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How to view Gerber file after exporting by using CAM Processor?

Oliver

How to view Gerber file after exporting by using CAM Processor?

 

When i finish PCB Layout and export gerber files by loading gerber.cam ULPs and processing CAM job, I want to know whether the gerber file is correct or not. But i can not preview the file with Eagle software or CAM Processor.

 

Or, I have to install CAM350 to view gerber file?

 

In other way, if i want to print gerber file into PDF format, how to do it?

  • 0

    Hello,

     

    EAGLE can't display Gerber data. You have to use a Gerber viewer for that. There are several tools available (the viewers are for free) in the web: Commonly used:

     

    Windows Gerber-Viewer:

     

    GCPrevue --  Graphicode   http://www.graphicode.com

    GerbTool --  WISE Software  http://www.wssi.com/

    Viewmate  --Pentalogix  http://www.pentalogix.com/

     

    Linux:

    gerbv  http://gerbv.sourceforge.net/

     

    Why do you want to make PDF of Gerber? Why not directly from the Layout Editor?

     

    Regards,

    Richard

  • 0 in reply to Richard_H

    Hi, Richard:

     

    Thanks for your clarification.

     

    When I delivery documentation ( for example: start guide or engineering document of this solution), i have to print silkscreen side (both component and solder side), solder mask and solder stop mask into PDF. Sometimes, I have to print silkscreen side with pads and vias to review PCB file(to check whether the silkscreen covers pads, or hole of the vias)

     

    best regards;

     

    Oliver Zhang

  • 0 in reply to Richard_H

    There are also online (web based) viewers available, if you aren't in a situation when installing new tools is an option (or just like the simplicity of using a website).  I've created one myself (no advertising, no registration, free):

     

    http://www.circuitpeople.com

     

    But to be fair, there is at least one other:

     

    http://www.gerber-viewer.com/ (advertising, but no registration)

     

    I've also written a little "tutorial" covering the "what and why" of gerber files, which might be useful: What is a Gerber File?

     

    I hope this is useful!

  • 0

    I like Viewmate  --Pentalogix  http://www.pentalogix.com/

     

    it has a nice function Smart DFM.

     

    I have another question:

    people who provid cam process file of eagle all like use difference extension name for the generated file,
    of cause, I can use thes extension name and write a document for thess file to explain them, but Is there a standard formulate by EAGLE CAD?

     

    It seems a little orderless.

  • 0 in reply to huayuliang

    No, EAGLE doesn't enforce a naming policy on gerber output (though defaults are there). From a manufacturer's point of view, having different extension names is useful since it helps them automatically identify the purpose of each file (top silk, top copper, etc.).  From a software developer's (and many users) point of view, all gerber files should have the same extension so they can be mapped to programs, mime-types, etc.

     

    There isn't a great answer to this as long as you're using "naked" (i.e. not combined into some other format) gerber files from a naive CAD system like EAGLE.  EAGLE *could* be tagging the gerbers with layer names (%LN...*% in gerber parlance) to communicate intended use, but it doesn't.  It could also be using gerber comments (G04 ...*) to add helpful information, but doesn't.  Part of the reason is may be that EAGLE doesn't really enforce rules to keep the "right" kind of objects on the "right" layer.

     

    I'm not picking on EAGLE here.  The same is true for almost every CAD system (even far more expensive ones, as well as open source alternatives) -- they simply don't help you out much when it comes to getting the PCBs made.  The exception(s) to this rule are proprietary tools that fabricators supply, since the fabricators have a vested interest in making getting PCBs made easy.  The flip side being that is the fabricator does have the capability to build your PCBs, then you'll need to be able to take the design elsewhere.  As far as I'm aware, all the proprietary tools allow you to get Gerber files for a small cost (small being relative, of course -- mostly it seems to be less than $100).

     

    Unfortunately gerber is very awkward, yet inescapable because of its very wide support.

  • 0 in reply to Former Member
    Thank you for your reply, it seems I can only accept this fact.
  • 0 in reply to Former Member

    There isn't a great answer to this as long as you're using "naked" (i.e. not combined into some other format) gerber files from a naive CAD system like EAGLE.  EAGLE *could* be tagging the gerbers with layer names (%LN...*% in gerber parlance) to communicate intended use, but it doesn't.

     

    We distinguish the Gerber files by their extension. These names are well known at least here in Germany. All board manufacturers are used to them.

    But of course you are able to set a  CAM job that meets your expectations. Feel free to use a file name that is okay with your board manufacturer. Once set up a CAM job you can use it for all your projects.

     

    BR

    Richard

     


  • 0

    There is another Gerber Viewer called DFM Now! That you might want to consider...

     

    www.dfmnow.com