How to Download and Use 3D Models in KiCad
KiCad is a popular, free, and open-source software suite for creating electronic circuit schematics, printed circuit boards (PCBs), and associated part descriptions. One of the features that makes KiCad stand out is its integrated 3D Viewer, which allows you to inspect your PCB design in an interactive 3D view. In this article, we will show you how to download and use 3D models in KiCad, as well as how to view and export your PCB design in 3D.
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What is KiCad and why use 3D models?
KiCad is an open-source software suite for electronic design automation
KiCad supports an integrated design workflow in which a schematic and corresponding PCB are designed together, as well as standalone workflows for special uses. KiCad also includes several utilities to help with circuit and PCB design, such as a PCB calculator, a Gerber viewer, a 3D viewer, and an integrated SPICE simulator. KiCad runs on all major operating systems and a wide range of computer hardware. It can handle up to 32 copper layers and is suitable for creating designs of all complexities. KiCad is developed by a volunteer team of software and electrical engineers around the world with a mission of creating free and open-source electronics design software suitable for professional designers.
3D models can help you visualize and verify your PCB design
Using 3D models in KiCad can provide several benefits for your PCB design process. First, you can instantly see how your components will look and fit on your board, which can help you avoid mistakes such as incorrect orientation, overlapping, or interference. Second, you can check the clearance between your board and any mechanical parts or enclosures that will house it, which can prevent potential issues such as short circuits or overheating. Third, you can export your PCB design as a 3D file that can be imported into other mechanical CAD software for further analysis or fabrication.
How to download 3D models for KiCad
Use the official KiCad libraries or third-party sources
KiCad comes with a large library of 3D models that are compatible with its footprints. These models are organized into four separate repositories on GitLab: kicad-symbols, kicad-footprints, kicad-packages3d, and kicad-packages3d-source. You can download these libraries along with the KiCad installer or packages for your operating system, or you can clone them using Git to keep them up to date with the latest additions. You can also contribute to these libraries by forking them and following the contribution guide.
In addition to the official KiCad libraries, there are other third-party sources that offer KiCad library packages or individual models. Some of these sources are:
Digi-Key: Digi-Key maintains an atomic parts library for KiCad on their GitHub page. These libraries are licensed under an agreement similar to the official libraries.
Octopart: Octopart provides individual KiCad symbols and footprints for many components in their online catalog. You can download them as ZIP files or use the KiCad plugin to import them directly into your project.
3D ContentCentral: 3D ContentCentral is a free online community of engineers, designers, manufacturers, and students who share 3D models of various parts and assemblies. You can search for KiCad-compatible models by keywords, categories, or manufacturers, and download them in STEP or VRML format.
GrabCAD: GrabCAD is another free online community of engineers and designers who share 3D models of various products and projects. You can find KiCad-compatible models by using the search filters or browsing the collections. You can download them in various formats, including STEP and VRML.
Use web search tools to find specific models or request custom ones
If you cannot find the 3D model you need from the sources mentioned above, you can use web search tools such as Bing or Google to look for other websites that offer KiCad models. You can use keywords such as "kicad 3d model", "kicad step file", or "kicad vrml file" to narrow down your search results. You can also use the advanced search options to filter by date, language, region, or file type.
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Another option is to request custom 3D models from online services or freelancers who specialize in creating KiCad models. Some of these services are:
KiCad Services Bureau: KiCad Services Bureau is a website that offers various services related to KiCad, such as schematic capture, PCB layout, library creation, and 3D modeling. You can request a quote for your 3D model project by filling out a form on their website.
Fiverr: Fiverr is a platform that connects freelancers with customers who need various services, including 3D modeling. You can browse the profiles of freelancers who offer KiCad 3D modeling services and contact them directly to discuss your project details and budget.
Upwork: Upwork is another platform that connects freelancers with customers who need various services, including 3D modeling. You can post a job description for your KiCad 3D model project and invite freelancers to apply. You can also browse the profiles of freelancers who have experience with KiCad and contact them directly.
How to add and edit 3D models in KiCad
Assign 3D models to footprints in the Footprint Properties dialog
Once you have downloaded or created your 3D models, you need to assign them to the corresponding footprints in your PCB design. To do this, you need to open the Footprint Properties dialog from the PCB Editor. You can access this dialog by double-clicking on a footprint, selecting it and pressing E, or right-clicking on it and choosing Footprint Properties from the context menu. In the dialog, you will see a tab called 3D Settings, where you can add, remove, or edit the 3D models associated with the footprint.
To add a new 3D model, click on the Add 3D Shape button at the bottom of the tab. A file browser window will open, where you can navigate to the folder where your 3D model files are stored. KiCad supports two formats for 3D models: STEP (.step or .stp) and VRML (.wrl). STEP files are preferred for their accuracy and compatibility with other CAD software, while VRML files are preferred for their smaller size and faster rendering. Select the file you want to add and click Open. The file name will appear in the list of 3D shapes in the tab. You can add multiple 3D models to a single footprint if needed.
