Gerber File Check: The Flux Agent Checks Your Files Before Fabrication

To check Gerber files before fabrication, ask Flux to inspect the exported manufacturing package against your design and your fab's requirements. Flux checks copper gaps, silkscreen and the board outline, renders the Gerber layers for visual review, runs design rule checks on the exported board, and compares the BOM and pick-and-place file with the design.

The Flux agent is an AI hardware engineer that works on the complete device. It can design the board and its enclosure, then check the files that will go to manufacturing. You get the results in the same project where your team does the design work.

Check the files your fab will receive

A four-layer controller board has copper, solder mask, silkscreen, and an outline that must agree. Give Flux the minimum copper spacing from your fab's specifications, such as those for a JLCPCB or PCBWay order. Flux checks the gaps in the exported copper against that value and reports the locations that need attention.

Flux checks the silkscreen for overlap with exposed pads and reviews whether markings are legible. It checks the board outline, renders each Gerber layer, and looks at the images. The outline matters beyond the board: it sets the shape that must fit the enclosure, mounting points, and connector openings.

Flux also runs DRC on the exported board and compares the result with the project checks. Read more about design rule checks and manufacturing exports.

Check the assembly files together

For an assembled board, the fab needs more than Gerbers. The bill of materials identifies the parts; the pick-and-place file tells the assembly equipment where to put them. Flux cross-checks both against the design: designators, footprints, positions, rotations, and missing or extra parts. It reports what it finds so your team can resolve discrepancies before sending the package.

The assembly is part of a complete device. A connector must line up with its enclosure opening, and the mounted board must fit its mechanical supports. Keep that mechanical work in the same Flux project as the electronics, and use the file check as part of your manufacturing review. See also checking component heights against an enclosure and our guide to Gerber files.

How to ask Flux

Open your project and give Flux the fab requirements and the files to check. For example:

Export the manufacturing files for this four-layer controller board. Check the Gerbers against our fab's minimum copper spacing of 0.15 mm. Check the silkscreen and board outline, render and inspect each layer, and run DRC on the exported board. Compare the BOM and pick-and-place file with the design, including designators, footprints, rotations, and missing or extra parts. Report the results and package the files for fabrication and assembly.

Use the spacing from your chosen fab and board specification. Ask Flux to review the enclosure, mounting features, and connector access in the same project as you prepare the complete device for manufacture.

Open a project in Flux and ask the agent to check your manufacturing files.