removing PCB molding flash

[bcredbottle]

My Falbatech Ergodox PCB won't fit into the litster case because some molding flash makes it too big to fit within the confines of layer 2.



I want to remove it but (A) I don't know how; and (B) I'm afraid of damaging the PCB in some way. Does anyone have experience? Any comment would be helpful. It's also worth noting that this thing is already soldered into the switches so I can't really remove the layer 3 plate without desoldering the whole thing

[jdcarpe]

It's only fiberglass. You can trim it with a sharp knife, or file it off with a file.

[geniekid]

It's only fiberglass. You can trim it with a sharp knife, or file it off with a file.

Filing fiberglass can be bad for your health.  In this case it's pretty negligible given the tiny amount you're working with, but don't inhale the resulting dust and definitely wash your hands and work area afterward.

[MJ45]

A Dremel tool with a fine sanding bit would work good. Wear a dust mask to be safe.

[Findecanor]

Tape the sides of it with first some masking tape and then some thick tape. Then file that down with a file. Goes very quickly.

But it is fibreglass. So I would wear a dust mask, and have the vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter running next to it while I do it. Then suck up the dust. Also do it on top of a newspaper, which I then fold and throw it away. Clean desk/workbench with vacuum cleaner. Then with a rag. Then clean my hands. Change clothes. Then take the dust mask off.

[Spopepro]

a sharp pair of flush nippers would be easy, and leave significantly less dust.

[bcredbottle]

Tape the sides of it with first some masking tape and then some thick tape. Then file that down with a file. Goes very quickly.

But it is fibreglass. So I would wear a dust mask, and have the vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter running next to it while I do it. Then suck up the dust. Also do it on top of a newspaper, which I then fold and throw it away. Clean desk/workbench with vacuum cleaner. Then with a rag. Then clean my hands. Change clothes. Then take the dust mask off.

I wish I had read this first. I just filed it like it was a fingernail. I am going to die soon.

[jdcarpe]

Tape the sides of it with first some masking tape and then some thick tape. Then file that down with a file. Goes very quickly.

But it is fibreglass. So I would wear a dust mask, and have the vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter running next to it while I do it. Then suck up the dust. Also do it on top of a newspaper, which I then fold and throw it away. Clean desk/workbench with vacuum cleaner. Then with a rag. Then clean my hands. Change clothes. Then take the dust mask off.

I wish I had read this first. I just filed it like it was a fingernail. I am going to die soon.

Unless you intentionally breathed ALL the dust from the filings, you should be okay. Don't inhale fiberglass dust without protective gear on a daily basis for years, unless you want mesothelioma. I hear it's not pleasant.