Numerical Innovations - Help Center

 Dear Support,

I'm currently evaluating the ACE Translator 3000.

I plan to use the software to translate Gerber files to STEP.

I successfully translated small Gerber files to STEP already.

I have a special requirement:

The STEP file of one layers Gerber shall include the drills, that means that pads shall have a hole where the drill is.

I found a subtract feature in the editor but had no luck subtracting the drill from the metal layer.

Is it possible to generate STEP output with drilled holes in metal?

Best regards,

Nathalie

Thanks for your question.  Yes, this is possible and you don't need to use the ACE editor.   During STEP export options make sure to check the option: "Show Holes in Metal Layers".

Important:  Typically most customers who are interested in converting between Gerber and STEP choose our product FAB 3000.  The reason is FAB 3000 is dedicated to Gerber/Drill and has more Gerber related capabilities; while ACE converts between more formats.

Here's a quick tutorial showing me import a Gerber + Drill and them export with holes in the metal layers using FAB 3000:

https://numericalsoftware-update.s3.amazonaws.com/2016-08-30_11-06-33-gerber-step-holes.mp4

Note:  Just make sure that you have a Drill files loaded, and that you check the option "Show Holes in Metal Layers".