You might mention that for those who need to interact with mechanical designers KiCad can export IDF interchange files. For those who like to roll their own, FreeCAD will read the files; for those who send the files to another shop, they can convert the IDF file to VRML and view it with a VRML viewer - no need to install FreeCAD. Plus: coming up (maybe towards the end of this year), KiCad will be able to export to IGES to provide the mechanical designers with a much more accurate 3D model of the project. IDF only represents components as simple extrusions, but IGES can provide accurate 3D models. I made component models for the demo projects 'video' and 'pic_programmer' to show the IDF exporter at work. If you wish I can send you a tarball of the IDF files and the resulting VRML files as produced by the idf2vrml tool.
Making a few comparisons to Eagle: 1. KiCad has a native IDF exporter, Eagle requires the user to install a ULP. 2. KiCad: 32 copper layers, 16 tech layers; Eagle: 16 copper (I don't know the limit on tech layers). 3. KiCad: free + no artificial limits placed on capabilities; Eagle: artificial limits placed depending on license fees. Although the feature is still in development, once KiCad can export IGES models I expect this to become a free built-in capability. With Eagle you need to pay an *annual* license to a third party for IGES or STEP export. Note: I don't expect KiCad to have STEP export for at least another 2 years unless someone else with time on their hands is inspired to code it; I mean a meaningful STEP export which maintains product relationships and a proper assembly heirarchy, not the flat file produced by FreeCAD/ OpenCascade which is absolutely useless to mechanical designers. - Cirilo On Wed, May 13, 2015 at 1:48 AM, Adam Wolf <[email protected]> wrote: > Hi folks, > > I'm preparing a presentation on KiCad for Maker Faire Bay Area this > weekend. (Fun fact: the presentation after me is someone designing a > Raspberry Pi daughterboard *on KiCad on a Raspberry Pi*). > > The audience will be folks who may be interested in making PCBs, and may > work with fancy pants PCB designers, but are probably closer to the > beginner side. > > I'm hoping to cover a little of KiCad history, newish features (openGL, > Python, P&S routing, differential routing), upcoming features (eeschema > revamp...), and the new release rhythm and nightlies. > > I know there's the longish videos by the CERN folks on the differential > routing, but does anyone have fun videos of openGL mode being awesome, or > the P&S routing? > > I can make my own, but if someone already has them and is willing to > share, I'd love to include them. > > I hate to offer this, but if anyone else has suggestions on things I > should mention, feel free to send them on. > > Thanks everyone! > > Adam Wolf > Cofounder and Engineer > W&L > > _______________________________________________ > Mailing list: https://launchpad.net/~kicad-developers > Post to : [email protected] > Unsubscribe : https://launchpad.net/~kicad-developers > More help : https://help.launchpad.net/ListHelp > >
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