What is the RAYPCB KiCad Plugin?
The RAYPCB KiCad Plugin is an add-on for KiCad that allows you to easily prepare your PCB designs for manufacturing with RAYPCB and place orders, all from within the KiCad interface. Some key features of the plugin include:
- Automated PCB fabrication and assembly quoting based on your design
- Real-time design for manufacturing (DFM) checks to ensure your board is optimized for production
- One-click ordering of PCB fabrication, components, and turnkey assembly services
- Order management and tracking from within KiCad
By integrating RAYPCB’s services directly into KiCad, the plugin simplifies the process of going from a completed design to a physical prototype or production run of boards. It saves time and eliminates the manual steps typically required to get quotes, perform DFM checks, export design files, and place orders through a PCB manufacturer’s website.
How the RAYPCB KiCad Plugin Works
Using the RAYPCB plugin is a straightforward process integrated into the typical KiCad design workflow:
- Design your PCB in KiCad as usual
- Run the integrated DFM checks to identify any issues
- Click to get an instant quote for fabrication and assembly based on your design
- Finalize your design and create production files
- Click to order your boards and components from RAYPCB
- Track the status of your order from within KiCad
At each step, the plugin communicates with RAYPCB’s systems to seamlessly exchange design data and order details behind the scenes. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key features and benefits.
Instant Quoting
One of the most useful features of the RAYPCB plugin is the ability to get instant quotes for your PCB based on the current design. Simply click the “Quote This Design” button and the plugin will analyze your PCB and send the key specifications to RAYPCB to generate a quote.
Quotes are typically returned within seconds and will itemize the costs for PCB fabrication, component sourcing, assembly, and any additional services or options you’ve selected. Having real-time visibility into project costs from within KiCad allows you to make design decisions with cost in mind and reduces the back-and-forth typically required to get quotes.
Real-Time Design Checking
Another major benefit of the RAYPCB plugin is the integration of automated DFM checks. These analyze your board against RAYPCB’s manufacturing capabilities and identify any potential issues that could impact production.
DFM checks scan your design for problems like:
- Trace and space violations
- Drill and via sizes
- Solder mask and silkscreen issues
- Component footprint problems
- Testpoint and Fiducial placement
Issues are flagged directly in the KiCad design view, making them easy to locate and resolve. The plugin can be configured to run checks in real-time as you design or on-demand when you are ready to order. This helps catch and correct problems early, preventing delays in production.
One-Click Ordering
Perhaps the biggest time-saver offered by the RAYPCB plugin is the ability to place an order for your completed design with a single click. Once you’ve finalized your design and are ready to order boards, simply click the “Order from RAYPCB” button.
The plugin will collect all the necessary design files, create an order with your quantities and options, and send it to RAYPCB for processing. You can add any additional notes or instructions and confirm the final pricing before submitting the order.
For designs that require sourcing components, the plugin will also generate and validate your bill of materials against RAYPCB’s component inventory. Any unavailable or non-standard parts will be flagged so you can resolve them before placing your order.
Order Management
After placing an order, you can view and manage it directly from the KiCad interface using the RAYPCB plugin. The “Orders” tab will show a list of all your recent orders with key details like:
- Order number
- Submission date
- Quantity and lead time
- Order status
- Payment status
- Tracking number(s)
You can open an order to view more details and make certain changes like quantity or shipping address if needed. Once your order is complete, the tracking information will also be available so you can monitor your shipment right from within KiCad.
Benefits of Using the RAYPCB KiCad Plugin
Using the RAYPCB plugin provides a number of important benefits to KiCad users and makes the process of going from design to manufactured boards much faster and easier compared to typical workflows.
Some of the key advantages include:
Streamlined Workflow
By integrating quoting, DFM checks, ordering, and order management directly into KiCad, the RAYPCB plugin significantly streamlines the PCB design and manufacturing workflow. Manual steps like exporting design files, uploading them to a manufacturer’s website, manually entering order details, and tracking orders through external systems are eliminated.
