Some more KiCAD goodness

Introduction and miscellaneous that we haven't created categories for, yet
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doobedoobedo
Posts: 260
Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2019 12:39 am
Location: UK

Some more KiCAD goodness

Post by doobedoobedo »

I recently ordered a random VCU case from aliexpress (this one https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000115814857.html), it was of course completely undocumented and unfortunately I couldn't get my calipers to fit to give me the required measurements. This is when I discovered a couple of excellent features available in the PCB design part of KiCAD.

Export to STEP gives just the board outline and drill holes 1.6mm thick. I was able to convert the STEP to an STL in FreeCAD and print the first few layers so I had a rigid sheet I could attach the connectors to in order to get accurate spacing and also check the position of the mechanical mounting holes. It took about 4 iterations to get everything right, but saved me sending off for boards which won't fit.
IMG_20200118_220622.jpg
When I discovered this I thought I'd have a look at what else I could get out of it. Export to VRML of Johannes V3 board (screen grab from FreeCAD)
Screenshot_20200118_215553.png
The VRML file pushed through meshconv (https://www.patrickmin.com/meshconv/) to convert to an STL then loaded into CURA.
Screenshot_20200118_215646.png
I've attached the VRML and STL below in case anyone has any use for them.
Attachments
mainboardv1.2.wrl.zip
(2.41 MiB) Downloaded 52 times
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