69 lines
2.3 KiB
Markdown
69 lines
2.3 KiB
Markdown
# Gerber Solder Paste Layer to Solder Stencil Converter
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A Go tool to convert Gerber files (specifically solder paste layers) into 3D printable STL stencils.
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## Features
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- Parses standard RS-274X Gerber files.
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- Supports standard apertures (Circle, Rectangle, Obround).
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- Supports Aperture Macros (AM) with rotation (e.g., rounded rectangles).
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- Automatically crops the output to the PCB bounds.
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- Generates a 3D STL mesh optimized for 3D printing.
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## Usage
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Run the tool using `go run`:
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```bash
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go run main.go gerber.go [options] <path_to_gerber_file> [optional_board_outline_file]
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```
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### Options
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- `--height`: Stencil height in mm (default: 0.16mm).
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- `--wall-height`: Wall height mm (default: 2.0mm).
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- `--wall-thickness`: Wall thickness in mm (default: 1mm).
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- `--keep-png`: Save the intermediate PNG image used for mesh generation (useful for debugging).
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- `-server`: Start the web interface server.
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- `-port`: Port to run the server on (default: 8080).
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### Example
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```bash
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go run main.go gerber.go -height=0.16 -keep-png my_board_paste_top.gbr my_board_outline.gbr
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```
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This will generate `my_board_paste_top.stl` in the same directory.
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### Web Interface
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To start the web interface:
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```bash
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go run main.go gerber.go -server
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```
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Then open `http://localhost:8080` in your browser. You can upload files and configure settings via the UI.
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## 3D Printing Recommendations
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For optimal results with small SMD packages (like TSSOP, 0402, etc.), use the following 3D print settings:
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- **Nozzle Size**: 0.2mm (Highly recommended for sharp corners and fine apertures).
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- **Layer Height**: 0.16mm total height.
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- **First Layer**: 0.10mm
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- **Second Layer**: 0.06mm
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- **Build Surface**: Smooth PEI sheet (Ensures the bottom of the stencil is perfectly flat for good PCB adhesion).
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These settings assume you run the tool with `-height=0.16` (the default).
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## How it Works
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1. **Parsing**: The tool reads the Gerber file and interprets the drawing commands (flashes and draws).
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2. **Rendering**: It renders the PCB layer into a high-resolution internal image.
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3. **Meshing**: It converts the image into a 3D mesh using a run-length encoding approach to optimize the triangle count.
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4. **Export**: The mesh is saved as a binary STL file.
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## License
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This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the [LICENSE](LICENSE) file for details. |