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[SOLVED] Generating 3D model of PCB from ODB++ files

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high93

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Hi all, i’m a newbie in the industry, designing and manufacturing wave soldering pallets for large PCB manufacturers. I’m looking for an easy and cost-effective way to obtain a 3D model of the PCB and its components, in order to simulate the PCB interface with my pallet design.

My customer is able to provide me with an ODB++ file of the PCB, and i need a software that will be able to accurately convert this file into a 3D model.

Also, do ODB++ files have enough information in itself to recreate the 3D model of the PCB? (i.e the dimensions and coordinates of the mounted components) Or would it require an up-to-date component library to accomplish this task?
 
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do ODB++ files have enough information in itself to recreate the 3D model of the PCB
Clearly not. There are optional elements in ODB++, e.g. for component height, but they are unused by most PCB tools. Did you display the ODB++ content with a viewer?

Most PCB design tools can generate mechanical data, e.g. in *.stp or *.idf format. Depending on the package library, they don't necessarily model components in detail, e.g. use cuboids for arbitrary shapes.
 

Clearly not. There are optional elements in ODB++, e.g. for component height, but they are unused by most PCB tools. Did you display the ODB++ content with a viewer?

Most PCB design tools can generate mechanical data, e.g. in *.stp or *.idf format. Depending on the package library, they don't necessarily model components in detail, e.g. use cuboids for arbitrary shapes.


Thank you for the response. Asking my customer to export a 3D model can be a hassle because my point of contact is rarely technically literate..

So I'm just trying to find out if there is another way to do this..
 

You should check which layers are in ODB++. May be you can supplement an assembly drawing with component height information from datasheet, making a simplified 3D model.
 

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