PCB Libraries Forum : Saving Solder Mask Settings https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/ Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:28:13 +0000 Mon, 04 Apr 2016 08:27:43 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 12.07 360 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=1817 <![CDATA[PCB Libraries Forum]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/forum_images/PCBLForumLogo.gif https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/ <![CDATA[Saving Solder Mask Settings : Thanks, that solved the problem....]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/saving-solder-mask-settings_topic1817_post7620.html#7620 Author: PetrolDave
Subject: 1817
Posted: 04 Apr 2016 at 8:27am

Thanks, that solved the problem. Smile
]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2016 08:27:43 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/saving-solder-mask-settings_topic1817_post7620.html#7620 <![CDATA[Saving Solder Mask Settings : In Preferences, when using the...]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/saving-solder-mask-settings_topic1817_post7619.html#7619 Author: Tom H
Subject: 1817
Posted: 04 Apr 2016 at 7:22am

In Preferences, when using the "IPC Internal Defaults", all values are grayed out.

If you want to edit anything, use Save As > Your FileName.Dat and create your personal Preference file.

Then you can edit anything.

In the "Help > Topics > Getting Started > Create a New Preference file" you will watch a short video that explains this.
 
]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2016 07:22:58 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/saving-solder-mask-settings_topic1817_post7619.html#7619 <![CDATA[Saving Solder Mask Settings : Bruce P wrote:I always add...]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/saving-solder-mask-settings_topic1817_post7618.html#7618 Author: PetrolDave
Subject: 1817
Posted: 04 Apr 2016 at 3:41am

Originally posted by Bruce P Bruce P wrote:

I always add additional solder mask area under Terminal Solder Mask X (+/-) and Solder Mask Y (+/-). It is called solder mask swell.


Our PCB manufacturer also asks us to add solder mask swell - they ask us to make the solder mask 4 thou (0.11mm) larger than the pad.

On the footprints we have generated from scratch we can edit the pas stacks to create this swell, but on footprints where we have used one of the Library Expert Pro templates the option to increase any of the parameters of the pads are greyed out so we cannot add the swell.

How can we edit the solder mask sizes where it is greyed out? We really don't want to have to create the footprints from scratch every time.
]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2016 03:41:41 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/saving-solder-mask-settings_topic1817_post7618.html#7618 <![CDATA[Saving Solder Mask Settings : Many people swell the Solder Mask...]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/saving-solder-mask-settings_topic1817_post7431.html#7431 Author: Tom H
Subject: 1817
Posted: 18 Jan 2016 at 8:41am

Many people swell the Solder Mask in the CAD library, but IPC recommends that you keep the Solder Mask 1:1 scale of the pad size and let the Fabrication shop swell the Solder Mask per your Fabrication Notes.

The Paste and Solder Mask settings are located in "Preferences > Terminals > Lead Form > Settings".

The FPX file contains the Component Dimensions. The FPX file does not contain the Preference Rules.

We're always available for unlimited and free webcast training to every customer.

]]> Mon, 18 Jan 2016 08:41:20 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/saving-solder-mask-settings_topic1817_post7431.html#7431 <![CDATA[Saving Solder Mask Settings : PCB Libraries Expert Pro Version...]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/saving-solder-mask-settings_topic1817_post7430.html#7430 Author: Bruce P
Subject: 1817
Posted: 18 Jan 2016 at 8:29am

PCB Libraries Expert Pro Version 2015.20 OrCAD PCB, Librarian and Librarian (batch create) options

I always add additional solder mask area under Terminal Solder Mask X (+/-) and Solder Mask Y (+/-). This is to allow for errors in the solder mask alignment, and is required by most PC board houses. Some just automatically add it, others charge more for a die cut mask if you do not provide it. It is called solder mask swell.

The additional mask area does get included in the part that is generated, BUT if I add the part to an FPX library it instantly disappears. That is, add the swell to the settings under Terminal, hit OK, swell appears in the screen and in the part generated. BUT if I click on Add Comp in the library, go to another part by clicking in the library, then go back to the original part the swell is gone. The box in Terminal-Settings-Solder Mask is back to 0.00.

I think this setting should be saved, all my parts have it and so do the parts in many other standard libraries. Now I can't trust the library, have to create every part from scratch or use the generated part without being sure it fits well. Frankly I don't know why it is not automatically applied like so many other details, that would simplify part generation for me.

OrCAD PCB does not automatically create the swell like Altium does, it has to be in the symbol. And sometimes you have to reduce the swell to make lines between closely spaced pins, so it has to be specified in the symbol.


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