Step File Output and PADS Layout

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   We are interested in the new 3D feature (generating step outputs).  We use PADs, and we have exported a couple of boards to 3D for use with Solid Works.  How would we cause the 3D step models of the parts to become a part of that 3D export from PADs?  

In general, we have found the PADs 3D export to be dificult - for example, we have had a difficult time getting holes to appear in the export.  So, I won't be surprised if PADs can not really take advantage of these step files - but I'm positive someone knows better than me!

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plinder Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Advanced User Joined: 13 Apr 2012 Location: Vermont Status: Offline Points: 141	Post Options Post Reply Quote plinder Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Step File Output and PADS Layout Posted: 10 Jun 2013 at 5:01am
	We are interested in the new 3D feature (generating step outputs). We use PADs, and we have exported a couple of boards to 3D for use with Solid Works. How would we cause the 3D step models of the parts to become a part of that 3D export from PADs? In general, we have found the PADs 3D export to be dificult - for example, we have had a difficult time getting holes to appear in the export. So, I won't be surprised if PADs can not really take advantage of these step files - but I'm positive someone knows better than me!



Tom H Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Joined: 05 Jan 2012 Location: San Diego, CA Status: Offline Points: 5719	Post Options Post Reply Quote Tom H Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 10 Jun 2013 at 12:04pm
	The PCB Library Expert (LE) saves component dimenions to FPX files. You can't see them (unless you open the FPX file in M/S Excel column B) but they are there. The 3D STEP module auto-generates 3D STEP models from FPX file data. Soon we will have FPX files for millions on component manufacturer part numbers on our new "Parts on Demand" (POD) website.

ashwini.uthotakaa.com Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List New User Joined: 22 Sep 2014 Status: Offline Points: 1	Post Options Post Reply Quote ashwini.uthotakaa.com Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 22 Sep 2014 at 10:00pm
	Dear Friend. I am using PADS Layout V9.2 (Mentor Graphics). I want to export a PCB file in 3D format. Can anybody suggest me the procedure to export a PCB file in 3D format, and that 3D file I have to view in 3D Viewer. Thanks

chrisa_pcb Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Joined: 29 Jul 2012 Location: San Diego Status: Offline Points: 772	Post Options Post Reply Quote chrisa_pcb Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 23 Sep 2014 at 9:32am
	Hi Ashwini, I'm not familiar enough with PADS to know if it has a 3D Export function for boards. Most tools allow you to view stuff in 3D using a built-in viewer, not necessarily convert the entire board to a 3D format. Currently we work with generating 3D models for the components we calculate, we don't work with entire boards in that manner. -Chris