Tired of searching for basic 3D CAD Models?

[MarkF]

Me too!
This was the perfect excuse for me to learn how to do sweeps and lofts in FreeCad.
Some of these models are taken from dimensions in Nichicon and Vishay datasheets.


* * * Update #1 * * *
I've updated the resistor with more realistic color band locations.
The light tan resistors are from the Xicon CF-RC series datasheet.
The dark brown resistors are measured old stock resistors I have on hand.

* * * Update #2 * * *
Merged model updates all into one zip file.

* * * Update #3 * * *
Vertical resistor and diode models added.

[MarkF]

Question:

  While making these models, I discovered that I didn't know what the color of capacitors means.  I'm asking about the plastic wrapping around the radial capacitors.  I've seen black, blue, silver, etc.  Is there any significance to the color?  Is the color tolerance maybe?

  Does anyone know what the color represents?

[nctnico]

You better look at the Kicad libraries. You can find STEP files for a huge number of parts. Likely even more sizes for capacitors and resistors you have drawn.

The color of the capacitor is just what the manufacturer likes to use.

[MarkF]

You better look at the Kicad libraries. You can find STEP files for a huge number of parts. Likely even more sizes for capacitors and resistors you have drawn.

The color of the capacitor is just what the manufacturer likes to use.

Sorry.  Kicad is a total NOGO!!!
Tried it. Didn't like it. And now they dropped Win 7  support.
Hell, I still run Diptrace on some of my Win XP machines.

I use Diptrace and it also has a large library of 3D Models.  Too many in my opinion.  Can't see the forest for the trees.  The colors and models seem to be a little strange.  Maybe that's just my problem.


Just checked:
Diptrace has over 11,000 models.  My OCD just demands I make custom versions. 

[nctnico]

You better look at the Kicad libraries. You can find STEP files for a huge number of parts. Likely even more sizes for capacitors and resistors you have drawn.

The color of the capacitor is just what the manufacturer likes to use.

Sorry.  Kicad is a total NOGO!!!

I wrote: look at the Kicad libraries not Kicad itself. IMHO it is a good source to find 3D models for common parts. And since the 3D models are standard step files, you can use this with any package that supports step files. This website also has a huge number of 3D models for electronic components: https://www.3dcontentcentral.com. Some manufacturers even use it as their primary way to distribute 3D models for their products.

[kripton2035]

this kicad libraries for example ...
http://smisioto.no-ip.org/elettronica/kicad/kicad-en.htm

[nctnico]

I regulary look between the 3D files on Kicad's Github: https://kicad.github.io/packages3d/

[MarkF]

I did a spot check a few of the KiCad 3D-Model libraries.

They are even worse than DipTrace's models.  Their electrolytic capacitors appear to have the correct pin pitch and diameter.  But, the capacitor length seems to be an arbitrary length for all the capacitor models and NOT representative of actual lengths.  This is totally useless when trying to verify clearances when designing enclosures.  See example below of a power supply box I built.

Their resistor models either have a pitch with the wires bent right next to the body or the pitch is extremely wide.  Neither of which I would ever use in a design.  Diptrace's resistors aren't much better.  Their pitch is some odd value that will NOT line-up on either a millimeter or inch grid.  Impossible to line-up components on any sort of grid.

You just can't beat custom models.


Thanks for pointing out 3D Content Central for models.  I have downloaded many models from them.  And you will find that I also contributed some models that I enhanced with pins, screws and color correction.  I should post these models their but that is a lot of work considering the number of models I created.

[MarkF]

I have updated the resistor models (see new attachment in my original post).
These have color bands shifted toward one end to have a more realistic look.

All of these models are generated from a datasheet in FreeCad. 
If anyone has a special request, post the dimensions and colors for their model and I will try to make it.
I currently only have two configurations:  radial and axle.

I also have some transformers and relays if there is any interest.

[MarkF]

Update:

I merged all the models into one clean download.
(see first post for zip)

[MarkF]

Update:

Vertical models added (see 1st post).

[Doctorandus_P]

I regulary look between the 3D files on Kicad's Github: https://kicad.github.io/packages3d/

All development of KiCad moved to gitlab several years ago (before that it was on launchpad). It's possible that the clone on github is being updated by someone, but I have not verified this.

A very big part of both the footprints and the 3D models in KiCad are generated by scripts. Just today a video was uploaded from a talk on KiCon on how these scripts work.

Creating footprints starts at 18:00 into the video. It is mostly:
1. clone the script repositories.
2. Copy an example text file (in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YAML format) and modify it.
3. Run the generator python script.
4. Verify whether the output is correct.

 


And of course it would also be quite trivial to write a script that outputs a gazillion YAML files that iterates over data combinations...
Are there tools to create YAML from spreadsheet tables?

[SiliconWizard]

Except for connectors, I rarely use TH parts in KiCad these days. I find the SMD 3D models OK when they exist.
Of course the models for all standard packages are "average" models. They do not necessarily exactly fit any particular existing component. When in doubt, or the corresponding part is critical mechanically speaking - so I need an accurate 3D model - I'll usually check at the vendor's website, many have 3D models now.

[MarkF]

All of the model dimensions (other than the dark brown resistors) are taken directly from their datasheets and should be correct:

• The capacitors are 'Nichicon UVR, UHW, and UPW ' series.
• The diodes are taken from the 'DO_### ' standard packages.
• The dark gray resistors are 'Vishay LVR ' series (which are end-of-life).
• The light tan resistors are 'Xicon CF-RC ' series.
• The dark brown resistors are 30+ year old stock that I have (their dimensions I measured with calibers).

In addition, the resistor and diode pad pitches are set to a multiple of 50 mil.  (I rarely work in millimeters when laying out a PCB)
If you would like the exact dimensions, I could post the spreadsheets for them.

The dimensions of ALL the models should be accurate (if not, I will fix those that are wrong).
As you can see from an earlier post, I 3D model and print project cases and mounting hardware; so accurate dimensions are important to me to insure part clearances.
I use Diptrace to export a step file of the finished PCB to use in FreeCAD to make project cases.

As mentioned before, I've been building 3D models as my need arises.  Not just TH parts. 
I have several transformers, screw terminal strips, connectors, and even a few modified Meanwell power supply frames plus OLED breakout boards (from Adafruit and Waveshare). 
I also do a fair amount of SMD parts.  But, most of the SMD parts I can find 3D models for.

I'm just making my work available for those who are interested.
 - If you don't like them, don't use them.
 - On the other hand.  If there is a 3D model you can't find (or if you just want color or pitch changes), ask and I will try to make it.

[nimish]

I regulary look between the 3D files on Kicad's Github: https://kicad.github.io/packages3d/

That's well out of date: https://gitlab.com/kicad/libraries/kicad-packages3D-generator is the modern repo

In any case this is very cool, thanks for doing it

[shapirus]

Just came here to say thanks @MarkF, great job.

[MarkF]

Here are a few more models:

• Omron G2R-1-T-AC24
• CIT J115F3
• CIT J151
• Axicom V23105
• TE Connectivity 1546306-2 terminal block
• Radio Shack panel meter
• Hammond 166C series transformer
• Hammond 185B series transformer

Edit:
    Minor correction to previous models.
    The Omron G2R-1-T-AC24 relay has 4.75mm tabs instead of 0.25in tabs.