How to create a negative film of a GERBER or ODB++ layer

Altium Designer provides a flexibly and powerful CAM processor and editor (A.k.a CAMTastic!). This can be used to manipulate and perform DFM checks on films and CAM documents. One useful feature for techincians/engineers producing prototypes is the ability to create a negative for using with PCB milling/routing machines as well as UV exposure boxes.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• aviation
• space
• electronics
• PCB
• PWB
• pads
• film
• gerber
• odb++
• CAM
• processor
• DFM
• cadence
• allegro
• orcad
• mentor
• altium
• zuken

[rompedicotecas]

hi my question is how make a negative printer? in altium designer summer 09

[schematica]

@rompedicotecas Not too sure exactly what you mean. The purpose of generating the negative is to print a negative film -OR- use it to drive a PCB prototyping CNC router (which requires a negative to remove copper everywhere except where you want it)

[jaspers22]

Is there anyway to redfine the size of the board in a pcb document?

[schematica]

@jaspers22 Sure, in the Design Menu, look under Board Shape. You can manually redefine the outline, or select an outline that's drawn on a PCB layer (like a mechanical outline, imported from DXF, eg.) and choose "Define from selected objects".

[schematica]

The "Film size is too Small" error means that you have placed your PCB borders outside the film sizes. Try moving your board closer to the origin, or enlarge your film size in the gerber output dialogue (advanced tab).

[jaspers22]

@schematica Thanks!!!

[anka3000]

I have a problem whe i'm generating the gerber files. After doing all the setting there is a prompt message that says "the film size is too small". I changed the film size to a large number but nothing. I have the board on the sheet and everything seems to be fine on the board. any ideas ? I appreciate your help.