DipTrace Forum

How can i make an m.2 board with a plated half hole for a grounded screw on the end opposite the connector end of the board?

Any ideas??

So from the lack of a response i supposed no one knows how to make an m.2 board like the pic attached??? with the mount half hole plated like a pad hole?

Flux wrote: 30 Sep 2025, 20:03 How can i make an m.2 board with a plated half hole for a grounded screw on the end opposite the connector end of the board?

Any ideas??

You can use the Objects Plated Half-Holes library as a starting template for creating such pads.

Thanks. Appreciate the answer. Any idea on how to apply to a board outline? And is there an easy way to add a half circle in a board outline? Or anyway?

Flux wrote: 03 Oct 2025, 14:42 Any idea on how to apply to a board outline?

To specify edge plating on the board, you can create a Non-Signal layer and place shapes and text on it to indicate the plated areas. Additionally, include a comment about this for the manufacturer when ordering the board.

Flux wrote: 03 Oct 2025, 14:42 And is there an easy way to add a half circle in a board outline?

Use the "Arc" option from the context menu for the polygon vertex.

You can do that by adding a plated mounting hole with a half-circle cutout on the board edge. In KiCad (or any other PCB tool), place a plated through-hole pad where the board outline cuts through it — that creates a castellated/half-plated hole after milling. Make sure the pad is connected to GND and marked as plated in your drill file. Also check with your PCB manufacturer first; not all fabs support plated half holes on the board edge unless you note it clearly in the fab drawing or order comments.