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STEP Question

Sagetech
Sagetech over 7 years ago

We want to start using the 3D aspects of PCB Editor.

I'm able to output a STEP model of the PCB, but there is no component height associated with the parts.

I have watched a few on line videos that show how to use the STEP mapping command where, for example,  you can easily associate an 0402 footprint to an 0402 STEP model.

The question is, in my STEP Mapping window there are no available STEP models to map my footprints to. Are these models something I need to generate and if so, how do I generate them?

Thanks, 

Tom

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  • Wild
    Wild over 7 years ago

    My proceedure (16.6):

    1. Duting the footprint creation I add a max height property  to the package place bound geometery. If you edit properties on this shape you will see the fieald.  This will so the package heigth without a step model.  look at the 3D view before and after doing this, you will see what I am referencing, note you must not have any feature selected when looking at the #D view.

    2. I map the Step model into the pcbfooitprint file, and I aligh it to the package geometery, insuring pins line up.  You can rotate and move the step model in all axis.

    So the step models will be brougt hinto the layout with the footprints, of course the paths for your library need to be setup up correctly.

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  • Sagetech
    Sagetech over 7 years ago in reply to Wild

    Thanks for the reply. This will be my next step (no pun intended) to start associating the models with the library parts. Your tips will help!

    Tom

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  • Wild
    Wild over 7 years ago in reply to Sagetech

    BTW a great source for 3D Step models is here:

    http://www.3dcontentcentral.com/

    I output the STEP from Allegro once the board is designed so we can verify mating of boards and created 3d printer enclosures.

    Here's and example:

    ZLE38000-006_AL_Rev1_with_Ardui.pdf

    I use solidworksfor the mating and step module creation whne there is none for the parts I need.

    Kind Regards,

    Wild

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  • Sagetech
    Sagetech over 7 years ago in reply to Wild

    Good info, thank you.

    Tom

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  • Sagetech
    Sagetech over 7 years ago in reply to Wild

    Good info, thank you.

    Tom

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