You know, I've been an idle sand bagger on this subject but I have to add my wooden nickel. If removing nonfunctional pads increases a certain fabricators yields, wouldn't the cost savings potentially be represented by on-time delivery and higher lot yields????? I'm not an expert on the nonfunctional issue but I have seen multiple discrepancies that are compounded by the ability to cleanly etch a large diameter pad that is in the close proximity of a fine line. (<.005") (I'm referencing AOI captures. BTW) So, being a fabricator I kinda lean towards removal. But this is a fun challenging subject! It has been for some time and I'm sure it will be for along time. Groovy :) ______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________ Subject: pull-pads Author: [log in to unmask] at SMTPLINK-HADCO Date: 10/18/95 10:50 AM AS DESIGNERS, WE OFTEN REMOVE SPECIFIC INTERNAL PADS BECAUSE OF DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS; HIGH VOLTAGE, DENSITY PROBLEMS, RIGID-FLEX PCB'S, WHATEVER. BUT, WHEN FAB SHOPS WANT TO DO SO WE BAULK. WE HAVE TO PULL PADS TO CREATE A VALID PCB DESIGN. THEY WISH TO PULL PADS TO INCREASE THEIR YIELDS. SO THE NEXT LOGICAL QUESTION IS; IF YOU ARE GOING INCREASE YOUR YIELDS AND INCREASE YOUR PROFITS WHEN PRODUCING OUR BOARDS. ARE YOU ALSO GOING TO PASS ALONG SOME OF THE SAVINGS BACK TO YOUR CUSTOMERS?? TELL US HOW MUCH WE MIGHT BE LOWERING OUR COSTS, AND THEN LET'S DECIDE. AL SLAGLE CAD DESIGNER HONEYWELL DASD