![]() ![]() You have plenty of options when it’s time to export your CAD model, but different file formats are best-suited for different use-cases. These digital files contain 3D designs and other material, texture, and tolerance data to help product teams accurately plan, visualize, and manufacture the final product. Whether you’re manufacturing parts for motorcycles or rebar-tying robots, you’ll need to start with a computer-aided design (CAD) file. U6 (upper right) didn’t have a model for the package, but it’s clear the chip will fit the footprint I made for it.Originally published on on February 21, 2022 I had to make the models for the RCA phono jacks, the transformers (yellow squares), the panel LEDs and the screw terminal components. And here is the design for the chassis, which uses the step file that KiCad made. PCBs need chassis, and chassis need PCBs. I believe that KiCad and 3D layout programs are integral to each other and both are needed to built the things we want to build. The whole time you are learning (or building) that tool, you could be doing other things or learning more versatile tools. It’s often a myth that coming up to speed on a new tool will increase productivity. (I always new mechanical engineers were “different”, that belief is confirmed!) The last PCB I did I did the chassis only took an evening and it was a perfect fit. My first efforts a year ago took about 20 hours, with about half that time screaming at the screen. The ability to export a step file in KiCad makes designing a chassis for a PCB easy. I’m not saying the time invested in getting a scanner set up is a waste of time, I’m saying that one should consider the time it takes to learn and get it all working, and then weigh that against getting skill with a 3D design package where you can not only make models for things you have, but design parts for which theree is no exiting part. While it’s great fun to get a detailed model, such as you can get from CUI and other connector makers, you really just want a way to be sure everything fits. I just want mounting holes and space occupied. ![]() The models I make for parts are all “bricks on bricks”. And make sheet metal designs to send out for fabrication. And then you can also make 3D print models for yourself. When you consider the time to get all that set up, and then the clean-up you’ll have to do in some 3D design package, it’s highly likely that you would be better off spending “coming up to speed time on the scanner” by learning a 3D design program so you can make models. The idea that you can get or make a scanner, and then run it, and have perfect 3D models seems unlikely. You need good component placement skills. If you know your tools (KiCad in this case), then you really don’t need autorouting. I see parallels here to a desire for autorouting. ![]() The ability to also use the 3D modeling tool for sheet metal give you more options to do projects. I’m doing a project now where it took about 4 hours to make models for 4 different widgets (HDMI switch, HDMI splitter, data casting box, wall wort) so I can work to place them and make a base-plate that can be sent out for manufacturing. ![]() When selecting parts, I give a high priority to any vendor that has step files. I’m at a point where I can make acceptable models for many components where the manufacture doesn’t provide one. I’ve been coming up to speed on Fusion360 for about a year now. ![]()
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