Adjust model scale, rotation, offset, and opacity as needed
After adding a 3D model to a footprint, you may need to adjust its scale, rotation, offset, or opacity to match it with the footprint dimensions and orientation. To do this, you can use the fields below the list of 3D shapes in the tab. The scale fields allow you to change the size of the model along each axis (X, Y, Z) by entering a multiplier value. The rotation fields allow you to rotate the model around each axis by entering an angle value in degrees. The offset fields allow you to move the model along each axis by entering a distance value in millimeters. The opacity field allows you to change the transparency of the model by entering a value between 0 (invisible) and 1 (opaque).
You can You can preview the changes you make to the 3D model by clicking on the Show 3D Viewer button at the bottom of the tab. This will launch the integrated 3D Viewer, where you can see how your model looks on the board. You can also use the 3D Viewer to inspect other aspects of your PCB design, such as the copper layers, the solder mask, the silkscreen, and the board outline. You can zoom, pan, rotate, and tilt the view using your mouse or keyboard shortcuts. You can also change the rendering mode, the background color, the grid size, and other settings from the toolbar or the menu bar.
How to view and export your PCB design in 3D
Launch the integrated 3D Viewer from the PCB Editor
As mentioned above, you can launch the integrated 3D Viewer from the Footprint Properties dialog by clicking on the Show 3D Viewer button. You can also launch it from the PCB Editor by clicking on the View menu and choosing 3D Viewer, or by pressing Alt+3. The 3D Viewer will open in a separate window and display your entire PCB design in 3D. You can use it to check your design for errors, aesthetics, or compatibility with other parts.
Use the ray tracing renderer for realistic lighting effects
The integrated 3D Viewer has two rendering modes: OpenGL and ray tracing. OpenGL is the default mode and it uses your computer's graphics card to render your PCB design in 3D. It is fast and efficient, but it does not produce realistic lighting effects such as shadows, reflections, or refractions. Ray tracing is an alternative mode that uses a software algorithm to simulate how light rays interact with your PCB design in 3D. It is slower and more resource-intensive, but it produces realistic lighting effects that can enhance the appearance and quality of your design. To switch between the rendering modes, you can use the toolbar buttons or press F9 (OpenGL) or F11 (ray tracing). You can also adjust the ray tracing settings such as quality, anti-aliasing, post-processing, and environment map from the Preferences menu.
Export your PCB design as a STEP or VRML file for mechanical CAD modeling
If you want to use your PCB design in other mechanical CAD software for further analysis or fabrication, you can export it as a 3D file from the integrated 3D Viewer. KiCad supports two formats for exporting 3D files: STEP (.step or .stp) and VRML (.wrl). STEP files are preferred for their accuracy and compatibility with most CAD software, while VRML files are preferred for their smaller size and faster rendering. To export your PCB design as a 3D file, you can use the File menu and choose Export STEP or Export VRML. You can also use keyboard shortcuts: Ctrl+Alt+S (STEP) or Ctrl+Alt+W (VRML). A file browser window will open, where you can choose a folder and a file name for your exported file.
Conclusion and FAQs
KiCad is a powerful and versatile software suite for electronic design automation that includes an integrated 3D Viewer for visualizing and verifying your PCB design in 3D. In this article, we have shown you how to download and use 3D models in KiCad, as well as how to view and export your PCB design in 3D. We hope that this article has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below.
Here are some frequently asked questions about KiCad and 3D models:
Q: How do I update my KiCad libraries to get the latest 3D models?
A: You can update your KiCad libraries by using Git to clone or pull them from their repositories on GitLab. Alternatively, you can download them manually from their websites or use a library manager tool such as KiCad Library Utils.
Q: How do I create my own 3D models for KiCad?
A: You can create your own 3D models for KiCad by using any 3D modeling software that can export STEP or VRML files, such as FreeCAD, Blender, or SketchUp. You can also use KiCad's built-in tools to create simple shapes such as boxes or cylinders.
Q: How do I import my PCB design into other CAD software?
A: You can import your PCB design into other CAD software by exporting it as a 3D file from the integrated 3D Viewer. You can export it as a STEP or VRML file, depending on the format that your CAD software supports. You can then open or import the file into your CAD software and work on it as you wish.
Q: How do I add textures or colors to my 3D models in KiCad?
A: You can add textures or colors to your 3D models in KiCad by using VRML files instead of STEP files. VRML files can store information about the appearance of the model, such as texture maps, material properties, and lighting effects. You can create or edit VRML files using any 3D modeling software that supports VRML, such as Blender or Wings3D.
Q: How do I troubleshoot problems with my 3D models in KiCad?
A: If you encounter problems with your 3D models in KiCad, such as missing models, incorrect alignment, or poor rendering, you can try the following steps:
Check the file name and path of your 3D model in the Footprint Properties dialog. Make sure that it matches the actual location of the file on your computer.
Check the file format and extension of your 3D model. Make sure that it is either a STEP or VRML file and that it has the correct extension (.step, .stp, or .wrl).
Check the scale, rotation, offset, and opacity of your 3D model in the Footprint Properties dialog. Make sure that they are appropriate for your footprint and board dimensions.
Check the rendering mode and settings of your 3D Viewer. Make sure that they are suitable for your computer hardware and performance.
Check the online documentation and forums of KiCad for more tips and solutions. You can also contact the KiCad developers or community members for help.
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