topic Re: Importing gerbers from ExpressPCB.com files in EAGLE Forum

Importing gerbers from ExpressPCB.com files

Anonymous — Tue, 23 Oct 2018 15:54:43 GMT

Hello! I'm new to Eagle and need a little help. I have Eagle Standard Licence Version 9.2.1

I have ordered boards from ExpressPCB.com and they have sent me my Gerber files. I have tried importing them with some success, but I'm not sure that I matched up the Eagle file types to the ExpressPCB file types correctly. Has anyone figured out the best way to do this? I'm thinking that all files are not needed, but I'm not sure.

Here is a list of the files that come from ExpressPCB:

.TSK = top silkscreen layer

.TSM = top solder mask layer

.TOP = top copper layer

.GTP = top paste layer

.IPT = top inner copper layer

.BOT = bottom copper layer

.IPB = bottom inner copper layer

.BSM= bottom solder mask layer

.GBP = bottom paste layer

.DRI = drill file

.OLN = board outline

.CSV = pick and place

The boards that I work with are only 2 layer and only have a top and bottom copper layer. Can anyone tell me the equivalent Eagle file types so I can line these up correctly?

Regards,

Jim

Re: Importing gerbers from ExpressPCB.com files

havlicek6TH3H — Tue, 23 Oct 2018 18:07:34 GMT

Hi,

generally for 2 layer board for manufacture only PCB (without placing components) they need this:

.TSK = top silkscreen layer - tPLace, tNames

.TSM = top solder mask layer - tStop

.TOP = top copper layer - Top, Pads, Vias

.BOT = bottom copper layer - Bottom, Pads, Vias

.BSM= bottom solder mask layer - bStop

.DRI = drill file

.OLN = dimension

There is no file for bottom silkscreen. I hope it´s all.

Best regards,

Vojta

Re: Importing gerbers from ExpressPCB.com files

Anonymous — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 18:50:03 GMT

Thanks Vojta,

I tried lining them up as best possible, but it did not work. I could not get anything to load.

I have attached an image of the exact files they provided.

When importing, do I need to import the same file to multiple destinations? Example: .TOP = top copper layer to Top, Pads, and Vias on the import layer select, or just once?

Thanks,

Jim

Re: Importing gerbers from ExpressPCB.com files

jorge_garcia — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 19:17:05 GMT

Hi @Anonymous,

I hope you're doing well. I think it's important to understand the limitations of what you are doing. Importing gerbers will only get you artwork, you won't get any of the netlist or part information. So keep that in mind. You'll be able to make some simple copper changes with this design in EAGLE but you won't be able to do complete overhauls because the gerber files simply don't contain all of the design documentation.

With that said in EAGLE you can import these by going File > Import > Gerber and then selecting the layers to import to based on Vojta's recommendations.

Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you.

Best Regards,

Re: Importing gerbers from ExpressPCB.com files

Anonymous — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 01:09:34 GMT

Thanks

What I want to do is import the files so I can make minimal changes to traces and pads. No major changes. Then I’d like to export it so that I can have the board made.

The interface just comes up black with no info when I import any of the files. I must be doing something wrong. Seems straightforward, but I guess not. I’ve read the FAQ’s and tutorials, even you tube vids. No help thus far.

Any ideas?

Regards,
Jim

Re: Importing gerbers from ExpressPCB.com files

jorge_garcia — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 19:08:54 GMT

Hi @Anonymous,

I hope you are having a great day. Hmmm... maybe there is some weird formatting or something like that.

I'll send you a DM to see if you could send me a sample file to test.

Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you.

Best Regards,