Are “outlines” on the silkscreen layer common for small SMD components like chip resistors and capacitors? I’ve looked at a number of these parts that come with Eagle, and the outline is generally on the tDocu layer, which is usually not used to generate the silkscreen. I’d like to have a small rectangular (or whatever) outline of the component on the silkscreen, but I’m not sure if this is customary? The outlines (on the tDocu layer) that I do see cut across the pad, but leave the end where the part is soldered exposed. Is that a problem?
The tDocu layer in Eagle won’t get physically printed on the PCB (assuming you’re using the SFE cam file). That layer is for visual reference when laying out the board on your screen. The tPlace layer will be printed on the PCB. So if you want an outline, that’s the layer to do it in.
I think outlining parts is a preference thing. If you’ve got a bunch of small SMD parts lined up next to each other (which is often the case), having an outline for each one can be visually noisy. But if you really like having an outline, then by all means.
I’m only a hobbyist, so there may industry reasons beyond what I’m aware of.
Thanks for the input! After playing with it a bit, I decided to forget about the outlines, because as you say, the layout looked a bit cluttered.
Actually, I am using my own CAM file as the SFE CAM file does not put the tPlace layer on the silkscreen. I learned this the hard way on my first board when it arrived with no component labels… Doh!
I think if you follow their instructions you would be running the silk outlines script beforehand, which creates new silk layers with minimum thickness lines and which you can easily edit. Those would be included in the silk layer by the SparkFun CAM file.
Actually, I am using my own CAM file as the SFE CAM file does not put the tPlace layer on the silkscreen. I learned this the hard way on my first board when it arrived with no component labels… Doh!
Thanks,
John (another “hobbyist” :shock: !)
This is why you should ALWAYS check your Gerber files in a Gerber viewer or using an on-line service like FreeDFM.com. You might not have everything on the silk screen that you want, or you might have used a proportional font that’s nothing like what you had in mind after it’s converted to a vector font.
Also, it spots more fatal errors like having a layer mirrored.