If you export the Gerber poduction data by yourself, please refer to the following instructions.
Basically, you send us Extended Gerber (RS-274X) or Gerber X2 data and in addition the drilling program (Excellon or Sieb & Meyer). If your software allows it, we recommend instead of Gerber the export of ODB ++ data!
The Gerber format (originally from 1980) enables data exchange between CAD (development) and CAM (production) and is used primarily to output the layout data used for printed circuit boards. The advanced format Extended Gerber (RS-274X), developed In 1998 by the company Barco ETS, is today's standard in the PCB production and is now cared for by the company Ucamco NV.
The latest acknowledged format Gerber X2 is now also used in production.
All popular CAD programs allow exporting the design in the Extended Gerber format, and all popular CAM programs of printed circuit board manufacturers are capable of importing it.
Please do not use the outdated standard Gerber (RS-274D) for export.
We naturally import your ODB++, Gerber-, KiCad-, OrCAD-, Target-, Eagle-, Altium-, IPC-2581-, DPF- and Sprint layout data free of charge!
Instead of the uncommon IPC-2581 format we recommend ODB ++ data!
Multi-CB parameters
For an optimal result, please define the free-of-charge high-tech parameters of Multi-CB:
- Track-width / space: 0.1mm (100µm) - free-of-charge ✓
- Annular ring: 0.1mm (100µm) - free-of-charge ✓
- Drills: 0.2mm (200µm) - free-of-charge ✓
- Via-Pad: 0.4mm (400µm) - free-of-charge ✓
This guarantees the best technology at the best price. The minimum possible values can be found here: Circuit board design parameters.
Gerber-Export
When exporting Gerber data, the highest output resolution should always be chosen (eg 2.6 inch leading, or 4.4 mm leading). Gerber data should not be outputed either mirrored, nor rotated.
For each layer, an extra file is outputed. Layer does not only refer to the copper, but also to any additional manufacturing step such as solder-stop, marking print, milling, scoring, SMD stencil pads, etc.
The assignment of the individual layers is done via the file extension, which is however not standardized. The extensions of the Gerber files could for example look like this:
| Layer | File extension |
|---|---|
| Copper top | .top |
| Copper bottom | .bot |
| Inner layer (x) | .in(x) |
| Supply layer, power / ground (x)* | .pg(x)* |
| Solder-stop top | .smt |
| Solder-stop bottom | .smb |
| Marking print top | .plt |
| Marking print bottom | .plb |
| Peelable solder-stop top | .peeltop |
| Peelable solder-stop bottom | .peelbot |
| SMD paste data top | .pastetop |
| SMD paste data bottom | .pastebot |
| PCB contour, milling | .mil |
| Z-axis milling top | .zmiltop |
| Z-axis milling bottom | .zmilbot |
| Scoring | .sco |
* Please number consecutively with the inner layers.
You can check your exported Gerber files with the help of free Gerber viewers, such as Gerbv or GC PREVUE.
You can find more on the history of the Gerber format in our PCB Glossary.
Excellon or Sieb & Meyer - drill data
Excellon or Sieb & Meyer data contains the coordinates of the holes of your PCB. Each drill data set includes a tool list with drill diameters.
It is important to differentiate between plated-through-holes (PTH) and non-plated-through-holes (NPTH).
As with the Gerber data, the drilling data is outputted in text format and may not be mirrored or rotated. As in the printed circuit board production, the metric system has prevailed for drills, please export all drilling data always metric.
Preferably use the Excellon and Sieb & Meyer 3000 (SM3000) format as they have already integrated the aperture table (diameter of holes). The Format SM1000 is not recommended (extra aperture table).
Best practice are the formats 3.3mm leading or 4.4mm leading. The extensions of the drill files could for example look like this:
| Layer | File extension |
|---|---|
| Plated-through-hole | .pth |
| Non-plated-through-hole | .npth |
| Blind via | .blindvias |
| Buried via | .buriedvias |
Development
Meanwhile, the Gerber format is maintained and enhanced by Ucamco NV, currently working on an introduction of Gerber X3. As long as this new standard has not yet been set, please continue to use Extended Gerber data (RS-274X) for your PCB order. Basically, Gerber X3 PCB data cannot yet be comprehensively tested and produced.
Checking of Gerberdata
In addition to our free import service for your data, you can also export your own Gerber data. Please use Gerber RS-274X.
Your exported Gerber files can be checked and printed with the freeware Gerbv or GC PREVUE. This allows testing if everything was exported correctly.
Gerbv and GC PREVUE can be found on our download page.