No solder in 3D

I just noticed that the 3D view of the board has no solder. Components look like they would fall off the board. Who is going to put them back.
In my opinion this post does not need any smileys, you should get the idea anyway.

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I agree that it would be a nice touch to get the solder in the renderings as well! However, I would guess that it’s really hard to implement. It would require modeling how the solder behaves when melted.

And selectable levels of flux residue too?

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The view isn’t much of a problem in itself, but what happens if someone exports to STEP and wants to 3D print it?

Of course, and random tombstoned component too.

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… and every Pad needs a new parameter for “cold” soldering :rofl:
But honestly: a 3D solder view ? Why not ?

The PCB would look more real with solder.

The matte finish lead free solder or the bright lead included solder?
Perhaps I shouldn’t ask that question as I suppose we should have an environmentally friendly 3D view?

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A good question? Modern leadless solder does not look very good, more like a cold solder joint. I use leaded solder at home, but in work I keep my mouth shut and it is leadless I think.

It is also difficult to rework.
I’d actually call it a mongrel to rework, but English second language types may have translation problems. :slightly_smiling_face:

If photorealism is the target, I think you’d be better off using an actual 3d CAD for that. I’ve had best luck with Blender for sellable visualizations (Using FreeCAD to go from STEP to FBX/OBJ).

For quick previews it would be cool, I guess…? :stuck_out_tongue:

Add a setting for the size and distribution of solderballs? :slightly_smiling_face:

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Please use appropriate 3d models for this reason (3d model having solder attached to appropriate pads).

Like that: https://images.app.goo.gl/X6wGFJaduMU6GZsS8

Nice plus 20 characters

I’m impressed by the realistic 3D rendering from PCB Arts:

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Why not implement it as an option (ON/OFF clickable) so the 3 printer guys not get upset?

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I must reveal my ignorance but what is the talk about 3D printing. To me it looks like a joke.

Why? It would be good for mechanical prototyping. Admittedly the current cheap 3D printers (or the plastic print materials) aren’t yet very good. They are inaccurate and a board shaped object may be bent etc. But they are getting better.

Sure, 3D printing the board is good for that and more. But what about solder or not. I can’t see any difference.

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Because the SMD components are really floating. I thought that’s what you referred to. See the air gap.

image