Missing 3D models in Version 9.06

Layout 3D Models
1

I just did a fresh install of version 9.06 on my macbook pro, after removing a previous install.

I’m finding that some standard library 3D model files, linked to by standard library footprints, do not exist.

For example:

Footprint: HTSSOP-20-1EP_4.4x6.5mm_P0.65mm_EP3.4x6.5mm_Mask2.4x3.7mm
3D Model: ${KICAD9_3DMODEL_DIR}/Package_SO.3dshapes/HTSSOP-20-1EP_4.4x6.5mm_P0.65mm_EP3.4x6.5mm_Mask2.4x3.7mm.step

The 3D model .step file does not exist at the specified location - it shows a ‘File Not Found’ icon next to the file path in the 3D Models tab of the footprint.

This isn’t a case of the the KICAD9_3DMODEL_DIR being configured wrong, as other 3D models use the KICAD9_3DMODEL_DIR value and exist.

Anyone know why this is happening?

2

Many of the 3D models actually don’t exist (yet?) but the field in the footprint is already populated with the name.

3

On this machine upgraded from v8, to 9.0.x and recently to 9.0.6 this particular 3D model is also missing. I believe old file shouldn’t be deleted, only some new ones can be added on upgrading (Unless the whole library is uninstalled and re-installed), so it was always missing.

The The only present HTSSOP-20 models are:

HTSSOP-20-1EP_4.4x6.5mm_P0.65mm_EP3.4x6.5mm.step

HTSSOP-20-1EP_4.4x6.5mm_P0.65mm_EP3.4x6.5mm_Mask2.75x3.43mm.step

and their .wrl versions.

4

Nope, but it looks like it’s not in the original package . . .

5

I am not entirely what’s going on with this
for some reason, some Molex connectors have working links to 3d models while others don’t, based on reading some other posts this could be due to copyright/licensing or distribution restrictions, but if that is the case then why are other connectors incuded and working?

For context, I am making a power distribution and regulation board, and want to make use of the micro fit and mega fit series.

Is there some reason why this is the case? My wild conspiracy is that they want people to use the newer connectors, but that is stupid.

thanks carbon

6

Please read this FAQ.

It seems some were available to use, but others not.

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7

3D models were missing in KiCad 9.0.5 in Debian Linux. They had to be installed separately. It may be better to step back to a previous version such as 9.0.5 which has all dependencies included and tested to see if the software is used in a certain way, it is guaranteed to function as expected. There may be some stable versions like that. This method is safe because if you are working on any project, it doesn’t stall because of CAD software issues.

8

KiCAD does not use manufacturer 3D models. Everything you see was modeled by someone and contributed under an open source license.

If there’s a lot of related parts with models, they were likely generated by a script. If a model is missing, likely nobody has bothered to create it yet. Maybe you?

9

On Ubuntu 24.04 you can have everything at 9.0.6 except the 3D model library, and keep that at 9.0.5

10

Doesn’t matter, the model OP is looking for has never existed.

11

jmk

Please read this FAQ.

It seems some were available to use, but others not.

Thanks, this FAQ looks to answer my question. Simply put, footprints in the KiCad library must include a default path to a 3D model, even if that model file doesn’t exist. The default path can be used when a model is eventually created and added to the library.

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12

The 3D models need to be made, due to licensing issues you can not (generally) distribute vendor 3D cad models. Due to this the library maintainers need to remodel all of the connectors. You are free to contribute a model.The people who have contributed so far have added the ones that they have felt were useful for them. Kicad prefers to have the connectors as cadquerry 2 scripts.

PS: they will never have all the footprints and 3D models in the world so you should consider making your own library items that you really really need.

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