I'd like to make some PCB solder paste templates. I have access to TechShop.ws's 45-watt Epilog laser for $30/day; I was planning to buy some overhead transparency stock to use as a material.
The big problem, then, is coming up with the input files. I'd start with Gerber files that specify the mask aperatures -- what I need to end up with is CorelDraw files for the engraver. Additionally, I'd want to convert the solid shapes (i.e. a square cutout) to a vector outline (the four sides of the square, so that it would be removed from the mask).
Is there any easy way to do this? Gerber files are a fairly simple textual format; I can't find any documentation on the .cdr format, so I'm not sure if it would be practical to try to make a special-purpose converter.
gerber to CorelDraw?
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That's a nice guide, but it hand-waves over my specific question. Is it not worth the effort to try to convert the gerber from solid polygons to outlines to cut out using the laser?ladyada wrote:http://www.zblob.com/solder_paste_stencil.html
-b
Please be positive and constructive with your questions and comments.