Gerber files

Kristian95 · 02 June 2008, 02:31

I am definately no expert in pcb fabrication, and I have learned that I need to get gerber files made before pcbs can be produced. The Eagle files are available at Georg's homepage (http://www.gb97816.homepage.t-online.de/). Could someone who knows how to do it please make the Gerber file for each layer and pm me so I can get hold of them?

Kristian95 · 03 June 2008, 08:13

dang aren't there any of you super modders who can help me out ??

DJBase · 03 June 2008, 10:57

You can convert Eagle files to Gerber within Eagle. I can do that but without any warranty that everything will be ok.

Zetr0 · 03 June 2008, 13:30

@Kristain95

as i am using the free version of eagle, it wont do Gerbers that size

Kristian95 · 03 June 2008, 17:34

@Zetro

If you have the board schematics already (I'll upload the file in the Zone if need be, it is available on Georg's homepage) I thought the size restrictions on the pcb are void while working with the file? I downloaded the free version too but honestly have no idea what I am doing when I look at the different screens and menus

Kristian95 · 03 June 2008, 17:36

@DJBase

What is the "easy" way of checking that the gerber files are ok and what can go wrong when you make them? I hope you don't mind me asking such basic questions

Zetr0 · 03 June 2008, 17:53

@Kristan

I have made some gerbers for you, I would suggest you check this before going off and having it produced!

heres how to make gerber files from eagle, its not hard so give it a go yourself

There are some gerber viewers online so hit up google and over view these gerbers that i have done

DJBase · 03 June 2008, 18:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kristian95

@DJBase

What is the "easy" way of checking that the gerber files are ok and what can go wrong when you make them? I hope you don't mind me asking such basic questions

Well, you have to check that all traces, vias and such stuff be sure everyhing was converted in the right way.

Kristian95 · 03 June 2008, 18:39

Thanks Zetr0

I'll give the page and your gerbers a look

@Zetr0 & DJBase

For a complete noob within pcb designing etc (I have no training and have never done it before), how easy would you say it would be for me to do a proper check of the gerber file compared to the Eagle-board layout ??

DJBase · 03 June 2008, 21:18

Best way I would suggest to print each layer on paper and compare Eagle with Gerber files.

Oli_HD · 03 June 2008, 21:21

There are lots of companies who take Eagle files, custompcb.com for one

Kristian95 · 03 June 2008, 21:21

ah ok, thanks DJBase

yaqube · 04 June 2008, 01:02

@Kristian95

Generating Gerber files may be sometimes a little bit tricky.

Actually there are two Gerber formats in use: original RS274D and extended RS274X. The former one needs additional file with aperture definitions while the last one has those definitions embedded (and also supports some other features like arbitrary polygons). Some EDA tools can generate files in either or both of these formats. So if you can't generate output files in RS174X format make sure you attach file with aperture definitions. I assume that the pcb fab you have chosen use raster photoplotter and there aren't any aperture shape and size limitations.

There is also an option regarding units (imperial or metric) and coordinate precission but since your board is not very dense so even 2.3 will do. Most fabs require that all coordinates are positive numbers so make sure that the board origin is set correctly. The pcb fab also needs a file with drilling information. Almost every shop requires a drill file in Excellon format (some want also an additional file with tool definitions).

You also have to deliver a file describing board stackup (number of layers, board and copper thickness, core and prepreg type, used soldermasks and overlays, etc)

The best method for verification of correct Gerber files generation is importing them back into your EDA tool and have visual inspection. If the design use thermal reliefs around through-hole pads it's good to verify them.

Sorry if it's off topic but it's better to check these things twice (or more) than have faulty boards manufactured.

Kristian95 · 04 June 2008, 01:54

thanks for the explanation yaqube

Since I know next to nothing about pcb production and designing pcbs I think I will hunt more extensively for companies that will work with the Eagle files so I don't have to make gerber files

Also, thanks for the heads up on custompcb.com Oli HD

Kristian95 · 04 June 2008, 18:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oli_HD

There are lots of companies who take Eagle files, custompcb.com for one

I contacted custonpcb.com and alas they don't do pcbs bigger than 11"x8"

I have tried googleing for more companies that accept Eagle files but I come up short

If you know more companies that accept Eagle files (or can help me out doing the right Google search) please let me know

rkauer · 05 June 2008, 00:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kristian95

I contacted custonpcb.com and alas they don't do pcbs bigger than 11"x8"

I have tried googleing for more companies that accept Eagle files but I come up short

If you know more companies that accept Eagle files (or can help me out doing the right Google search) please let me know

Futurlec does. Dunno about size restrictions...

Zetr0 · 05 June 2008, 01:35

It would be worth giving them a message

sales@futurlec.com,

ask about their PCB fabrication service, and if it can handle a 4 layer pcb of 11"*8"

Kristian95 · 05 June 2008, 02:42

I remember you guided me to their site Zetr0 and I asked them... alas this was the reply:

Thanks for your enquiry, sorry however we are not able to do 4 layer pcb's at present.

Maybe I can pay them to do gerber files for me (that is, gerber files checked for errors), I'll contact them

Oli_HD · 14 June 2008, 19:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kristian95

If you know more companies that accept Eagle files please let me know

Hmm, Ive looked at the other PCB companies I use and they seem to just like gerber but heres one that takes Eagle files, does four layer boards but costs a bomb unless you want to buy ten or more>>> http://www.sunstone.com

Heres one that offers format convertion so may should be able to work with Eagle files: 4pcb.com

Kristian95 · 14 June 2008, 19:33

Thanks for the reply Oli_HD

I have meanwhile gotten things sorted out. The company that did the Board originally (from Eagle files), German E&K, has given me a quote plus a quote by getting the thing done in Taiwan (again from Eagle files) and the Taiwan quote is very good price (see the price here)

02 June 2008, 02:31	#1
Kristian95 A4000T owner :) Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: California, USA Age: 49 Posts: 498	Gerber files I am definately no expert in pcb fabrication, and I have learned that I need to get gerber files made before pcbs can be produced. The Eagle files are available at Georg's homepage (http://www.gb97816.homepage.t-online.de/). Could someone who knows how to do it please make the Gerber file for each layer and pm me so I can get hold of them?

