BoardSurfers: Training Insights: Automating Artwork Configuration in PCB Editor

In PCB design workflows, configuring artwork films is one of the final and essential steps before generating Gerber files for PCB fabrication. Each new design may require a fresh configuration of artwork films, especially if the stackup has changed. This process, while critical, can be repetitive and time-consuming.

With release 24.1 or later of Allegro X PCB Editor, you can automate this task using the Artwork Configuration feature available from the Config button in the Artwork Control dialog box. Use the feature to define the artwork setup once and then reuse it across multiple designs or share it with team members, thereby streamlining the workflow and reducing setup errors.

Let's explore how this feature simplifies the workflow and helps PCB designers save valuable time, improving efficiency and consistency across multiple designs.

Accessing the Artwork Configuration Dialog Box

To access the Artwork Configuration dialog box, follow these steps:

1. Start PCB Editor.
2. Choose Manufacture – Artwork. The Artwork Control Form dialog box appears.
   
   
3. Click Config to open the Artwork Configuration dialog box.
   
   

Understanding the Artwork Configuration Dialog Box

The Artwork Configuration dialog box includes system-generated default film records for copper layers, such as External Conductor, Internal Conductor, Internal Plane, and Internal Negative Plane. These etch-based film records, available by default and representing the design stackup, cannot be deleted, ensuring a consistent and generic setup applicable to any design. The Fabrication Drill view auto-generates films for all drill stages. While these are system-generated, you may need to review and update the fabrication drill views based on the specific requirements of your design.

Custom layers, such as Soldermask, Solderpaste, Silkscreen, and Assembly Drawing Views, are user-defined film records. These can be modified or removed to match the design intent.

Configuring Artwork Films Categories

Once the configuration is complete and the film records are verified, you can close the Artwork Configuration dialog box and click Generate Films to create the artwork film records. If further customization is needed, the Class and Subclass options in the dialog box can be adjusted to allow precise control over the output for creating the required artwork films.

Learn More

For a deeper dive into automating and managing artwork film records, refer to the following videos from the Allegro PCB Editor Basic Techniques video channel:

1. How to Automate the Film Record Generation in the Allegro X PCB Editor
2. How to Modify, Save, and Reuse Artwork Film Record setup in the Allegro X PCB Editor.

For additional information on the features of the Allegro X PCB Editor, enroll in the Allegro X PCB Editor Basic Techniques Training course on the Cadence ASK portal.

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