There are a tremendous number of PCB layout software packages generating all sorts of different file names and formats.
You could zip all the files in the directory and send them off to your fab house but I don't recommend it. If you're happy with your layout, let's order some PCBs! Every fab house understand and works with gerber files, so navigate to the directory on your computer where your KiCad project resides. The top paste layer is not needed to fabricate a PCB. We use OSHStencils for our proto stencils. If you're unfamiliar with stenciling solder paste we have a fabulous tutorial. gtp file is sent to a stencil fabricator to create the stainless steel or mylar solder paste stencil. Solder Paste StencilsĪre you doing SMD reflow? Need to order a stencil to apply the solder paste to your board? Turn on F.Paste in the Plot window to generate the top paste layer.
In a later section, we'll go over how to edit the 'STAND-OFF' footprint to use a regular PTH hole. To correct this go back to the PCB layout, click on the Plotter, click 'Generate Drill File' and select the box that says 'Merge PTH and NPTH holes into one file'. used for the drill holes top of the board for mounting holes) was imported from the SparkFun Eagle library and KiCad seems to think it is a non-plated hole for some reason. We don't need NPTH for this design, so what happened? The 'STAND-OFF' footprint (i.e. While plated through holes (PTH) are common and cheap, NPTH requires an extra step in the PCB fabrication process and will often cost extra. This is sometimes required for advanced designs where thorough electrical isolation is needed. Non-plated through holes are holes on your PCB that do not have copper covering the vertical walls of the hole.
You can also copy text on the bottom silkscreen layer by right clicking it, selecting Duplicate, and placing text next to the GND pad.
Click on Place -> Text, type "GND" in the Text: field, and click 'OK'. To do this, select the bottom silk layer (B.SilkS) in Pcbnew.
On the left tool menu of the PCB layout window, click on the 'in' button. If you'd prefer to see the settings in inches, close this window. Note: All the DRC settings are in millimeters.