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SparkFun Goes 3D

Introducing Embedded 3D Models of SparkFun products!

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Some of our more observant customers may have noticed that some of our product pages look a little different. Click on this 3D button in the product images to see what I am talking about.

 

3D Button

 

We've completely revamped our 3D Model repository and built a model viewer into the product pages. We want to thank the past contributors for their hard work. Unfortunately, we ended up having to build up from scratch, but now you can contribute directly to our product pages!

 

Red Board Preview

 

Our models come in varying levels of detail such as the Actobotics catalog, which is mostly just displaying geometry. The SparkFun Analog/Digital MUX Breakout displays a fully textured board and detailed IC. We do make mistakes but you'll find that we've been careful to ensure all important dimensions are accurate. If you find any problems please let us know via email or create an issue on the github repository.

Enclosures (such as the SparkFun Project Case) will be modeled as separate pieces so that they can be moved around or objects placed inside of them with the SFE for scale SFE Product For Scale feature. Hold the shift key while spawning objects to disable the toggling feature.

 

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Controls might seem a little strange for people coming from sketchup. Use the Left Mouse Button to rotate the view, Right Mouse Button to pan and Middle Mouse Button to zoom.

You can alt text move or alt text rotate objects by clicking (but do not drag) on an object while having one of these tools activated.

Our plan is to place easy to use links in the product description that will go directly to an archived model type (step, iges, stl or others if we have them) so that people do not have to download the entire Github repository.

 

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We're using a javascript renderer, threejs -- the same one that Github uses. Threejs relies on a new web technology called WebGL. Basically, WebGL allows developers to access GPU resources from within a webpage. Sometimes browsers, hardware or even driver issues can cause WebGL to fail. If you have any issues try visiting webgl.org for more information.

If the 3d features prove to be popular, we are considering making additional tools. Maybe a measurement tool or even simple assembly or mating capabilities. Do you have any ideas?


More products to check out:


Comments 18 comments

  • dmytchak / about 10 years ago / 3

    This is HUGE for me. I can bring models of the components and make a 3d model case for the 3d printer. Really nice to have access to the files for fixture building, housings, etc.

    THANK YOU! Note: STL works but I also echo other comments about STEP or IGES would be great if at all possible. If not, STL is still better than modeling by hand.

  • ME heat o nator / about 10 years ago / 3

    I love that the quarter for scale is a Colorado quarter.

  • Member #466449 / about 10 years ago / 1

    I tried this under Firefox, and it looks kind of buggy with what seems like redrawing problems. Under Chrome, however, it works pretty well (sometimes it lags but it might be my computer). I find this annoying because I use Firefox most of the time, so it would be great if you could fix that.

  • axeljaeger / about 10 years ago / 1

    What software stack are you using for creating for the 3D-modells from the EAGLE-Files?

    • James Kiefer / about 10 years ago * / 1

      EagleUp for the most part. We also have a bunch of scripts and plugins to automate the process.

  • Tenacious_Techhunter / about 10 years ago / 1

    Consistent weight measurements would be fantastic.

  • Nogginboink / about 10 years ago / 1

    Is the banana now the universal online scale comparison reference?

  • archaeo / about 10 years ago / 1

    You guys are the coolest. This is awesome!

  • Member #200539 / about 10 years ago / 1

    I can't seem to get the spawn function to work.

  • Personally I prefer STEP Or IGES to stl. I can do more with them in solidworks and inventor pro. But its awesome you guys are putting a 3d repository together!

  • CrowDojo / about 10 years ago / 1

    Sweet access to STL files would be awesome :D Should really speed up making cases for boards that don't otherwise have them. Made a tiny case for the ATtiny Programmer a small forever ago because I was always afraid I would somehow manage to short the thing out. At the least it should cut back on the iterations :D

  • jgalak / about 10 years ago / 1

    This is great! I am planning on 3D printing a custom enclosure for a project, and being able to "test fit" components would be great!

    On that note, please make a 3D model of the Arduino Pro Mini :)

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