Generating 3D model of PCB from ODB++ files

[high93]

Hi all, i’m a newbie in the industry, designing and manufacturing wave soldering pallets for large PCB manufacturers. I’m looking for an easy and cost-effective way to obtain a 3D model of the PCB and its components, in order to simulate the PCB interface with my pallet design.

My customer is able to provide me with an ODB++ file of the PCB, and i need a software that will be able to accurately convert this file into a 3D model.

Also, do ODB++ files have enough information in itself to recreate the 3D model of the PCB? (i.e the dimensions and coordinates of the mounted components) Or would it require an up-to-date component library to accomplish this task?

 

[FvM]

do ODB++ files have enough information in itself to recreate the 3D model of the PCB

Clearly not. There are optional elements in ODB++, e.g. for component height, but they are unused by most PCB tools. Did you display the ODB++ content with a viewer?

Most PCB design tools can generate mechanical data, e.g. in *.stp or *.idf format. Depending on the package library, they don't necessarily model components in detail, e.g. use cuboids for arbitrary shapes.

 

[high93]

Clearly not. There are optional elements in ODB++, e.g. for component height, but they are unused by most PCB tools. Did you display the ODB++ content with a viewer?

Most PCB design tools can generate mechanical data, e.g. in *.stp or *.idf format. Depending on the package library, they don't necessarily model components in detail, e.g. use cuboids for arbitrary shapes.

Thank you for the response. Asking my customer to export a 3D model can be a hassle because my point of contact is rarely technically literate..

So I'm just trying to find out if there is another way to do this..

 

[FvM]

You should check which layers are in ODB++. May be you can supplement an assembly drawing with component height information from datasheet, making a simplified 3D model.

 

[ZASto]

If your customer is technically illiterate, how did they create PCB in first place? If they designed the PCB, it is only few clicks to produce 3D model, I guess.