Mechanical Integration With KiCad
KiCad StepUp is a FreeCAD Workbench aimed at helping both KiCad and FreeCAD users in collaborating with electrical (ECAD) and mechanical (MCAD) design.
Main features:
- Load kicad board and parts in FreeCAD and export it to STEP (or IGES) models
- LoadÂ
kicad_mod footprint in FreeCAD to easy and precisely align the mechanical model to kicad footprint - Pull a pcb edge from aÂ
kicad_pcb board, edit it in FreeCAD Sketcher and push it back to kicad - Push & pull 3D models positions between FreeCAD and KiCAD
The Integrated Workflow
This “round-trip” workflow allows you to bridge the gap between EDA (Electronic Design Automation) and MCAD (Mechanical Computer-Aided Design):
- KiCad for Layout: Complete your electrical design, including the board layout and component placement.
- StepUp Integration: Use the KiCadStepUp workbench in FreeCAD to “pull” the PCB board, traces, and 3D component models directly from your KiCad project.
- FreeCAD for Drafting: Once the PCB is in FreeCAD as a 3D object, use the TechDraw workbench to create professional, dimensioned 2D drawings from the 3D model. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Generating the Missing Pieces
Using this combo, you can generate the specific details the Gerber files lack:
- Fabrication Drawings: In FreeCAD’s TechDraw, you can add views of the board, dimension the outline, and include detailed fabrication notes (e.g., thickness, material, RoHS compliance).
- Layer Stackup: You can manually create a stackup diagram in FreeCAD or pull a visual representation from KiCad’s Board Setup to include in your drawing.
- Drill Charts: While KiCad can generate a drill map, you can import this data into FreeCAD to create a polished, integrated drill table on your main drawing sheet.
- Assembly Drawings: FreeCAD allows you to create exploded views or detailed top/bottom views with component callouts and orientation markers for your contract manufacturer. [2, 6, 7, 8, 9]
Professional Output
By using this workflow, your final package can include the standard Gerbers/Drill files for the machines and a formal PDF or DXF/DWG (AutoCAD compatible) drawing for the human operators, ensuring all critical specifications are legally and technically defined. [2, 10]
KiCAD StepUp goes to a new level of ECAD / MCAD Collaboration and Synchronization: Push/Pull 3D model placement from/to KiCAD board to/from FreeCAD mechanical design. It is possible to move 3D packages around on the 3D PCB mechanical sw, via both the X and Y axis. ECAD MCAD integration is now fully implemented.
