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Download ECAD part and use it

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Marcello Savoldi edited this page Sep 14, 2022 · 1 revision

Model your part or download the 3D model

For complex geometry, it is recommended to download the 3D model from the manufacturer website, if available.

Example: the component we need to create is the Wingst code 288. Knowing the manufacturer, Molex, and its code, 53261‑0471, you can search for "molex 53261‑0471".

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The most critical aspect is to define the right position and orientation for the downloaded 3D model coordinate system. Open the original file in Creo and check that the system position and orientation match the electrical counterpart. If this is not the case, a correction must be made accordingly. Refer to the section Change the 3D model coordinate system below, if needed.

TIP: STEP is the go-to file format for the download. Download of Creo/ProE files is not recommended.

Please note that, even if the coordinate system is in the right position, the downloaded 3D must not be used as is but imported in the model where the footprint has been sketched instead. This is also important for the useful parameters to be present.

If the model shape is very easy (resistor, capacitor, etc.), it has to be modeled in Creo with his upper bound tolerance dimensions (see: How to create capacitors and electrical resistors).

Change the 3D model coordinate system

Here is a quick and easy way to change the coordinate system in an imported CAD file:

  • Download the STEP file.
  • Open it in Creo.
  • Create a new coordinate system in the right position.
  • Click File -> Save As -> STEP (*stp) [under Type] -> select the new coordinate system in the Export STEP options -> Export.

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  • Open the part with the sketched footprint and import the STEP just created.

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  • Check the position of the pins and of the footprint.

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