Converting PDF to Gerber?

[peps1]

Anyone had much experience with converting PDF files to Gerber using programs like pdf2gerb

Have a heap of vintage board layout that are in vector formats and would really like to convert to Gerber for outsourcing production.

Due to them being old hand drawn designs, I cant just recreate them in a PCB CAD program, as non of them support Bézier curve.

Or, if someone has another idea of how I could tackle this problem, I would love to hear it. 

[R.G.]

I recently ran into a similar situation. The issue was converting from a usable, modern, non-crippled PCB layout suite into Express PCB. There were special reasons for this, but it was a similar issue - conversion between two non-compatible formats.

I found that there are utilities that will make a Windows 7 (and presumably other vintages) window transparent. So you can bring up the image you want to convert, then the PCB program you need it in (in your case, one that makes Gerber as an output) tinker with window sizes until the apparent sizes on the screen are the same to get the scales right, and then "trace" the image with the overlying, transparent window of the PCB program. After tracing, you will probably have to do some cleanup and tinkering, but even with the PITA processes involved, I've had better luck with this than with other conversion means.

It works for me.

[slacker]

You can import images into Eagle and it will output them as a gerber. If you want drill holes you would need to add these by adding pads or holes. I posted an example of this a while ago, I'll see if I can find it.

EDIT: here it is http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=101992.msg902496#msg902496

[peps1]

You can import images into Eagle and it will output them as a gerber. If you want drill holes you would need to add these by adding pads or holes. I posted an example of this a while ago, I'll see if I can find it.

EDIT: here it is http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=101992.msg902496#msg902496

Thanks mate, gave that a go but just cant get clean enough results for production. (can see how that would be handy for tracing boards that didn't have curved tracers though.)

[R.G.]

Thanks mate, gave that a go but just cant get clean enough results for production. (can see how that would be handy for tracing boards that didn't have curved tracers though.)

The question then becomes whether you want them to look exactly the same or work - or both.

A little work on a printed copy or simply on-screen tracing will produce working boards with straight traces meeting at 90 and 45. It's only if they have to LOOK the same instead of just working that you need curved traces.

[peps1]

The question then becomes whether you want them to look exactly the same or work - or both.

A little work on a printed copy or simply on-screen tracing will produce working boards with straight traces meeting at 90 and 45. It's only if they have to LOOK the same instead of just working that you need curved traces.

Unfortunately (for me) this is a case where form & function must be right!

Many of my customers use these boards for repair and retrofitting of vintage units, so in-turn want a close as they can possibly get to the original (a contentious issue in the pedal community!).

Its something I can do myself with toner transfer and screening methods, but need to outsource to a fab house sooner rather then later. 

[J0K3RX]

Open the pdf, take a screen shot of the layout then import it as a picture into Diptrace and trace over the layout, and use the "Arc" feature for Bézier curves... Then output to gerber

[peps1]

Open the pdf, take a screen shot of the layout then import it as a picture into Diptrace and trace over the layout, and use the "Arc" feature for Bézier curves... Then output to gerber

This would work only for perfect Arcs, but not a Bézier curve that is offset.

[J0K3RX]

Add "nodes" along the curves and you can bend them in any which way that you want..

[peps1]

Add "nodes" along the curves and you can bend them and which way in any curve that you want..

Thanks J0K3RX, will have a look at adding nodes!

[peps1]

Having trouble using Arcs and nodes to get anything other the a series of arcs, rather then Bézier?

Not convinced this can be done in diptrace.....

[slacker]

Did you try pdf2gerb, or did we all distract you with other methods, sounds like it does what you want.

[J0K3RX]

Having trouble using Arcs and nodes to get anything other the a series of arcs, rather then Bézier?

Not convinced this can be done in diptrace.....

Ok, I did this in about 2 minutes... I can get it even closer if I spend some time... the trace width and such can be adjusted.

[italianguy63]

I'd love to have a Gerber of that DA board!  God knows I use enough of them...  MC