Why mechanical parts?
Mechanical parts are an odd thing to include in a schematic capture utility. However, there are several reasons for doing this: • For completeness of the bill of materials – mechanical parts cost money too • Some mechanical parts (such as standoffs) require layout parts, usually mounting holes. If the parts are not included then there must be external record of what mounting holes are necessary, etc. You also often need to show that these parts are connected to some ground plane or other copper area. Keeping this information elsewhere unnecessarily increases complexity. • We need to find mechanical parts too – it’s not simple to find screws or standoffs sometimes. Electrical hobbyists don’t usually think too much about enclosures or mounting or connectors but it’s often crucial. The parts list shows you where you can get them and at what price. • To keep track of custom part number provided by, for instance, a board house.
