How to make this shape PCB boundary

[abendaniel25]

I want to make a PCB in the shape of a circle with the top and bottom bits cut out, but I can't figure out how to do that in Fusion 360. I can draw the circle and the lines, but they don't cut out like I want. Is there a way to do this? And if so, how? I want only the middle segment of the image below to be PCB, and the top and bottom segments to not be.

[jorge_garcia · Accepted solution]

Hi @abendaniel25,

I hope you're doing well. Since you are using Fusion 360, it would be easier to draw the board outline in the MCAD environment and then you can turn the MCAD sketch into a 3D PCB. Once you have the 3D PCB you can link to the 2D PCB to get the outline into the Electronics.

See this video for more info:

(457) Fusion 360 Electronics for Beginners: Defining Your Board Outline, ECAD-MCAD | Autodesk Fusion...

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

Best Regards,

[abendaniel25]

Thank you for your help! This worked!

[chrissky676]

1. Launch the PCB design software and create a new project.

2. Draw the outline: Use the software's drawing tools to create the custom shape you desire for the PCB boundary. Typically, this involves drawing lines, arcs, and other shapes to define the board's outline. Ensure that the shape meets the design requirements and fits within the required dimensions.

3. Define board layers: Select the appropriate layers for your design, such as top copper layer, bottom copper layer, solder mask, silkscreen, etc.

4. Add components: Place the components like resistors, capacitors, ICs, etc., on the board as required for your circuit.

5. Connect components with traces: Use traces (copper lines) to connect the components as per your circuit's schematic.

6. Design the PCB layout: Arrange the components and traces to optimize the PCB layout for functionality and manufacturability.

7. Verify the design: Perform a design rule check (DRC) to ensure there are no errors or violations in the layout.

8. Export Gerber files: Once the design is complete and verified, export the Gerber files from the PCB design software. Gerber files are the standard files used for PCB fabrication.

9. Submit for manufacturing: Send the Gerber files to a PCB manufacturing service to produce the physical PCB according to your custom shape.