[sdiy] DIY PCBs

[Jim Patchell]

    Using CAD is almost mandatory these days to get a PCB made.  For two
sided PCB's, the minimum is probably:

    Top Layer Gerber Plot
    Bottom Layer Gerber Plot
    Top and Bottom Solder mask (assumes thru hole only, they will be the
same) opt.
    Top Legend (opt).

    Axelon (sp?) drill file
    Tool Table
    Fab Drawing (this can be in gerber format as well)
    Aperature List (for gerber files).

    Gerber files are a common file that is used to generate the film used to
manufacture the boards.  All PCB cad programs can generate these files.
    Drill files are very important.  Without the drill file, the costs will
go up astronomically.

    -Jim


ChristianH wrote:

> Hi all,
>
> So, the suggested chorus line is "have your boards made by by a PCB
> company".
>
> But what do they need to start? Is some kind of CAD data mandatory (thus
> needing a software package capable of generating e.g. Gerber), or is it
> possible to use a simple drawing of the board traces, e.g. as a raster
> BMP or TIF file?
> And usually the board has to be drilled - how's that to be specified?
>
> For the local diy gurus: any specific suggestions for diy suitable PCB
> houses here in Germany?
>
> cu
> Christian