ExpressPCB to Gerber

[synnie]

Im trying to find out if there is anyway of converting a ExpressPCB file to a Gerber file.Want to get a couple of PCB's made with Futurlec but they cant open my PCB file and want it changed to a Gerber. I actually thought of making my own, that was about 3 months ago and for some reason i just dont have the time i used to have to make them. Any suggestions appreciated and hopefully i can get something organised for this year .
Cheers Syn

[snarfer]

I think ExpressPCB is designed to purposely stop you from converting to Gerber. That's why they give away the software, as a sales tool for their PCB service.

Maybe you can print the design out as a pdf. Lots of places will accept pdf instead of Gerber.

Good luck!

[omzig]

They will convert it for you...for a fee of course

[kostyun]

Export to say a dxf file and then redraw it in eagle or another pcb program.

[Aurbo99]

I've done it earlier in the year.

Check this thread

http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com...ead.php?t=2491

[synnie]

Thanks guys, im going to try and get it done.Looks like display might not go up this year due to family and work, least will be ready for next year...lol

[dhickman]

i called expressPCB and they said they will send you the gerber files for a given project after you order boards from them.

i haven't tried this but maybe someone here can?

-=drew

[synnie]

I did end up doing as Steve suggested using Linkcad and gerbmagic, and it worked fine....And hopefully i might be even able to get my lights going this year....getting better

[dirknerkle]

i called expressPCB and they said they will send you the gerber files for a given project after you order boards from them.

i haven't tried this but maybe someone here can?

-=drew

Here's a reply I received from ExpressPCB on Gerber files:

You can order gerber files by email for PCBs that we have previously
manufactured. The cost of a gerber file order is $60. The $60 fee will be
billed to the credit card number used with the original order of boards.

To order gerber files, send email to support@expresspcb.com with the exact
information listed below. The email MUST come from the person that placed
the original PCB order.

1) Write a note indicating that you would like to purchase gerber files.

2) Acknowledge in your email that you understand there is a $60 fee for
each set of gerber files that you order, and that the fee will be billed to
your credit card.

3) Specify the order number of the previously manufactured design by noting
our original 9 character order number. Our order numbers have the form
ABCD-1234-E.

We will generate the gerber files using the original PCB design file
associated with your order number. We will then email the gerber files
back to you as an attachment. The email will also include a receipt for
the $60 fee marked "Paid in full".

You will receive these files:
+ Top silkscreen layer
+ Top soldermask layer
+ Top copper layer
+ Bottom copper layer
+ Bottom soldermask layer
+ Drill file
+ 4 layer designs also include the 2 inner layers

Typically it takes one 24 hour business day to fulfill the order.

[ChuckDere]

Are there any third-party programs out there that can handle this? If so, are they free?