PCB Libraries Forum : Step File Output and PADS Layout https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/ Sat, 04 Apr 2026 23:29:55 +0000 Tue, 23 Sep 2014 09:32:36 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 12.07 360 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=960 <![CDATA[PCB Libraries Forum]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/forum_images/PCBLForumLogo.gif https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/ <![CDATA[Step File Output and PADS Layout : Hi Ashwini,I&#039;m not familiar...]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/step-file-output-and-pads-layout_topic960_post5752.html#5752 Author: chrisa_pcb
Subject: 960
Posted: 23 Sep 2014 at 9:32am

Hi Ashwini,

I'm not familiar enough with PADS to know if it has a 3D Export function for boards. Most tools allow you to view stuff in 3D using a built-in viewer, not necessarily convert the entire board to a 3D format. Currently we work with generating 3D models for the components we calculate, we don't work with entire boards in that manner.

-Chris

]]> Tue, 23 Sep 2014 09:32:36 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/step-file-output-and-pads-layout_topic960_post5752.html#5752 <![CDATA[Step File Output and PADS Layout : Dear Friend.I am using PADS Layout...]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/step-file-output-and-pads-layout_topic960_post5746.html#5746 Author: ashwini.uthotakaa.com
Subject: 960
Posted: 22 Sep 2014 at 10:00pm

Dear Friend.

I am using PADS Layout V9.2 (Mentor Graphics).

I want to export a PCB file in 3D format.

Can anybody suggest me the procedure to export a PCB file in 3D format, and that 3D file I have to view in 3D Viewer.

Thanks

]]> Mon, 22 Sep 2014 22:00:20 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/step-file-output-and-pads-layout_topic960_post5746.html#5746 <![CDATA[Step File Output and PADS Layout : The PCB Library Expert (LE)...]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/step-file-output-and-pads-layout_topic960_post3621.html#3621 Author: Tom H
Subject: 960
Posted: 10 Jun 2013 at 12:04pm

The PCB Library Expert (LE) saves component dimenions to FPX files. You can't see them (unless you open the FPX file in M/S Excel column B) but they are there.
 
The 3D STEP module auto-generates 3D STEP models from FPX file data.
 
Soon we will have FPX files for millions on component manufacturer part numbers on our new "Parts on Demand" (POD) website.
 
]]> Mon, 10 Jun 2013 12:04:55 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/step-file-output-and-pads-layout_topic960_post3621.html#3621 <![CDATA[Step File Output and PADS Layout : We are interested in the new 3D...]]> https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/step-file-output-and-pads-layout_topic960_post3620.html#3620 Author: plinder
Subject: 960
Posted: 10 Jun 2013 at 5:01am

We are interested in the new 3D feature (generating step outputs).  We use PADs, and we have exported a couple of boards to 3D for use with Solid Works.  How would we cause the 3D step models of the parts to become a part of that 3D export from PADs? 

 
In general, we have found the PADs 3D export to be dificult - for example, we have had a difficult time getting holes to appear in the export.  So, I won't be surprised if PADs can not really take advantage of these step files - but I'm positive someone knows better than me!
]]> Mon, 10 Jun 2013 05:01:47 +0000 https://www.PCBLibraries.com/forum/step-file-output-and-pads-layout_topic960_post3620.html#3620