PCB Product Render

Use this skill when a user wants a KiCad PCB exported to STEP/GLB and rendered as realistic product imagery. The desired result is a clean product photograph/render, not a flat KiCad preview or vector-like orthographic diagram.

Required workflow

1. Identify the project root and the authoritative .kicad_pcb. If the user says “latest board,” always regenerate the STEP and GLB before rendering; never reuse an older GLB based only on its filename.
2. Run a current DRC report. Stop on violations unless the user has explicitly authorized proceeding (an earlier authorization applies only to that project/task). Record the report path and counts in the handoff.
3. Export with kicad-cli pcb export step and kicad-cli pcb export glb, using --force --no-dnp --subst-models. For the GLB include tracks, pads, zones, silkscreen, soldermask, and --cut-vias-in-body when supported.
4. Inspect the exported scene before rendering. Confirm the rounded outline and every mounting/cutout hole are present. Remove only unnecessary 3D header models; retain their footprints and pads. If a known vendor model is missing, use a deterministic custom Blender fallback and state that it is a fallback.
5. Render at least hero, near-overhead top, sensor/detail, and back views. Use Cycles with denoising and inspect the actual PNGs—not only a successful Blender exit code.
6. Verify dimensions, output timestamps, and any gallery/server endpoints. If an HTML gallery already exists, keep its filenames stable so it refreshes without breaking links.

Material targets