Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] PCB Milling with Protel?

"Zoran A. Scepanovic" wrote:

>
> Protel 99SE does read Gerber files but prefer it's own generated. Other
> gerbers can be imported, but that requires sometimes, some 'tweaking'.

Yes, I'm aware of that.

> Protel can be used for milling. Sfter the board design is finished, make a
> copy of the board (just to be on the safe side). switch to the desired
> layer, Set the design rules (clearance) to the desired 1/2 milling tip
> width, select everything on the current layer, From the Tools menu select
> 'Outline Selected Objects', Clear Selection, Export the result to (say) DXF,
> 'tweak' it if necessary and MILL.

Cute trick!

>
> IMHO it is much easier to print each layer to PS, 'tweak' it in Corel
> (fonts, Logos ...), and print it again to PS. Send it to the print shop and
> for almost no money you have the film for producing PCB. My last PCB was
> DIP 32 pin to TSOP I 32 pin (the late has the 0.5mm pitch) adapter for my
> favourite E/Eprom burner.

Well, I've done that one better. I built a laser raster photoplotter (see it at
http://pico-systems.com/photoplot.html ) It has .001" resolution, and puts the
dots within a few thousandths of an inch of where I tell it. By swapping out a
board, I can switch between black/white litho film and grey-scale film
printing. I also use it to make master artwork for front panel labels.

Jon