Data Sheet

LABCENTER ELECTRONICS LTD.
178
3) Rotate and offset such that the part is aligned correctly on the 2D courtyard. Note that
you can zoom in and out on the preview with the middle mouse wheel (or buttons) and
the flip command will mirror the board at its current position.
Fortunately, this job is greatly aided by the number of STEP files available on the internet (e.g.
www.3dcontentcentral.com) and a 3D preview on the dialogue form to help with alignment.
Setting the 3D parameters
Discussion of geometric model parameters, values and importing models is beyond the scope
of this tutorial and is discussed in some depth in the online reference manual (Help Menu in
PCB Layout – Help Index). Geometric models are ideally suited to large pin count parts with
small extrusion (e.g. BGA, QFP)
STEP files, while common, are often poorly made resulting in large file sizes. Bear
in mind the bigger the STEP file the slower the 3D Viewer will render. Consider
using geometric models where no sensibly sized STEP file is available.
If you now select the Package Icon, you will see that TESTPKG has appeared in the Object
Selector, and can be placed like any of the packages you have used so far. Also, if you place
the part on the layout and invoke the 3D Visualisation engine from the Output Menu (PCB
Design Level 2 or higher required) you will see the 3D rendered image of the part.