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Author Topic: PCBs and mach 3  (Read 3170 times)

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PCBs and mach 3
« 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.

Offline Tweakie.CNC

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Re: PCBs and mach 3
« Reply #1 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.
PEACE