dxf smd pads

[Jaip]

Hi there, I'm using ultiboard 13.0 educational version.
I'm trying to combine 2 pcb design into 1 (panel).
I do this by exporting each design to DXF, and then in a new project import the 2 DXF files.

However, something changes the shapes of the SMD pads..
This is how my normal PCB layout looks like

after I export it to DXF and then re-import it, I get this:

The SMD pads have a total different form..

Anyone an answer to how this is, and can it be fixed?

Kind regards!

[Tien_P]

Hi Jaip,

When you export a DXF file, a lot of things will change. For example, a pad is will appear as a bunch of lines overlapping each in DXF. When re-import the DXF file, there is no way for Ultiboard to recognize the lines are pads so your designs are totally different after import. 

What you are trying to do is called penalization and unfortunately, this is not a feature available in Ultiboard. You can contact your PCB manufacturer and ask them to do this for you since they will have a Gerber editor and penalization is a standard feature in a gerber editor.

[Jaip]

Thanks Tien_P for the response.

Indeed I am trying penalization and found that ultiboard didn't support it, so I tried this using the DXF file.. But as I read know I need another solution, which will be like you proposed. To ask our PCB manufacturer to make the panel for me.

Another question, according to the PCB manufacturer, my annular rings of my via's are to small (measured at 0.075mm) while the requirement is 0.125mm (for outer layers and 0.175 for inner layers)..
However I'm using a fixed 'pad/via TH pad annular ring' setting of 0.175mm for the inner layer and a 0.125 for the outer layers.. Any idea how to change this or is there some kind of bug in ultiboard concerning annular rings of via's?

Kind regards!

[Tien_P]

Hi Jaip,

I don't recall a problem with the annular rings from Ultiboard. Download a gerber viewer such as Viewmate and you can check the results yourself.

You will have to send me your design and gerber file for me to verify if it's a problem.  You can send me a private message with you email and I will contact you.

[Jaip]

Hi Tien_P

Thanks again for the reply. I already found a solution. I misread something about the annular ring so that is why id didn't seem right.

Nonetheless, thanks!

Jaip.