kicad - Autogenerate a PCB fixture

[elliotb]

Thought this might be useful to others: https://github.com/ebuller/openfixture. Install openscad and run the python script to generate a laser cuttable fixture automagically. The rules are the following:

1. Accumulates all SMD pads with no paste mask as test points.
2. Removes SMD pads on Eco1.User
3. Adds any pad on Eco2.User to test point array.

It then exports the outline and runs openscad to generate a laser cuttable fixture. Assemble with M3 hardware. More info here: http://tinylabs.io/openfixture.

Been working on this off and on for a few weeks. Hopefully others can get some use out of it!
I should add there is an active thread which I probably should have posted here in the first place: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/manufacture/openscad-parametric-fixture/

[technotronix]

Thanks for sharing openscad information. This is helpful.

[richardlawson1489]

I have started working with opencad for my new project. This post may help me.

[bghende]

This is very cool. Do you have any recommendations for vendors to manufacture the fixture? Or do you make them in-house?

[elliotb]

I cut them at my local makerspace FabLab San Diego but I've also used ponoko's laser cutting service and it turned out great. Just make sure you update the material thickness to match. Slightly outdated assembly instructions are on my website: http://tinylabs.io/openfixture