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Re: gEDA-user: a different approach to 3D modeling
Hi Kai-Martin,
> -----Original Message-----
> From: geda-user-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> [mailto:geda-user-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of
> kai-martin knaak
> Sent: Friday, November 19, 2010 4:01 AM
> To: geda-user@xxxxxxxx
> Subject: gEDA-user: a different approach to 3D modeling
>
>
> Looks like there is no open 3D exchange format that fits the
> need of pcb:
>
> a) render a beautiful image of a populated board
>
> b) integrate pcb in a 3D work-flow to fit the board into some
> tight space.
>
> The existing formats are either limited to surfaces rather
> than objects (STL, VRML). This prevents efficient processing
> of the 3D geometry.
> Or they lack attributes for eye candy (IGES). Or they are
> overly complex and geared to completely different use cases (STEP)
>
> It might be easier to do 3D in a different way:
> Teach the 3D CAD application how to read pcb files. Then, let
> the CAD app retrieve 3D models that correspond to the
> footprints mentioned in the layout. Use the 3D engine to
> render images, or do mechanical engineering. Also teach the
> CAD app to export pcb layout data from 2D shapes.
>
> The pcb file format contains all information needed to
> reproduce the geometry of the board in a concise form. Given
> the ability of general python scripting within the 3D CAD, it
> shouldn't be that hard to write a *.pcb parser. Once the
> geometry is known to the CAD app, it can export it to
> whatever format its engine supports.
> If the CAD app can be driven completely by scripting, the
> conversion could be triggered from within a pcb menu.
>
> Benefits:
>
> * no need to write import/export functions for general 3D
> data exchange formats.
>
> * only deal with well known file formats (*.pcb)
>
> * efficient file transfer to a 3D CAD which keeps names
> objects rather anonymous shapes
>
>
> Drawbacks:
>
> * no fancy 3D images in a stand-alone binary of pcb
>
> * beautiful images might need blender as a third major component.
>
> * ties to a specific 3D CAD app, which may not be everybodies
> favorite choice
>
> Just an idea from my way home...
>
> ---<)kaimartin(>---
> --
> Kai-Martin Knaak
> Öffentlicher PGP-Schlüssel:
> http://pgp.mit.edu:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x6C0B9F53
>
>
Have a look at:
http://openscad.org/
And the beginning of an OpenSCAD exporter for pcb, on top of a recent
(current) clone of the pcb git repository:
https://github.com/bert/pcb-openscad
Please give me your thoughts and opinions on both.
Kind regards,
Bert Timmerman
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