Should pads & vias be included on the internal layers?

[percival.harry]

Hello

Should pads and vias be included when generating gerber.GL2, gerber.GL3 files of the internal layers?

Im about to send a 4 layer project off o the "Fusion PCB" 4 layer service.

I'm using 2 internal layers as supply layers - I believe the Fusion service requires positive files for the internal layers (not the negative producer by Eagle 5.11).

so I cant use the $Supply layer option in Eagle 5.11 .

Instead I'm using polys and assigning them to the supply net - but here's my Question....

"should I include pads & vias on the internal layers??"

Two jpgs attached of the two possibilities? anyone traveled this path before and be able to share their knowledge?

Much appreciated.

Regards

Harry





PS
I got this explanation on the http://www.element14.com/ forum - re posted here for completeness.

"Ideally you should include non-connected pads on internal layers. It helps during the plating process to have additional copper to plate to down the barrel of the hole. The annular rings don't have to be as big on the internal layers as there are no tracks leading to them and you won't be soldering them.

PCB fabricators can cope without (they plate 2-layer boards ok) but can be dependent on the hole diameter:depth ratio."

Thanks again to Alan for the explanation.

[dingding]

Hi Harry,
The second picture is ok(pads & vias on the internal layers), attached our cam for 4 layer PCB.
regards,
dingding

[catherine12297]

In a perfect world you ought to incorporate non-associated cushions on inner layers. It helps amid the plating procedure to have extra copper to plate to down the barrel of the opening. The annular rings don't need to be as enthusiastic about the inside layers as there are no tracks prompting them and you won't bind them.

PCB fabricators can adapt without (they plate 2-layer sheets alright) however can be reliant on the gap diameter:depth proportion.