Combining multiple designs onto a single stencil

[Pack34]

I'm looking at moving lower complexity designs in-house to reduce cost. I typically like to panelize my own designs and recently though of combining related designs onto a single stencil.

Is there a simple (low cost) program to just combine the silk screen layers into a single file to be able to do this, or is something like this typically sent out to a layout guy to take care of?

[ajb]

What software are you using to design the PCBs?  Most have some facility to combine designs either built-in or through user scripts.   That feature is built-in with Altium Designer in the "embedded board array" tool; I don't know if they brought that into CircuitMaker or Circuit Studio.  In Eagle you have to use a user script.

As far as standalone programs, Pentalogix Viewmate can manipulate gerbers well enough, but in order to save the edited gerbers you'll need the $95 Deluxe version.

[Pack34]

I'm using Eagle.

I hadn't thought of that. I could just import all of the designs into a single file, then move stuff around.

The only problem is that not everything is in a single PCB design tool...

I'll probably look at picking up a copy of Viewmate.

Thanks!

EDIT:// They seem to be running a 50% sale if you login and download the free version.

[rx8pilot]

I do my stencils this way, about 6 different designs on a single stencil. I can't remember off the top of my head what software I used,  but it was free and allows me to use 6 individual paste layer gerbers and lay them out.

When I get back to my office I will check the name. For prototypes and pilot runs, it has been an easy way to save money. I can get a full frame stencil and do 6 designs with fine pitch.


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