Introduction to Gerber Files and AutoCAD

Gerber files are widely used in the electronic industry for designing and manufacturing printed circuit boards (PCBs). These files contain information about the layout, dimensions, and components of a PCB. However, opening and editing Gerber files can be a challenge, especially if you don’t have access to expensive proprietary software. In this article, we will explore how to open Gerber files in AutoCAD using free open source tools.

What are Gerber Files?

Gerber files are a standard file format used in the PCB industry to describe the layout and design of a printed circuit board. They are named after the Gerber Scientific Instrument Company, which developed the format in the 1960s. Gerber files use a vector image format to represent the different layers of a PCB, such as the copper traces, solder mask, and silkscreen.

Why Use AutoCAD for Gerber Files?

AutoCAD is a popular computer-aided design (CAD) software used for creating 2D and 3D designs. While it is primarily used in the architecture and engineering fields, AutoCAD can also be used for PCB Design. By opening Gerber files in AutoCAD, you can view, edit, and modify the PCB layout using familiar tools and commands.

Free Open Source Tools for Opening Gerber Files

There are several free open source tools available that can help you open and work with Gerber files in AutoCAD. Here are some of the most popular options:

1. KiCad

KiCad is a free open source software suite for electronic design automation (EDA). It includes tools for schematic capture, PCB layout, and Gerber file generation. KiCad can also export Gerber files in a format that can be opened in AutoCAD.

To export a Gerber file from KiCad for use in AutoCAD:

1. Open your PCB design in KiCad.
2. Go to File > Plot.
3. Select the layers you want to export and choose the Gerber format.
4. Click Plot to generate the Gerber files.
5. Go to File > Generate Drill Files to create the drill files.

2. FlatCAM

FlatCAM is a free open source software for PCB Prototyping and manufacturing. It can import and export Gerber files, as well as generate G-code for CNC machines. FlatCAM also has a built-in Gerber viewer that can help you visualize your PCB design.

To open a Gerber file in FlatCAM and export it for use in AutoCAD:

1. Open FlatCAM and go to File > Open.
2. Select the Gerber file you want to open.
3. Use the viewer controls to inspect the PCB layout.
4. Go to File > Export > SVG.
5. Choose a location to save the SVG file.

3. gerbv

gerbv is a free Gerber viewer for Linux, MacOS, and Windows. It can open and view Gerber files, as well as export them in various formats, including PDF and SVG.

To open a Gerber file in gerbv and export it for use in AutoCAD:

1. Open gerbv and go to File > Open Layer.
2. Select the Gerber file you want to open.
3. Use the viewer controls to inspect the PCB layout.
4. Go to File > Export > SVG.
5. Choose a location to save the SVG file.

Importing Gerber Files into AutoCAD

Once you have exported your Gerber file in a compatible format, such as SVG, you can import it into AutoCAD for editing and modification. Here’s how:

1. Open AutoCAD and start a new drawing.
2. Go to Insert > Import.
3. Select the SVG file you exported from your Gerber tool.
4. Choose the import options, such as the scale and units.
5. Click OK to import the SVG file into AutoCAD.

Your Gerber file should now be visible in AutoCAD as a series of lines and shapes representing the different layers of the PCB. You can use AutoCAD’s editing tools to modify the design, add annotations, or create additional drawings based on the PCB layout.

Tips for Working with Gerber Files in AutoCAD

Here are some tips to help you work more efficiently with Gerber files in AutoCAD:

Use Layers to Organize Your Drawing

AutoCAD uses layers to organize different parts of a drawing. When you import a Gerber file, each layer of the PCB will be imported as a separate layer in AutoCAD. You can use these layers to selectively view or hide different parts of the PCB, making it easier to focus on specific areas of the design.

Use Blocks to Reuse Common Components

If your PCB design includes common components, such as connectors or mounting holes, you can create blocks in AutoCAD to represent these components. Blocks allow you to reuse the same geometry multiple times in your drawing, saving time and ensuring consistency.

Use Dimensions and Annotations to Clarify Your Design

AutoCAD includes tools for adding dimensions and annotations to your drawing. Use these tools to clarify the size, spacing, and purpose of different parts of your PCB design. This can be especially helpful if you are collaborating with others or preparing your design for manufacturing.

Export Your Drawing in Multiple Formats

Once you have finished editing your Gerber file in AutoCAD, you can export it in various formats for use in other tools or for manufacturing. AutoCAD supports exporting to PDF, DWF, DXF, and other common file formats. Choose the format that best meets your needs and the requirements of your PCB Manufacturer.

Conclusion

Opening Gerber files in AutoCAD using free open source tools is a cost-effective way to view, edit, and modify PCB designs. By using tools like KiCad, FlatCAM, and gerbv, you can export your Gerber files in a format that can be imported into AutoCAD for further editing and refinement. With the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you can work more efficiently with Gerber files in AutoCAD and create high-quality PCB designs for your projects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a Gerber file?
   A Gerber file is a standard file format used in the PCB industry to describe the layout and design of a printed circuit board. It contains information about the different layers of the PCB, such as the copper traces, solder mask, and silkscreen.

2. Can I use AutoCAD for PCB design?
   Yes, although AutoCAD is primarily used for architecture and engineering designs, it can also be used for PCB design. By importing Gerber files into AutoCAD, you can view, edit, and modify the PCB layout using familiar tools and commands.

3. What free open source tools can I use to open Gerber files?
   There are several free open source tools available for opening and working with Gerber files, including KiCad, FlatCAM, and gerbv. These tools can export Gerber files in formats that can be imported into AutoCAD, such as SVG.

4. How do I import a Gerber file into AutoCAD?
   To import a Gerber file into AutoCAD, you first need to export it from your Gerber tool in a compatible format, such as SVG. Then, in AutoCAD, go to Insert > Import and select the SVG file. Choose the import options and click OK to import the file into your drawing.

5. What are some tips for working with Gerber files in AutoCAD?
   Some tips for working with Gerber files in AutoCAD include using layers to organize your drawing, using blocks to reuse common components, adding dimensions and annotations to clarify your design, and exporting your drawing in multiple formats for use in other tools or for manufacturing.