Filetypes and applications

*.FCStd files are the native format of FreeCAD, an open-source 3D parametric modeller. It has a GUI to manipulate and parametrize models. For assemblies of several models, we use the Assembly4 workbench. Interlocks for laser-cutting were generated with the rudimentary but functional LCInterlocking workbench.

*.pro is a project file for the OSS KiCAD EDA, an open-source electronics design automation suite. KiCad can produce *.gbr RS-274X gerber files for the manufacturers, even though some manufacturers accept KiCAD project files by now.

*.scad files are the native file format of OpenSCAD, “The Programmers Solid 3D CAD Modeller” – another open-source software (OSS). It uses a scripting language to build parametric models.

*.[stp|step] files are a 3D exchange format (STEP). They can be opened and edited with different application, for example FreeCAD.

*.stl are “stereolithography” files, containing unstructured triangulated surfaces of 3D models. This is the output format understood by our 3D printers, but not good for editing.

*.svg 2D Designs for laser cut, can be edited in the OSS Inkscape. Sometimes *.dxf is used as an export format. To download these files, you might need to click on the raw button and then save the file.

*.[iam|ipt|idw] files are the file format of Autodesk Inventor, a proprietary and commercial 3D CAD software. The extensions represent assembly, part, and drawing files respectively: *.idw files are “Inventor Drawing files”, *.ipt files are “Inventor Part files”, *.iam files are “Inventor Assembly files” (Autodesk Inventor).

*.pdf files are used for different purposes. Within 3D projects, they sometimes contain drawings of the parts.

*.[md|mdown] is the documentation. The mdown files are meant as readme files on the GitHub project, the md files are rendered into the website at https://reiserlab.github.io/Component-Designs/

*.[jpg|png] pictures of the produced items. Sometimes they follow the filename pattern <design>_<printer>_<nr>_<date>.