Hi all, maybe a silly question , i might have overlooked the option. I would like to draw a drill table.
I see in the pulldownmenu “Place” an “add board characteristic” option and "add board stackup table "option.
But i do not see an “add drill table” where i can see all holes with sizes . Is it under another name ?
I did find a drill table alike function under the pulldown menu “inspect” under board characteristics.
Is there a way to add that automatically ?
You can generate the drill map file and import it as a graphic (e.g., convert PDF to SVG and import into KiCad if you really want it on the PCB layout).
Here is an example, i have drawn the drill table within the green rounded rectangle manually by entering all values manually. Is there not an option in kicad to autogenerate a drilltable ? Saves a lot of time. Especially with complex pcb’s. This is a simple little pcb project. A drilltable is very handy to discover user errors.
As you can see in my example, the drilltable is not even complete. Because the 3 large holes with diameter 3.7mm, i have not mentioned in the drilltable, nor that they should be plated (PTH) or non plated (NPTH).
It would be a great advantage if such an option would be present in the “place” pulldown menu : “add drilltable”.
How do i generate a drill map file ?
Nevermind, drill files and then a map.
Drill table is a part of Board Statistics ( Inspect → Show Board Statistics).
It’s exported to a text file. Copy the content and paste it to a text field in PCB Editor on one of the User defined layers.
this is the way.
except i use drill-map to dxf, then import dxf to user layer (renamed drill map so i don’t forget).
I know. i tried that manually already. See my previous post with screenshot. I used a drawtable for text outline reasons.
When i just use a textbox, and copy paste, because of font scaling issues i still have to line out everything myself in the textbox.
It would be nicer if such information in a nice table is available as an option under the place pulldown menu.
It would save time and everything that goes automatically is one optional user error less. Especially when creating large complex pcb’s.
This is the idea. That the drilltable could be fully automatically generated. See green rounded rectangle.
I have 20 vias with 0.3mm drill hole.
I have 13 PTH holes with 1mm drill hole.
I have 3 NTPH holes with 3.5mm holes.
I have not entered the copper layers for the vias, but it is a two layer board without buried vias.
But such information generated automagically as a drill table is extremely usefull.
Now often i have to specify it for the pcb manufacturer. And i do not have to worry that the PCB manufacturer is gonna asking questions about graphic holes. For the PCB manufacturer this is also a lot more clear to see what i as a customer desire. Easier for the PCB manufacturer and less chances about creating errors in the pcb gerber files and drill files as well.
I have been drawing schematics and PCB files for a total of 30 years , protel, cadence, altium and now i am learning how to use kicad and get what i desire.
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