops use LPI and asking to tent a via that was not required by you in the first place would be adding an additional process and costs to the board. 

Just my thoughts.

Ed Cosper
Director Quality Assurance and Engineering
Graphic Electronics inc.
 

----------
From:   Stammely, Tim
Sent:   Thursday, October 08, 1998 4:28 PM
To:     [log in to unmask]
Subject:        [TN] Soldermask covered vias??

Hello Technetters,

My board fab house has asked me if its acceptable to have the vias of my
board covered with soldermask. Is this situation acceptable?. What potential
problems could arise if we accept vias that are covered with soldermask?

Thanks

Tim Stammely
MSI

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