03 June 2008, 17:53	#7
Zetr0 Ya' like it Retr0? Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: United Kingdom Age: 49 Posts: 9,768	@Kristan I have made some gerbers for you, I would suggest you check this before going off and having it produced! heres how to make gerber files from eagle, its not hard so give it a go yourself There are some gerber viewers online so hit up google and over view these gerbers that i have done Last edited by Zetr0; 10 April 2010 at 19:50.

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03 June 2008, 08:13	#2
Kristian95 A4000T owner :) Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: California, USA Age: 49 Posts: 498	dang aren't there any of you super modders who can help me out ??

03 June 2008, 10:57	#3
DJBase Amiga is my Religion Join Date: May 2005 Location: Germany Posts: 578	You can convert Eagle files to Gerber within Eagle. I can do that but without any warranty that everything will be ok.

03 June 2008, 13:30	#4
Zetr0 Ya' like it Retr0? Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: United Kingdom Age: 49 Posts: 9,768	@Kristain95 as i am using the free version of eagle, it wont do Gerbers that size

03 June 2008, 17:34	#5
Kristian95 A4000T owner :) Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: California, USA Age: 49 Posts: 498	@Zetro If you have the board schematics already (I'll upload the file in the Zone if need be, it is available on Georg's homepage) I thought the size restrictions on the pcb are void while working with the file? I downloaded the free version too but honestly have no idea what I am doing when I look at the different screens and menus

03 June 2008, 17:36	#6
Kristian95 A4000T owner :) Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: California, USA Age: 49 Posts: 498	@DJBase What is the "easy" way of checking that the gerber files are ok and what can go wrong when you make them? I hope you don't mind me asking such basic questions

03 June 2008, 18:39	#9
Kristian95 A4000T owner :) Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: California, USA Age: 49 Posts: 498	Thanks Zetr0 I'll give the page and your gerbers a look @Zetr0 & DJBase For a complete noob within pcb designing etc (I have no training and have never done it before), how easy would you say it would be for me to do a proper check of the gerber file compared to the Eagle-board layout ??

03 June 2008, 21:18	#10
DJBase Amiga is my Religion Join Date: May 2005 Location: Germany Posts: 578	Best way I would suggest to print each layer on paper and compare Eagle with Gerber files.

03 June 2008, 21:21	#11
Oli_HD Collector Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Staffordshire. UK Posts: 157	There are lots of companies who take Eagle files, custompcb.com for one

04 June 2008, 01:02	#13
yaqube Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Poland Posts: 159	@Kristian95 Generating Gerber files may be sometimes a little bit tricky. Actually there are two Gerber formats in use: original RS274D and extended RS274X. The former one needs additional file with aperture definitions while the last one has those definitions embedded (and also supports some other features like arbitrary polygons). Some EDA tools can generate files in either or both of these formats. So if you can't generate output files in RS174X format make sure you attach file with aperture definitions. I assume that the pcb fab you have chosen use raster photoplotter and there aren't any aperture shape and size limitations. There is also an option regarding units (imperial or metric) and coordinate precission but since your board is not very dense so even 2.3 will do. Most fabs require that all coordinates are positive numbers so make sure that the board origin is set correctly. The pcb fab also needs a file with drilling information. Almost every shop requires a drill file in Excellon format (some want also an additional file with tool definitions). You also have to deliver a file describing board stackup (number of layers, board and copper thickness, core and prepreg type, used soldermasks and overlays, etc) The best method for verification of correct Gerber files generation is importing them back into your EDA tool and have visual inspection. If the design use thermal reliefs around through-hole pads it's good to verify them. Sorry if it's off topic but it's better to check these things twice (or more) than have faulty boards manufactured.

04 June 2008, 01:54	#14
Kristian95 A4000T owner :) Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: California, USA Age: 49 Posts: 498	thanks for the explanation yaqube Since I know next to nothing about pcb production and designing pcbs I think I will hunt more extensively for companies that will work with the Eagle files so I don't have to make gerber files Also, thanks for the heads up on custompcb.com Oli HD

05 June 2008, 01:35	#17
Zetr0 Ya' like it Retr0? Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: United Kingdom Age: 49 Posts: 9,768	It would be worth giving them a message sales@futurlec.com, ask about their PCB fabrication service, and if it can handle a 4 layer pcb of 11"*8"

05 June 2008, 02:42	#18
Kristian95 A4000T owner :) Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: California, USA Age: 49 Posts: 498	I remember you guided me to their site Zetr0 and I asked them... alas this was the reply: Thanks for your enquiry, sorry however we are not able to do 4 layer pcb's at present. Maybe I can pay them to do gerber files for me (that is, gerber files checked for errors), I'll contact them

14 June 2008, 19:33	#20
Kristian95 A4000T owner :) Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: California, USA Age: 49 Posts: 498	Thanks for the reply Oli_HD I have meanwhile gotten things sorted out. The company that did the Board originally (from Eagle files), German E&K, has given me a quote plus a quote by getting the thing done in Taiwan (again from Eagle files) and the Taiwan quote is very good price (see the price here)

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