Machsupport Forum

G-Code, CAD, and CAM => G-Code, CAD, and CAM discussions => Topic started by: muddy0409 on November 22, 2011, 02:42:21 AM

Title: PCBs and mach 3
Post by: muddy0409 on November 22, 2011, 02:42:21 AM

G'day everyone. A strictly new member here.
I use Protel Advanced PCB 3 for my board designs.
I assume I have to produce a G-code file from the drawing to give to the mach 3.
Can anyone suggest just how to convert protel .PCB files to G-code??
I am so new that I am only in the middle of setting up the Mach 3 program and connecting to my CNC.
I have had about 30 years at drawing PCBs, so I dont think there is any need to worry about the actual board design(s).
Thanks, in advance.

Title: Re: PCBs and mach 3
Post by: Tweakie.CNC on November 22, 2011, 04:51:27 AM

Hi Muddy,

I think you need to save your work as a Gerber file rather than .PCB

There are some stand alone programs that will convert Gerber and NC Drill files to GCode also, although I have never tried it, LazyCam (free with Mach) will open Gerber files and create the necessary GCode toolpath and load this straight into Mach.

Tweakie.