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Re: 3D PCB viewer

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I have tried the ZofzPCB tool and it looks nice. It is a representation of the layout, but you can't add or export 3D (STEP, IDF) related files.

Our customer wants that for mechanical checks in his own system.

 

I did a little research about different PCB design software with 3D view / 3D rendering / STEP import/export and I was shocked what I found.

When we switched to VX.1.1, I thought that the 3D Layout option was a standard feature in the software (especially the xPCB Layout 200 version), because Mentor claims to be "The EDA Technology Leader" and 3D layout is the new standard.

I was wrong. 3D layout for Xpedition in not standard and costs a few thousand Euros / Dollars .

This is i.m.o. not right.

Even PADS standard, which is a lot cheaper, has a 3D rendering with STEP import/export feature.

All the big software competitors like Altium, Pulsonix, Cadstar and OrCAD have 3D standard functions.

Even Target3001, PCB123, DipTrace and KiCad have 3D standard functions, where PCB123 and KiCad are even free and if you look at the different Electronics Component Distributors like DigiKey (Quadcept), Farnell (Eagle), RS (DesignSpark) and Mouser (Multisim Blue) they all have free or cheap software with 3D options.

So i.m.o. if Mentor still wants to be the EDA Leader in the future, they have to make the 3D option a standard feature and not a special option you can buy for a lot of money.

 

I'am using the Mentor tools (Veribest --> Expedition --> Xpedition) since 1998 and I was very happy with the software, until now.

If I want to compete with my VX.1.1 software against the other tools I think I will lose it on the 3D part.

More and more of my customers are asking for some kind of 3D / STEP view, import/export option which they can use for verifying and checking.

If nothing changes, it is just a matter of time for me to leave the Mentor software and I think other users will also make this decision and maybe they already have.


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