Manipulating Gerber/Layer files directly

luvdunhill · 31st July 2007, 03:15 PM

hi! I was wondering if it's possible to manipulate the layer files directly that are sent to the pcb fab? The files I have are Gerbers .gbl, .gbs, .gtl etc. and were made from Protel DXP (obviously I don't have the .PcbDoc file

At a minimum, I'd like to split the panel in half and only have 2 of the 4 board sections made. Also, if it's possible to do a bit of rework, I'd be interested in that as well. Is the splitting something that the board fab can be instructed to do?

Finally, any recommendations on a place to get the boards done? The total panel size is 10" x 10.2".

Finally, if I wanted to have half of this panel made, and then another board made, could the fab panelize these for me into one project?

Also, how to do instruct them to include scoring lines so the pcbs can be separated easily?

Thanks for the help! Sorry for so many questions!

pinkmouse · 31st July 2007, 03:27 PM

I'm not aware of any cheap/free programs that allow that kind of Gerber manipulation, but I would be pleased to be informed otherwise.

Your best bet would be to find a good PCB house and get them to do the work for you, they will charge for it though. I have always found 4pcb/Advanced to be very helpful, and produce good quality work.

luvdunhill · 5th August 2007, 04:30 PM

anyone else know of a way to do this?

ashok · 5th August 2007, 06:02 PM

....... impolite smilie in this case ?

luvdunhill · 5th August 2007, 06:21 PM

heh, no not really... just tired of looking for a solution and hoping someone else might know of something.

thomas997 · 11th August 2007, 08:13 PM

CAM350 is the best program I've found so far, I believe the demo version will allow you to edit and export.

If you want cheap there is ViewMasterEZ for $49, good for basic editing.

Or if you happen to have Altium designer there is a built in gerber editor, just be sure to rename your file to something it recognizes before opening.

As for where to get it done, gold phoenix is very cheap. For 100 sq inches its $100, multi project is another $30. But they would require you to panelize yourself.

Here is a small list of more places: http://www.opencircuits.com/PCB_Manufacturers send them an email saying what you need done and they will probably get you a quote.

31st July 2007, 03:15 PM	#1
luvdunhill diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2006	Manipulating Gerber/Layer files directly hi! I was wondering if it's possible to manipulate the layer files directly that are sent to the pcb fab? The files I have are Gerbers .gbl, .gbs, .gtl etc. and were made from Protel DXP (obviously I don't have the .PcbDoc file At a minimum, I'd like to split the panel in half and only have 2 of the 4 board sections made. Also, if it's possible to do a bit of rework, I'd be interested in that as well. Is the splitting something that the board fab can be instructed to do? Finally, any recommendations on a place to get the boards done? The total panel size is 10" x 10.2". Finally, if I wanted to have half of this panel made, and then another board made, could the fab panelize these for me into one project? Also, how to do instruct them to include scoring lines so the pcbs can be separated easily? Thanks for the help! Sorry for so many questions!

31st July 2007, 03:27 PM	#2
pinkmouse diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Chatham, England	I'm not aware of any cheap/free programs that allow that kind of Gerber manipulation, but I would be pleased to be informed otherwise. Your best bet would be to find a good PCB house and get them to do the work for you, they will charge for it though. I have always found 4pcb/Advanced to be very helpful, and produce good quality work. __________________ Al I conceive of nothing, in religion, science or philosophy, that is more than the proper thing to wear, for a while. Charles Fort

5th August 2007, 06:02 PM	#4
ashok diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: 3RS	....... impolite smilie in this case ? __________________ AM

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5th August 2007, 04:30 PM	#3
luvdunhill diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2006	anyone else know of a way to do this?

5th August 2007, 06:21 PM	#5
luvdunhill diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2006	heh, no not really... just tired of looking for a solution and hoping someone else might know of something.

11th August 2007, 08:13 PM	#6
thomas997 diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Vancouver	CAM350 is the best program I've found so far, I believe the demo version will allow you to edit and export. If you want cheap there is ViewMasterEZ for $49, good for basic editing. Or if you happen to have Altium designer there is a built in gerber editor, just be sure to rename your file to something it recognizes before opening. As for where to get it done, gold phoenix is very cheap. For 100 sq inches its $100, multi project is another $30. But they would require you to panelize yourself. Here is a small list of more places: http://www.opencircuits.com/PCB_Manufacturers send them an email saying what you need done and they will probably get you a quote.

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