STL2GBR is a translator that converts the binary STL format into an Gerber photoplot file. The user can specify one or more Z-heights and the converter will "slice" the 3D model this height to create a 2D film.
STL (stereolithography) output is produced by virtually all 3D design/modeling software including SolidWorks, ProEngineer and AutoCAD Inventor.
Data flow from 3D design software to board artwork.
Designers often need to use a 3D mechanical software to design complex boards, especially flexible boards that wrap around 3D objects. Once complete, they are faced with the need to convert their 3D model into a series of 2D slices - each slice will produce a mask that is used to etch the board's pads and traces.
STL2GBR was created with these designers in mind. They can export their 3D model in STL format and then use STL2GBR to create the required Gerber photoplotter data. These Gerber files can be sent to an board manufacturing house.
STL2GBR has a sophisticated back-end that identifies circular holes in a 3D layout and converts these to Gerber flashes. This allows the extraction of drill data from the Gerber file. Generating Drill Data ...
While most users will depend on the Windows user interface, it is possible to run the converter from a command line. This can be useful when you wish to automate the process of conversion using scripts or to call the converter from another program. Command Line Syntax.