1. Solid Edge IDF 3D Modeler
This allows you to add electronics assemblies designed in Printed Circuit Board (PCB) CAD packages to your Solid Edge assembly.
It uses the IDF standard which is supported by most PCB CAD packages.

2. How Does it Work? Creates a Solid Edge assembly from IDF files
Creates IDF files from a Solid Edge assembly

3. ECAD Packages Supported
Mentor
Cadence
Pads
P-CAD
Protel
ORCAD
Veribest
Any that supports IDF

4. When these toolbar buttons are added to Assembly

5. Creating An Assembly from IDF Files
Use the Import IDF toolbar button
The IDF Import dialog box displays…

6. Import Tab
IDF Board File
IDF Library File
Assembly Directory

7. Settings Tab Directory for Solid Edge parts Edit IDF part heights
Color settings for auto created parts

8. Options Tab Select PCB hole types to Import
Select IDF Features to Import

9. If any boxes checked, only selected parts are imported
Select Parts Tab
If any boxes checked, only selected parts are imported

10. Feature Names Tab

11. Status Tab

12. Board Tab
View the IDF Board file

13. View the IDF Library file
Library Tab
View the IDF Library file

14. Choose the Create Assembly button on the import tab …

15. Part for PCB is automatically created
Parts from Library

16. Non Plated Holes
Plated Holes

17. If no library parts are available, the program automatically creates parts

18. Printed Circuit Board Part
Top Parts
Printed Circuit Board Part
Bottom Parts

19. Creating IDF Files from An Assembly
Use the Export IDF toolbar button
The IDF Export dialog box displays…

20. Choose target ECAD system
Set name of IDF files
Choose target ECAD system
Choose IDF version
Choose IDF units

21. Export uses Part Edge Bar name to create IDF file entries
Export searches for Parts by their name in the Edge Bar to get PCB geometry
Export uses Part Edge Bar name to create IDF file entries
To get part geometry, Export uses known feature names in Parts if present, otherwise uses the bounding cube

22. Starting a New PCB Design in Solid Edge
Use the New ECAD Assembly toolbar button
Creates a “template” assembly with all features appropriately named ready for Export
The user modifies this Assembly as required

23. Features with correct names ready to modify
Top and bottom template parts – copy and rename to create more parts

24. Full IDF Support
Top Place Outline
Place Keepout
Bottom Place Outline

25. Solid Edge IDF 3D Modeler Features
Supports IDF versions 2 and 3
Supports top and bottom placed parts
Bi-directional
Supplied with electronics parts library
Automatically creates parts if no library parts available
Fully supports the IDF Specification – route outlines, keep-outs etc.