Convert Gerber and Drill to an Intelligent ODB++ file in 5 Steps.
S
Simon Garrison
started a topic
about 6 years ago
More and more PCB Fabricators are requiring ODB++ data (instead of Gerber and Drill files). Using ODB++ data helps them streamline the fabrication process for bare-board manufacturing. However Gerber data does not contain much information besides X,Y Coordinates, and Aperture shapes. In this tutorial I'll demonstrate how to convert any Gerber to intelligent ODB++, plus generate border, accurate nets, component data, and more.
STEP 1: Import your Gerber and Drill files.
Note: ODB++ requires each file is assigned a layer type. If any "layer types" are incorrect, change them here.
Note: Most silkscreens already have the component outline, so by selecting objects on the silkscreen (when performing Build components) you'll get the true outline when exporting your ODB++ file.
Simon Garrison
More and more PCB Fabricators are requiring ODB++ data (instead of Gerber and Drill files). Using ODB++ data helps them streamline the fabrication process for bare-board manufacturing. However Gerber data does not contain much information besides X,Y Coordinates, and Aperture shapes. In this tutorial I'll demonstrate how to convert any Gerber to intelligent ODB++, plus generate border, accurate nets, component data, and more.
STEP 1: Import your Gerber and Drill files.
Note: ODB++ requires each file is assigned a layer type. If any "layer types" are incorrect, change them here.
STEP 2: Create a Border outline layer.
STEP 3: Extract a Netlist. (OPTIONAL)
STEP 4: Generate Components (OPTIONAL)
Note: If you already happen to have an IPC Netlist file, please use this shortcut - because FAB 3000 can automatically Generate all components. https://www.numericalinnovations.com/blogs/news/how-to-generate-a-centroid-file-aka-pick-and-place-for-any-pcb-in-less-than-2-minutes
Note: Most silkscreens already have the component outline, so by selecting objects on the silkscreen (when performing Build components) you'll get the true outline when exporting your ODB++ file.
STEP 5: Export to ODB++.
Note: Go to menu: File / Export / ODB++...