CAM File Extension

What is CAM file?

Files with the .CAM extension contain instructions for the machine to create Printed Circuit Boards (PCB). These are task files generated from Gerber format files, used in the Computer-Aided Manufacturing process. Currently, CAM files of this type are usually not directly used, as software automatically handles Gerber formats in various standards.

Content of Gerber Computer-Aided Manufacturing Job Files

To print layers of PCBs, as well as to create holes, precise instructions are needed. This is the method for executing designs in the form of an image on the physical board. These instructions are stored in CAM Gerber Job files. It is a compiled set of Gerber files. They may relate to:

• copper layers, tracks,
• solder mask,
• legend, description,
• drilling data.

The standard Gerber format, on which CAM files were prepared, marked as RS-274-D, is outdated. It has been replaced by the Extended Gerber - RS-274X, which has the capability of adding metadata to graphic objects.

Use of CAM Files in PCB Production

The production of PCBs on Gerber machines requires dedicated software. The technological system CAM350 is specifically designed for the analysis and verification of PCB designs in terms of their production - DFM, Design For Manufacturing. By analyzing Gerber files, it can compile them into a CAM Gerber Job production file, which takes into account technological conditions or cost optimization.

Programs which support CAM file extension

Below is a table that list programs that support CAM files. CAM files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 03/10/2024

How to open file with CAM extension?

Problems with accessing CAM may be due to various reasons. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Gerber CAM Job Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Install EAGLE Gerber software

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports CAM files installed on the system. The most obvious solution is to download and install EAGLE Gerber or one to the listed programs: XnView. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit EAGLE Gerber website and download the installer.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of EAGLE Gerber

If you already have EAGLE Gerber installed on your systems and CAM files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. This can be one of the causes why CAM files are not compatible with EAGLE Gerber. The most recent version of EAGLE Gerber is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Gerber CAM Job Format files with EAGLE Gerber

After installing EAGLE Gerber (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open CAM files. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Right-click the CAM file and choose Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the EAGLE Gerber installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open CAM files box and clicking OK button.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with CAM extension, select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with CAM extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Ensure that the CAM file is complete and free of errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the CAM file is valid. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. The CAM may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

Should it happed that the CAM is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Scan the CAM file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. CAM file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Verify that the CAM file’s structure is intact

Did you receive the CAM file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. If the CAM file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Gerber CAM Job Format file again.

4. Check whether your system can handle EAGLE Gerber

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with CAM extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Gerber CAM Job Format file. It may be the case that the CAM files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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