Import/Create FootPrint DXF

[maui]

@nhatkhai

What if we can import DXF, (2-color) PNG or some 2D drawing format into the fp-editor but scale is not 1:1? Then use the scale to correct it.

1. you need to scale your DXF into a mechanical CAD i.e. LibreCAD or QCAD or FreeCAD to give some open source example.
   KiCAD is an ECAD and it has not high support for mechanical tools.

2. PNG or any image format are not suggested as a reference for mechanical design, unless you use them as a canvas to design with real dimensions. This is what can be done for example in FC using Image WB and Image scale (you missed to read it above).

@nhatkhai

Then we can just crate footprint using the outline of that imported image.

3. KiCAD can import DXF, but it can be used only for FSilks or Drawing layers, because for PADS it doesn’t allow to fill the imported outline…

@nhatkhai

It may help speedup the process, reduce manual calculation, and create drafts lines…

4. In most cases the outline of the model is not available, not even in DXF format… but the 3D model is available and with the above method (which you missed to read) you can project the 3D model on a XY plane to have the 2D representation of the model itself.
   This can be achieved without any calculation or creation of draft lines or even scaling anything…

[maui]

@Guillaume_Boulay

I’m curious about the workflow on placing the connector exactly on the edge of the board with the case…
trial and error ? placing it in KiCad, import, look, going back, adjust, import again ?

Hi @Guillaume_Boulay
you now have an improved approach…
please have a look at this new feature for ECAD MCAD collaboration / synchronization
It should put KiCAD & FreeCAD to a new level of mating!

Kicad StepUp: a Seamless ECAD/MCAD PCB Data Integration

KiCAD StepUp has added a Seamless ECAD/MCAD PCB Data Integration Push/Pull 3D model placement from/to KiCAD board to/from FreeCAD mechanical design Ability to move 3D packages around on the 3D PCB mechanical sw, via both the X and Y axis Tracks will not be touched by the placements done in the MCAD sw. All the routing will remain in KiCAD. The syncing process can be done even if the board is (fully) routed (i.e. when a new release requires some mechanical reviews). Pull Ki…

[Guillaume_Boulay]

just saw this message !! I will look into it for sure ! Thanks