How to access 3D file for footprints ?
For example, I place a TO-220 package for a Mosfet.
I prefer larger pads spread a bit further apart.
So I edit the footprint pad sizes and positions. Success.
However when I view the part in 3D, the pins have not been moved.
The pads are correct, so board works okay, but for aesthetic reasons, I would like to edit the 3D components of the footprint. However, I do not seem to see an associated CAD file for the component that I can edit ?
If you open the properties of a footprint in the PCB editor, then you will see a 3D Models tab, and this lists the filename of the 3D model used.
3D models are typically *.wrl or *.step files, and neither of these file formats are designed for editing. These file formats are more intended for data exchange between different CAD programs, and each CAD program has it’s own way of drawing / generating / storing the internal structure of their drawings. As a result, you have basically three options.
Thanks I shall check that out.
I use SketchUp and have had problems producing .step files for tube laser cutters.
If you plan to do much with 3D images, it is worth learning FreeCad. It is very easy to use the 3D objects to design things. While it is possible to use FC in a line drawing mode, that is not necessary in most cases. With the KiCad-Stepup pluging (to FC) is is very easy to export 1:1 scale STL and WRL files for use in KiCad.
FYI…
Sure, that’s True, sort of… But, you can imagine what fun tweaking can be when something’s not the standard fare… Hence, new Software and new ‘other stuff’… Of course, it’s not for the Faint-Of-Heart sort of folks…
Re my STEP-Colorizer App and the STEP files I posted for them - I figured out the most logical order for implementing the ‘Design’ feature sequence such that I could simplify my coding to handle what was not ‘simple’ before I understood it…
Example for my Resistor’s shows three RGB statements , one for each of the R, G, B and their decimal color. Thus, enabling my code to efficiently Find and Change them upon a Button click… notice the position of the three value’s in the string…
Yes, well after having invested a couple of decades into using Sketchup for my engineering 3D drawings, now having to face learning yet another CAD program brings on a forehead slap.
Over the years, having gone through AutoCad, Solidworks, AutoSketch, SketchUp… doh !
• FreeCAD uses Workbenches.
• Workbenches are basically individual programs. Much like Kicad has PCB, Schematic, etc.
• The ‘Part-Design’ workbench (not to be confused with ‘Part’ workbench) is 80+% similar in usage to SolidWorks, Inventor… etc
Once you know one, using the other is mostly about the Layout, Icons, Syntax… but, the process is almost the same, Draw a sketch and extrude it or cut with it… Watch some of my Videos and you’ll see… The other workbenches have resources (tools) that complete the ability to do things we need to do… Don’t be 'Faint-Of-Heart"
Added making a drawing of the object… Did not orient it as would usually do for a drawing and did not add features to the shape, instead, I added Slot to the parent shape just to show this can be done…
FreeCAD is in blocker bug fix mode for the V1.0 release after 21 years of development, the most recent “beta” 0.21.2 release is pretty stable and consistent in its user interface, definitely not true several years ago
I use Fusion360 (free for non-commercial use) and I had no issues to do exactly that for a transistor due to limitations of home etching. It was very easy to do, it took about 5 minutes (including to match the same material appearance). I found the step file for the footprint, imported into fusion360, edited those skinny legs to match the pad spacing I designed in my PCB.
