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I found this graphic somewhere on the web, but now I need to create a similar illustration for some training, but with a 16 layer board having traces coming in on other layers etc.

via in 3D

What is the easiest/fastest/cheapest tool to do this? What tool was used for this graphic?

Null
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Rolf Ostergaard
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3 Answers3

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You can zoom into your board in the 3D view in Altium:

enter image description here

I changed the view settings to scale up the board thickness (otherwise you can't get a good look inside) and to color the structures by layer.

enter image description here

To remove copper from un-used layers like so: enter image description here

In 2D layout mode, open the via properties and select "Full-Stack" in the Diameters panel: enter image description here

Set the diameter to 0 for desired layer: enter image description here

dext0rb
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  • Can you remove non-functional pads for the vias in the 3D view? – Rolf Ostergaard Jan 06 '14 at 06:47
  • @RolfOstergaard Not that I know of. I'm not sure how you'd tell Altium what is supposed to be functional or not. – dext0rb Jan 06 '14 at 16:31
  • It's a common thing to do so I am sure you can remove non-functional pads somehow, but other tools I know of does it only while generating the Gerber files. That's why I ask if you can create a 3D view without the non-functional pads in place. – Rolf Ostergaard Jan 06 '14 at 19:35
  • @RolfOstergaard I think I mis-understood you before. Does my edit help? – dext0rb Jan 07 '14 at 05:34
  • Very nice! Now I just need to find someone to do this for me on a given 16L stackup for two cases: Both with the via trace entering at the top layer - one with exit at L3 and one with exit at L15. – Rolf Ostergaard Jan 07 '14 at 05:49
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High end EDA tools, such as Altium, have 3D visualization (nowadays).

Mechanical 3D CAD tool, such as SolidWorks or AutoDesk Inventor can create an image like that. The image below was done in SolidWorks (by me).

enter image description here

An artistic 3D animation package should be able to create an image like that too.

Nick Alexeev
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I recently found "ZofzPCB" (https://www.zofzpcb.com/). It seems to do a fairly stellar job of making a PCB look absolutely beautiful and geometrically accurate.

I've been using it at work to sanity-check Gerber files (it's natively supported format) before manufacture.

In particular it does a good job of showing layer connectivity for vias, and PTH features. Thermal reliefs of all kinds are nicely displayed.

One of my favourite features is the "Spread" layers view, where it explodes the PCB and elongates all the vias to reveal all net / layer / plane connections.

FD: (I'm not affiliated in any way with ZofsPCB software)