Summary of EAGLE 8.7 – Parametric 2D & 3D model generation, library.io, more!
EAGLE 8.7 introduces major library development enhancements, focusing on streamlined component creation for both ECAD and MCAD workflows. A key addition is library.io, a free platform integrating with EAGLE and Fusion 360 to offer parametric 2D and 3D package generation alongside an IPC-compliant footprint calculator. This release aims to eliminate slow, non-value-added processes in part creation while treating electrical and mechanical components as a unified process.
Parts used in the EAGLE 8.7 Release:
- EAGLE software
- Fusion 360
- library.io website
- Parametric PCB package generator
- 3D model generator
- IPC-compliant footprint calculator
Today we’re proud to announce the release of EAGLE 8.7 and what is quite possibly one of the biggest releases we’ve had to-date, this time focused (largely) on libraries and library development (and what that means for 3D modeling of your finished PCB)! But before we get into it, let me share a thought —
As some of you know, most of us on the EAGLE team use the SW (imagine that!). In fact, it’s the overwhelming majority in development, mktg, leadership, support, etc. who not only use it, but we’ve run workshops, taught university courses with it, etc. And it’s from the experience of talking with you and having to explain many of the more idiosyncratic things either in EAGLE or in ECAD in general, that we’d decided we needed to take a shot at addressing the component creation process. Our goal being to reduce or eliminate one of the slowest, most non-value added processes in your workflow. (This is the stuff that really slows you down and only gets harder as the parts get more sophisticated.)
That being said, this is only part of our ongoing efforts to make library development and the problems with quick, quality component creation faced by so many users (whether professionals or hobbyists or students) a thing of the past. It’s also the first step in treating ECAD parts and their MCAD equivalents as a single component creation process which shouldn’t be decoupled (after all, it’s the same datasheet whether you’re making parts in EAGLE or in Fusion360).
Now on to the show!
library.io – 2D & 3D Parametric Package Generation
Today we launch library.io…A completely free site that integrates seamlessly with EAGLE and Fusion 360 and which includes, amongst other things, parametric PCB package AND 3D model generation, with a new IPC-compliant footprint calculator. This site replaces the previous https://hub.circuits.io managed library site however all of your managed libraries will work without issue and all of the content has already been ‘migrated’ into the new site.
Read More: EAGLE 8.7 – Parametric 2D & 3D model generation, library.io, more!
- What is the main focus of the EAGLE 8.7 release?
The release focuses largely on libraries and library development to improve 3D modeling of finished PCBs. - How does library.io integrate with other tools?
It integrates seamlessly with EAGLE and Fusion 360. - Does library.io cost money to use?
No, it is described as a completely free site. - What specific calculators are included in the new platform?
The platform includes a new IPC-compliant footprint calculator. - Can users still access their previous managed libraries?
Yes, all managed libraries work without issue after migration. - What types of models can be generated using the new features?
Users can generate parametric 2D and 3D models. - Why did the team decide to address component creation?
To reduce or eliminate one of the slowest and most non-value added processes in the workflow. - How does this release treat ECAD parts versus MCAD equivalents?
Treats them as a single component creation process that should not be decoupled.
