Component height

[peter408]

Is there any program or process to take an Allegro database and get a 3D perspective? Basically the mechanical guys would like to bring something into Pro-E without having to do any actual work (sarcasm).

Peter

[cadpro2k]

Hi Peter,

Actually it's quite easy, if you have the allegro symbols set up with the HEIGHT defined. If not, they can set up Pro-E pretty easy. What Pro-E needs is the PACKAGE_GEOMETRY/ PLACE_BOUNDRY_TOP or BOTTOM set up.

Then, EXPORT/IDF; when the GUI comes up, you can change the default IDF to PTC output. This will create the .emn and .emu files needed by Pro-E.

Pretty simple, you'll need to trial-n-error it for them. (P.S. this assumes you have the CAD xchange modules for translating data.)

Good day.

Mitch

[peter408]

So if I set up the component height it will be easier to get into Pro-E? I will drop a few parts on something then and see if we can get it to play. So Pro-E has to have certain exchange modules?

[cadpro2k]

Hi Peter,

Having the HEIGHT called out doesn't make it easier to go into Pro-E, it just give the Pro-E guys the correct height. When you export, you'll see the Default (if no height is defined) to be .15" Better to give the Pro-E folks actuals. :)

As for the module... Try File/Export/IDF and see if you can export anything. Sometimes you need additional modules to do functions. Give it a try.

Good day.

Mitch

[peter408]

So will the Pro-E guys have to do anything after importing? They just want the parts to come in with the height for each defined by me. I am assuming that this information (Z height) passes to Pro-E. I understand the PLACEBOUND TOP will give them the perimeter.

[cadpro2k]

All I do is EXPORT/IDF/PTC and away they go... :)

Mitch

[peter408]

I just want to know if when it comes into Pro-E it shows the different height of the components in 3D based on the height property.

Peter

[cadpro2k]

Yes it does. Works great.

[peter408]

One of our mechanical guys imports the data and it shows that it is creating parts, but when it is done there is nothing there. I guess I will get Pro-E and figure it out myself. Has anyone seen this before?

Peter

[Tom Frayda]

Hmmm, kinda sounds like an issue with units. If he zooms in really close to known component locations, does anything show up? Does the board outline come in okay and the parts just aren't there?

[cadpro2k]

Here are the steps for your ProE guy.

1. Open file: file.emn
2. Save.
3. Create assembly.
4. Add part into assembly.
5. Load data from file: file.emp
6. Wait, wait, wait......
7. Save. This is when it creates all the proE parts.

It really helps if you filter out your vias.

[peter408]

I am now the Pro-E guy, if I actually want to get this done. I now have the assembly done. How do I load the emp file? Otherwise it is farther then I have gone waiting for the M.E. dept.

[cadpro2k]

I'm not familiar with SolidWorks or ProE, so I can't help on the import end. Sorry.

Good day.