PCBWay Fabrication Toolkit for Kicad

PCBWay has recently introduced a new plugin called the PCBWay Fabrication Toolkit for KiCad. This powerful tool allows users to export four essential files—Gerber, IPC-Netlist, BOM, and Pick and Place—with just one click. This not only simplifies the pre-production workflow but also significantly enhances efficiency, saving time and reducing errors.

Installation from the Official KiCad Repositories

Once installed, the plugin enables you to generate BOM and centroid files directly from your design, streamlining the entire process before sending your files to PCBWay for manufacturing.

Demo Process:

After exporting the necessary files, you can send them to PCBWay. Our team will review the files before proceeding with production, ensuring everything meets the required standards.

Important Note: If you're placing a patch order, make sure to include the MPN (Manufacturer Part Number) in your design file. This helps our team source the exact components you need, improving accuracy and speeding up the quotation process.

Manual Installation Instructions

In addition to installing through the official repositories, you can also manually install the latest version of the PCBWay Fabrication Toolkit by downloading the ZIP file from this GitHub link.

Open the "Plugin and Content Manager" from the main KiCad window, then choose "Install from File" to add the plugin.

About the BOM File

The Bill of Materials (BOM) is a crucial document that lists all the components used in your PCB design. To ensure a smooth and accurate quotation process, we require the following information:

• Designator (required)
• Quantity (required)
• MPN/Part Number (required)
• Package/Footprint (required)
• Manufacturer (optional)
• Description/Value (optional)

Providing complete and accurate details will help us deliver better service and faster results.

If you have any suggestions or feedback, feel free to leave a comment below. PCBWay is committed to delivering high-quality services and continuously improving our tools to meet your needs.