Z-DIRECTED PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD COMPONENTS HAVING A REMOVABLE END PORTION AND METHODS THEREFOR

A method for forming a Z-directed component for insertion into a mounting hole in a printed circuit board according to one example includes filling a first cavity having a tapered surface with a body material. A first layer of a constraining material is provided on top of the first cavity and has a second cavity having a width that is smaller than the first cavity. The second cavity is filled with the body material. Successive layers of the constraining material are provided on top of the first layer of the constraining material. Cavities of the successive layers of the constraining material are selectively filled with at least the body material to form layers of the main body portion of the Z-directed component. The constraining material is dissipated to release the Z-directed component from the constraining material and the Z-directed component is fired.