Error when importing .wrl 3d foot print file in to KiCAD

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Hi All,

I have created 3d footprint (MSOP package) using freeCAD software and exported as .wrl file. I imported in to KiCAD PCB editor using property tab (3d shape). After doing this, when run “3d display” tab, I am getting error (system error) and closed the PCB editor. What could be the problem and how to solve it? Is there any other sequences to import .wrl files in to kiCAD?

thanks
pmk

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ding ! ding !! ding !!! anyone there to help ?

pmk

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Which version of the software are you using? There have been a bunch of changes to the render engine and the file formats in the past year for the 3d viewer.

Have you also run the importing sequence using a known good shape? Perhaps create a new symbol/footprint and then import an existing model for that (even if it’s the wrong shape)? This will help determine if it’s a problem with the software or with the model you created.

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It is KICAD jul 2000 - 2007. BUILD VERSION (2007-11-29-c) - Unicode Version.

My OS: MS Windows xp SP3

I opened the PCBNew. Right Click the IC Module (SO8) and went to 3d shapes and click the “Browse” button and select my own (wrl file) 3d component. After click 3d view menu to see 3d PCB, PCB New editor closed with unexpected error message.

Will try and update you.

thanks
pmk

5

I have created new Module named “importTest” and assign the MSOP.wrl file in the same editor. Run the cvpcb and select “importTest” and re-run the PCBNew with new netlist. But same error result as " PCB New encountered problem and need to close" message when run “3d display” menu.

any idea?
Kannan. P

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Have you seen this? Import FreeCAD wrl - KiCad

1 Like
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2007 version is very old now, newest builds from 2014 have much expanded support for 3d models, it may be worthwile to switch to newer versions…

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Yes Dolganoff. I have already downloaded kicad latest version (236MB) and it is on my hand. I have to install and check the features in a day or two. I have already PCB made using older version. So I liked to check that PCB in 3d format in that version. Thats why I asked help.

Thank you Keith_Sloan. I have exported stl from FreeCAD and imported into Wings3D and exported as *.wrl and imported in to kiCAD. Now 3d file loaded in to kiCAD without any problem. But still I have on issue regarding scales in x,y and z. It was very cumbersome to reduce the size & also offset of the 3d file to correctly fit on our footprints. How can we solve this issue? by default all other library 3d component (came with kiCAD) fit correctly on foot prints with the scales in x,y and z as 0.5000, 0.3800, 0.5000 respectively. But my custom 3d files requires some other scaling values. How can we overcome this issue?

thanks a lot for your reference url;

pmk

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I also found another post which has the following workaround FreeCAD: FreeCAD -> STEP
FreeCAD: STEP -> VRML (these two steps produce much smaller VRML file)
Blender: VRML -> X3D
KiCAD: Import X3D -> Success!

Might be better than going via STL which will triangulate

FreeCAD to KiCAD

1 Like
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I will try this method. But, in older kiCAD, only wrl file can be uploded. There is no other options in combo box to select other files for example, X2D extension.

thanks
pmk

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@softlab I am not sure about Win XP, but these windows installers work just fine on Vista and W7 computers I have here. The latest one (BZR5203) installed without problems yesterday on my W7 laptop. Maybe try one of these? Be aware the board formats from new Kicad versions cannot be opened with the old ones (roughly before BZR 5000)

http://kicad.nosoftware.cz/

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thank you. Now I have tested this method to export/import to/from KiCad and FreeCad through Blender. Everything works fine now. But still one issue there to be cleared. I will post it soon.

thanks you all for providing correct direction to clear the issues.

pmk

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When you it sorted and time to spare. Pop over to the FreeCAD forum and raise a post with what you have learnt. It maybe that improvements in FreeCAD’ vrml export are required. It should not really be necesary to go via Blender

Don’t forget to post your FreeCAD version information and if possible same files. FreeCAD forum FreeCAD forum

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I came to know from FreeCAD forum that FreeCAD developers working on this issue on vrml (wrl) file.

thanks
pmk

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I raise a post in the FreeCAD forum FreeCAD Forum and so far no real response, so I suspect that you maybe mistaken. You could add your problem files to my post and see if anybody responds

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Keith_Sloan, please refer this URL for vrml file issue;

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/kicad-users/conversations/topics/16053

pmk

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That is a discussion in a kicad yahoo group. If you want some changes to FreeCAD you would be better off discussing in the FreeCAD forum.

The developer you are quoting is Cirilo and he appears to have the handle pinniped in the FreeCAD forum, but he is not a main FreeCAD developer as far as I know see http://www.freecadweb.org/wiki/index.php?title=Contributors
Maybe he is a KiCAD developer.