You will have to create a Gerber (using CAM 360 or similar softwares) for the PCB guy to take into production.
As Amihomo says, few guys may entertain DXF as well but atleast here in India, we usually give gerber formats to pcb manufacturers.
What's CAM 360?
two methods are known to me:
1. export the .dxf file of your design layerwise, as in if there are two stacked dielectrics with two patches, you need to create two layers for these patches and so on. Next there is a software named (if i am not wrong in remembering its name) as Circuit Cam,which can create files suitable to machine etching process.
2. Create the layout of each of your layer (as in those having patches) using Correl Draw of any other CAD software that produces exact dimensions that you give. Next take its print out on a butter paper. Take it to manufacturer, they will turn it to a plastic film which would be impressed on your substrates and sides where copper is desired can be kept covered while where copper is not required can be exposed to the etchant.
two methods are known to me:
1. export the .dxf file of your design layerwise, as in if there are two stacked dielectrics with two patches, you need to create two layers for these patches and so on. Next there is a software named (if i am not wrong in remembering its name) as Circuit Cam,which can create files suitable to machine etching process.
2. Create the layout of each of your layer (as in those having patches) using Correl Draw of any other CAD software that produces exact dimensions that you give. Next take its print out on a butter paper. Take it to manufacturer, they will turn it to a plastic film which would be impressed on your substrates and sides where copper is desired can be kept covered while where copper is not required can be exposed to the etchant.
The standard international format is Gerber for production. DXF, etc can be used as well if your PCB guy can do it !
If you are looking for a very cheap solution and a simple design (1-2 layer), here it is!
1. Make a CAD drawing
2. Print the negative on a butter paper
3. Iron the butter paper on the substrate you intend to etch.
4. In case you want the ground plane, tape it before you etch it.
5. Once the print is on the substrate, you may put it in Ferric Chloride powder + warm water.
6. Stir for 20-30 minutes depending on the concentration of Ferric Chloride and make sure you dont over etch it.
7. Wash with plain running water.
8. Clean the substrate with Acetone.
9. Connect the connectors / cables /etc.
10. Your PCB is ready for testing.
Yes, obviously, this method is very common. But, i always prefer to get the process from step 3 onwards from the manufacturer, as substrates like RT duroid are quite expensive and the accuracy of etching is utmost important, which usually can not be attained easily by yourself at your labs.
Well, this method is really helpful in the circuit designing.
If you could afford a Laminator and a UV source, you could yourself do a great job as the printing on PCB is most critical for accuracy.
... and moreover in R&D, its pretty difficult and very time consuming to give the CAD design to manufacturer and wait for a week or so to get the samples.
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