grabowski
046f66f6eb
- Add dedicated /kicad/ directory with organized subdirectories for libraries, schematics, gerbers, plots, and backups - Create comprehensive KiCad 9 library structure (symbols, footprints, 3D models) - Add manufacturing-ready directories for production files (gerbers, drill, pick-and-place) - Update all README files with KiCad-specific documentation and workflows - Add KiCad-optimized .gitignore file for proper version control - Create KICAD-PROJECT-TEMPLATE.md comprehensive usage guide - Add hardware assembly documentation and BOM management - Include detailed manufacturing file generation instructions - Add docs structure with design-notes and user-manual directories - Provide complete workflow from design to manufacturing with quality checklists
/manufacturing
Production-ready files for PCB fabrication and assembly.
Purpose
This directory contains final, production-ready files for manufacturing your KiCad project:
- Final Gerber files for PCB fabrication
- Drill files for hole drilling
- Pick and place files for automated assembly
- Assembly instructions for production
Directory Structure
gerbers/- Final Gerber files for PCB fabricationdrill/- Drill files and hole specificationspick-and-place/- Pick and place files for automated assemblyassembly/- Production assembly instructions and documentation
Manufacturing Workflow
- Design Complete: Finalize your KiCad design
- Generate Files: Create production files from KiCad
- Review: Verify all files using Gerber viewers
- Package: Prepare files for manufacturer submission
- Submit: Send to PCB fabricator and/or assembler
File Generation from KiCad
Gerber Files
- Open PCB (
.kicad_pcb) - File → Fabrication Outputs → Gerbers
- Select all required layers
- Set output to
manufacturing/gerbers/ - Generate files
Drill Files
- In Gerber plot dialog, click Generate Drill Files
- Set output to
manufacturing/drill/ - Configure drill file format
- Generate files
Pick and Place
- File → Fabrication Outputs → Component Placement
- Set output to
manufacturing/pick-and-place/ - Configure format (CSV recommended)
- Generate files
Quality Assurance
- Review all files with Gerber viewer
- Verify drill file completeness
- Check pick and place coordinates
- Validate BOM against placement files
- Test with manufacturer's online tools
Manufacturer Submission
- Package all files in organized ZIP
- Include clear documentation
- Specify PCB specifications (thickness, color, finish)
- Provide assembly requirements
- Include contact information for questions
Version Control
- Tag releases with manufacturing file sets
- Include version numbers in file names
- Document any changes from previous versions
- Maintain traceability to design files