Gerber Files: The Essential Tool for PCB Manufacturing - JLCPCB

When it comes to PCB manufacturing, Gerber files are an essential tool for ensuring that your PCB design is accurately translated into a physical product. Gerber files are a set of instructions that communicate the design specifications to the manufacturer.

As a leading PCB manufacturer in the industry, JLCPCB utilized a Gerber real-time analysis system for providing instant online quotes and a Free Gerber Viewer for free inspecting if Gerber files are 100% accurate for manufacturing file standards.

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A correct Gerber file is the first step to starting your excellent electronic project. In this article, we will discuss the importance of generating GERBER files properly and the role of a GERBER viewer in PCB manufacturing.

Generating Gerber Files Properly

To generate Gerber files in a proper way, you need to use software that can create the needed file format. This can be done using a variety of software, including CAD programs like KiCAD, Altium, Diptrace, EasyEDA or dedicated PCB design software. When creating Gerber files, it's important to ensure that they contain all of the design-related necessary information, such as the layers, drill holes, and board outline.

It's also important to double-check the files to ensure that they are error-free. Any mistakes or errors in the Gerber files can result in significant issues during the manufacturing process, leading to delays and additional costs. As such, it's essential to have an accurate and detailed Gerber file before submitting it for manufacturing. At JLCPCB, the CAM engineers will prepare the Data For Manufacturing based on the submitted Gerber files, but they will not touch or fix any design mistakes, instead, the engineers will inform the customer in some cases when the design does not match the manufacturing capabilities.

Importance of a Gerber Viewer

A Gerber viewer is a software tool that allows you to view the Gerber files before submitting them for manufacturing. This is an essential step in the PCB manufacturing process as it ensures that the files are error-free and contain all the necessary information.

As a PCB manufacturer, JLCPCB provides an online Gerber viewer as a reference for customers to check the uploaded Gerber files before proceeding to order the related PCB, but it remains a reference tool and the final produced PCB will be identical to the designed board and this is why we JLCPCB recommend using external powerful Gerber viewers for file checking.

The Gerber viewer allows you to zoom in on specific areas of the design, ensuring that there are no errors in the placement of components or drill holes.

It also provides a visual representation of the layers, helping you to identify any issues with the layer stackup.

Additionally, a Gerber viewer can also be used to check the manufacturer's output files, ensuring that the final product matches the original design specifications. By using a Gerber viewer, you can ensure that your PCB design is accurate and ready for manufacturing, saving you time and money in the long run.

Conclusion

Gerber files are an essential tool for PCB manufacturing, providing a set of instructions for the manufacturer to follow. To ensure that your Gerber files are generated correctly, it's important to use the right software and double-check the files for errors. A Gerber viewer is an essential tool for checking the files before submitting them for manufacturing, ensuring that your design is accurate and ready for production. By following these steps, you can ensure that your PCB design is manufactured correctly, accurately, and efficiently.

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