Usually, a component footprint is linked with a 3D model. 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. This provides reasonably hassle-free integration with MCAD packages. DipTrace exports a 3D board model with all components installed into the STEP file, just like Altium Designer. 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. This EDA/CAD software has a built-in real-time 3D preview module with STEP and VRML export capabilities out of the box.

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. We exclude tools from Mentor Graphics, Cadence, and Altium because of their cost. Moreover, it provides vital production integration when a board’s model is saved in the common MCAD data-exchange format-STEP (Standard for Data Exchange of Product Data). The ability to see the real-life model of a PCB in 3D allows the designer to avoid mistakes. I will try to describe both software packages “as is,” and avoid any conclusions. It also discusses how to integrate these EDA systems with mechanical CAD software.

This article takes a look at how to get a 3D preview of a printed-circuit-board (PCB) project designed using mid-level PCB design tools, such as EAGLE and DipTrace.

This file type includes high-resolution graphics and schematics when applicable.

Diptrace tool