Advisory: How to Create a Panel Template

For users of CAM350 Version 5.0 and 6.0: Conversion of Legacy Templates to CAM350 8.5

Definition: A legacy template is a saved CAM350 database (.PCB or .CAM) used with the Merge Panel PCB feature.

1. Convert CAM350 database to Gerber and Excellon data

   FILE | NEW
   FILE | OPEN
   Select your CAM350 database
   FILE | EXPORT
   Export all layers to Gerber, mill and drill files as appropriate.

2. Importing Gerber and Excellon data to Panel

   FILE | NEW
   TOOLS | PANEL EDITOR
   FILE | IMPORT | GERBER DATA

3. Repeat process step #2 above for MILL DATA and DRILL DATA as needed
   
   
4. Set Panel Info

   Panelization | Setup
   Any info set here will be retained with the saved as part of this process.
   Panel Size is very important.
   Border Spacing and Minimum Image Spacing are also useful.

5. Create Panel Template

   File | Save as

6. Using a Panel Template

   Load and process Gerber data normally.
   Tools | Panel Editor
   File | Merge Panel

Creating a Panel Template from Scratch

1. Getting Started

   First create the artwork
   FILE | NEW
   TOOLS | PANEL EDITOR

2. Artwork Creation: importing data

   To bring in pre-done art use FILE | IMPORT (GERBER DATA, MILL DATA or DRILL DATA.). If you have artwork that is in a different format, go back to the CAM editor and use one of the imports in there to bring the data in and then export to one of the 3 supported formats).

3. Use EDIT options to modify data if needed
   
   
4. Artwork Creation: Adding data

   It is helpful to select SETUP (Panelization | Setup) and define your film area first. Then select VIEW | FILMBOX. Now you can see the film area on screen.

5. Use EDIT options to place data as needed inside the Filmbox area. Make sure to get the origin to the lower left corner of the data.
   
   
6. Set Panel Info

   Panelization | Setup
   Any info set here will be retained with the saved as part of this process.
   Panel Size is very important.
   Border Spacing and Minimum Image Spacing are also useful.

7. Create Panel Template

   File | Save as

8. Using a Panel Template

   Load and process Gerber data normally.
   Tools | Panel Editor
   File | Merge Panel