4) Exporting an IDF file with CircuitWorks

CircuitWorks 7 can save SolidWorks assemblies as IDF files that can be read by ECAD systems

CircuitWorks 7 can save SolidWorks assemblies as IDF files that can be read by ECAD systems This is an example of an assembly created by processing an IDF file with CircuitWorks

This is an example of an assembly created by These two components are in a position that’s going to cause a problem in our SolidWorks assembly This is an example of an assembly created by processing an IDF file with CircuitWorks

The two components are moved in SolidWorks

We now want to save these changes back out as an IDF file, so the Electrical Engineers can update their system

We now want to save these changes back out as an IDF To save the assembly, select File > Save As IDF.. From the CircuitWorks menu We now want to save these changes back out as an IDF file, so the Electrical Engineers can update their system

…or click the ‘Save As IDF’ icon To save the assembly, select File > Save As IDF.. From the CircuitWorks menu …or click the ‘Save As IDF’ icon

CircuitWorks will display the IDF Export Wizard with two Options: Express export or Full export

Express export can be used when the assembly has been generated by an IDF file and components have been moved

Express export can be used when the assembly has been generated by an IDF file and components have been moved Full export allows much more control over the export process. It can be used when assemblies have been modelled from scratch in SolidWorks, or major changes have been made

As we’ve only moved two components, Express export has been selected Express export can be used when the assembly has been generated by an IDF file and components have been moved Full export allows much more control over the export process. It can be used when assemblies have been modelled from scratch in SolidWorks, or major changes have been made As we’ve only moved two components, Express export has been selected

Click Next > to continue the export process

CircuitWorks prompts for a filename and location for the newly created IDF file

Type a filename

Type a filename and click Save

CircuitWorks reports that the file has been successfully exported

Click ‘Cancel’ to close the export wizard

CircuitWorks can also write out IDF data when more major changes have been made to the board or assembly

Here the sketch profile has been modified, additional holes added and components moved

Click ‘Save As IDF…’ to save the assembly to an IDF file

CircuitWorks displays the export wizard again

This time full export is selected CircuitWorks displays the export wizard again

Click Next > to continue the export process

The next page of the Export Wizard prompts for board options

Set the file type you would like to export: IDF 2.0 or IDF 3.0 The next page of the Export Wizard prompts for board options

Set the file type you would like to export: IDF 2.0 or IDF 3.0 Set an alternative board thickness if required

Set the file type you would like to export: IDF 2.0 or IDF 3.0 Set an alternative board thickness if required If holes are to be exported, the type and owner of the holes can be set here

Set the file type you would like to export: IDF 2.0 or IDF 3.0 Set an alternative board thickness if required If holes are to be exported, the type and owner of the holes can be set here Click Next > to continue the export process

The next page of the Export Wizard prompts for other features to export

Select which features to export from the list The next page of the Export Wizard prompts for other features to export

The next page of the Export Wizard If you’re exporting the file in IDF 3.0 format, the owner of the features can be set here The next page of the Export Wizard prompts for other features to export

Click Next > to continue the export process

The final page of the Export Wizard prompts for advanced export options

The name of the exporting system can be set here The final page of the Export Wizard prompts for advanced export options

The name of the exporting system can be set here Setting this option will display a dialog on export allowing the user to edit the component reference designators The final page of the Export Wizard prompts for advanced export options

The name of the exporting system can be set here The other options on this page can be set to tailor CircuitWorks IDF export for use with specific ECAD systems The name of the exporting system can be set here The name of the exporting system can be set here Setting this option will display a dialog on export allowing the user to edit the component reference designators The final page of the Export Wizard prompts for advanced export options

The name of the exporting system can be set here The other options on this page can be set to tailor CircuitWorks IDF export for use with specific ECAD systems The name of the exporting system can be set here The name of the exporting system can be set here Setting this option will display a dialog on export allowing the user to edit the component reference designators Click Next > to start the export process

CircuitWorks will prompt for a filename and location for the IDF file

Click Save to save the IDF file and start the export process

CircuitWorks reports its progress as the board and components are exported

CircuitWorks will display a message when export is complete

Click OK to close the Export Wizard

If you want to check your assembly has exported correctly, you can open the newly created IDF file in CircuitWorks

Browse to and open the IDF file CircuitWorks has just exported

The Import wizard shows the new board outline profile

The exported assembly re-imported into SolidWorks

For more information or to download an evaluation copy of CircuitWorks, visit www.circuitworks.net or email info@circuitworks.net