HPGL files created from Autocad, are acceptable but not preferred. (see page 3 for plotting hints when using Autocad)

Supply individual files or one compressed file (*.ZIP or *.PAK) on a DOS formatted disk:

	5¹" 360Kb 1.2Mb		3¸ä 720Kb 1.44Mb
or via modem direct to Precision Circuits, or via email to support@precisioncircuits.com.au or visit our web site www.precisioncircuits.com.au (see below for Modem Transfer Information).

The following is a list of information that is required to be documented either on a README.TXT file or on a hard copy. If you send a hard copy, please fax it through to us when sending the files by modem.

PCB design files from Protel may be supplied in native format. Our CAM Department supports Protel products from Easytrax through Atrax 1.61 to Protel for Windows 2.7

Gerber data may be provided in RS-274, RS-274x, Fire 9xxx, Barco DPF. Required with gerber data is the following: --

• Data format (2,3 2,4 etc), Imp/metric, absolute/incremental,
• Aperture table definition (not required with -274X) in Ascii text format
• Overall finished PCB size.
• Layer names, corresponding file name and file size.
• Photoplots required. (eg. top, bottom, solder mask, legend, drill guide, etc.)
• Are drill and/or rout files supplied.
• Panelisation information, if panelised. (refer to CID-024 for information on Panelisation Guidelines)
• Layup sequence and dielectric thicknesses, if critical. (refer to CID-012 for information on Standard Multilayer Buildups)
• Other helpful comments.

DRILL FILES
It is preferred that drill files be supplied as follows:

• Data in absolute steps.
• Data format in ASCII.
• A <LF> and <CR> (Hex 0D and 0A) at the end of each line.
• Metric in the format XXXX.XX with all leading zeros required: eg. X12.0mm, Y304.8 mm must read X0012Y03048) or Imperial in the format XX.XXXX again with all leading zeros required: eg. X10", Y1.125" = X1Y01125
• Decimal points & positive signs not required.
• Hole sizes to be arranged from smallest to largest and labelled T01, T02, T03, etc. with non-plated holes including snap holes to be assigned to different tools than plated holes of the same diameter.
• Excellon format program code, if available: eg. M48 at start of file & M30 on the end.
• Zero datum on the inside bottom left hand corner mark, to make all coordinates +ve.

A detailed drawing showing all hole sizes, must be supplied for each board. Drawing should also show position of datum point together with XY directions. (Refer to CID-013 for a Guide to Documentation Requirements)

MODEM TRANSFER INFORMATION
This guide sheet describes the procedure for Modem Transfers to Precision Circuits.

• Data Format - Up to 28800 boards, 8 Data Bits, No parity, 1 stop bit
• Dedicated Modem Line - 61 9878 0513
• Password - user selectable
• Protocol - All popular protocols supported (Z modem is preferred)

A minimum of information is required at Login screen.

Users are required to enter Company Name and select a Password, users are then free to proceed with file transfer. If difficulties occur with file transfers please contact CAM Department at Precision Circuits on 61 3 9877 3222.

PHOTOPLOTTING ACAD FILES
Apart from the fact that Autocad photoplotting results are far superior to penplotting, the set-up for photoplotting can be considered to be the same as for an 8 pen, penplotter.

ie.

(a) 8 apertures (pens) can be used on any one drawing

(b) each aperture (pen) can be tagged to a particular colour

Please state which apertures are required for every colour used in the drawing.

AUTOCAD PLOTTING HINTS

Fills
Preferred method is by using ãHatchä command or drawn lines. ãSolidä fill command can be used efficiently when a reasonable size aperture can be assigned to the fill. Using small apertures to fill large areas can result in a loss of plotting efficiency. All normal ACAD rules apply when plotting files.

Polylines
A normal line with a specific aperture width assigned to it, is more efficient than polylines. Polylines however may be plotted as required. All normal Autocad rules apply when plotting polylines.

Adjustment for area fills
All normal Autocad considerations apply when plotting fills or polylines. If ãYESä remember polyline ends are truncated. If using polylines it is normally safer to adjust the width of the polyline in the editor taking into account pen or aperture widths.

Fonts
Sign font is preferred for high quality film masters, as these fonts are ãARCä fonts. Normal Autocad fonts are made up of small chords which become visible when fonts are plotted out larger.

Pads
Autocad ãdoughnutä is not very efficient to plot. Using a circle to which a thicker aperture is assigned is a far better proposition.

CONCLUSION
Photoplotting is not different to any other means of plotting Autocad. If all the normal considerations are taken into account, very successful high quality film masters are easy and cost effective to produce.