Creating Silkscreen from 3D Model Data

Mike Kanigan's work flow for creating silkscreen for complex parts using 3D models.
 
Start with a blank PCB, place the step model, create a board line using a surface of the step file "Board Shape -> Define from 3D Body" feature

Create Primitives From Board Shape -> Change layer to Top Overlay. Copy the new silkscreen outline to the PCBLIB part.

And there you have it!

The nice thing about doing it this way is that it also places pads and PCB cutouts!

I have also used this same technique to generate keepouts from step file enclosures that I then turn into silkscreen so its visible on the PCB.

Link: (Altium Live Account Required)
http://forum.live.altium.com/#posts/195462

Interfacing to Altium Designer from SolidWorks - YouTube

How to Export from SolidWorks and Import Step Models in Altium.

Interfacing to Altium Designer from SolidWorks - Part 1 - YouTube
Interfacing to Altium Designer from SolidWorks - Part 2 - YouTube

Making realistic 3D components - YouTube

Altium Design - Making realistic 3D components - Microdex - YouTube

3D Step File Alignment - YouTube

Altium Designer 3D Step File Alignment - Microdex - YouTube

Excellent example of how to snap 3D bodies into position.

IGES < > STEP Converter - Download & Purchase Software to Convert IGES STEP Files

IGES STEP Converter - Download & Purchase Software to Convert IGES STEP Files

Create Component Step Models in Altium

Below is a Step Model for a Panasonic Cap (FK Series) P/N EEE-FK1K330P which I created in Altium using a few clever tricks.



The tricks required to create Component Step Models are:

1. Create a PcbDoc and place extruded shapes.
2. Using the Layer Stack Manager Create a Zero Height PCB with no Solder mask.
3. Create Board Outline which is smaller than perimeter of the extruded bodies.
4. Save (Export) the PcbDoc as a Step Model.

Trick 1. Place extruded shapes in a PcbDoc.  

If your footprint already has extrude shapes, copy and paste those shapes in the PcbDoc.



As shown above extruded shapes were placed. 

For convenience the Origin should be set to align with the Origin in the Target Footprint.

Trick 2.  Create the Zero Height PCB with no Solder Mask.



Trick 3. Create a tiny Board Outline.



Define the Board Outline using a small circle placed at the Origin.

Trick 4.  Save (Export) the PcbDoc as a Step Model.



The step model is now ready be placed in a PCB or a Footprint Library.



2D view of the Extruded Shape model (left) and the Step Model (right).



3D view of the Extruded Shape model (left) and the Step Model (right).



Below is a view of the Step Model embedded in a PcbLib Footprint.



Randy Clemmons
July 7, 2012