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Custom, User-Defined Footprints

Printed From: PCB Libraries Forum
Category: PCB Footprint Expert
Forum Name: Questions & Answers
Forum Description: issues and technical support
URL: https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=575
Printed Date: 19 Nov 2024 at 5:19am


Topic: Custom, User-Defined Footprints
Posted By: kwgilpin
Subject: Custom, User-Defined Footprints
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2012 at 10:57am
As a user of multiple layout tools, it'd be nice if Footprint Expert supported custom, user-defined footprints for odd-ball components.  It'd be wonderful if I only had to create these types of footprints once in Footprint Expert before exporting them to each of the different layout programs that I use.  Any chance of this happening?

Thanks,
Kyle


Replies:
Posted By: Tom H
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2012 at 11:22am
Kyle,
 
We're working on new features that will enable the PCB Footprint Expert to build any library part in the world and automate the construction process as much as possible.
 
Hang in there, it's coming in V2013.
 

Posted By: Nick B
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2012 at 11:29am
Those who take advantage of the opportunity to get 2012 now will be glad they did as there will be an upgrade path to v2013.

Posted By: kwgilpin
Date Posted: 23 Sep 2012 at 12:40pm
Thanks for the super quick reply.  I look forward to seeing the new features.

-Kyle

Posted By: Joris
Date Posted: 13 Oct 2012 at 4:52pm
Ah cool, I was about to post a topic on this topic!

I think our main use for this would be with connectors. Would they be build from a table with pad / outline coordinates?

Some manufacturers (for example Molex) supply STEP models of their parts that include pad locations as well. I think it should be theoretically possible to extract that data to generate the pads (and outline), or is that a bit too far out?

Posted By: Tom H
Date Posted: 13 Oct 2012 at 6:33pm
Hopefully the PCB Footprint Expert will soon output 3D-STEP models as an add-on option.
 
The next project would be to import STEP and calculate an IPC certified Footprint.
 
Auto-trim the silkscreen around pads and auto-generate padstacks, drafting outlines for assembly, 3D and courtyard, ref des and alpha-numeric pin assignments and then save the data to a main library file. Retrieve the data at any time. Extreme advanced features are coming in 2013.
 
The eventual goal is for all PCB library creation automation to exist in the PCB Footprint Expert and not in the native CAD tool library editor. The world needs a global solution to end duplication of effort in the PCB library space. Common component package data should be freely accessible to everyone.
 
  

Posted By: Tom H
Date Posted: 21 Oct 2012 at 8:45am
One of our next new features for the PCB Library Expert is called the "Footprint Designer" that will allow the user to interactively define custom pad stacks and body outline of a through-hole connector and save that data in a .FPX file.
 
Once the package holes and body outline are defined, the padstacks and drafting elements are automatically generated to create the Footprint with your User Preferences.
 
This new feature will have the ability to create 50,000 different PTH Connectors. Then we'll start adding other component families to allow the user to create different packages and then apply IPC rules or your Preferences to auto-generate the Footprint.
 
Coming in V2013.
 


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Posted By: Tom H
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2013 at 1:15pm
Can you create "Custom" footprints now?
 
Are you happy with the new "Footprint Designer"?


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Posted By: kwgilpin
Date Posted: 20 Jul 2013 at 2:25pm
Yes, most definitely!


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