You can use blind vias in the SMT pads. There are several ways to manufacture small blind vias, such as laser drilling, plasma ablation and photodefined vias. You can then use soldermask to plug only the through vias. Mason Hu Zycon ______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________ Subject: PLUGGED VIAS Author: [log in to unmask] at corp Date: 10/14/96 10:24 AM I have run into a problem with a board that has vias in smt pads. We need all of the vias plugged, and I am told that solder mask is the best way to do that. This is to ensure that a good vacuum is maintained for our ATE equipment. That is the problem. I can not have a via covered with solder mask on top of an smt pad. The board house I am using says this is difficult for them because they have to determine which vias are plugged and which are not. Anyone out there with any suggestions? Thanks, Barry Darnell (864)627-8800 Ext. 231 [log in to unmask] CD Electronics, Inc. Printed Circuit Board Designer *************************************************************************** * TechNet mail list is provided as a service by IPC using SmartList v3.05 * *************************************************************************** * To unsubscribe from this list at any time, send a message to: * * [log in to unmask] with <subject: unsubscribe> and no text. * *************************************************************************** *************************************************************************** * TechNet mail list is provided as a service by IPC using SmartList v3.05 * *************************************************************************** * To unsubscribe from this list at any time, send a message to: * * [log in to unmask] with <subject: unsubscribe> and no text. * ***************************************************************************