kicad-developers team mailing list archive

[Cirilo Bernardo <cirilo.bernardo@xxxxxxxxx>]

You might mention that for those who need to interact with mechanical
designers
KiCad can export IDF interchange files. For those who like to roll their
own,
FreeCAD will read the files; for those who send the files to another shop,
they
can convert the IDF file to VRML and view it with a VRML viewer - no need to
install FreeCAD. Plus: coming up (maybe towards the end of this year), KiCad
will be able to export to IGES to provide the mechanical designers with a
much
more accurate 3D model of the project. IDF only represents components as
simple extrusions, but IGES can provide accurate 3D models. I made component
models for the demo projects 'video' and 'pic_programmer' to show the IDF
exporter at work. If you wish I can send you a tarball of the IDF files and
the
resulting VRML files as produced by the idf2vrml tool.

Making a few comparisons to Eagle:
1. KiCad has a native IDF exporter, Eagle requires the user to install a
ULP.
2. KiCad: 32 copper layers, 16 tech layers; Eagle: 16 copper (I don't know
the
limit on tech layers).
3. KiCad: free + no artificial limits placed on capabilities; Eagle:
artificial limits
placed depending on license fees.

Although the feature is still in development, once KiCad can export IGES
models I expect this to become a free built-in capability. With Eagle you
need to pay an *annual* license to a third party for IGES or STEP export.
Note: I don't expect KiCad to have STEP export for at least another 2
years unless someone else with time on their hands is inspired to code it;
I mean a meaningful STEP export which maintains product relationships
and a proper assembly heirarchy, not the flat file produced by FreeCAD/
OpenCascade which is absolutely useless to mechanical designers.


- Cirilo


On Wed, May 13, 2015 at 1:48 AM, Adam Wolf <adamwolf@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:

> Hi folks,
>
> I'm preparing a presentation on KiCad for Maker Faire Bay Area this
> weekend.  (Fun fact: the presentation after me is someone designing a
> Raspberry Pi daughterboard *on KiCad on a Raspberry Pi*).
>
> The audience will be folks who may be interested in making PCBs, and may
> work with fancy pants PCB designers, but are probably closer to the
> beginner side.
>
> I'm hoping to cover a little of KiCad history, newish features (openGL,
> Python, P&S routing, differential routing), upcoming features (eeschema
> revamp...), and the new release rhythm and nightlies.
>
> I know there's the longish videos by the CERN folks on the differential
> routing, but does anyone have fun videos of openGL mode being awesome, or
> the P&S routing?
>
> I can make my own, but if someone already has them and is willing to
> share, I'd love to include them.
>
> I hate to offer this, but if anyone else has suggestions on things I
> should mention, feel free to send them on.
>
> Thanks everyone!
>
> Adam Wolf
> Cofounder and Engineer
> W&L
>
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