PCB Via (Rivets) sizes? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Jwillis
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2018, 09:24:05 am
content: Having trouble finding information on this.Maybe I'm not calling them the right thing.I'm looking for the metal inserts for PCB to connect the bottom copper to the top copper.Also they need to fit 3mm thick copper clad and have 0.8 to 1mm holes.Is there a tool for them or do you just use a punch like regular rivets?

author: beanflying
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2018, 09:31:08 am
content: Try here or similar 'PCB Rivets Via' should get you more google hits as needed.How to with digikey linkshttp://fab.cba.mit.edu/classes/863.16/doc/tutorials/PCB_Rivets/Australian and elsewhere RS has a homehttps://au.rs-online.com/web/c/pcb-prototyping/pcb-cutting-punching-forming-drilling/pcb-rivets-riveting-tools/

author: Jwillis
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 20, 2018, 09:42:31 am
content: OH thank you so much.I wasn't sure if I was looking at the right things. And it looks like I can use a regular punch as well.

author: spec
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2018, 08:35:12 am
content: Hi JwillisYou can use tinned copper wire too: put the wire through the hole with just sufficient protruding on one side and solder the side protruding ensuring that the solder flows over the cut end of the wire to prevent copper corrosion. Turn the PCB over, crop the wire the other side and repeat the solder operation.

author: KrudyZ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2018, 02:57:35 pm
content: Zero Ohm surface mount resistors also work really well, since they come "precut".Just pick the right size for your board thickness and then drill the holes for a snug fit.Put the bare board on a flat surface and load the resistors in the holes.Solder, then flip the board and solder the other side.I find this much nicer to work with than using wire.Regular chip resistors might not work for your 3mm thick board, since you would need 1206 size parts and would end up with pretty fat holes. There are some MELF resistors that are round, 3.6 mm long and would fit into a >1.4mm hole which is a bit better.MELF are a lot more expensive though, but probably still worth the time savings, compared to wires.For standard 1.6 mm boards, 0603 resistors fit well into 1 mm holes.0.8 mm boards can be used with 0402 resistors and 0.7 mm holes.This method is even better if you actually need a resistor in the line and not just a jumper.

author: Anyzis
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 29, 2019, 01:32:12 pm
content: Quote from: KrudyZ on December 22, 2018, 02:57:35 pmThis is pure genius! I registered on this forum just to post this. Haven't seen anywhere and after my last project with >50 hand soldered wire vias.. well I'm off to buy a reel of 0605 resistors

author: Ice-Tea
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 29, 2019, 02:24:42 pm
content: Side note: zero ohm resistors are a bit of a misnomer. If you look at the datasheet you'll find up to something like 50 mof resistance. Which may be an issue. Or not. But you'd better be aware

author: Jwillis
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2019, 01:05:55 am
content: I found some inexpensive 3 and 4 mil in a kit from every ones enemy .They work really well and just need a small punch and a hammer.Thank you everyone for the great ideas and suggestions .