Re: Using VB script to export IDF and DXF formats from Expedition PCB

Here is a subroutine that will export the IDF data. Same kind of deal - you have to feed it the file paths for the two output files.

Sub create_idf_output(emn_output_path asstring, emp_output_path asstring)

        

         Dim idf_out_engine As MGCPCBEngines.IDFExport

                

         'here we create the engine object

         idf_out_engine = CreateObject("MGCPCBEngines.IDFExport")

        

         'now we tell the engine what pcb file to use

         idf_out_engine.DesignFileName = pcbdoc.FullName

        

         'we tell the engine where to put the output file

         idf_out_engine.BoardOutputFile = emn_output_path`

        

         'we tell the engine where to put the output library file

         idf_out_engine.LibraryOutputFile = emp_output_path

        

        

         idf_out_engine.UseBoardThicknessFromStackup = true

         idf_out_engine.DefaultComponentHeight = 0

         idf_out_engine.ExcludeCellRouteObstructs = False

         idf_out_engine.ExportComponentPinAndViaDrilledHoles = True

         'idf_out_engine.ExportSection(7) = true

         idf_out_engine.ExportSection(5) = True

         idf_out_engine.ExportSection(4) = True

         idf_out_engine.ExportSection(6) = True

         idf_out_engine.ExportSection(3) = True

         'idf_out_engine.ExportSection(8) = True

        

         Try

             idf_out_engine.Go

         Catch ex As Exception

             msgbox("An Automation Pro License was not found. Just try again.", vbOKOnly)

             ExitSub

            

         EndTry

        

        

         idf_out_engine = Nothing

    

EndSub

Take note - you can also use the Variant Manager to get a list of components that are not installed, if you use that.  I also have a complete script that with several subroutines that demonstrate how to get all this information from the variant manager, then create the IDF files, then modify them so that downstream tools such as CircuitWorks (part of SolidWorks) can import them and the uninstalled parts will be correctly designated as unplaced.  Posting all of that here would be a hassle, but if you send me your email through a message here I'll send it to you.