Apart from general improvements for graphic screen control (that has been mentioned above) changes in these two applications apply mostly to graphic imports.

DXF import
It has been brought to our attention that users designing flexible boards wish to import trace patterns (artworks) drawn with the help of mechanical CAD Packages. They needed DXF import to artworks layers in true size line width. In previous version, DXF import was intended for importing outlines only and line width were ignored. It has been changed in 1.71 and now DXF can be imported to all layers, except Drill Template.

There is a tool in Fabrication Graphics Viewer for aligning imported layers. Aligning may not be necessary if all layers and drills are imported with import parameter “Original coordinates” set to ON (see Import Parameters dialog). Nevertheless, aligning tool has been retained since auto alignment may work only if graphics in import files have the same origin.

Since release of 1.70, the Fabrication Graphics Viewer replaced previous ports for importing graphics for project reconstruction (reverse engineering). In this task, the main problem is proper distribution of graphics to import categories (traces, pads, pad position). This is due to ambiguity of graphics imported in supported formats.

Basic distribution to import categories is done automatically when graphics are transferred from the viewer to Graphics Import editor in Fabrication manager. Some internal code changes have been made in transfer function, which should result in more exact categorization. Nevertheless, it can never be ensured that this distribution would be 100% correct. Usually some inter-category transfer of element is required.

This task was possible before in Graphics Import editor, but since it had to be done through Property Dialog, the process could be very laborious. In 1.71, a tool has been added enabling direct transfer from category to category of elements selected individually or by blocking.

Options to enquire for Gerber aperture codes (DCODEs) have been enhanced. Even previously, all elements that were imported with the same aperture could be highlighted. It could have been done by clicking on column and row listing the aperture in Import Dialog, Filters section or in Layer Property dialog. Now the same may be done by clicking on element on the screen. In other words, enquire for Gerber aperture codes works now both ways; from aperture code to associated elements and from element to its aperture code.