RS Components has released PCB Converter for SketchUp, a software tool that converts CAD files in Intermediate Data Format (IDF) to Collada format for use in SketchUp. This enables designers to use SketchUp as a 3D CAD back-end for to PCB design and brings SketchUp into the electronic product design realm.

 

Now electronics engineers can export their PCB designs into Google SketchUp in order to assess their compatibility with the mechanical constraints of enclosures and mounts. This enables them to make design decisions quickly and reduces the need for redesign requests and design reviews. Users can incorporate 3D models of popular electromechanical components to complete their designs. In particular, CAD models of products in the RS product range can be downloaded from the RS website in SketchUp compliant format (*.skp) and used with the tool.

 

PCB Converter for SketchUp can be downloaded free of charge from the DesignSpark SparkStore, from the RS website, or from the plug-ins area on the Google SketchUp website.

 

Image: RS Components