How do I create a solder resist pattern in Eagle?

On 23/11/13 19:18, billpenner wrote:

I have used photoshop to create a mask from the eagle print but it is

tedious. There must be something I am missing in Eagle such as a ULP

that would make it easier. Can anyone help me>

 

Do you mean "how can I export the tStop and bStop layers?" or would that

get a "the what?" answer?

Thanks for the help. I can print the Stop pattern but It is negative, that is I will have to make a transparency then make a photo film negative of that for a mask to the board. I am making the layouts, film positives, negatives then using dry film resist to make the PC boards and solder masks I am trying to eliminate some of the steps. I would like to eliminate all of the lithographic processes if possible. I don't require all that much precision. Its only a hobby for me. I think if I could get a negative output from Eagle it be an answer.

Thanks

Bill

On 11/23/2013 05:06 PM, billpenner wrote:

Thanks for the help. I can print the Stop pattern but It is negative,

that is I will have to make a transparency then make a photo film

negative of that for a mask to the board. I am making the layouts, film

positives, negatives then using dry film resist to make the PC boards

and solder masks I am trying to eliminate some of the steps. I would

like to eliminate all of the lithographic processes if possible.

Bill,

To my knowledge, Eagle can not produce a negative Gerber file.  So

you're left to external tools to do so.

Maybe this will help:

• In Eagle, setup the CAM section normally to emit GERBER_RS274X and

    process the section to produce the desired Gerber file.  For the top

    layer, include only the tStop layer, and the Dimension layer for

    alignment.  For the bottom layer, use bStop and Dimension and be

    sure to mirror the layer.

• Using gerbv to view the Gerber file:

      o Set the layer color to pure white (#FFFFFF).

      o Click-right on the layer and choose "Invert Layer Color"

      o Print the layer.

HTH,

    - Chuck

Thank you very much. I now know to search elsewhere. I guess the litho is not bad after all. will try the gerbv also.

Thanks again

Bill

On 24/11/2013 11:06 a.m., billpenner wrote:

Thanks for the help. I can print the Stop pattern but It is negative,

that is I will have to make a transparency then make a photo film

negative of that for a mask to the board. I am making the layouts, film

positives, negatives then using dry film resist to make the PC boards

and solder masks I am trying to eliminate some of the steps. I would

like to eliminate all of the lithographic processes if possible. I don't

require all that much precision. Its only a hobby for me. I think if I

could get a negative output from Eagle it be an answer.

Thanks

Bill

As I understand it you can get Eagle to provide a negative print file.

You use the CAM processor. Select the output device PS_INVERTED and the

layers of interest, say tStop.

Take the generated file and print it on a post script capable printer or

process it into something you can handle.

Cut loose from Element14 and use http://www.eaglecentral.ca/forums/

its a better web front end to the cadsoft newsgroup where these forums

originate. Over there search on this subject. It has been raised many times.

HTH

Warren

Thanks for the info and the cadsoft link that is a great help.

Bill