grabowski
3f5b4c7e97
- Add FILE-NAMING-AND-VERSIONING.md with complete Semantic Versioning 2.0.0 and Harvard Data Management file naming conventions - Update README.md with file naming standards and semantic versioning workflow - Update KICAD-PROJECT-TEMPLATE.md with comprehensive file naming examples and git workflow - Update hardware/bom/README.md with standardized BOM file naming conventions - Update manufacturing/gerbers/README.md with production-ready Gerber file naming - Update mechanical/stl/README.md with 3D printing file naming including material suffixes - Implement YYYY-MM-DD date format and hyphen-separated naming throughout - Add versioning strategies for hardware, software, and documentation components - Include git tagging strategy and release management guidelines - Provide comprehensive examples for all file types and directories
99 lines
3.8 KiB
Markdown
99 lines
3.8 KiB
Markdown
# /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
|
|
1. Open your final PCB design (`.kicad_pcb`)
|
|
2. **File → Fabrication Outputs → Gerbers**
|
|
3. 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
|
|
4. Click **Plot**
|
|
5. 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
|
|
1. **Gerber Viewer**: Use KiCad Gerber Viewer or online tools
|
|
2. **Layer Stack**: Verify correct layer order
|
|
3. **Drill Alignment**: Check drill holes align with pads
|
|
4. **Dimensions**: Verify board size and hole sizes
|
|
5. **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
|
|
Following [FILE-NAMING-AND-VERSIONING.md](../../FILE-NAMING-AND-VERSIONING.md) standards:
|
|
- `project-name_gerbers_v1.0.0_2024-08-04.zip` - Complete Gerber package
|
|
- `project-name_gerber-job_v1.0.0_2024-08-04.gbrjob` - Gerber job file
|
|
- `project-name_fabrication-notes_v1.0.0_2024-08-04.txt` - Manufacturing notes
|
|
|
|
### Individual Layer Files
|
|
- `project-name-f-cu_v1.0.0.gbr` - Front copper
|
|
- `project-name-b-cu_v1.0.0.gbr` - Back copper
|
|
- `project-name-f-silks_v1.0.0.gbr` - Front silkscreen
|
|
- `project-name-edge-cuts_v1.0.0.gbr` - Board outline
|
|
|
|
### Versioning Strategy
|
|
- **MAJOR**: PCB layout changes, layer stack changes
|
|
- **MINOR**: Component placement changes, routing updates
|
|
- **PATCH**: Silkscreen updates, minor corrections
|