KiCAD to FreeCAD

Importing KiCAD files into FreeCAD will generate allow more complete 3D models to be generated.

Initial goal is to locate arduino KiCAD files and determine best way to import in FreeCAD. Arduino files appear to be available in EAGLE format.

Guide

This tutorial is for users running OSE linux. The FreeCAD-PCB workbench enables direct import of KiCAD PCB models (built kindly by marmni).

How to set-up PCB workbench and import KiCAD PCB

1. Download the workbench from FreeCAD-PCB github.

2. Extract from the zip file.

3. Make sure FreeCAD is closed, and move the extracted folder to the FreeCAD MOD folder (location on OSE linux is /usr/lib/freecad/MOD)

    - if you are not able to move the folder, use Nautilus: gksu nautilus
    - if you do not have permission to run nautilus and don't know the administrative password, then reset it: sudo passwd root
    - if you do not have nautilus download through terminal: sudo apt-get install nautilus

4. With the workbench now in the MOD folder, the PCB workbench should be available in the workbench list.

5. To open a PCB as a 3D model, load the .pcb through the FreeCAD open command. Select (all) the types of data that is needed for the 3D model. (Give FreeCAD a few minutes to process and a correctly sized board should appear)

External links

https://forum.freecadweb.org/viewtopic.php?t=20892

KiCAD PCBs

Githubs

FreeCAD-PCB workbench for importing and generating PCB 3D CAD files

FreeCAD-PCB library for model parts

FreeCAD-PCB wiki page

Arduino kicad library

KiCAD templates including Arduinos

Tutorials

https://drechsler-it.de/UsefullStuff_FromKiCadToCad_ModPCB.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ByC-cFkyrk