How to Design a Slot Hole in a PCB

A slot is an elongated hole, generally a flat plate, with a single edge on both ends, but not
necessarily. This is a feature used in PCBs for many purposes. Some of them are plated, while
others are non-plated. GBOSKY

Slots are often used for electrical connections. They are also commonly used in component
footprints. These holes help to solve problems related to size constraints in some designs. If
your design is restricted, you might want to consider using plated slots instead of non-plated
ones. But you need to be sure your design meets the requirements for plated slots.

In addition, some CAD systems allow PCB manufacturers to define slots in the drill file.
However, you need to be careful when designing a PCB slot. You must follow the
manufacturer's guidelines and use the correct process. For example, manufacturers usually use
electroless deposition on PCBs with two or more copper layers.

When you use non-plated slots, your design should include large cut-outs in the copper layer.
This is because they provide a better fit for rectangular or blade-style leads. Moreover, they
allow the part to move within the groove.

The length and width of the slot have the highest tolerance, while the position of the feature
can vary from 0.5 mm to 0.8 mm. Most through-hole part footprints are designed with circular
holes. While this can be helpful for some applications, it takes up more space on a circuit
board. Therefore, it is best to use plated slots if your design requires a lot of space on a PCB.

The smallest width and length are 0.50 mm and 1.0 mm. You need to have a slot of at least 0.5
mm to meet the requirements of your circuit board. Your manufacturing team can recognize
the shape of your PCB slots and make the necessary adjustments.

There are several types of slots, including blind and through. It is important to know the
difference between the two. To be able to define a slot, you need to draw your intended holes
in the footprint on the board outline layer. Afterward, your manufacturing team will route the
holes inside the drawn shape.

As mentioned above, most PCB layout CAD programs allow you to define the shape of the
hole. You should combine this definition with the contour of the PCB in order to determine
the actual size of the slot. Using these methods, you can specify the shape of the slot to a
CAD program and see a preview of the resulting hole.

Once you've defined the slot, you can also check the alignment of the traces that you're using
to connect the part to the circuit board. You should take into account how the structural
strength of the component will be affected by the holes. Additionally, you should determine
whether you need to install washers over any short-slotted holes in the outer ply.

Regardless of the type of slot you choose, you'll need to make sure that your mechanical layer
is equipped with copper layers. You will also need to consider the direction in which your
application load is placed.