Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Born to Create’
It’s Only Common Sense: Invest in Yourself—You’re Your Most Important Resource
Marcy's Musings: Engineering Economics
Ucamco Launches Version 2.1 of Free Reference Gerber Viewer
August 24, 2018 | UcamcoEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Version 2.1 of Ucamco’s free Reference Gerber Viewer is now available.
New features include:
- Support for drill files in NC or Excellon format, which is ubiquitous in fabrication data. Fabrication data with drill files in NC format can now be viewed.
- Support for X2 attributes. With fabrication data in X2 format the layer structure is displayed, and file and attribute functions can be queried. It is now identified which file is e.g. the top copper, or the bottom legend. From all objects one can not only check the aperture size, but also their function, e.g. whether they are a component or a via pad – vital information for fabrication.
The Reference Gerber Viewer provides an easy-to-use reference for both X1 and X2 Gerber files, as a convenient complement to the written specification. It is also an easy tool to review PCB fabrication data.
As the Reference Gerber Viewer is a cloud-based on-line web service there is no software to download, install and maintain - it is always up to date. It is kept simple and easy to learn. It offers the following benefits:
- For developers, it provides a fast way to test Gerber output files and to answer questions about the interpretation of the specification.
- For creators of Gerber files, it provides a reliable way to check the image of the generated files.
- For recipients of Gerber files, it provides an accurate way to validate the input and arbitrate in discussions about the correct interpretation of a file.
Ucamco provides the Reference Gerber Viewer - free of charge - at gerber.ucamco.com and encourages all companies in need of a Gerber file viewing/verification service to offer a weblink to this address.
About Ucamco
Ucamco (formerly Barco ETS) is a market leader in PCB CAM software, photoplotting and direct imaging systems, with a global network of sales and support centers. Headquartered in Ghent, Belgium, Ucamco has over 25 years of ongoing experience in developing and supporting leading-edge photoplotters and front-end tooling solutions for the global PCB industry. Key to this success is the company's uncompromising pursuit of engineering excellence in all its products. Ucamco also owns the IP rights on the Gerber File Format through its acquisition of Gerber Systems Corp. (1998).
For more information, click here.
Share on:
Suggested Items
Fresh PCB Concepts: PCB Design Essentials for Electric Vehicle Charging
11/27/2024 | Team NCAB -- Column: Fresh PCB ConceptsElectric vehicles (EVs), powered by electricity rather than fossil fuels, are transforming transportation and reducing environmental impacts. But what good is an EV if it can't be easily charged? In this month's column, Ramon Roche dives into the role of printed circuit boards (PCBs) in electric vehicle charging (EVC)—and the design considerations.
Unlocking Advanced Circuitry Through Liquid Metal Ink
10/31/2024 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamPCB UHDI technologist John Johnson of American Standard Circuits discusses the evolving landscape of electronics manufacturing and the critical role of innovation, specifically liquid metal ink technology, as an alternate process to traditional metallization in PCB fabrication to achieve ever finer features and tighter tolerances. The discussion highlights the benefits of reliability, efficiency, and yields as a tradeoff to any increased cost to run the process. As this technology becomes better understood and accepted, even sought out by customers and designers, John says there is a move toward mainstream incorporation.
Fresh PCB Concepts: The Critical Nature of Copper Thickness on PCBs
10/31/2024 | Team NCAB -- Column: Fresh PCB ConceptsPCBs are the backbone of modern electronics and the copper layers within these boards serve as the primary pathways for electrical signals. When designing and manufacturing PCBs, copper thickness is one of the most critical factors and significantly affects the board’s performance and durability. The IPC-6012F specification, the industry standard for the performance and qualification of rigid PCBs, sets clear guidelines on copper thickness to ensure reliability in different environments and applications.
Book Excerpt: The Printed Circuit Designer’s Guide to... DFM Essentials, Ch. 1
10/25/2024 | I-Connect007The guidelines offered in this book are based on both ASC recommendations and IPC standards with the understanding that some may require adjustment based on the material set, fabricator processes, and other design constraints. This chapter details high-frequency materials, copper foil types, metal core PCBs, and the benefits of embedded capacitance and resistor materials in multilayer PCBs.
The Cost-Benefit Analysis of Direct Metallization
10/21/2024 | Carmichael Gugliotti, MacDermid AlphaCarmichael Gugliotti of MacDermid Alpha discusses the innovative realm of direct metallization technology, its numerous applications, and significant advantages over traditional processes. Carmichael offers an in-depth look at how direct metallization, through developments such as Blackhole and Shadow, is revolutionizing PCB manufacturing by enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. From its origins in the 1980s to its application in cutting-edge, high-density interconnects and its pivotal role in sustainability, this discussion sheds light on how direct metallization shapes the future of PCB manufacturing across various industries, including automotive, consumer electronics, and beyond.