You can prepare for a simple electrical CAD (ECAD) conversion to a 3D model with ecad.io. The platform was made specifically for mechanical and electrical engineers to allow for easy data transfer from ECAD to 3D Mechanical CAD (MCAD) files virtually (namely, PCB board design). And best of all, it’s free!
The creators behind ecad.io, CADSoft, wanted to make data transfer between electrical and mechanical CAD systems easy and affordable. While interchange tools exist, programs are often expensive and time-consuming. Enter ecad.io.
Ecad.io is easy to use. After you create a free account, you simply upload your ECAD files and can preview and edit PCB designs online in 3D. If you encounter an error, simply delete unwanted paths and replace them with designs from the built-in component builder, or make your own. Once satisfied, you can export files as MCAD STEP files for easy integration with mechanical engineering projects.
Ecad.io supports the most popular ECAD formats: IDF 2.0, IDF 3.0, IPC-251, and CADsoft Eagle (v6+); and the following programs: CADsoft Eagle, Cadence Allegro, Mentor PADS, Mentor Xpedition, and more. Converted files sync easily with Autodesk, SolidWorks, and Inventor, and can be saved directly into Google Drive, One Drive, Autodesk Fusion 360, and Autodesk A360. Ecad.io makes collaboration between electrical and mechanical engineers easier than ever. What is promising about this effort is board representation accuracy… no more approximation.
Once your files are in MCAD format, you can execute a 3D model check, including thermal assessment, to ensure quality before you send your PCB to manufacture. This allows you or your company to save thousands of dollars on PCB prototyping by bypassing common design errors.
It makes transferring datasets simple and foolproof. The company is committed to adding more ECAD and MCAD formats over time, and will upkeep existing functionality, all for free. Ecad.io said it has no intentions to sell its viewing services in the future. It also has some serious encryption to ensure security. You can store and edit up to five files at a time that are only visible to you. Ecad.io employees cannot even see the designs.
If you’re looking for an ECAD to MCAD converter, try ecad.io. It has several demo videos on the site for viewing, and also offers a free comprehensive guide to file conversion. And if you need files converted ASAP, sign up for a free account and get started. The website is currently live.
You may also want to download the latest version of EAGLE. The easiest way to make a particular ECAD file compatible with ecad.io is to open it and re-save it in EAGLE. Then, open it in ecad.io
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