Copper Pour shape import as DXF
Copper Pour shape import as DXF
My first project with Dip Trace required some odd shape ground pours (analog mixed with digital). One of the shapes was circular another one had multiple edges with precise lengths. Ultimately I did complete the layout but it wasn’t easy.
To make things more frustrating I had those shapes in DXF format but at the moment there is no mechanism to import DXF shapes into Dip Trace as Copper Pour outlines.
Since there is a DXF import feature already – why not extended that to Copper Pour outlines? It would broaden the capability of Dip Trace quite a bit.
There are some low cost but very sophisticated mechanical cad programs that are needed to make the enclosure anyway. (I use Alibre. See http://www.alibre.com) Why not extend Dip Trace using the capabilities of these programs?
(In some instances I use PADS 9 (Mentor Graphics) – they have such a primitive mechanical outline tool that I can’t help but wonder if trivializing mechanical issues is an industry wide problem.)
By the way I am very pleased with Dip Trace in general!
To make things more frustrating I had those shapes in DXF format but at the moment there is no mechanism to import DXF shapes into Dip Trace as Copper Pour outlines.
Since there is a DXF import feature already – why not extended that to Copper Pour outlines? It would broaden the capability of Dip Trace quite a bit.
There are some low cost but very sophisticated mechanical cad programs that are needed to make the enclosure anyway. (I use Alibre. See http://www.alibre.com) Why not extend Dip Trace using the capabilities of these programs?
(In some instances I use PADS 9 (Mentor Graphics) – they have such a primitive mechanical outline tool that I can’t help but wonder if trivializing mechanical issues is an industry wide problem.)
By the way I am very pleased with Dip Trace in general!
Re: Copper Pour shape import as DXF
Ok, we will consider import copper pour outline from DXF file.
Re: Copper Pour shape import as DXF
It's been a while since this request
Is this possible in the current version of Diptrace?
If I import a shape to Top or Bottom, the exported Gerber is empty until I add some pads.
If I draw a new copper pour shape outside of the board outline, then export the Gerber, the new shape is visible AND the imported DXF shape is also filled.
Is this possible in the current version of Diptrace?
If I import a shape to Top or Bottom, the exported Gerber is empty until I add some pads.
If I draw a new copper pour shape outside of the board outline, then export the Gerber, the new shape is visible AND the imported DXF shape is also filled.
Re: Copper Pour shape import as DXF
This is still not possible in the latest version. But we will try to do it for the next one.
Re: Copper Pour shape import as DXF
That "fill" is not a single copper shape, it is just a collection of lines without the features/options/behavior of a copper pour.arcsecond wrote:"...If I draw a new copper pour shape outside of the board outline, then export the Gerber, the new shape is visible AND the imported DXF shape is also filled..."
Tom
Re: Copper Pour shape import as DXF
I see that... so why does adding a copper pour somewhere else on the board change an empty fill to copper?
Re: Copper Pour shape import as DXF
I'm not sure what you mean. Are you asking why a copper pour automatically fills?arcsecond wrote:"...why does adding a copper pour somewhere else on the board change an empty fill to copper?..."
Tom
Re: Copper Pour shape import as DXF
Sorted this out. On the "Border" tab of the Copper Pour Properties dialog, you can instruct the copper pour to fill the board outline.
Re: Copper Pour shape import as DXF
Hi Alex,
This is one of my personal issues with the product. In order to get a professional finish for an irregular board shape can take up to an hour chasing pts around the screen.
Its approaching 10 years since this issue was first raised, go figure.
Hope to see it in future versions )
Cheers
Re: Copper Pour shape import as DXF
Hi Alex,
Just running into this problem and found this thread I agree a small feature but without it has big drawbacks, it would be great if next release has lots of small feature improvments like this and lots other requests on this forum instead of aiming for the big features. Not as sexy I know but much more helpful.
Just running into this problem and found this thread I agree a small feature but without it has big drawbacks, it would be great if next release has lots of small feature improvments like this and lots other requests on this forum instead of aiming for the big features. Not as sexy I know but much more helpful.