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Importing a DXF shape for use as a Package Keepout

NavyEE

Hi,

I am laying out new circuitry on an existing PCB shape. I have been given DXF files of the board shape and a package keepout area.  I was able to import the board outline, but I am having trouble getting the second shape in as a package keepout.  Is there a way to import a DXF shape and add it as a Package Keepout?  It is an oddball shape that would be a bit of a pain to do manually.

Thanks.

  • Are you able to get it in to the board file at all?

  • You should be able to map the DXF layer to Package Keepout / All (for example) but this class probably requires a closed shape and your DXF input may not amount to one. Try using an "any" subclass, like Board Geometry / Assembly Detail for the initial DXF import, display only this layer color, then use Shape>Compose Shape and compose the shape (lines) from Board Geometry / Assembly Detail onto Package Keepout / All and the corners will be closed to form an acceptable shape. Specify the target subclass in Options and Window select the displayed items, right-click>Done to accept. An overlapping boundary may wipe you out, in which case, you will need to get the DXF data sorted out before importing.
  • Chad/Oldmouldy,I was able to get it in as a Board Geometry/Outline, but I was not able to bring it in as Package Keepout/Bottom. I did: File/New-Mechanical Symbol, File/Import/DXF. Choose DXF, Edit Layers, Board Geometry/Outline. That works fine, however, looking at the board file, I notice that there are arc/line interfaces that are not connected. I have brought the parts onto the board outline from the schematic and that all seems to be fine, but that actually begs the question, will the DXF that I imported for the board outline work properly at the boardhouse with the separations at the arc/line interfaces? The process that I mention above does not work for Package Keepout/Bottom layer assignment. I get 'Complete with errors' and no outline. I will try your method Oldmouldy, but I suspect that I will have to somehow ensure that the DXF is a gapless shape. I will post the results of my attempt at your procedure. Thank you for the suggestions.
  • OK, so I can import 1 DXF at a time only. If I start with a new board outline file, I can import the board outline DXF, compose the shape, and have a gapless board outline. When I try to import another DXF into the same file as a different layer, it wipes out the first. I have not been able to get a DXF that is a perfect shape yet, so I don't know if that is a problem. Is there a workaround for this? Is there a way to create the board outline from the DXF, then create another .dra of the package keepout shape and somehow import the shape onto the board outline as a .dra? I will try, but if anyone knows a solution it would be welcomed with appreciation. Thanks.

  • You can't import a .dra into a .dra, but once you get the shape created in the new .dra, export it as a sub-drawing.  You can then import that sub-drawing into the .dra with the board outline.

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