YAPPgenerator_en
  • Yet Another Parametric Projectbox generator
  • What you need
  • Getting Started
  • Design Philosophy
  • Coordinate Systems
  • YAPPgenerator API
  • YAPP Box Settings
    • Multiple PCBs
  • Standoffs
    • pcbStands (advanced)
  • Connecting Base and Lid
    • Connecting Base and Lid (advanced)
  • Cutouts
    • n(h) - yappFromInside
    • p(6) - Cutout Depth
    • Placement of the project box
      • Cutouts in the Base Plane
      • Cutouts in the Lid Plane
      • Cutouts in the Front Plane
      • Cutouts in the Back Plane
      • Cutouts in the Left Plane
      • Cutouts in the Right Plane
    • Shapes
    • Optional Parameters
      • p(7) - Angle
      • n(a) = Polygon Definition
      • n(b)/n(c) - Mask Definition
      • n(d) - Coordinate System
      • n(e) - Position reference
      • n(f) - Alternate Origin
      • n(g) - PCB Selection
  • Box Mounts
    • boxMounts (advanced)
  • Snap Joins
  • Light Tubes
  • Push Buttons
    • Optional Parameters
  • Ridge Extension
  • Labels
  • Images
  • Hooks
  • Debugging
  • Advanced Options
    • Specify a PCB
    • Position reference
    • Polygon Definitions
    • Mask Definitions
  • Generating STL file from KiCad
  • License
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On this page
  • Tools needed
  • Creating a STEP file with KiCad
  • Start FreeCAD
  • Use this STL file with the YAPPgenerator

Generating STL file from KiCad

PreviousMask DefinitionsNextLicense

Last updated 2 years ago

Making a projectbox with all the holes in the right place is quite a challenge.

Luckily for the makers that use KiCad as a PCB making tool there is a rescue!

Tools needed

If not already done you first have to install the latest version of . Then you have to install the KiCadStepUp tool with the Addon Manager.

Creating a STEP file with KiCad

Start the PCB Editor

From the File menu select Export -> STEP

In the popUp [Browse] to the map where you want to save the STEP file and click on [Export].

Start FreeCAD

Click on the select box ..

.. and select the KiCadStepUp tool

Go to File->Open and select the STEP file from the KiCad Export

.. and click on [Open]

After a while you see the result of this import

Now all you have to do is Export this file

Select "STL Mesh" as type ..

.. and click on [Save]

The result is a nice STL file

Use this STL file with the YAPPgenerator

Add the following code to the beginning of your .scad file:

myPcb = "./STL/DSMRloggerESP32_PCB.stl";

if (true)
{
  translate([42,43,4.6]) 
  {
    rotate([0,0,90]) color("darkgray") import(myPcb);
  }
}

myPcb has to point to the generated .stl file With translate() and rotate() you can place the .stl file to the exact location of your projectbox. This is a bit fiddling in the beginning but once set it does not change anymore.

FreeCAD