Gerber -> HPGL converter for home made PCB

[bojan]

A long time ago I was using excellent plotter file generator (it accepted UltiBoard PCB intermediate plot file).
That software (I still have it) produced a very clean plots of layout on tracing paper, used for PCB prototyping.
Recently, I searched for gerber-HPGL or Gerber-Gcode converter (I was thinking of using 3D printer to deposit etch resist directly on copper), but found none.
Eagle has HPGL output, but unfortunately traces are plotted from/to centres of holes associated with pads, effectively filling them with ink, which doesn't help drilling with hand tool.

Does anyone know about suitable converter?

I am now trying to use old Epson ink-jet printer for the job, but I feel two flat-bed plotters stored in my cupboard would be better, considering their size (A3).

[rcheshire (Rowland)]

Not sure if this meets your request

http://kicad-pcb.org/discover/eeschema/

[bojan]

Thanks Rowland, but this is not what I need...
Flatcam is close.. but not quite yet.
It is possible to convert everything into polygons, but then every polygon can be only individually "painted" or filled with strokes (in other words, there is no "select all" function).
Also, I don't know how to convert holes (from Excellon file) into holes in polygons...

It seems more and more feasible to write my own converter from Gerber format into HPGL... however it is somehow hard to believe I am the only earthling who needs such software??

[mswhin63 (Malcolm)]

Hi Bojan,

I am currently using AutoTrax Dex as well as a few other design software. Dex has a direct to CNC file for PCB, see if it worth anything as I have used it much.

http://www.dexpcb.com/


I have another software which I am using to create soldermask from Gerber. I have a Silhouette Cameo my wife no longer uses. It does require installation of a HPGL driver software but does not directly convert, instead only to Cameo plotting.

https://github.com/pmonta/gerber2graphtec

Worth a look. I have successfully been able to cut soldermasks now very easy and accurately.