AutoCAD to Gerber File

[BOPdesigner]

We are using AutoCAD to create etched PCB patterns and then either importing that into a Gerber tool (GerbTool) or exporting the Gerber file from AutoCAD directly. Looking for 3rd party applications to do the latter. The problem we are having with importing the dxf file into GerbTool is that our feature in the dxf file that that needs to be a "hole" (drilled hole) in the is not getting recognized as such during the import process. Currently this hole is just a circular hatch pattern in AutoCAD. Is there a command to make a hole in AutoCAD instead?

 

[CarlB]

Depends what object you are making a hole in.
if it's a solid or region, first make the "hole" as an object (say a solid cylinder"), then use "subtract" command to cut it out of the other object.

 

[BOPdesigner]

The etch patterns are all in 2D. No 3D solids.

 

[CarlB]

If all 2-d linework, I can see a translator can't tell a "hole" from anything else.

You might try using the "region" command to convert objects to regions with holes (is just a few steps if objects are closed), then try translating that dxf.

 

[cfee]

You can create a 2D region of the outer boundary and subtract the hole circle from that. Still, tho, the hole circle isn't a unique entity, so whether it gets recognized as such by your GERBER tool is up to the tool's requirements.