Convert pdf/dwg/dxf/eps to Gerber - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Leuven
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2014, 12:10:09 pm
content: I have a small layout designed and want to turn it into a PCB. The problem is, I'm very familiar with Adobe Illustrator and I have created the layout there in a vectorial format.Is there a way to convert to Gerber? I haven't got any success so far, downloaded a trial version of Diptrace and also Viewmate Pro which bot can import DXF files, but they completely ignore splines/paths which is basically the whole layout.Any ideas?

author: Andy Watson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2014, 12:43:35 pm
content: I think the quickest route to success will be to be download one of the free PCB packages - and learn to use it. I realise that is a steep learning curve to master, but it will be less traumatic than trying to convert "pictures" in to PCBs. The packages will also allow you to check the artwork against the schematic. The set of gerber files contains much more than just a picture of the layout - which is why it will be very difficult to convert an image into a gerber format.Also, having a schematic available will make it easier for others to provide assistance and critique(like that chip in the top right corner - what 8 pin chip requires only two connections?)Edit: I would also avoid DXF. In my experience it is the most non-standard standard available.Alternatively, if you are wedded to your Adobe, it might be easier to look at having the PCB milled (routed) by CNC - the style of your design would lend itself to CNC milling.

author: Wilksey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2014, 01:22:37 pm
content: http://bayareacircuits.com/dxf-to-gerber-conversion-guide/You could look at the guide above to see if it gives any useful tips?Typically a PCB package will not import DXF into copper layers, I have used several packages where I have imported DXF for layout and gone over with pads for the footprint, but kept the outline in the mechanical dimensions layer

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 28, 2014, 08:26:12 pm
content: post your DXF file, I can convert it to Gerber.

author: Leuven
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2014, 03:50:45 pm
content: You're right Andy, the lad who's doing them is using some sort of router or CNC milling machine, and I've created the layout with that in mind. But he's asking for Gerber and NC Drill files. On the up side, it's a very cheap service - about £10 for a 10x10cm board, so I don't want to go someplace else. And yes, I am wedded to my AdobeWilksay, going by that guide I made sure all areas are closed and solid fill, continuous boundary (with 0-width line) that does not self-intersect. Also made sure there are no 'islands' inside the filled shapes. Still no luck. Autocad has no problem opening the files.IconicPCB, I'm posting the dxf files below (trace and drill). It would be great if you can make a Gerber file out of them, and even better if you tell us how you did it! If we get glitches, I can alter the layout to suit.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2014, 05:34:00 pm
content: Quote from: Leuven on October 29, 2014, 03:50:45 pmFor £15 you could get 10 double sided boards of that size complete with silk screen and solder mask, and HASL coating. Thunaround 1-8 weeks, my limited experience is 2 weeks.

author: Leuven
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2014, 05:53:08 pm
content: Quote from: tggzzz on October 29, 2014, 05:34:00 pmYou're right, I see now that if I go to China I can get it for about $20. The original question remains: how to convert to Gerber and NC Drill.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 29, 2014, 06:05:57 pm
content: Quote from: Leuven on October 29, 2014, 05:53:08 pmAs one <ethnic> said to the other, "If I wanted to get to there, I wouldn't start from here"

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2014, 04:47:17 am
content: Leuven,No problem in converting the DXF to a Gerber.Main problem is the way the data is structured. Namely polygons and their interaction results in a whole lot of short line segments ( in excess of 300 thousand elements which then represents a huge burden on the software to process.By the way I make blank boards commercially using milling process up to eight layers.

author: Leuven
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 31, 2014, 02:53:41 pm
content: Quote from: IconicPCB on October 31, 2014, 04:47:17 amThanks Iconic, I'm getting some answers myself now. I can convert it all right, if I only use straight lines. Any arcs are getting lost in translation. However, after spending couple hours with Diptrace I'm starting to get the hang of it. Another few pushes and I think I can create the layout there.