I need to know if there is a way to merge two or more polygon pours of the same type, in order to have only one. So two objects that become one. Is this possible?
Because anytime I need to redefine a polygon I do not want to start again if I only need to add and improve a little part of it.
Electrical – Merge polygon pours in Altium Designer
altiumcopper-pourpcb
Related Solutions
I checked the available file importers for Altium and I don't see ARES or .LYT listed. Even if there were such an importer available, you would need an Altium license to be able to use it.
However, there are many many pcb fab shops available, and 90% (or more) of them accept either gerber files or ODB++ rather than design files for any particular design tool. And 90% (or more) of the design tools can produce one or both of these formats.
Gerber is the older and simpler format. But it does need some external documentation like the units (inches or mm) used, and requires more manual handling by the fab shop. ODB++ is more modern and allows more automated handling by the fab hsop, but not all tools seem to have complete support for it yet.
If your tool can't produce either gerber or ODB++ then it's time to start learning a new tool.
If your vendor won't accept gerber or ODB++, it's time to start looking for another vendor.
I finally called Cadence support, and they were very helpful! Maybe there's a good reason to pay for their Maintenance Contract :) This answer is for PCB Designer 16.6. I don't know if it will be the same for earlier versions...
There are two methods to suppress thermals: the Global method, and the Instance method. The instance method only affects a single (dynamic copper) shape.
Since thermal reliefs are generally helpful, I don't want to turn them off globally. The Instance method, on the other hand, is just what I was looking for.
To set up the parameters for a specific instance, select the shape, then right-click. Choose "Parameters..."
Or, if you prefer a global change, click on Shape > Global Dynamic Params. Either way, it brings up the same window. (you'd better remember which path you took to get there...)
Go to the "Thermal relief connects" tab. Under Smd Pins, choose "Full Contact". Perfect!
Take care everyone. Happy Engineering :)
Best Answer
I'm not aware of a function that lets you merge polygons. At the same time, it's possible to achieve a similar effect while keeping the polygons distinct (without actually merging them).
Right-click on the polygon pour. Select Properties... at the bottom of the context menu.
To adjust the shapes of individual polygons, you would have to temporarily break-up the union. You can't adjust the polygons while they are inside of a union.
Select the polygons which you wish to group. Right-click. Select Unions → Create union from selected objects.