Disable silkscreen for individual components

Question

Hello,

I am wondering if there is a way to disable the silkscreen layer on a component by component basis - without modifying the package library. For example, I want to take a TO-220 package and add a copper area under the tab to provide some limited heatsinking to the PCB. However, I don't want the silkscreen outline to print on the exposed copper. Does anyone know if this is possible without creating a new package?

Thanks.

Former Member · Accepted Answer

Mike Ropers wrote on Sun, 06 May 2012 13:56 Hello, I am wondering if there is a way to disable the silkscreen layer on a component by component basis - without modifying the package library. For example, I want to take a TO-220 package and add a copper area under the tab to provide some limited heatsinking to the PCB. However, I don't want the silkscreen outline to print on the exposed copper. Does anyone know if this is possible without creating a new package? Hi Mike, You can't do it from the PCB editor directly. You'll have to copy the device to a custom library and then edit the footprint in that custom library. Finally, use the replace command to get the modified device into your design. Cheers, James. -- James Morrison ~~~ Stratford Digital Specializing in CadSoft EAGLE Online Sales to North America Electronic Design Services EAGLE Enterprise Toolkit -- Web access to CadSoft support forums at www.eaglecentral.ca. Where the CadSoft EAGLE community meets.

dukepro · Answer

On 05/06/2012 01:56 PM, Mike Ropers wrote:

Hello, I am wondering if there is a way to disable the silkscreen
layer on a component by component basis - without modifying the
package library. For example, I want to take a TO-220 package and
add a copper area under the tab to provide some limited heatsinking
to the PCB. However, I don't want the silkscreen outline to print on
the exposed copper. Does anyone know if this is possible without
creating a new package? Thanks.

Most board house (Advanced Circuits, 4pcb.com in Colorado) will mask the

silkscreen from any area that does not have solder mask. i.e. the board

house will not allow silkscreen to be printed on anything other than

solder mask.

On all of our tight boards, I have had to place the reference designator

(name) right smack on top of the 0603 pads simply because there wasn't

enough real estate to place it elsewhere. This is more than adequate

for a process sheet or for the assembly house.

Check with your board house. It's a lot easier than modifying a bunch

of library parts.

Enjoy,

- Chuck