Copyleft STEP repository: Is it possible?

[timofonic]

Hello.


Are there a possibility to organize and manage a copyleft electronics STEP repository in GitHub?

I know this is quite time consuming and crazy to do, but...

It can be populated by already available ones from other projects and new contributions.

This way, they could be properly linked to the apropiate electronics parts in the repository itself. Maybe not just KiCad, but a somewhat standardized way per app to associate each STEP to the corresponding part.

I know full STEP and MCAD integration into KiCad is a very big challenge effort, but I hope it can happen eventually after other priority tasks get done (code cleaning, improving UX, RTCE, part manager maybe by using a database...). Maybe this effort could meanwhile be used by StepUP and others until this happens

My idea about this is for the future: I would use it for 3D rendering only right now.
- I imagine in some distant future to use it for making PCB fit in cases correctly and simulate thermal behavior to check if can dissipate heat correctly on normal or somewhat extreme conditions.

A copyleft repository would make things easier to recycle work and even submit improvements.

Kind regards.

[easyw]

Hi @timofonic
that was exactly what I was thinking about...
https://forum.kicad.info/t/3d-new-library-for-mechanical-cad-exporting-and-enclosure-design/1763

that is the consequence of
https://forum.kicad.info/t/how-to-interactive-align-3d-model-to-pcbnew-footprint-new-tool-for-kicad-in-altium-style/1711/47

and it will integrate all parametric models that me and hyOzd have done
https://github.com/easyw/kicad-3d-models-in-freecad/tree/master/cadquery/FCAD_script_generator

If you are interested in building some 3D FreeCAD model, your help will be very welcome!
Maurice

[timofonic]

@easyw

I'm having a really hard time with studies right now, but I'll think about it! It seems quite interesting

[easyw]

@timofonic

don't worry...
there is plenty of time...

just focus on your studies for the moment
keep in touch
Maurice