grabowski
046f66f6eb
- Add dedicated /kicad/ directory with organized subdirectories for libraries, schematics, gerbers, plots, and backups - Create comprehensive KiCad 9 library structure (symbols, footprints, 3D models) - Add manufacturing-ready directories for production files (gerbers, drill, pick-and-place) - Update all README files with KiCad-specific documentation and workflows - Add KiCad-optimized .gitignore file for proper version control - Create KICAD-PROJECT-TEMPLATE.md comprehensive usage guide - Add hardware assembly documentation and BOM management - Include detailed manufacturing file generation instructions - Add docs structure with design-notes and user-manual directories - Provide complete workflow from design to manufacturing with quality checklists
/kicad/libraries/3dmodels
Custom 3D models for your KiCad project footprints.
File Formats
- STEP files (
.step): Preferred for mechanical accuracy and CAD integration - VRML files (
.wrl): Legacy format, still supported by KiCad 3D viewer - WRL files (
.wrl): Alternative VRML extension
Naming Convention
- Use descriptive names matching your footprints
- Examples:
USB-C_Receptacle.stepSTM32F4_LQFP64.stepHeader_2x10_2.54mm.wrl
Model Guidelines
- Scale: Ensure models are in millimeters (KiCad's native unit)
- Origin: Position the model origin to match the footprint's origin
- Orientation: Align the model with the footprint's orientation
- Detail Level: Balance detail with file size for performance
File Organization
3dmodels/
├── connectors/
│ ├── USB-C_Receptacle.step
│ ├── Header_2x10_2.54mm.step
│ └── Terminal_Block_3pin.step
├── mcu/
│ ├── STM32F4_LQFP64.step
│ └── ESP32_Module.step
├── sensors/
│ ├── BME280_LGA8.step
│ └── MPU6050_QFN24.step
└── passive/
├── Resistor_0603.step
├── Capacitor_0805.step
└── LED_0603.step
Associating Models with Footprints
- Open footprint in KiCad Footprint Editor
- Go to Footprint Properties
- Click 3D Settings tab
- Add 3D model path (use relative paths)
- Adjust offset, rotation, and scale if needed
Model Sources
- Manufacturer websites: Often provide STEP models
- Component distributors: Digi-Key, Mouser, etc.
- 3D model libraries: GrabCAD, 3D ContentCentral
- KiCad official libraries: For standard components
- Custom modeling: Create your own in CAD software
Best Practices
- Use relative paths:
${KIPRJMOD}/kicad/libraries/3dmodels/ - Keep file sizes reasonable (< 1MB per model when possible)
- Test models in KiCad 3D viewer before finalizing
- Document model sources and modifications
- Version control important custom models