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External STEP mapping |
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craig4tone 
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Joined: 29 Nov 2016 Status: Offline Points: 95 |
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 Topic: External STEP mappingPosted: 13 Dec 2016 at 7:34am |
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It would be nice to be able to define an external STEP model to a part in the FPX. For example, most connector suppliers will provide an accurate STEP for the part. We could download the STEP and add the model name to the FPX file. When the part is exported, it looks for that model and if it exists, it exports that to the target tool vs. a block extrusion.
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Tom H
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Joined: 05 Jan 2012 Location: San Diego, CA Status: Offline Points: 5774 |
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Posted: 13 Dec 2016 at 7:38am |
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This feature is planned for the V2019 Library Expert. Due for release this time next year approximately March 2019. |
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toshas
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Posted: 01 Aug 2017 at 10:34pm |
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Waiting for this feature too!
Will it allow align model to footprint pattern (rotate/move if necessary)? What is approximate timeline of V2018? Thanks a lot!
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Tom H
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Posted: 02 Aug 2017 at 6:35am |
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We can add this feature as soon as we're able to save unique 3D STEP files on POD.
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LaserAlex
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Joined: 06 Jun 2012 Location: Seattle, WA Status: Offline Points: 27 |
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Posted: 11 Sep 2017 at 3:48pm |
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I just came to the forum to see if anyone else had suggested this. I'm definitely looking forward to the new release which supports this. (But I understand that this is far from trivial to implement!)
Fantastic upgrade!
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Joris-Hiber
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Posted: 21 Nov 2018 at 12:36am |
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Yes this would be amazing! Any updates on this?
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Tom H
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Posted: 21 Nov 2018 at 12:24pm |
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We have to be careful if users really want to grow the size of the FPX file.
Example: a simple 2-pin CAPAE FPX file size is 2KB but the 3D STEP model is 140KB This one simple example makes a single part FPX file 80 times larger. The main idea was to add the complex 3D STEP models to FP Designer parts, like connectors. This would make the FPX file 800 times larger. Then multiply that by millions of FP Designer parts on the POD SQL Server Cloud. One of the alternate concepts that we're working on is to have POD link back to the mfr. website with a URL link that allows you to download their 3D STEP model without having to search the web for it. One way or the other we'll be addressing this issue in V2019. We are also working on a 3D model viewer in V2019. |
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toshas
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Posted: 01 Jan 2019 at 4:53am |
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Hi! imho main concern is : it is impossible to link external 3d model (with correct rotation and alignment) during export procedure from Library Expert. Right now we have only "box" instead of connector shape. I think many users is able to find and download model and also send it inside their CAD software. Looks like the main proposal was help users to exclude this addition step out of their work. And adding full 3d model inside FPX file (how about update and version control ?) is absolutely another story. |
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Tom H
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Posted: 01 Jan 2019 at 8:31am |
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There are thousands of different Connector shapes. There are over 500,000 connector patterns available on POD and each one requires a unique 3D model that display all the Terminal Leads and body shapes and cutouts.
In order to automate the process of creating these unique connectors, the user would have to enter every dimension into a menu. This process could take hours and almost the same amount of time creating a connector from scratch in SolidWorks. It's best that you download connector 3D models from the component manufacturer. It's much more accurate and faster and you can validate the footprint accuracy too. In the future, PCB Libraries, Inc. will host custom 3D STEP models on our cloud for customer download, but they will not be free. You'll have to purchase a yearly subscription to access millions of schematic symbols, footprints and 3D STEP models. Your yearly subscription will include new part requests for schematic symbols, footprints and 3D STEP models. The new subscription model will be called a LEAP Subscription and it will be available the first week of March. The 100% rewrite of V2019 Library Expert will also be available around that time and it will include schematic symbols. You will also be able to get the full featured Library Expert Enterprise for free soon. Just pay 20% of the list price for yearly maintenance and lease the Enterprise version. This will be available this month. |
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toshas
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Posted: 01 Jan 2019 at 10:48am |
I'm totally agree with each sentence! Could you give an option to export footprints from Library Expert with custom 3d model (already downloaded from manufacturer website) ?
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Tom H wrote: