Joined: 03 Aug 2006 Posts: 7 Location: Maryland, USA
03 Aug 2006 15:48
3d pcb package
Almost every MCAD package interfaces with IDF to allow the user to create a 3D PCB. IDF is the industry standard and links Mentor, PADS, ORCAD, Cadence, etc to Pro/E Solidworks, etc.
Our company has subscription based products that allow users to create 3D PCBs in Pro/Engineer. Essentially, it is a large library of electronic components modeled in Pro/E, IGES, and EMN (electrical component outlines) formats. There is a nice tool that lets the user link Mechanical parts on the site to IDF component data through a visual interface that even ME's can handle .
The website to visit is:
http://www.simplifiedsolutionsinc.com
If I can be of any assistance, feel free to contact me.
I agreed that a good library models is what needed by the 3D software to recreate the actual PCB. The quality of the models itself will determined the final quality of the 3D rendering of the PCB.
I hv used View3D to create the 3D PCB image from my Protel package.
However the default library are limited and aren't of good quality so you hv to make it yourself.
I used Solidwork to create the components and saved as .vrm file and export it to View3D.
Other software can be used but I am familiar with Solidwork.
Joined: 03 Aug 2006 Posts: 7 Location: Maryland, USA
15 Aug 2006 12:58
pcb rendering
I am trying to understand the use of a 3D PCB rendering other than creating a pretty picture. You mentioned that Protel does this...I am aware of other ECAD tools that are working on implementing similar. My question is why? How is this information being used?
The reasons for using 3D PCBs for Mechanical Engineers in Pro/E and Solidworks are pretty obvious (fit checks and thermal analysis) using solid modeling geometry. Does the product casing fit properly? Are the mechanical/electrical interfaces correct? I do not see how an ECAD rendering provides this.
FYI, there is a nice library of electrical components modeled in 3D on our website. http://www.simplifiedsolutionsinc.com
All electrical packages have files in IGES, Pro/E .prt, and emn formats (for import into an ecad tool).
Initially the 3D image created is for marketing gimmicks (ads, brochures flyers etc.)and they still do!
However since the 3D CAD evolutions boom in the past 10 years makes 3D rendering
the norm in this industries. Items from atomic level to even spacecraft structures can be rendered in 3D with little effort virtually before they even been created.
Now the 3D technology has come to a stage where we can simulate the 'what if..' situation in real-time and observe the effect immediately.
This is where the 3D fits in the ECAD just nicely.
For example, we can simulate the component fittings on the PCB and and make changes as required before actually assembling it. We can then foresee potential problems in the next process ie. assembly and testing etc, etc.
None of these solutions come even close to what Altium Designer can do on it's own WITHOUT NEEDING ANY OTHER SOFTWARE. See the videos - <a href="http://www.altium.com/videoplayer/flvplayer.html?lib=ad3d_flv&flid=1">Here</a>, or look here -
Link
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Yes use Altium Designer it gives good result.
It has feature which allows you to import any 3D model of componnet directly to PCB without setting any library.
It also gives the option of exporting PCB in step model which again is helpful for viewing in any MCAD tool.
there are many programs that allow you to make a 3D picture of any PCB like the picture you've uploaded like: Proteus version 6,6.5 and 7
Workbench Ultiboard also can do that.
Added after 4 minutes:
well, SISWANTO
there are many programs that allow you to make a 3D picture of any PCB like the picture you've uploaded like: Proteus version 6,6.5 and 7
Workbench Ultiboard also can do that.
Joined: 03 Apr 2009 Posts: 4 Location: USA, LOUISIANA
21 Jul 2009 18:37
render 3d images pcbs eagle3d
I use Altium '09 for PCB layout in conjection with Solidworks to make real 3Ds of PCBs. Altium's 3D display I use primarily to just make assembly documents, and I haven't seen too many that are better than what I create.
To make the component parts in STL format you need one of the 3D MCAD packages and import those formats in your Altium library.
Added after 1 hours 1 minutes:
jazzz wrote:
george1 wrote:
Hi
Export pcb to idf and use Pro-e
Could you be more specific, please.
I am very interested in a Pro-e - ADW09 combination, so I'll be grateful for any detalied info.
Many thanks!
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Joined: 03 Apr 2009 Posts: 4 Location: USA, LOUISIANA
03 Aug 2009 19:40
eagle 3d library idf
castroer wrote:
I use @ltium '09 for PCB layout in conjection with Solidworks to make real 3Ds of PCBs. @ltium's 3D display I use primarily to just make assembly documents, and I haven't seen too many that are better than what I create.
To make the component parts in STL format you need one of the 3D MCAD packages and import those formats in your @ltium library.
Added after 1 hours 1 minutes:
jazzz wrote:
george1 wrote:
Hi
Export pcb to idf and use Pro-e
Could you be more specific, please.
I am very interested in a Pro-e - ADW09 combination, so I'll be grateful for any detalied info.
Many thanks!
Although I'm not all that familiar with PRO-E, I'll start by saying your PCB CAD tool must be able to export an IDF, and ADW09 does. The IDF will create 2 files, a 'pro' and 'brd' file containing component and board dimensions along with placement information. With those 2 files I believe PRO-E makes an EMN file to
create a 3D of your PCB with those components. Be forwarned that the 3D you
can view in AW09 will not be like the 3D that PRO-E will make from the IDF files.
IDF doesn't support silk screen, traces, and pads. I would suggest that you view the 3D in AW09, save it as a STP file, and then open the STP file in PRO-E. That way you don't need the IDF and it's probably easier.
Joined: 03 Apr 2009 Posts: 4 Location: USA, LOUISIANA
04 Aug 2009 13:53
how to build a idf library brd emn
bsmaldeniya wrote:
proteus7 software construct the 3D view of the PCB automaticaly....
Yes, Proteus displays a PCB 3D like Altium, but if you don't have 3D bodies to
support the view all you get are component 'blocks'. I don't know what format Proteus presents the 3D view in, but.......while Altium does allow rotation of viewing angles, its still just a picture. Good for some documention, but not for
mechanical integration. That's why I port the my 3Ds to Solidworks.
.
