topic Import EDA/CAD model from DigiKey in Fusion Electronics Forum

Import EDA/CAD model from DigiKey

PascalCleve — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 11:21:44 GMT

When I download a DigiKey model, I get a zip file that has 2 components, for example:

To import this component into my design, I need to import the library file. That creates a library with the 2024-06-27_xx name. Not a very friendly name. Form there I usually import the component into MyLibrary where I organize my components for future reuse. The .step file has to be imported separately.

Is there a way, or should there be a way, to import or merge the .zip file coming from DigiKey directly into MyLibrary.

Thanks

Re: Import EDA/CAD model from DigiKey

jorge_garcia — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 23:16:19 GMT

Hi @PascalCleve,

I hope you're doing well. There is no way to just bring in the part from the .zip file directly into your library. One thing I would consider is to try using the Ultralibrarian and SnapMagic plugins that work with Fusion.

If you want to use the file you downloaded from Digi-key you have to do the following:

1) I would rename the library before uploading it to Fusion. I agree the default name is not helpful.

2) Upload the renamed library to Fusion

3) Within Fusion you can map the step model to the upload library
4) Import the component into your personal library from the uploaded library.

Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you.

Best Regards,

Re: Import EDA/CAD model from DigiKey

PascalCleve — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 21:58:22 GMT

That works but is a bit complicated. I am sure many of us are doing the
same.

Re: Import EDA/CAD model from DigiKey

PascalCleve — Sat, 06 Jul 2024 12:43:47 GMT

Hello,

Regarding step 3, how to you link the .step model to the library?

Thanks

Re: Import EDA/CAD model from DigiKey

jorge_garcia — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 19:40:34 GMT

Hi @PascalCleve,

I hope you're doing well. Check out this video when you have a chance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlhIeRFX-N4&list=PLmA_xUT-8UlKE-U-eEqrkNEI7rd1fUnLY&index=4&t=2s

Best Regards,

Re: Import EDA/CAD model from DigiKey

tyethgundry — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 01:13:49 GMT

Is there any way to still install Ultra Librarian plugin, it seems no longer available, but the app store says one app from that Producer...

Re: Import EDA/CAD model from DigiKey

jorge_garcia — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 18:40:38 GMT

Hi @tyethgundry ,

I hope you're doing well. From what I was told the Ultra Librarian plugin should be returning shortly. So you won't have to wait too long to be able to use it again.

Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you.

Best Regards,

Re: Import EDA/CAD model from DigiKey

ryan_gross94JQC — Sat, 17 May 2025 15:36:01 GMT

I agree. This process is convoluted and needs to be streamlined for PCB design. If I find a component that I want to use in my design, I currently need to:

Download the .zip file library for the part
unzip the file
manage libraries
upload from local file
navigate and select the unzipped library
then import it into my schematic

I then need to repeat this process for EVERY part I intend to use in my design. Even a patch that allows me to bundle multiple libraries I've downloaded into one import would save so much time. It gets worse if I want to include the 3D model in the library.

Re: Import EDA/CAD model from DigiKey

jorge_garcia — Mon, 19 May 2025 20:48:12 GMT

Hi @ryan_gross94JQC ,

Fully agree, I will file a ticket for this.

Best Regards

Re: Import EDA/CAD model from DigiKey

daniel49DTW — Fri, 23 May 2025 15:33:21 GMT

One step forward would be that fusion automagicly adds a stepfile that exists in the same folder as the library.
(Maybe it needs to have the same name as the library.)

Re: Import EDA/CAD model from DigiKey

jorge_garcia — Fri, 23 May 2025 19:55:07 GMT

Hi @daniel49DTW,

Thanks for the suggestion, I decided to go all out and recommend the place parts panel supports placing components directly from distributors and their lib providers. It's unlikely that it could get that far but might as well ask for everything and see what we get.

This thread is included in the ticket so when the developers analyze this issue they will see your comments.

Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you.

Best Regards,

Re: Import EDA/CAD model from DigiKey

ryan_gross94JQC — Sat, 24 May 2025 15:31:04 GMT

@jorge_garcia , I appreciate the support. From using PCB designer this is the number one hurdle I face.

It really comes down to being able to seamlessly and simply integrate custom footprints from wholesale retailers (DigiKey, Mouser, etc.) into designs. They usually offer footprints and/or STEP files for their components, so it's just a matter of getting it from there to the design without having to jump through hoops.

This is also true for what happens if I need to tweak these downloaded symbols/footprints/models. After I import these footprints, I should be able to quickly and easily make changes like adding ground vias to the thermal pad, clean up the silkscreen dimensions, etc. I can technically do that now, but it just makes a copy of the library which seems like overkill for small tweaks.

Hopefully that provides more context.

Thanks again.

Re: Import EDA/CAD model from DigiKey

daniel49DTW — Mon, 26 May 2025 09:10:33 GMT

Better handling of 3D models should be on the top half of the todo-list

without proper models the whole concept of 3D-PCB that can be edited falls apart.
The time saved on NOT send PCB-files to the guy designing the enclosure and then do edits based on notes from him is easy wasted on the time it takes to import and attach models to parts that exist in provided librarys, but just have a cube as model