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pcb-to-stencil
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README.md

PCB to Stencil Converter

A Go tool to convert Gerber files (specifically solder paste layers) into 3D printable STL stencils.

Features

  • Parses standard RS-274X Gerber files.
  • Supports standard apertures (Circle, Rectangle, Obround).
  • Supports Aperture Macros (AM) with rotation (e.g., rounded rectangles).
  • Automatically crops the output to the PCB bounds.
  • Generates a 3D STL mesh optimized for 3D printing.

Usage

Run the tool using go run:

go run main.go gerber.go [options] <path_to_gerber_file>

Options

  • --height, -h: Stencil height in mm (default: 0.2mm).
  • --keep-png, --kp: Save the intermediate PNG image used for mesh generation (useful for debugging).

Example

go run main.go gerber.go -height=0.25 -keep-png my_board_paste_top.gbr

This will generate my_board_paste_top.stl in the same directory.

How it Works

  1. Parsing: The tool reads the Gerber file and interprets the drawing commands (flashes and draws).
  2. Rendering: It renders the PCB layer into a high-resolution internal image.
  3. Meshing: It converts the image into a 3D mesh using a run-length encoding approach to optimize the triangle count.
  4. Export: The mesh is saved as a binary STL file.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.