PDF Print Output Feature
Printed From: PCB Libraries Forum
Category: PCB Footprint Expert
Forum Name: Questions & Answers
Forum Description: issues and technical support
URL: https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=760
Printed Date: 06 Oct 2024 at 8:27am
Topic: PDF Print Output Feature
Posted By: KoryJ
Subject: PDF Print Output Feature
Date Posted: 20 Dec 2012 at 11:21am
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I swear this topic already came up, but I could not locate it with "PDF" as a search option. So, please forgive the redundancy: Is it possible to create a PDF of the input and the resultant footprint (land pattern) data? I would like to save this in my library documentation folder. Kory |
Replies:
Posted By: Tom H
Date Posted: 20 Dec 2012 at 12:29pm
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You are referring to the "Print" feature. We need to postpone this feature because it will take 2 months to develop and all programmers are currently focused on the creation of the "Package Editor" for non-standard through-hole component families (including 50,000 connectors) and the "Footprint Editor" for non-standard surface mount library parts using the mfr. recommended patterns and 3D-STEP model export, additional CAD tool exports and the "Parts on Demand" (POD) library content. So the "Print" feature probably will not happen any time soon and when it does, it will only apply to the IPC standard packages which only represent less than 50% of the component packages in the industry today. |
Posted By: KoryJ
Date Posted: 20 Dec 2012 at 12:39pm
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Oh, you have other stuff that is more important? ;) That's good to know. Thank you for the wonderful tool. |
Posted By: Nick B
Date Posted: 20 Dec 2012 at 12:42pm
Glad you like it. Are you using the "Free" Lite version? Please help spread the word! 
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Posted By: Mattylad
Date Posted: 23 Dec 2012 at 5:14pm
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It's good to know that it may eventually arrive though. But why will it only be for IPC data and not whatever is calculated? It could be made to output a PDF at the same time as outputting the CAD file, using the same name as the component. Batch mode however would take a heck of a lot longer to do :) But some users do like to be able to document their entire library - its just how pedantic we are :) |
Posted By: Tom H
Date Posted: 27 Dec 2012 at 10:32am
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The print feature will have known static pre-dimensioned graphic pictures of standard component packages. The footprint graphic pictures (for PDF print) will have static IPC dimensional letters like G, Z, P, W, A, B, etc. Then there will be fields (boxes) for the G, Z, P, W, A and B values that will change with each new "standard" package. The "Package Editor" for through-hole technology allows the user to define hole locations, hole sizes, plated & non-plated and hole pin names. Then you insert the component package outline around (or inside the hole pattern) and save to a PKG file format. The hole locations can be on many different grid spacings and various hole sizes and plating options. You will be able to create any non-standard through-hole library part in the world. The footprint will still be generated using IPC rules, but we cannot automatically create a variable print feature for highly customized parts with dozens of dimensions that are unique for each package. However, the dimensions for these non-standard footprints will be identical to the "mfr. recommended footprint" so there is no need for the FPX program to duplicate this data. |