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Import Gerber
PlanetCNC TNG software will automatically generate toolpath g-code program based on your imported Gerber file. Gerber files are generated with software for design of printed circuit boards(PCB's). With Gerber files you can also mill printed circuit boards with your CNC machine.
When using Import Gerber feature, user dialog will be displayed. User has option to configure program parameters to suit his machining needs.
Import dialog
General
Feed Speed
Sets feed speed for generated toolpath. F-word g-code will be generated. Each G01 move will be performed at this speed.
Plunge Speed
Sets feed speed of plunge moves for generated toolpath. Each G01 move in Z- direction will be performed at this speed.
Safe Height
Safe height is a safety feature which helps with prevention of machine crashing into obstacles that may interfere with machines toolpath. Obstacles could be screws, fixtures, vises etc.
When machine is finished with cutting toolpath A, it will ascend to safe height and move to next cutting location of toolpath B.
With this option enabled, generated toolpath will include traverse moves performed at safe height.
Start Height
Start height is usually surface of workpiece material. To this height, machine will ascend at traverse rate.
Tool change
Enables tool change for: Mark Pads, Drill Pads, Cutting Path and Clear Copper options.
Generated program will include tool change commands (Tn M6). Tool number used for each milling option is configured with milling option settings of Gerber import dialog.
Offset
Tn M6 and G43 Hn g-codes will be generated for enabled milling options.
Offset value will be taken from tool table.
Mirror
Mirrors program around Y axis.
Size X
X coordinate approximate dimension of PCB board.
This comes very useful when drilling holes of PCB using NC drill file. Make sure that same value is used with NC drill import.
Size Y
Y coordinate approximate dimension of PCB board.
Outputs
Generated program will include M3, M5, M7, M8, M9 G-code commands, depending on options selected.
Spindle
With this option enabled, generated program will include M3 and M5 G-code. If tool change is enabled M3 and M5 G-code will be generated for each toolchange.
Flood
With this option enabled, generated program will include M7 and M9 G-code. If tool change is enabled M7 and M9 G-code will be generated for each toolchange.
Mist
With this option enabled, generated program will include M8 and M9 G-code. If tool change is enabled M8 and M9 G-code will be generated for each toolchange.
Use
Gerber files can contain different elements such as polygons, tracks, pads and holes.
You can select which element(s) will be converted to toolpath.
Polygons
Use polygon elements in toolpath calculation.
Tracks
Use track elements in toolpath calculation.
Pads
Use pad elements in toolpath calculation.
Holes
Use hole elements in toolpath calculation.
Mark Pads
You can mark selected pad shapes to ease manual drilling later. Software will recognize shapes: Circle, Oval, Rectangle, Polygon or Other(custom).
Circle
Use circle pads for marking. Only circled pads will be marked.
Rectangle
Use circle pads for marking. Only circled pads will be marked.
Oval
Use oval pads for marking. Only oval pads will be marked.
Polygon
Use polygon pads for marking. Only polygon pads will be marked.
Other
Use other(custom) pads for marking. Only other(custom) pads will be marked.
Cut Height
Depth of marking point.
Pause
Insert 'Pause' (M00) G-code before marking pads.
Tool
Number of tool used for marking pads. If tool change is enabled, tool with this number will be used.
Drill Pads
You can drill selected pad shapes. Software will recognize shapes: Circle, Oval, Rectangle, Polygon or Other(custom). You might want to drill hole on circled pad for trough hole component but not for rectangle pad for surface mount component.
Circle
Use circle pads for drilling. Only circled pads will be drilled.
Rectangle
Use circle pads for drilling. Only circled pads will be drilled.
Oval
Use oval pads for drilling. Only oval pads will be drilled.
Polygon
Use polygon pads for drilling. Only polygon pads will be drilled.
Other
Use other(custom) pads for drilling. Only other(custom) pads will be drilled.
Cut Height
Depth of drilling.
Pause
Insert 'Pause' (M00) G-code before drilling.
Tool
Number of tool used for drilling. If tool change is enabled, tool with this number will be used.
Cutting Path
Isolation
Enable to mill electrical isolation toolpath.
Centerline
Enable to mill center line (for example silkscreen or cutout).
Outline
Passes
Number of milling passes of electrical isolation toolpath. Each milling pass is distanced from previous one for value of tool radius (tool used for Cutting Path).
Cut Height
Depth of milling.
Pause
Insert 'Pause' (M00) G-code before milling electrical isolation toolpath.
Tool
Number of tool used for milling electrical isolation toolpath. If tool change is enabled, tool with this number will be used.
Diameter
Diameter of tool used for milling electrical isolation toolpath. Radius of this value is used for Passes toolpath.
Clear Copper
Enable
Generates toolpath that mills('clears') unused copper away. This might take very long time.
Toolpath with and without cleared copper.
Outline
Finishes cleared copper toolpath with additional outline to prevent rough edges.
Toolpath with and without outline.
Border
Distance value for area beyond PCB max extents where copper will also be milled.
Toolpath with and without border.
Cut Height
Depth of clear copper milling.
Pause
Insert 'Pause' (M00) G-code before clearing copper.
Tool
Number of tool used for clearing copper. If tool change is enabled, tool with inserted number will be used.
Diameter
Diameter of tool used for clearing copper.