RS Components announces the release of its new PCB Converter for SketchUp tool, which allows designers to import intermediate data format (IDF) files into Google SketchUp. The new module adds a 3D CAD back-end capability to PCB design tools and takes SketchUp into the electronic product design domain, transferring files from any CAD environment providing IDF output into COLLADA format.
Google SketchUp is already known as the world’s most popular free 3D design tool, and is rapidly gaining a widespread and loyal following amongst electronics design engineers. This is thanks not only to its capabilities as a CAD package, but also due to the fact that many of these capabilities are available in the free version. Using PCB Converter for SketchUp, users can import IDF files, a file specification designed specifically for the exchange of printed circuit assembly data between mechanical design and PCB layout.
Electronics engineers are able to export their PCB designs into Google SketchUp to assess their compatibility with the mechanical constraints of enclosures and mounts. This allows them to make design decisions immediately, and mitigates the need for redesign requests and design reviews. Users can then incorporate 3D models of popular electromechanical components to complete their design. CAD models of products in the RS product range can be downloaded from the website in SketchUp compliant format (*.skp) and used in the tool.
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