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Free/Open Source Software for Gerber File Panelization?

39 14
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  • #1 21657685
    Joe Davison
    Anonymous  
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  • #2 21657686
    Edward Henderson
    Anonymous  
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  • #3 21657687
    Joe Wolin
    Anonymous  
  • #4 21657688
    Gary Crowell
    Anonymous  
  • #5 21657689
    Joe Davison
    Anonymous  
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    Joe Davison
    Anonymous  
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  • #7 21657691
    Joe Wolin
    Anonymous  
  • #8 21657692
    Joe Davison
    Anonymous  
  • #9 21657693
    Gary Crowell
    Anonymous  
  • #10 21657694
    Danny Carr
    Anonymous  
  • #11 21657695
    Miranda Yip
    Anonymous  
  • #12 21657696
    Liberty Zhang
    Anonymous  
  • #13 21657697
    Rajesh Kumar
    Anonymous  
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  • #14 21657698
    elle Jimenez
    Anonymous  
  • #15 21657699
    bruno Bob
    Anonymous  

Topic summary

The discussion addresses the availability of free or open source software for Gerber file panelization. While no widely recognized free panelizer with a user-friendly interface is confirmed, several options and considerations are highlighted. Altium Designer and GerbTool offer robust panelization features but are costly. FreePCB is suggested as a lower-end alternative that may support panelization. GerbMerge, an open source tool by Andrew Sterian, exists but lacks ease of use. Manual merging of Gerber files via text editing is possible but complex due to format intricacies and drill file handling. Many PCB manufacturers provide panelization services, often free or at low cost, though policies vary regarding multiple designs per panel and may impose restrictions such as rectangular board shapes or no electrical testing. Some companies like Olimex and batchpcb allow flexible panelization, while others like PCBCore charge extra. Commercial tools like Numerical Innovations' DFM Now! Pro V6 and FAB 3000 Pro V6 offer panelization features at reasonable prices. CAM350 is also mentioned as capable of merging multiple boards into one panel. Online panelization services exist but their quality varies. Overall, free and open source options are limited and often not user-friendly, making manufacturer panelization services or commercial software more practical for complex panelization needs.
Summary generated by the language model.
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