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Applying a 3D (step) model to a part/component

jgauthier

I have imported an 8pin DIP from a MicroZed library.   I have a step model of the sensor it represents.  Is it possible to attach these somehow?

When I add them to the PCB, I want to be able to go into 3D mode and see them.  The long way appear to be adding the 3d model manually, rotating it, and lining it up. But I have 9 of these and it will take awhile.

 

Currently, I can right click -> Component Actions -> 3D Body and I can give it some dimensions.. but I cant add a STEP file here or anything similiar.

 

Thanks!

  • 0

    hello,

    >The long way appear to be adding the 3d model manually, rotating it, and lining it up. But I have 9 of these and it will take awhile.

    Yes, you have the ability to add a "free" 3D-step-model to the pcb.

    Type "3D" into the search-box and from the presented list choose "Place-->3D body".

    With this you get a dialog for adding free 3D-step-models (button "embed generic 3D-model").

    As you say this is not ideal for a pcb with repeating parts.

     

    better solution:

    Add the 3D-step-model to the footprint in the library.

    I think you should not change the original library, so copy the 8pin DIP footprint in your own footprint-library.

    Change the footprint-name to avoid confusion with the original footprint.

    Open the footprint editor and the new copied footprint.

    In the footprint editor choose the Home-Ribbon, Icon "3D body".

    This gives you again the 3d-dialog.

    On the top choose "3D model type --> Generic 3D model", this changes the look of the dialog.

    Now click "Embed generic 3D model" in the middle and with the file-manager-window choose your step model.

     

    video-tutorial (3D-part at minute 2:10):

    https://resources.altium.com/p/how-to-create-a-component-circuitstudio

     

    Maik

  • 0 in reply to mf_ibfeew

    Thank you. That's exactly what I want to do.  However, I am struggling. I am still a novice with this application. I created a custom PCB Library.

    I found the original part.  Copied it, and pasted it into the new library.  I modified the component to have the 3d model and it looks good in the new library.

     

    I added the library to my main project.  I then went into the schematic, selected one of the parts and changed the footprint.

    Then I went to the PCB and tried to import changes. I was told: "Cannot match pads with new footprint in component"

    I deleted the item on the PCB and tried again. This time it detailed the 3 pins and says "Unknown Pin: xx" for all 3

     

    So, I feel like I am close but not quite there.

  • 0 in reply to jgauthier

    Well, I'm not sure what I did.  But I went through, edited my part, gave it a name. Saved it, and re-applied the footprint and it worked.

    So, thanks! This did what I wanted/needed!