DRL File – What is .drl file and how to open it?
DRL File Extension
Gerber Drill Rack File – file format by N/A
DRL (Gerber Drill Rack File) is a file format used to specify the positions of holes to be drilled in a printed circuit board (PCB). It is a text-based format that includes information such as the location of each hole, the size of the hole, and the type of drill bit to be used.
Definition and Format of DRL Files
A DRL file (Gerber Drill Rack File) is a data file used to store information about the drilling positions of holes in a printed circuit board (PCB). It is a plaintext file that follows a specific format, consisting of a header section and a data section. The header section contains information about the file format version, the unit of measurement, and the PCB dimensions. The data section contains the drilling coordinates for each hole, along with optional information such as hole size, depth, and drill type.
Applications of DRL Files
DRL files are primarily used in the PCB manufacturing process. They are generated from the PCB design data and used to guide the drilling machine that creates the holes in the PCB. DRL files are essential for ensuring the accurate drilling of holes in the correct locations and sizes. They are typically created using specialized CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) software, which converts the PCB design data into a format that can be understood by the drilling machine.
Opening DRL Files: Software Options
DRL files can be opened and viewed using dedicated software designed to handle Gerber files, a file format commonly used in the printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing industry. One of the most widely used software for opening DRL files is GerbView, a free and open-source program that provides basic viewing and manipulation capabilities for Gerber files. Other popular options include CAMtastic, a commercial software that offers advanced features for viewing, editing, and converting Gerber files, and Altium Designer, a comprehensive PCB design suite that also includes DRL file support.
Additional Considerations
It’s important to note that DRL files contain drill information only, and do not represent the entire PCB design. To obtain a complete view of the PCB layout, you will need to open the corresponding Gerber files, which provide information about copper layers, solder masks, and silkscreens. Additionally, some software may require you to import or specify the DRU (Drill Rack Unit) file, which contains information about the drill sizes and locations in the DRL file. By utilizing appropriate software and considering these additional factors, you can effectively open and interpret DRL files and gain insights into the PCB manufacturing process.
Gerber Drill Rack File (DRL)
DRL files are Gerber files that instruct a photoplotter or other automated drilling machine where to place holes in a printed circuit board (PCB). They contain information such as the X and Y coordinates of each hole, the diameter of each hole, and the drill bit to be used for each hole. DRL files are typically generated from CAD software and are used for mass production of PCBs.
DRL files are essential for accurate and efficient drilling of PCBs. They ensure that the holes are placed in the correct locations and that they are the correct size for the components that will be mounted on the board. DRL files also help to minimize the risk of damage to the board during drilling by specifying the correct drill bit for each hole.
DRL files are typically used in conjunction with other Gerber files, such as aperture files (GBR) and solder mask files (GTS). These files provide additional information about the PCB, such as the size and shape of each component, the location of solder pads, and the routing of traces. Together, these files provide a complete set of instructions for manufacturing a PCB.