I have found that the Protel dxf outputs are far from satisfactory for my
needs. I don't get the layers I need, and the drill drawing doesn't look
right.
The best way I have found to produce dxf files is to generate my gerber
files in the usual way. I then import them into Camtastic. This allows me to
check the gerbers, and then produce my dxf file from them. Camtastic allows
various options on the dxf output, one of them being zero width tracks. I
usually export the dxfs with the track widths and then explode all layers
apart from the copper layers (I prefer to see copper widths in the drawing)
when importing into Autocad.
The only annoying thing with this method is that the layers have to be
renamed in Camtastic to prevent all pcb layers being exported onto the same
dxf/dwg layer.
File sizes can be a problem though.
Barry
-Original Message-
From: Ian Wilson [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: 15 August 2001 00:02
To: Protel EDA Forum
Subject: [PEDA] Exporting PCB to DXF/DWG (EX: ddb transfer failure
??)
One point on the subject of DWG/DXF export of a PCB.
I find it is best to:
1) Save the file I am about to export (and save a copy to a new name)
2) Globally set track, arc (and string) widths to zero
3) remove heaps of extraneous stuff - like most of the copper tracks which
are of no use to the mech designer (usually)
4) then do the export.
Point 2) makes the DXF/DWG file **much** easier to use. Protel exports
lines (tracks) with non-zero width as rectangles. These do not make
accurate snap points unless you fiddle a lot and work a high zoom
levels. By making the tracks and string sizes all zero first you get
accurate snap points.
I would like increased control of the export process including:
i) option to export all widths as zero
ii) ability to control which layers are exported
iii) option to export as draft mode which would also *not* fill pads and
vias.
iv) ability to export selected items only
Bye for now,
Ian
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