This simplified workflow can save hours or even days of time, freeing engineers and procurement teams up to focus on more important tasks. It also reduces the chances for errors that can occur when manually transferring data between systems.
Instant Project Visibility
Getting early visibility into the manufacturing costs and capabilities associated with your design is critical for staying on schedule and budget. The RAYPCB plugin’s instant quoting and real-time DFM feedback provide this visibility from the start of the design process.
Being able to make decisions with cost, lead time, and manufacturing complexity in mind results in a design that is optimized for production from the beginning. It avoids unpleasant surprises later in the design cycle that can lead to re-spins and delays.
Reduced Errors and Delays
The manual processes traditionally required to take a PCB design into production are prone to human errors that cause delays and add costs. Common issues include manually entered data that doesn’t match the design, incorrect or missing files, and problems translating requirements to manufacturers.
By automating the transfer of data between KiCad and RAYPCB, the plugin eliminates many of these potential failure points. The DFM checks also catch issues that could become production delays early in the cycle when they are much less costly to address.
Accelerated Prototype and Production Cycles
Ultimately, all of these benefits add up to a faster prototype and production process when using the RAYPCB KiCad plugin. The streamlined workflow, increased visibility, and reduction in errors allow you to go from design to boards in your hands much more efficiently.
This accelerated development cycle allows you to iterate your design more quickly and reach market with your products faster. When deadlines are critical, this can provide a true competitive advantage.
Pricing and Availability
The RAYPCB KiCad plugin is available now at no cost as part of RAYPCB’s mission to make high-quality PCB fabrication and assembly services as accessible and streamlined as possible.
To get started with the plugin:
- Download and install the latest version of KiCad if you haven’t already
- Download the RAYPCB Plugin from the RAYPCB website
- Install the plugin following the provided instructions
- Start using the plugin with your next KiCad design
Pricing for PCB fabrication, component sourcing, and assembly services follows RAYPCB’s standard pricing model with additional discounts available for higher volume orders. The plugin makes it easy to configure your options and quantities to compare costs and lead times.
FAQs
What versions of KiCad is the RAYPCB plugin compatible with?
The plugin is compatible with KiCad 5.1.6 and later on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Older versions of KiCad are not supported.
Are there any limitations on the complexity of designs I can order with the plugin?
The RAYPCB plugin can be used with a wide variety of PCB designs, from simple 2-layer boards to complex multi-layer designs with advanced features and materials. If you’re unsure whether your design is a fit, you can always get a quick quote using the plugin to confirm capabilities and costs.
What types of components can I have RAYPCB source for my design?
RAYPCB maintains an extensive library of components and can source most common parts and packages for your design. In the rare case where a part is unavailable, the plugin will flag it during the quoting and ordering process so you can find an alternative.
How quickly will I receive my boards after placing an order?
Standard lead times for PCB fabrication and assembly through RAYPCB are 5-15 days depending on your design complexity and selected options. Expedited production is also available if you need your boards faster.
What type of support is available if I encounter issues with the plugin?
RAYPCB provides expert support for the KiCad plugin through their technical support channels. You can reach them via email, live chat, or phone with any issues you encounter or questions about your order.
Summary
The new RAYPCB plugin for KiCad is a powerful tool for engineers looking to streamline their PCB development process and bring their products to market faster. By integrating RAYPCB’s best-in-class PCB fabrication and assembly services directly into the KiCad design environment, the plugin significantly reduces the time and effort required to go from design to physical boards.
Real-time DFM feedback, instant quotes, one-click ordering, and order management features eliminate many of the manual processes and potential delays typically encountered when working with PCB manufacturers. The result is a simplified workflow that allows you to focus on your design rather than managing production logistics.
If you’re a KiCad user looking to work more efficiently and get high-quality boards delivered faster, download the RAYPCB plugin and try it for free with your next design. For more information and support, visit the RAYPCB KiCad Plugin page.
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