JLCPCB ECAD Data Conversion Script

A Python script to convert Bill of Materials (BOM) and Component Placement List (CPL) files from common ECAD tools into the format required by JLCPCB for their SMT assembly service.

Features

• Supported ECAD Tools:
  • KiCAD
  • Autodesk Fusion 360 / Eagle
• Converts BOM and CPL files
• Smart Format Detection:
  • Automatically detects and converts different KiCAD BOM formats.
  • For Fusion 360, it automatically finds and merges top and bottom placement files (_front.csv and _back.csv).
• Simple and Dependency-Free: A single-file Python script with no external libraries required.

Requirements

• Python 3

Usage

The script is run from the command line. You must specify the input format and at least one file type (BOM or CPL) to convert.

# General usage
python jlc_convert.py <format> --bom <file>
python jlc_convert.py <format> --pos <file>

# --- Parameters ---
#
# Formats: (One must be specified)
#   --fusion      Input format is Fusion/Eagle
#   --kicad       Input format is KiCAD
#
# Input files: (One or both must be specified)
#   --bom <file>  BOM file to convert
#   --pos <file>  Positions (CPL) file to convert
#
# Output files: (Optional)
#   --out <prefix> Output filename prefix (default: JLC)

Examples

Fusion 360 / Eagle Examples

Convert a BOM file. This will create JLC_bom.csv.
python jlc_convert.py --fusion --bom project_bom.csv

Convert position files and set a custom output name. The script will look for project_pnp_front.csv and project_pnp_back.csv and merge them into MyProject_pos.csv.
python jlc_convert.py --fusion --pos project_pnp.csv --out MyProject

KiCAD Examples

Convert both BOM and position files, with a custom output name. This will create MyProject_bom.csv and MyProject_pos.csv.
python jlc_convert.py --kicad --bom my_bom.csv --pos my_pos.csv --out MyProject

ECAD Export Notes

KiCAD Notes

For best results, export the BOM from the KiCAD Schematic Editor via Tools → Generate Bill of Materials.... The script is compatible with the output of most standard KiCAD BOM export tools.

Fusion 360 / Eagle Notes

When providing the position file with --pos, you can point to either the _front.csv or _back.csv file. The script will automatically find its counterpart if it exists in the same directory.