SolidWorks IDF 3D Modeler

This allows you to add electronics assemblies

designed in Printed Circuit Board (PCB) CAD
packages to your SolidWorks assembly.
It uses the IDF standard which is supported by most
PCB CAD packages.
How Does it Work?
• Creates a SolidWorks assembly from IDF files
• Creates IDF files from a SolidWorks assembly
 When this product is
installed, these items are
added to the SolidWorks
File menu
 Creating An Assembly from IDF
Files

• Use the Import IDF command in the File menu

• The IDF Import dialog box displays…
IDF Board File

IDF Library File

Assembly
Directory
 Directory for
SolidWorks parts

Review IDF part

Color settings for
heights
auto created parts
Part for PCB is
automatically
created Parts from
Library
 Non Plated
Holes

Configuration
showing PCB without
Parts

Plated Holes
 If no library parts are
available, the program
automatically creates parts
 Top Parts

Printed Circuit Board Part

Bottom Parts
Creating IDF Files from An Assembly

• Use the Export IDF command in the File menu

• The IDF Export dialog box displays…
 Set name of IDF
files

Choose target
ECAD system

Choose IDF
version

Choose IDF units

 Export searches for features by
name to get PCB geometry

Export uses Part feature name to

create IDF file entries

To get part geometry, Export uses known feature

names in Parts if present, otherwise uses the
bounding cube
 Starting a New PCB Assembly in
SolidWorks

• Use the New ECAD Assembly command in the

File menu
• Creates a “template” assembly with all features
appropriately named ready for Export
• The user modifies this assembly as required
Features with correct names
ready to modify

Top and bottom template

parts – copy and rename
to create more parts
SolidWorks IDF 3D Modeler Features

• Supports IDF versions 2 and 3

• Supports top and bottom placed parts
• Bi-directional
• Supplied with electronics parts library
• Automatically creates parts if no library parts
available
• Fully supports the IDF Specification – route
outlines, keep-outs etc.
• For more information: www.desktop-eda.com.au