Noob: DXF from PCB software

[RogerTango]

I am using either/both (whichever ends up working for me) Pad2Pad and ExpressPCB.

Both have the ability to export DXF.

Pad2Pad: On export, the only thing you get is the board outline, NO PADS OR TRACES.

On ExpressPCB: Only PADS and TEXT, not one TRACE is exported.

Id like to ramp up and use ExpressPCB for when I start milling PCBs (the whole CNC machine is in concept phase right now).

Anyone know how to get ExpressPCB to export the TRACES with the rest of the board to the DXF file?

I have more questions but will hold them until I get things resolved 1 step at a time.

I have been using Pad2Pad and diddling with toner transfer, but that is ending up being a big waste of time and resources.

I have 2 stepper motors ordered, I hope to build the X and Y portion of the platform and have it mechanically sound, then move to the Z... but at some point, I know Ill need some help building a driver or interface for the steppers to the PC. Ive got a lot to learn. But this should be rewarding.

Thanks,
Andrew

[RogerTango]

I should mention, I tried Eagle, too complex for silly me to figure out. I can get productive right away in Express or Pad, if you can help me with either of these two that is my primary objective.

Thanks,
Andrew

[blackbeard52]

I looked into expresspcb...pretty slick software but I dont think the trace output is allowed or at least I couldnt get it...SOOO here is a fix... Print the board let say side one to a PDF file then use a PDF to DXF converter program and you are done... that way you can use what you are comfortable with...there are several programs to do this on the web...just google.

Most are trials and allow 10 to 20 conversion before they expire.

[RogerTango]

Originally Posted by blackbeard52 I looked into expresspcb...pretty slick software but I dont think the trace output is allowed or at least I couldnt get it...SOOO here is a fix... Print the board let say side one to a PDF file then use a PDF to DXF converter program and you are done... that way you can use what you are comfortable with...there are several programs to do this on the web...just google. Most are trials and allow 10 to 20 conversion before they expire.

Thanks- I have PDF Creator, so I can export to BMP, JPEG, PDF, PS, EPS and I think a few others.

Do you have experience (link?) with any inexpensive (less than $50) solutions??

As always, opensource and/or freeware is always invited in the "W4INF Ghetto Hackshop"!

Thanks-
Andrew

[PEU]

Originally Posted by RogerTango I should mention, I tried Eagle, too complex for silly me to figure out. I can get productive right away in Express or Pad, if you can help me with either of these two that is my primary objective. Thanks, Andrew

It seems we shared the same boat for some time

I still do all my simple PCBs in expresspcb, but Im slowly going to Eagle, is not that difficult once you understand the basics.

From express PCB, I do screen captures at the maximum size posible, without the angle dots so all traces are uniform in color. Then, I process the image in photoshop to leave it B&W and save it to BMP, then I use a freeware commandline app called potrace to convert it to vectors, then I resize it using a DIP package as reference (I add one even if I dont need it) And then I use a basic CAM package to convert this vector to gcode. It looks a lot of work, but it usually takes less than 20mins

Give Eagle some good hours next time you have a project and follow some of the many tutorials available online.

Good Luck!

[blackbeard52]

I used this program to create the dxf attached from the default sample. (too large for the Zone so go here www.tanasi.com/downloads/test.dxf) Use you judgement. (one note I deleted the default unregistered splash in my dxf viewer.)

http://www.cadkas.de/downengpdf11.php

As far as I can tell it is not open source but does not expire

So here is my steps
1.) design PCB in ExpressPCB
2.) print using a PDF print driver
3.) open PDF in epdf2dxf program and click export to DXF
4.) open DXF in viewer and delete the unwanted ad splash (it is to the side of the board so may not be necessary)
5.) convert to gcode and PLAY!!!!!!!

Free always has more steps

Bob

[RogerTango]

I am using DipTrace now, and it exports proper DXF files. However, I do not see the traces.

When I export Gerber files, the traces are there.

The two things I want to try:

1) Isolation milling of PCB board

2) Resist pen plotting on PCB board to be chemically etched


I am open to advice to details I may be devoid of-
Andrew

[blackbeard52]

Andrew
I think you could use the same method i mentioned above...

Bob

[RogerTango]

Where do I get the "DXF Viewer" you speak of to view and delete the splash??

Thanks,
Andrew

[blackbeard52]

there are many on the web..here is one that seems to do the job and its freeware... A9CAD

http://www.a9tech.com/ also here Free 2d Cad

Bob