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General positioning holes in PCB production

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Positioning holes are a critical component in the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) manufacturing process. They play a vital role in ensuring the precision and accuracy of the final product, particularly in automated assembly and drilling processes. Understanding the function, types, and considerations for positioning holes is essential for engineers and manufacturers involved in PCB production.


In this blog, we'll explore what positioning holes are, their role in PCB production, types of positioning holes, and the best practices for implementing them effectively in the manufacturing process.


1. What Are Positioning Holes?

Positioning holes are non-functional holes drilled into the PCB at specific locations. They are used during the production process to align the PCB during various stages, such as drilling, soldering, and assembly. These holes serve as reference points for placement accuracy, ensuring that all components, vias, and traces are positioned correctly on the board.

Positioning holes typically do not serve an electrical function but are crucial for the mechanical integrity and manufacturing accuracy of the PCB. These holes are precisely located, and their alignment must be accurate to guarantee the performance of the final product.


2. What is the role of positioning holes in PCB production?

Positioning holes are integral to several stages of PCB production:

Drilling and Hole Placement

  • During PCB fabrication, automated drilling machines rely on positioning holes to accurately place through-holes, vias, and other components. These holes are used as alignment references to ensure all holes and features are drilled in the correct locations.


Soldering and Component Placement

  • Positioning holes are also used in pick-and-place machines, which are responsible for placing surface-mount devices (SMDs) onto the PCB. The holes help the machine recognize the precise orientation and alignment of the board, ensuring correct component placement.


Testing and Inspection

  • In the testing phase, positioning holes can be used by automated optical inspection (AOI) systems and other testing equipment to verify that the board has been assembled correctly and meets the design specifications.


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3. What are the types of positioning holes?

Positioning holes can vary in size, shape, and placement depending on the specific requirements of the PCB design. Here are the common types of positioning holes used in PCB production:

(1). Standard Positioning Holes

  • Size: Typically smaller than functional holes but large enough for mechanical fixtures and pins to fit.

  • Placement: Placed at standard locations, often at the corners or along the edges of the PCB.

  • Function: Used as reference points for automated machines to align the PCB during drilling, soldering, and testing.


(2). CNC Positioning Holes

  • Size: Larger than standard positioning holes and typically used for CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machinery to accurately align the board.

  • Placement: Positioned according to the specific design and manufacturing requirements.

  • Function: Essential for ensuring that CNC drills and routers perform precise operations on the board.


(3). Edge-Positioning Holes

  • Size: Typically located along the edge of the PCB.

  • Placement: These holes help align the board during the panelization process, where multiple boards are produced from a single large PCB sheet.

  • Function: They are used to align the PCB during the separation process, ensuring the panel breaks cleanly.


(4). Hole-in-Hole Positioning

  • Size: A smaller hole placed within a larger hole for precise alignment.

  • Placement: Used for two-layer or multilayer boards where precise drilling is necessary to align multiple layers of the PCB.

  • Function: These holes help the machine keep track of the alignment across multiple layers of the PCB during the fabrication process.


4. What is the best practice for locating holes?

To ensure that positioning holes contribute to the overall quality and accuracy of the PCB, several best practices should be followed:

① Accurate Placement

  • Positioning holes must be placed with high precision to ensure correct alignment during manufacturing. The placement should follow the design rules and specifications, which are typically defined in the PCB design software.

② Optimal Hole Size

  • The size of the positioning holes should be chosen carefully. Holes that are too large may weaken the PCB, while holes that are too small could be difficult for machinery to use effectively. Typically, positioning holes range between 1 mm and 3 mm in diameter.

③ Minimal Impact on Board Strength

  • While positioning holes are critical for alignment, they should not compromise the overall strength of the PCB. Proper placement, along with appropriate sizing, will prevent unnecessary stress points and maintain the board's structural integrity.

④ Avoiding Interference with Functional Areas

  • Positioning holes should be placed in areas where they will not interfere with other PCB features, such as traces, vias, or component pads. They should be positioned in locations that will not compromise the electrical performance of the board.

⑤ Use of Multiple Reference Holes

  • In complex PCB designs, it may be necessary to use multiple reference holes for additional alignment accuracy. This ensures that all processes, from drilling to component placement, are carried out precisely.


5. Conclusion

Positioning holes are an essential part of the PCB manufacturing process, playing a vital role in ensuring alignment and accuracy during drilling, assembly, and testing. By following best practices in positioning hole design, manufacturers can streamline their PCB production process, enhance automation efficiency, and ensure that the final product meets the required performance standards.


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