THROUGH-HOLE CONNECTION
In-house PCB prototyping often requires electrical connections between the top and bottom copper layers of a double-sided board. This workflow explains how to prepare, form and check mechanical through-hole connections using copper PCB rivets, without a chemical through-hole plating process.
Prepare These Inputs
- A machined PCB and a drawing or netlist identifying the required layer connections.
- Copper rivets and a forming tool matched to the hole geometry and board thickness.
- A suitable press and a method of checking electrical continuity.
Target Output
A double-sided prototype PCB with the required layer connections formed, inspected and electrically checked, ready for the next assembly operation.
Form the Connections Defined by the Design
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Identify the Required Locations
Review each intended connection against the PCB design. Check pad space and component clearances before fitting rivets.
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Check the Matched Dimensions
Confirm that the drilled hole, rivet and forming tool belong to the same specified setup. If the holes are unsuitable, return to the design or machining stage instead of forcing a rivet into place.
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Insert and Form the Rivets
Fit each selected rivet and form it with the corresponding tool, following the press procedure. Keep the PCB supported and avoid damage to neighbouring copper features.
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Verify the Electrical Result
Inspect the formed rivets, check the intended top-to-bottom continuity and look for unintended connections to adjacent copper. Check internal clearance where a component lead must pass through.
Continue Only After These Checks
- Every required connection is present at the intended design location.
- The formed rivets leave the required pad and component clearances.
- Continuity is verified for the intended connections, with no unintended shorts.
Skip this stage for single-sided boards or PCBs whose required layer connections already exist. Mechanical riveting is a prototype fabrication option, not a compulsory operation for every assembly.