How can I extract XY (Pick & Place) coordinates from an old Gerber file for assembly?

Assembly and Components
1

Hello everyone,

I have a Gerber file set for a PCB that was designed around 7–8 years ago. Unfortunately, I don’t have the original PCB design source file (like Altium, Eagle, etc.), only the Gerbers.

I need to generate the XY coordinates (Pick & Place file) for SMT machine assembly.

Could anyone guide me on:

  1. Whether it’s possible to extract or reconstruct XY coordinates directly from Gerber files,

  2. Any tools or scripts (open-source or commercial) that can help generate component placement data,

  3. Any limitations or accuracy concerns when doing this from old Gerber data.

Appreciate any suggestions or best practices to make the data usable for automated assembly.

Thanks in advance!

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2

Gerber data consists of only dumb objects. Flashes are generally pads and lines are tracks. There is no component data to extract. In order to create p-n-p data, one would need to reconstruct at least some type of limited component information in order to have individual component footprint origins. That will require some type of application to make that happen. No matter whether the CM or you do this effort, it will take time and software capable of doing that type of work. I have done that type of work in the past using Altium Designer (to update old artwork) but some CAM software (like CAM350 or similar) can do it as well. It is not a quick process and the software generally is something you need to purchase. I doubt you will find freeware that can do that type of work.

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