free? CAD models

Looks like a big time saver.

yes, even if you don't use it as and you do need to verify it is correct it is a time saver that someone has done much of the work

I've been building 3D models of my devices since the late 80's/early 90's. [I still have AME 1 on floppies, somewhere] Of course, back then, you had to treat the mechanical and electrical issues separately (which leaves open the possibility of them getting out of sync)

It is a huge labor-saver as it lets you see "reality" without the time and expense of BUILDING those things. Nowadays, you can manipulate 3D objects in real-time with a good motion controller and a modest CPU/GPU.

But, like all EDA tools, there is a high cost of admission -- not in the tools but, rather, the libraries (symbols, packages, etc.). And, they (until recently) weren't "portable" from one platform to another. So, you had to make a commitment to a tool chain to take advantage of all it *could* offer (and then HOPE that it actually stayed around long enough to offer those things!)

I've been using Kicad for a while and it is pretty damn good and free. For pretty much all the components JLCPCB have, a python scripts gets you symbol and their footprint, in kicad format with and 3D step model

I got in bed with AutoCAD for 3D modeling in the late 80's so my "investment" (in libraries, tools and skillset) has been there.

But, I gave up on photorealistic rendering many years ago (having previously used it to show clients what their products would ACTUALLY look like before the design was complete).

Instead, just let me see how things will FIT together and any problems I may encounter in servicing, etc. (e.g., when you discover you've got a skyscraper component making access to some tiny, adjacent SMT part a bit of a hassle)

When we have practical 3D displays, this will be a lot easier. Now, it takes a bit of work to manipulate components to watch HOW they come together (instead of just IF they can fit together)