Artwork's NETEX-G program (with the optional ODB front end) can convert ODB++ and Gerber/Drill into 3D for import either into SolidWorks (using Artwork's Read3Di plugin) or for import into many other tools via the STEP database.

Netex-G and Netex-ODB were originally designed to server the EM simulation discipline -- however since beginning with that target in mind users have asked us to support a variety of 3D uses - form fit and function; thermal and temperature simulation and net visualization.

Board Stackup

The board stack up is extracted from the ODB++ matrix file which defines the conductor layers and drill layers. Attribute information such as copper weight and dielectric thickness is used to assign the Z values for the stackup.

3D model of conductor and vias.

Profile, Routs, Silkscreen and Mask

Profile data is extracted from the ODB++ profile. Solder mask, silkscreen and rout are extracted from their respective layers. dialog. Details ...

Solder mask and silk screen.

Components

Component Data is extracted from the top and bottom component layers. Pin labeling and nets are extracted from the EDA section or Netlist section.

3D components from ODB++

Netex-G to SolidWorks via parasolid format

SolidWorks is especially efficient at importing parasolids (x_t) format when compared to other formats such as STEP. The video below shows how we converted a PCB into parasolids and then imported it into SolidWorks. We used the FEA option in order to produce a 3D model optimized for meshing and simulation.

Netex-G Library for Software Integration

Software simulation vendors often OEM Artwork's NETEX-G in order to support import of ODB++ and Gerber into their tools. The video below gives a short overview of how the library versions works. It is available in both 32 and 64 bit versions.