The solder mask is automatically generated for Gerber production, but you can add it is a layer for editing within DesignSpark PCB. With the solder mask layer enabled you will be able add shapes to the layer and exclude the mask from specific areas such as under thermal tabs.
Launch the Design technology Shift + T and click 'add' and fill out the details as shown.
Move layers in the stack for the correct order they physically appear in.
Using the interaction bar you will see your new layer as shown.
Repeating the above selecting the appropriate details you can created a bottom solder mask.
NOTE: At the start of a PCB design when using the wizard you can select to have solder mask and solder paste mask layers enabled on the required layers they are then automatically available for editing.
See also:
How do I create a fiducial mark?
How can I edit the mask aperture settings?
Comments
2 comments
Isn't solder mask applied on the bottom copper side? So why does it say as Top Solder Mask on the Top Side.
And I tried adding the layer but its not printing anything. Pls help. Tried changing it to Bottom Side too. Its printed just two square dots.
Please help. Thanks
Hi Daljeet, having been following an interesting discussion on the forum regarding copper pours which referred to this article I saw your comment. Always ask questions like this on the forum to reach the most users, but to answer your question solder mask and indeed paste masks can be applied to both top and bottom layers, this is a very common requirement with SMDs and through hole components.
If your design is just through hole you may opt to have the solder mask just on the bottom layer.
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