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Showing content with the highest reputation on 03/01/2021 in all areas

  1. I had a drive crash and lost the Kicad project, but I still have the slightly modified DXF file that I worked on, which was derived from Listen202's version. https://1drv.ms/u/s!AtmSvwylfFJagkpl5QlWo9tIUbJ0?e=mamgPG Working with DXF's in KiCAD requires several steps: 1) In the KICAD PCB tool, you'll import Listen202's DXF file into the Edge.cuts layer 2) make sure to size it properly, (approx. 232.3mm x 163.2mm) 3) Delete all of the graphics from this layer, but keep all of the holes and cutouts, since this will act as the drills layer 4) Import Listen202's DXF file again, but this time into the F.SilkS layer (this is the layer for the graphics silkscreen / inlay) 5) Now you'll do the opposite of what you did in step 3 and delete all of the holes and cutouts from the F.SilkS layer, but keep the graphics 6) Next, you need to create the front and back Copper layers (F.Cu and B.Cu), which are basically just rectangles in the correct panel size (again, approx. 232.3mm x 163.2mm) That's really it for the editing, so now you have a choice for how you want to have the panel produced. You can export the individual layers from KiCAD and import them into Front Panel Designer if you want them manufacture your panel. Or, you could use KiCAD to export standard Gerber files that you can use to have the panel produced as if it were a PCB. This works really well because a standard PCB is 1.6mm thick, with rigid copper on the top and bottom for strength, whereas the PacTec-10 aluminum panel is 1.5mm, so only a very small difference. JLCPCB will produce ~5 of these panels for you for about $30 USD, whereas Front Panel Express will charge $250 for the aluminum cuts, drills and inlays... When time permits, I'll eventually get around to recreating the KiCAD project and I'll share it here.
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