Ecad.io lets users convert their ECAD files into MCAD files online, such as this Arduino Uno 3D schematic. (via ecad.io)
If you’re looking for a quick and simple way to convert your ECAD files into MCAD, you may want to check out ecad.io (now part of the Autodesk empire). What’s more, users can view and manipulate the models in 3D as well as modify those models in a limited fashion i.e. hiding unwanted objects and changing-out simple components. Once the 3D model manipulation is complete, it can then be downloaded in several different formats for use on most MCAD systems.
Ecad.io was actually designed by the creators of CADSoft and wanted a simplistic system for engineers that wouldn’t break the bank, didn’t take forever to install and didn’t require a Ph.D. to use. Their intention was to make the data-language bridge between ECAD and MCAD as simple and straightforward as possible over a web-based platform using desktop or online CAD tools.
Ecad.io is capable of reading/writing in a number of different formats in order to be compatible with a number of different ECAD and MCAD systems. As it stands now, ecad.io reads IDF 2/3 ECAD interchange formats as well as the IPC-2581 format and Cadsoft Eagle files. As far as writing goes, it uses STEP and IGES 3D data exchange file formats, allowing different format files to flow back and forth with relative ease.
It is also compatible with most every CAD system on the planet, including CadSoft Eagle, A host of Mentor suites (BroadStation, Expedition, etc.), SolidWorks and PTC Creo just to name a few. A complete list of systems can be found here (https://www.ecad.io/Resources/Systems). As far as features go, ecad.io has a simplified built-in component library and simple tools to help position them on the 3D model. If users need a specific component that is not listed in the library, it will then offer a suitable replacement based on the original components name, size and type. Of course, users can always substitute their own if they prefer and even save them in ecad.io’s library for future use.
Security for ecad.io isn’t the best in the world, but it is effective as far as online browser-based platforms go. Is anything online truly secure? Once a model is uploaded, the platform extracts the necessary data from the shape of the PCB and component layout from the file and then deletes it. The board’s data is then compressed and encrypted before being stored for later use. The user can also delete that data file if the need arises.
Is ecad.io an end-all conversion and manipulation tool for producing ECAD/MCAD models? No and it was never meant to be but it can come in handy, especially when subtle model adjustments and conversions need to be done quickly and remotely. Since it’s browser-based, you can use it anywhere, making it a versatile tool to keep handy when away from home.
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