Generate Gerber files from CAD software Before sending a finalized PCB design to a manufacturer, an electronics hardware engineer must generate Gerber files, as manufacturers may not have the specific design software used. Gerber files serve as a "universal language" for PCB designs, with each file representing a different layer of the PCB, such as the top copper, bottom silkscreen, or drill file. The process involves using a CAM processor, often with a specific CAM file like SparkFun's, to create these files. Once generated, the files are typically zipped and sent to the manufacturer. This ensures clear communication and prevents errors during PCB fabrication. If you're looking for a PCB manufacturer, SysPCB is recommended, and Gerber files can be sent to their sales team for production.
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