The best CAD library models enable advanced analyses like thermal simulation
Engineering and design professionals use CAD (computer-aided design) libraries to create 2D and 3D models and designs efficiently. Electronic component models can be assembled for analyses like thermal simulation and to enable efficient ECAD-MCAD integration. These libraries save time, reduce errors, and ensure project consistency by providing ready-to-use elements that adhere to industry standards. CAD libraries speed up the design process, enhance team collaboration, improve accuracy, and support scalability. The selection of the best CAD library directly impacts the efficiency, accuracy, and quality of your design work.Choosing the Best CAD Library
By choosing the right CAD library, you can ensure that your electronic circuit designs meet all standards and specifications, while also ensuring that they are up-to-date, compatible with your CAD software, and tailored to your specific industry or project needs. Using the best CAD library also helps minimize errors, accelerate design time, and facilitate collaboration, ultimately resulting in a more successful and cost-effective project. Here is a list of where to find the best CAD libraries for PCBA design in 2024.|
BEST CAD LIBRARY SOURCES FOR 2024 |
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CAD Library Source |
Description |
Applications |
Integrations & Customizations for PCB |
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A comprehensive library offering billions of verified CAD models and symbols, primarily for electronic components. |
PCB, reference board, and electronics design |
Provides 2D and 3D models in industry standard formats and custom integrated library services for major EDA tools. Also includes custom electronic component CAD model creation and real-time supply chain data. |
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A free service for locating, configuring, downloading, and requesting 2D and 3D parts. |
Engineering Design, Manufacturing |
Limited direct PCB support, but models can be adapted for PCB components. |
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Includes a large repository of downloadable electronic components, but specializes in CAD model building. |
PCB and electronics design |
Support many ECAD software design programs. |
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Offers millions of CAD files from a wide variety of industries and manufacturers. |
Electrical/electronics, mechanical, and industrial design |
Provides models in a CAD-specific and agnostic formats. |
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One of the largest online communities of professional engineers and designers. |
Engineering Design, Manufacturing |
Focused on mechanical CAD, but can be used with PCB tools indirectly via exported files. |
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Comprehensive library offering millions of CAD models from component manufacturers. |
Industrial, mechanical, and electrical manufacturing. |
Limited PCB components; however, integrates with various CAD systems. |
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Below is a more detailed description of each CAD library resource.
UltraLibrarian
UltraLibrarian is the world’s largest provider of electronic component libraries, offering manufacturer verified CAD models, PCB footprints, and schematic symbols for use in electronic design automation (EDA) tools. The company is known for its extensive library of over 16 billion parts, ensuring designers can access accurate, up-to-date components. The company’s Virtual Librarian Service (VLS) helps engineering teams create their own exclusive parts libraries fast and accurately, enabling them to focus on innovation.3D ContentCentral
3D ContentCentral, a subsidiary of Dassault Systèmes, is an online platform that provides a repository of 2D and 3D CAD models, focusing on parts and assemblies from leading manufacturers. The platform is widely used by engineers and designers across industries such as manufacturing, engineering, and product design. The site offers customizable CAD models that can be downloaded in multiple formats, allowing users to integrate these components into their designs.TraceParts
TraceParts is one of the largest providers of 2D and 3D CAD models for most engineering applications; including electrical/electronic, mechanical, industrial, and structural design. Includes an open community where manufacturers, as well as individual engineers and designers can share models. The platform offers access to millions of CAD files, making it a valuable resource for engineers and designers seeking accurate and up-to-date parts for their projects.SnapEDA
SnapEDA is a popular online resource for electronic component CAD models. However, the platform specializes in custom model building. Engineers, DIYers, and students can upload requests and receive schematic symbols, layout footprints, and 3D models for hard to find component libraries.SamacSys
SamacSys is a comprehensive provider of CAD models and component information for PCBA designers. The company also builds industry-standard models, based on manufacturer data in their accessible search engine. For listed components, the company provides a simple process for designers to get symbols, footprints and 3D models created for integration with their PCB design software program.CADENAS PartSolutions
CADENAS PartSolutions supplies 3D CAD parts libraries, focusing on delivering digital product catalogs for industrial components. The platform offers millions of supplier-certified CAD models, making it an important resource for engineers and designers in the manufacturing, engineering, and industrial design industries. PartSolutions excels in providing highly customizable and accurate digital models that integrate with various CAD systems, helping companies streamline their design processes and reduce time-to-market.CAD Library Usage Optimization
The importance of a comprehensive library of CAD models cannot be overstated for PCBA design and development efficiency and effectiveness. Consequently, it is important to follow the best practices for CAD library usage optimization, as listed below.Guidelines for Optimizing Your CAD Library Usage
- Ensure CAD models are manufacturer verified
- Ensure your CAD model library data is accurate and up to date
- Make sure your CAD library integrates with your EDA design tool
- Create and continually update a custom CAD Library
- Ensure standard ECAD/MCAD model formatcreation is available