pcb2gcode is a command-line CAM application for manufacturing printed circuit boards with a CNC mill. It reads Gerber and drill data and produces the G-code needed to isolate copper tracks, drill holes and route the finished board.
The program is designed around repeatable, scriptable PCB production rather than interactive CAD editing. That makes it well suited to workflows where board designs are exported from electronic design automation software and then converted automatically into machine-ready files.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Converts Gerber layers into G-code for PCB isolation milling.
- Produces drilling toolpaths from PCB drill data.
- Board-outline routing can generate the final cut needed to separate the PCB from its stock.
- Autolevelling compensates for small variations in board height that can otherwise affect isolation depth.
- Supports front and back board layers for double-sided PCB workflows.
- Provides controls for cutter dimensions, isolation width and machining depth.
- Feed rates, plunge rates and spindle-related machining parameters can be configured from the command line or project settings.
- Supports multiple isolation passes when a wider clearance around tracks is required.
- Configuration files make complex machining settings repeatable across jobs.
- Command-line operation allows pcb2gcode to be integrated into scripts and automated manufacturing workflows.
- An associated graphical frontend is available separately for users who prefer a GUI.
- Native MCP support can expose pcb2gcode operations to compatible external automation clients without changing its conventional command-line workflow.
Website: github.com/pcb2gcode/pcb2gcode
Support:
Developer: pcb2gcode contributors
License: GNU General Public License v3.0
pcb2gcode is written in C++. Learn C++ with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
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Read our verdict in the software roundup.
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