What Is Pcb Edge Plating?

Do you know what’s edge plating or castellation? In fact, edge plating or castellation refers to the copper plating that runs from the top to the bottom surfaces of the circuit board, and extends to at least one of the perimeter edges. So PCB edge castellation ensures a strong connection with the circuit board and limits the chance of equipment failures, particularly while controlling the protections for sub-motherboards and small form factor boards.

Edge plating PCB process

Circuit board side plating, also known as edge plating or castellation, is the copper plating that runs from the top to the bottom surface of a board and along (at least) one of the perimeter edges. It ensures a strong connection through the board and reduces the possibility of equipment failures, particularly for small form factor boards and sub-motherboards. Examples of such plating are commonly found in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules.

During the fabrication process, the outer edges to be metalized should be milled before the copper plating process. After copper deposition, a suitable surface finish is applied to the PCB edges. ENIG (electroless nickel immersion gold) is the preferred surface finish.

When is circuit board edge plating used?

Edge plating is implemented when:

There is a need to improve the conductivity capabilities of a board

Connection is to be made across the edge of a circuit board

A board requires protection from lateral shock

Secondary circuit boards are connected to the mainboard through an edge connection

Soldering of the edge is needed to improve the assembly

Design parameters for edge plating

The edge plating PCB of Victory PCB

With over 10 years of experience as a professional PCB manufacturer, Victory PCB has lots of manufacturing experience for PCB edge plating, and we are able to control high-quality edge plating without burrs. Because the satisfaction of customers is our goal, we will try our best to fabricate your board with the highest quality to meet your demands and are committed to adhering to the strictest standards in PCB fabrication and assembly.