3D model built in SketchUp directly from Eagle PCB
Element14 (a distributor of electronic system design tools) has launched EagleUp 3D design converter today for PCB design engineers to create virtual prototype designs.
Developed from the ground-up in the Eagle design community, EagleUp enables design engineers to export 2D layouts from CadSoft’s Eagle PCB design software into Google SketchUp to create accurate 3D digital prototypes.
According to the release, “The 3D model allows designers to combine multiple boards in the same model to check for misaligned connectors and ‘collisions’ of tall components. The model can also be used to evaluate airflow around devices, and the accessibility of test and mounting points. Designers can also convert mechanical models from STEP and IGES available on the manufacturers’ websites. The final SketchUp model can be exported to other MCAD tools in STEP format, if necessary.”
All the tools necessary for EagleUp can be downloaded free of charge for Windows and Mac OS platforms.
Note: There’s a heavy indication that SketchUp is being sold off by Google and that the deal is already done with Dassault Systèmes, so it’ll be interesting to see how, if true, this affects this type of use of SketchUp. I’ve asked the Element14 peeps for a comment, but have yet to hear anything back.
