FUNCTIONALITY REQUEST : Remove NPTH Drill Artifacts from Dimension Layer 20

[jm2morri]

When a NPTH is added to an EAGLE PCB, not only is a drill created but a circle of the diameter of the drill is added to layer 20.  I understand this is so that that bare edge on the hole is treated like the board edge, which does make some sense.

However, this does cause confusion and extra work at PCB fabrication as they generally don't want small circles on the layer they are using to program the routing out the board edge.  So they have to manually take them out which adds a step.  That's not good for anyone.

So I would suggest that those are removed from layer 20.  Maybe they are added to a newly defined layer that could also then be used for non-plated slots.  I'm not sure, I haven't thought that through.  But since slots are being added I would suggest this is rolled into that same solution.

Cheers,

James.

[eric.n.tech]

+1 to this idea. Maybe adding a new layer that is dedicated to pulling back copper near a hole or slot would work. Having the ability to enable, disable and customize the layer would give you more power, plus the dimension layer can be used exclusively for the board outline. At the very least, an option to disable the pull back of copper near a hole would be nice.

-Eric 

[jorge_garcia · Accepted solution]

Hi Guys,

This is already handled in the CAM processor, you can choose to export the board outline as it's own entity instead of just using the dimension layer. It's a new feature in the 9.1 series when the new CAM processor was introduced. It leverages the board shape functionality used by the Fusion360 integration.

When defining a Gerber file in the CAM processor besides selecting the layers you'll notice that under the preview section there are two check boxes one says board shape the other says cutouts. Play with them to see how they work and the information they include. Should address this need nicely since this is a manufacturing issue it's best to be handled in the CAM processor.

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

Best Regards,

[jm2morri]

Thanks Jorge, that does help.  I haven't put it through all the paces, but it looks like it implements a solution to the problem I was seeing.