The free version of Fusion 360 can import STL, OBJ, and 3MF files so those are types that will be explored here. The method described here uses the open-source software Blender which released version 3.0 in December of 2021. Another option is to try converting VRML files using online conversion programs. KiCad is said to work well with FreeCAD and there are FreeCAD macros that do conversions that I've not used and it may well work with STEP files generated by KiCad. Another option is to export the VRML model which in my experience always picks up the components so select that option and note where it is stored. I tried it and it clears the "cannot add a VRML model to a STEP file" message but I still can't see the components on the resulting model after export. It recommends ticking the "Substitute similarly named models" option in STEP export. However, selection of that option results in the following messages:Įdit: There is a thread on the KiCad forum which describes this issue. As noted above, KiCad uses VRML descriptions of the components to generate the model.Īt first glance, it might appear that a STEP model would be appropriate for export to CAD programs. The export options are accessed by using the pull-down menu File->Export as shown in the image below. The PCB shown below in the KiCad 3D viewer will be used to demonstrate the process.
This blog will describe one way of making them useable in mechanical CAD programs. However, the VRML models used by KiCad cannot be directly used by many CAD programs including Fusion 360. When Autodesk purchased Eagle they integrated it with Fusion 360 to make the communication more seamless. Interfacing a PCB with other parts of a project is eased if the PCB model can be imported into the mechanical design model. However, the files aren't useable in many CAD programs. KiCad can generate 3D views of the model being developed and can also export them in several formats.
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