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/gerbers
Final production Gerber files for PCB fabrication.
Purpose
This directory contains the final, production-ready Gerber files that will be sent to your PCB manufacturer. These files define all the copper layers, solder mask, silkscreen, and board outline.
File Types
.gbr: Gerber files for each PCB layer.gbrjob: Gerber job file (KiCad 6+) with layer stack information.zip: Packaged files ready for manufacturer submission
Standard Gerber Files
gerbers/
├── ProjectName-F_Cu.gbr # Front copper layer
├── ProjectName-B_Cu.gbr # Back copper layer
├── ProjectName-In1_Cu.gbr # Inner layer 1 (4+ layer boards)
├── ProjectName-In2_Cu.gbr # Inner layer 2 (4+ layer boards)
├── ProjectName-F_SilkS.gbr # Front silkscreen
├── ProjectName-B_SilkS.gbr # Back silkscreen
├── ProjectName-F_Mask.gbr # Front solder mask
├── ProjectName-B_Mask.gbr # Back solder mask
├── ProjectName-F_Paste.gbr # Front solder paste (SMT)
├── ProjectName-B_Paste.gbr # Back solder paste (SMT)
├── ProjectName-Edge_Cuts.gbr # Board outline/edge cuts
├── ProjectName-job.gbrjob # Gerber job file
└── ProjectName-Gerbers-v1.0.zip # Packaged for submission
Generating Production Gerbers
- Open your final PCB design (
.kicad_pcb) - File → Fabrication Outputs → Gerbers
- Configure settings:
- Output directory:
manufacturing/gerbers/ - Plot format: Gerber
- Include layers: All copper, mask, silk, paste, edge cuts
- Options: Check "Use Protel filename extensions" if required
- Output directory:
- Click Plot
- Click Generate Drill Files (saves to
/manufacturing/drill/)
Quality Control Checklist
- All required layers present
- Board outline properly defined
- No missing copper connections
- Silkscreen doesn't overlap pads
- Solder mask openings correct
- Component references visible and readable
- Drill holes align with pads
- File sizes reasonable (not empty or corrupted)
Manufacturer Requirements
Different manufacturers may require specific settings:
- File format: RS-274X (standard)
- Units: Millimeters (preferred) or inches
- Zero suppression: Leading zeros suppressed
- Coordinate format: 3.6 (mm) or 2.5 (inches)
- Aperture format: Embedded apertures (standard)
Pre-submission Verification
- Gerber Viewer: Use KiCad Gerber Viewer or online tools
- Layer Stack: Verify correct layer order
- Drill Alignment: Check drill holes align with pads
- Dimensions: Verify board size and hole sizes
- Manufacturer Check: Use manufacturer's online Gerber viewer
Common Issues to Avoid
- Missing edge cuts layer
- Incorrect drill file format
- Silkscreen over pads
- Missing solder mask openings
- Incorrect layer naming
- Empty or corrupted files
Packaging for Submission
Create a ZIP file containing:
- All Gerber files (
.gbr) - Gerber job file (
.gbrjob) - Drill files (from
/manufacturing/drill/) - README with specifications
- BOM (from
/hardware/bom/)
File Naming Convention
Use consistent naming that matches your project:
ProjectName-LayerName.gbrProjectName-v1.0-Gerbers.zip- Include version numbers for tracking