Applied Parameters: CommandMode=NC
Summary
This command is used to export drill data with respect to one or all layers in the current document.
Access
This command is accessed from the CAMtastic Editor by choosing the File » Export » Drill command from the main menus.
Use
After launching the command, the Export Drill Data dialog will appear. Use the dialog to select a specific layer or all layers to export drill data for.
The Header region of the dialog allows you to specify the Part Program Header information required.
Click the Units and Tool Table buttons to make changes to the data format and defined tools respectively.
You can also choose whether or not to use Step & Repeat Codes in the exported data and also whether a report file is generated.
After setting up the export options as required, click the Save button - the Write Drill dialog will appear. Use this dialog to define where the exported drill file is to be stored. By default, the data file that is generated will take the name cam.drl. The file can be renamed by clicking within the name field. The associated file extension can also be changed to another if required, by again clicking directly within the name field or, alternatively, right-clicking on the entry and choosing the File Extensions command from the context menu. The new extension required can be typed into the resulting Enter Value dialog that appears.
Tips
- In order for this command to be available, make sure that you are in the NC Editor, rather than the CAM Editor. Editor selection is carried out from the View menu.
- The Drill file contains tool numbers for each drill bit, and X and Y locations for each instance that bit is used on the board.
- The report file that is generated will have the default name cam.rpt and contains a summary of the tools used and the number of instances that drill points for those tools are specified in the current document. It will be written to the same folder as the drill data file.
- The Part Program Header is used to perform setup and initialization tasks, such as loading tool data and cutting information.
- Step & Repeat commands are available for features such as panelization and data arrays. They basically enable the use of looped code instead of rewriting identical sequences, therefore reducing the size of generated files.