How can I handle missing solder mask opening on PCB footprint?

I have three through-hole PCBs that are missing front and back solder mask openings for two of the components. The solder mask (usually green) is covering the front and back solder pads. All other pads for all other parts are exposed. Is there a good way to remove the solder mask so that I can solder the components to the board?

November 27, 2023

You can use a burnishing pen, scratch brush, or fiberglass pen. It looks like an eraser pen but has fiberglass brush bristles come out. It’s much more precise, gentle, and safe than a knife, dremel, or sandpaper. Just pretend it’s an eraser. Normally used to scrape away oxidiation and rust.

Oliver Smith

Oliver is an experienced electronics engineer skilled in PCB design, analog circuits, embedded systems, and prototyping. His deep knowledge spans schematic capture, firmware coding, simulation, layout, testing, and troubleshooting. Oliver excels at taking projects from concept to mass production using his electrical design talents and mechanical aptitude.

Oliver Smith

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How can I handle missing solder mask opening on PCB footprint?

Oliver Smith

Oliver Smith

What Others Are Asking

How do components not get knocked off or fall off during reflow?

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