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Fits-or-not

Save money – try a Dummy


World first: Hands-on collision check!

Have you always wanted the possibility to check the construction design of your PCB prior to production? Do you want to exclude the risk of misfit Front Panels or Enclosures?
This is costly and we have the solution to this problem.

YOUR PROBLEM - OUR SOLUTION

You know how it is: The deadline is looming and you rush to finish the layout so that the data can be sent to the PCB manufacturer. After several days, you finally hold the PCB in your hands. Now all you need to do is to assemble the components…
BAD NEWS: the connector is 0.5 mm too far to the right and the mounting holes are not centered correctly. Save yourself this hassle:
Let us solve it beforehand.

VIDEO: The problem
VIDEO: The solution

YOUR ADVANTAGE

Find out what this new technology can offer.

Example: Single-side assembled PCB
Size: 45 mm x 32 mm = 1 dm²
Assembled with 14 x THT = €329.84
Delivery time: 11 working days

You want to know in advance whether this PCB will fit:
1 dummy, 45 mm x 32 mm = 8 dm³ = €29.75
Delivery time: 3 working days

With this technology you save up to more than € 300.- and 8 working days..

Order your FITS-OR-NOT 3D dummy online.

WHERE CAN I GET THE 3D DATA?

The easiest way is to use our TARGET3001!PCB-POOL® Edition. To export the data, select STEP format and convert it to STL format with the free Creo Elements tool.

You can download a free STEP-to-STL converter from
http://www.ptc.com/products/creo-elements-direct/modeling-express/.

You can download a free offline STL viewer from
http://www.3d-tool.de/english/cad-viewer.htm

Please note that even our TARGET3001! V15 PCB-POOL® Edition cannot include 3D models of the hundreds of thousands (or even millions!) of existing components in its library. However, the software contains standard components and gives you the option to create and save your own 3D components.

Our latest TARGET3001! V15 PCB-POOL® Edition allows you to read in EAGLE files and export them as STEP files.
How is this done? It's very simple:
-> File -> Read EAGLE Project. DONE!


ALTIUM is also able to create STEP files, which can then be converted into STL with Creo.



Unfortunately, many layout programs provide geometric PCB data in IDF format only. This format only contains the position and the basic 2D dimensions of the component, while the height of the component is a simple extrusion of a Z axis value. This information is, however, not sufficient to generate a realistic 3D model.

Do you operate a layout program that generates only IDF files?
Don’t despair! From Autumn 2011, we will offer you a solution for a perfect and highly realistic 3D visualisation of your printed circuit board.
"Just watch this space!"

More information on the above formats can be found here:

STEP:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_10303

STL:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STL_(file_format)

IDF:
http://www.pcb-pool.com/download/spezifikation/deu_fitsornot_mentor_idf_v3.pdf

I WANT TO TOUCH!

Our 3D dummies can be sanded, drilled, cut, coated, etc.
Hard to believe? You want to touch before ordering?

No problem! Simply order a sample 3D dummy at:
fits-or-not@pcb-pool.com

HOW TO ORDER?

  1. Order your 3D dummy online using the configurator.
  2. After a few days, you will receive your 3D dummy by post or courier service.
  3. Check whether your enclosure or front panel fits.
  4. Now you can order your PCB with peace of mind.

METHOD AND MATERIALS

Video

With our Alphacam Dimension 3D printer, the 3D models are made out of ABS-Resin.

The building material is produced with fused deposition modeling technology, where the hot liquid material is fed through an extrusion nozzle, placed in thin layers on the base plate and fused into a solid 3D model. The process is emission-free.

ABS is a widely-used plastic material for enclosures of electrical appliances, vehicle interiors and motorcycle helmets.


The dummies do not shrink, are durable and impact-proof. If required, they can be sanded, coated and even galvanised.

And should your Dummy have had a little mishap: Here you will find the right super glue. Ruderer Epoxy Glue.

TECHNICAL PARAMETERS

Dimensions: Maximum dimensions: 254mm (width) x 254mm (length) x 300 mm (height)
Data formats: .stl
You can convert the data of our PCB into STL format, using our free TARGET 3001! software.
EDA software (Win9X/Win2000/WinXP/WinVista/Win7):

TARGET 3001! V15 PCB-POOL®Edition (42 MB)

Target 3001! is able to create *.stp files.
For the calulation of the model, we need *.stl files.
To convert .stp file into *.stl files, use the free Creo Elements software available to download from:

http://www.ptc.com/offers/tryout/pe3.htm
Delivery time: 3 working days
Note: For stability reasons, components and component pins should have a minimum thickness of 1 mm.