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https://github.com/30350n/free2ki

FreeCAD to KiCad 3D model exporter
https://github.com/30350n/free2ki

freecad freecad-workbench kicad pcb

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FreeCAD to KiCad 3D model exporter

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README 

        
[![freecad](https://img.shields.io/badge/freecad-0.20.0-brightgreen)](https://www.freecadweb.org/)

[![gplv3](https://img.shields.io/badge/license-GPLv3-lightgrey)](https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-3.0.txt)






The free2ki [FreeCAD](https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD) workbench enables you to apply

materials to 3D models in FreeCAD, as well as to easily export them to VRML (.wrl) files,

with correctly applied rotation and scaling, for use in KiCad as well as Blender.



I created it as I wanted a fast to use, simple and less buggy/bloated alternative to the

[kicadStepUp](https://github.com/easyw/kicadStepUpMod) workbench, which also better

integrates into my KiCad to Blender workflow

([pcb2blender](https://github.com/30350n/pcb2blender)).



## Usage



1. Switch to the Free2Ki Workbench.

2. Select the models or parts of models you want to apply a material too.

3. Use the `Set Materials` tool, to setup the materials you want (this tool can be used

   multiple times to setup multiple materials, on a single object)

4. Export the selected objects (or the whole file if nothing is selected) via the `Export`

   tool. This will create a `.wrz` file, in the same directory your FreeCAD

   project file is in.

5. (optional) Install the [pcb2blender](https://github.com/30350n/pcb2blender)

   Blender addon and import your model via


   `File -> Import -> X3D (.x3d/.wrl)`.


   (installing the pcb2blender addon is necessary, otherwise the mat4cad materials won't be

   recognized properly)



### Materials



Missing anything from the selection of available materials? Feel free to create an issue

on the [mat4cad](https://github.com/30350n/mat4cad) repository, explaining what materials

you'd like to see (possibly also how they'd look like in Blender) and I might add them in the

next update!



## Installation



- (not available yet) via the builtin addon manager

  `Tools -> Addon manager -> Workbenches -> free2ki`



- (manual) Download the `free2ki.zip` from the

  [latest release](https://github.com/30350n/free2ki/releases/latest)

  and unpack its contents into your

  [FreeCAD Mod folder](https://wiki.freecadweb.org/Installing_more_workbenches#Installing_for_a_single_user).



## Other Projects



- All the 3D models of the

  [protorack-kicad](https://github.com/30350n/protorack-kicad) KiCad library, which contains

  all the custom symbols and footprints I use for eurorack module development, have been

  created using this workbench.



- The [pcb2blender](https://github.com/30350n/pcb2blender) workflow makes use of the

  [mat4cad](https://github.com/30350n/mat4cad) materials that this workbench lets you apply

  to your models. These materials will be recognized by Blender, and depending on the material

  type, different procedural textures/features will be used in Blender, making your models

  look more realistic.



## Credits



- The name of this project is inspired by the awesome

  [svg2shenzhen](https://github.com/badgeek/svg2shenzhen) Inkscape extension by

  [badgeek](https://github.com/badgeek).



## License



- This project is licensed under

  [GPLv3](https://github.com/30350n/free2ki/blob/master/LICENSE).