![]() We exclude tools from Mentor Graphics, Cadence, and Altium because of their cost. ![]() Freeware programs with 3D, such as DesignSpark and KiCAD, are way too basic and lack 3D STEP export, so that leaves us with DipTrace, EAGLE, maybe Target 3001, or Easy-PC. ![]() This EDA/CAD software has a built-in real-time 3D preview module with STEP and VRML export capabilities out of the box. The 3D Preview module is somewhat similar to the Altium’s 3D, but a little more basic without single-layer display modes and cross-sectional views. ![]() DipTrace exports a 3D board model with all components installed into the STEP file, just like Altium Designer. This provides reasonably hassle-free integration with MCAD packages. VRML exporting is great for demonstration, but I've found it rarely used for any practical engineering tasks.ĭipTrace comes with a standard 3D model library, which developers offer for free. Usually, a component footprint is linked with a 3D model. If not, then program automatically searches the standard library when launching a 3D preview users can adjust the search tolerance settings and search folders. However, the standard library itself is not that big, which is why I often end up with blank footprints on the board in 3D. Notice that you can not specify the height of the footprint directly in DipTrace (like I used to do when dealing with blank footprints in Altium) to generate a simple square or rectangle shape for rough-estimate visualization.
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