Alan Bradshaw
11-10-2006, 01:01 AM
When I am creating artwork files, specifically NC files, there is an anomoly.
If I create a route file, the name of the file generated (and where it is saved) is generated automatically from the filename of the board file. However when creating a drill file, this is not the case. I have to specify the filename and location.
Is it not possible to modify the software such that both these things are the same? Either way, just so I don't have to keep remembering to do it one way with one and one way with the other.
Personally I have the software set up such that all output files are saved to the same location on the hard drive, with the same filename each time (assy1.art, assy2.art, bot.art etc) If the software can generate these files in a similar manner, then it would make collating a zip file of all the required files much easier.
For that matter, why is the generation of NC files not included with the generation of artwork files? As most users have to generate a full package for their fab house, why not include ALL necessary files in the one place to make things simpler? I envisage a situation where I setup the file list once, this is held in a config file of some sort (.ini) and I just click on one button on the taskbar and it generates a full set of gerbers, NC drill and route files, along with any pdf files of assembly and fab layers, this set of files then being placed in a .zip file and the .art etc. files being deleted. Thus leaving me with the one file I actually need to send to my fab house.
Is it beyond the wit of man to produce this? I think not.
I just used Cadence Customer Support to request this. I wonder how long it will be before they sweep it under the carpet and forget it like they did last time I mentioned it?
Here's hoping.
If I create a route file, the name of the file generated (and where it is saved) is generated automatically from the filename of the board file. However when creating a drill file, this is not the case. I have to specify the filename and location.
Is it not possible to modify the software such that both these things are the same? Either way, just so I don't have to keep remembering to do it one way with one and one way with the other.
Personally I have the software set up such that all output files are saved to the same location on the hard drive, with the same filename each time (assy1.art, assy2.art, bot.art etc) If the software can generate these files in a similar manner, then it would make collating a zip file of all the required files much easier.
For that matter, why is the generation of NC files not included with the generation of artwork files? As most users have to generate a full package for their fab house, why not include ALL necessary files in the one place to make things simpler? I envisage a situation where I setup the file list once, this is held in a config file of some sort (.ini) and I just click on one button on the taskbar and it generates a full set of gerbers, NC drill and route files, along with any pdf files of assembly and fab layers, this set of files then being placed in a .zip file and the .art etc. files being deleted. Thus leaving me with the one file I actually need to send to my fab house.
Is it beyond the wit of man to produce this? I think not.
I just used Cadence Customer Support to request this. I wonder how long it will be before they sweep it under the carpet and forget it like they did last time I mentioned it?
Here's hoping.