How does one add drill slots to PCB in Eagle?

[matrixofdynamism]

Note: I am not talking about drilling holes for screws.

Assuming that one wants to have slots drilled into the PCB perhaps with:

1) rounded ends
2) square ends
3) arbitrary shape (perhaps for art work)

or

4) create a PCB that is not rectangular, perhaps round or some arbitrary shape.

How does one do so in Eagle? Is it possible that the PCB manufacturer not support drilling in that specific way?

 

[KlausST]

Hi,

use the dimension layer to draw the outlines and slots of your PCB.

The correct term is "milling".

Klaus

 

[matrixofdynamism]

How exactly do I "draw" on the dimension layer. I understand that the rectangular outline of the board is in the dimension layer.

Doesn't the dimension layer only give the "outline" of the board but not "drill holes" inside it?

 

[KlausST]

Hi,

If you want to drill (only round holes) --> then use "drill" or "hole".

But you talk about "slot" and "arbitrary shapes". --> draw them in the dimension layer.
There is no restriction, that the outline in the dimension layer needs to be rectangular.

Added:

How to draw:
Select the "wire" command.
Select layer "dimension"
Select wire_width (usefull about 0.1mm or 4 mil)
Select the bend_style and bend_radius as you want.

Use the "arc" or "circle" command if you want.

Klaus

 

[matrixofdynamism]

So if I draw a circle using the wire command inside the milling or dimension layer, does that automatically mean that that shall be cut to give a circle in the board (or any arbitrary shape)?

I mean what if I draw 2 shapes that intersect, how exactly is that interpreted?

 

[KlausST]

Hi,

So if I draw a circle using the wire command inside the milling or dimension layer, does that automatically mean that that shall be cut to give a circle in the board (or any arbitrary shape)?

1) again. please use the dimension layer
2) yes, the dimension layer shows the shape and cut outs of the pcb.

I mean what if I draw 2 shapes that intersect, how exactly is that interpreted?

For sure YOU are responsible for unambigous drawings.

--> An intersect in the dimension layer most likely is ambigous.

*****
You could get more detailed answers if you simply post EAGLE files, screenshots, pictures....

Klaus