What is the purpose of a solder mask on a PCB?

Solder mask is a material that is applied to a printed circuit board (PCB) to protect the board's copper traces from oxidation and to prevent solder bridges from forming between closely spaced components. However, the purpose of the solder mask goes beyond just protecting the board. In this article, we will discuss the importance of solder masks and the role they play in the manufacturing of printed circuit boards.

Solder masks are applied to PCBs after the copper traces have been etched to create the circuit pattern. The solder mask is typically a thin layer of polymer that is screen printed onto the surface of the PCB. The purpose of the solder mask is to provide a protective barrier between the surface of the board and the components that will be attached to it.

One of the main benefits of using a solder mask is that it helps to prevent solder bridging between closely spaced components. Solder bridges occur when excess solder connects two adjacent components, causing a short circuit. This can result in costly repairs or even complete failure of the circuit board.