PCBWay Plugin for Kicad: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you a KiCad user looking for a seamless way to turn your designs into real printed circuit boards (PCBs)? Look no further! In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of using the PCBWay plugin for KiCad, ensuring that your PCB designs are manufactured with precision and efficiency. Before we get into the details, let’s explore why the PCBWay plugin for KiCad is a valuable tool for PCB designers. PCBWay is a leading PCB manufacturer that offers high-quality PCB fabrication and assembly services. By using the PCBWay plugin, you can streamline the process of ordering PCBs directly from within the KiCad software, saving you time and effort.

Introduction

KiCad, an open-source PCB design tool, has earned popularity among electronics enthusiasts and professionals alike for its powerful features and user-friendly interface. To enhance the PCB design process further, PCBWay, a leading PCB manufacturing and assembly service provider, has introduced a dedicated plugin for KiCad. In this detailed guide, we will discuss the step-by-step process of using the PCBWay Plugin for KiCad, exploring its features and functionalities.

By following these steps, you can take full advantage of the PCBWay plugin for KiCad and simplify the process of turning your designs into high-quality PCBs. PCBWay’s commitment to quality and efficiency ensures that you receive the best possible PCBs for your projects. So, what are you waiting for? Install the PCBWay plugin for KiCad today and experience a seamless PCB manufacturing process.

Understanding KiCad and PCBWay

Before we explore the details of using the PCBWay Plugin for KiCad, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of both KiCad and PCBWay.

What is KiCad?

KiCad is an open-source PCB design software suite for Electronic design tools (EDA) that includes schematic capture, PCB layout, and 3D viewer modules. Developed by a global team of developers, KiCad offers a comprehensive set of tools for designing electronic circuits and producing professional-grade PCBs. Its user-friendly interface, coupled with its open-source nature, makes it a popular choice among hobbyists, students, and professionals.

Who is PCBWay?

PCBWay is a Chinese-based PCB manufacturing company, offering a one-stop solution for PCB fabrication and assembly services. They provide high-quality PCB manufacturing with options for different PCB types, finishes, and specifications. PCBWay serves a wide range of clients, from hobbyists to large-scale production runs, offering quick turnaround times and competitive pricing. In an effort to streamline the PCB design-to-manufacturing process, PCBWay has developed a dedicated plugin for KiCad.

PCBWay Plugin For KiCad

When you press the PCBWay Plug-in button within KiCad, PCBWay efficiently exports essential files to your project. These include Gerber files, precisely formatted for production, an IPC-Netlist file, a comprehensive BOM (Bill of Materials) file containing detailed information about components, and a Pick and Place file used in the assembly process.

Before exploring the usage of the PCBWay Plugin in KiCad, let’s discuss a crucial step: creating a Gerber file in KiCad. If you’re uncertain about this process, you can refer to a guide on ‘How to Generate Gerber File from KiCad.‘ Additionally, for those new to KiCad, there’s a detailed article available on basic instructions for using KiCad.

How to Install PCBWay Plugin in KiCad

Now, let’s look at how to put the PCBWay Plugin into KiCad:

• Navigate to the “Tools” menu and choose for the “Plugin and Content Manager” section.

• Open the list of plugins, scroll through, and locate the “PCBWay Plug-in for KiCAD” as indicated below.

• Select “install” and subsequently click on “Apply Changes.” This action will complete the installation process of the PCBWay plug-in for KiCAD, enabling you to effortlessly transmit your PCB layout to PCBWay with a single click.

To streamline the process further, you can simply click “Save to Cart” after uploading the files. This step typically takes only a few seconds. Afterward, PCBWay’s engineers conduct a meticulous review of the files before initiating production. If any issues arise during this check, they promptly get in touch with you, ensuring a smooth and error-free manufacturing process. This integrated approach enhances efficiency and provides a seamless experience from design to the production of your PCB project.

How to Manually Install the PCBWay Plugin for KiCad

1. For manual installation, download the ZIP file from PCBWay Github.
2. Open the “Plugin and Content Manager.”
3. Install the ZIP file using the “install from file” option.

Regarding Bill of Materials (BOM)

To quickly process the quotation process for components in your design, it’s essential to provide the following information:

1. Designator (mandatory)
2. Quantity (mandatory)
3. MPN/Part Number (mandatory)
4. Package/Footprint (mandatory)
5. Manufacturer (optional)
6. Description/value (optional)

Just add these details to your schematic, like you see in the picture:

Benefits of Using the PCBWay Plugin for KiCad

The merging of PCBWay’s services into the KiCad environment brings several benefits to electronics designers and engineers:

1. Simplified Workflow: The plugin streamlines the PCB design-to-manufacturing process, eliminating the need for manual file preparation and separate interactions with the PCB manufacturer’s website. This results in a more straightforward and efficient workflow.
2. Real-time Feedback: By checking your design against PCBWay’s manufacturing capabilities in real-time, the plugin provides instant feedback on potential issues or conflicts. This helps you address any concerns before placing the order, reducing the likelihood of manufacturing errors.
3. Cost Estimation: The plugin often includes a cost estimation feature, allowing you to get a rough idea of the manufacturing cost based on your selected specifications. This helps in budgeting and making informed decisions during the design phase.
4. Order Tracking: Monitoring the status of your PCB order directly within the KiCad interface provides a level of convenience and transparency. You can easily track the progress of your order and plan accordingly.
5. Integration with KiCad Features: The PCBWay Plugin seamlessly integrates with KiCad’s native features, ensuring a unified user experience. This includes compatibility with KiCad’s design rules checker, making it easier to adhere to manufacturing guidelines.
6. Time Savings: The automation provided by the plugin significantly reduces the time spent on the manual steps of preparing and uploading files to the manufacturer’s platform. This time savings can be crucial, especially in fast-paced design and prototyping environments.

Conclusion

The PCBWay Plugin for KiCad represents a significant advancement in the PCB design and manufacturing process, offering a seamless integration of design and fabrication workflows. This step-by-step guide has provided insights into the installation and usage of the plugin, highlighting its features and benefits. By utilizing the PCBWay Plugin, electronics enthusiasts, hobbyists, students, and professionals can enhance their PCB design experience, leading to more efficient and cost-effective projects. As technology keeps getting better, these connections help more people get into designing electronics. It means that even those who aren’t experts can now easily make advanced PCBs.