Exporting IPC-2581 Data

The following procedures describe how to export IPC-2581 data from a design, export parameters from the Output (IPC-2581) Dialog, import parameters from a file, and save specified parameters to a file. The IPC-2581B format is used.

Exporting IPC-2581 Data

Export IPC-2581 data from a design as follows.

1. On the ribbon, click Manufacture > Manufacture Output > IPC-2581. The Output (IPC-2581) Dialog is displayed.
2. In the Output to box, specify the location to output the IPC-2581 file to. If the ".xml" file extension is not specified, it is added automatically.
3. In the Unit for IPC-2581 file box, select the output units.
4. In the Mode box, select the appropriate mode; see IPC-2581: Output Mode Settings.
5. Select Output Attributes, and add the required attributes to the Attributes to Output box.
6. To output polarity marks, select Output polarity mark.
7. Specify a layer settings file in the Layer settings file box. If necessary, click Edit to edit the contents of the layer settings file; see Editing a Layer Settings File for Exporting Polarity Marks. A new layer settings file can be created by specifying a file path in the Layer settings file box and clicking Edit.
8. Click Execute to start the export.
9. Click Exit to close the dialog.

 

 

Editing a Layer Settings File for Exporting Polarity Marks

When polarity marks are exported, the layer settings file that is referenced can be edited as follows.

1. In the Output (IPC-2581) Dialog, select Output polarity mark and click Edit.
2. In the Mounting shape group, specify a layer in the Side A box. Type the name of the layer, or click Select Layer and select it in the Select Layer dialog.
3. In the Mounting shape group, specify a layer in the Side B box. Type the name of the layer, or click Select Layer and select it in the Select Layer dialog.
4. In the Polarity mark table, select the Set column for the relevant layers.
5. Click OK to save the settings.

Importing Parameters to the Output (IPC-2581) Dialog

Parameters that are stored in a file can be loaded into the Output (IPC-2581) Dialog as follows.

1. Click Import parameters in the dialog. The Open dialog is displayed.
2. In the Open dialog, select a file and click Open. The parameters in the selected file are set in the Output (IPC-2581) Dialog.

Exporting Parameters from the Output (IPC-2581) Dialog

Export parameters to a file as follows.

1. In the Output (IPC-2581) Dialog, set the parameters and click Export parameters. The Save As dialog is displayed.
2. In the Save As dialog, set the location and file name for the exported file and click Save. The parameters are saved to the specified file.