[Stencil_3D] New output

- KiKit's "stencil createprinted"

CHANGELOG.md

@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ and this project adheres to [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org/spec/v2.0.0
   - `populate` to create step-by-step assembly instructions
     With support for `pcbdraw` and `render_3d`.
   - `panelize` to create a PCB panel containing N copies of the PCB.
+  - `stencil_3d` to create 3D self-registering printable stencils.
 - generic filters: options to filter by PCB side
 - BoM:
   - Option to link to Mouser site.

README.md

@@ -97,6 +97,8 @@ For example, it's common that you might want for each board rev:
 * PCB 3D model in STEP format
 * PCB 3D render in PNG format
 * Compare PCB/SCHs
+* Panelization
+* Stencil creation
 
 You want to do this in a one-touch way, and make sure everything you need to
 do so is securely saved in version control, not on the back of an old
@@ -142,6 +144,9 @@ Notes:
   - Show KiAuto installation information for `info` (v2.0.0)
   - Print the page frame in GUI mode for `pcb_print` (v1.6.7)
 
+[**KiKit**](https://github.com/yaqwsx/KiKit) [![Tool](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/INTI-CMNB/KiBot/master/docs/images/llave-inglesa-22x22.png)](https://github.com/yaqwsx/KiKit) ![Auto-download](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/INTI-CMNB/KiBot/master/docs/images/auto_download-22x22.png)
+- Mandatory for: `panelize`, `stencil_3d`
+
 [**LXML**](https://pypi.org/project/LXML/) [![Python module](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/INTI-CMNB/KiBot/master/docs/images/Python-logo-notext-22x22.png)](https://pypi.org/project/LXML/) [![Debian](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/INTI-CMNB/KiBot/master/docs/images/debian-openlogo-22x22.png)](https://packages.debian.org/bullseye/python3-lxml) ![Auto-download](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/INTI-CMNB/KiBot/master/docs/images/auto_download-22x22.png)
 - Mandatory for: `pcb_print`, `pcbdraw`
 
@@ -158,12 +163,12 @@ Notes:
 [**KiCad PCB/SCH Diff**](https://github.com/INTI-CMNB/KiDiff) v2.4.3 [![Tool](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/INTI-CMNB/KiBot/master/docs/images/llave-inglesa-22x22.png)](https://github.com/INTI-CMNB/KiDiff) ![Auto-download](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/INTI-CMNB/KiBot/master/docs/images/auto_download-22x22.png)
 - Mandatory for `diff`
 
-[**KiKit**](https://github.com/yaqwsx/KiKit) [![Tool](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/INTI-CMNB/KiBot/master/docs/images/llave-inglesa-22x22.png)](https://github.com/yaqwsx/KiKit) ![Auto-download](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/INTI-CMNB/KiBot/master/docs/images/auto_download-22x22.png)
-- Mandatory for `panelize`
-
 [**mistune**](https://pypi.org/project/mistune/) [![Python module](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/INTI-CMNB/KiBot/master/docs/images/Python-logo-notext-22x22.png)](https://pypi.org/project/mistune/) [![Debian](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/INTI-CMNB/KiBot/master/docs/images/debian-openlogo-22x22.png)](https://packages.debian.org/bullseye/python3-mistune)
 - Mandatory for `populate`
 
+[**OpenSCAD**](https://openscad.org/) [![Tool](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/INTI-CMNB/KiBot/master/docs/images/llave-inglesa-22x22.png)](https://openscad.org/) [![Debian](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/INTI-CMNB/KiBot/master/docs/images/debian-openlogo-22x22.png)](https://packages.debian.org/bullseye/openscad)
+- Mandatory for `stencil_3d`
+
 [**QRCodeGen**](https://pypi.org/project/QRCodeGen/) [![Python module](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/INTI-CMNB/KiBot/master/docs/images/Python-logo-notext-22x22.png)](https://pypi.org/project/QRCodeGen/) [![PyPi dependency](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/INTI-CMNB/KiBot/master/docs/images/PyPI_logo_simplified-22x22.png)](https://pypi.org/project/QRCodeGen/) [![Debian](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/INTI-CMNB/KiBot/master/docs/images/debian-openlogo-22x22.png)](https://packages.debian.org/bullseye/python3-qrcodegen) ![Auto-download](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/INTI-CMNB/KiBot/master/docs/images/auto_download-22x22.png)
 - Mandatory for `qr_lib`
 
@@ -3555,6 +3560,55 @@ Notes:
                   Internally we use 10 for low priority, 90 for high priority and 50 for most outputs.
     - `run_by_default`: [boolean=true] When enabled this output will be created when no specific outputs are requested.
 
+* 3D Printed Stencils
+  * Type: `stencil_3d`
+  * Description: Creates a 3D self-registering model of a stencil you can easily print on
+                 SLA printer, you can use it to apply solder paste to your PCB.
+                 These stencils are quick solution when you urgently need a stencil but probably
+                 they don't last long and might come with imperfections.
+                 It currently uses KiKit, so please read
+                 [KiKit docs](https://github.com/yaqwsx/KiKit/blob/master/doc/stencil.md).
+                 Note that we don't implement `--ignore` option, you should use a variant for this
+  * Valid keys:
+    - **`comment`**: [string=''] A comment for documentation purposes.
+    - **`dir`**: [string='./'] Output directory for the generated files.
+                 If it starts with `+` the rest is concatenated to the default dir.
+    - **`name`**: [string=''] Used to identify this particular output definition.
+    - **`options`**: [dict] Options for the `Stencil_3D` output.
+      * Valid keys:
+        - **`output`**: [string='%f-%i%I%v.%x'] Filename for the output (%i='stencil_3d_top'|'stencil_3d_bottom'|'stencil_3d_edge',
+                        %x='stl'|'scad'|'dxf'). Affected by global options.
+        - **`thickness`**: [number=0.15] Stencil thickness [mm]. Defines amount of paste dispensed.
+        - `cutout`: [string|list(string)] List of components to add a cutout based on the component courtyard.
+                    This is useful when you have already pre-populated board and you want to populate more
+                    components.
+        - `dnf_filter`: [string|list(string)='_none'] Name of the filter to mark components as not fitted.
+                        A short-cut to use for simple cases where a variant is an overkill.
+        - *enlarge_holes*: Alias for enlarge_holes.
+        - `enlargeholes`: [number=0] Enlarge pad holes by x mm.
+        - *frame_clearance*: Alias for frameclearance.
+        - *frame_width*: Alias for framewidth.
+        - `frameclearance`: [number=0] Clearance for the stencil register [mm].
+        - `framewidth`: [number=1] Register frame width.
+        - `include_scad`: [boolean=true] Include the generated OpenSCAD files. Note that this also includes the DXF files.
+        - *pcb_thickness*: Alias for pcbthickness.
+        - `pcbthickness`: [number=0] PCB thickness [mm]. If 0 we will ask KiCad.
+        - `pre_transform`: [string|list(string)='_none'] Name of the filter to transform fields before applying other filters.
+                           A short-cut to use for simple cases where a variant is an overkill.
+        - `side`: [string='auto'] [top,bottom,auto,both] Which side of the PCB we want. Using `auto` will detect which
+                  side contains solder paste.
+        - `variant`: [string=''] Board variant to apply.
+    - `category`: [string|list(string)=''] The category for this output. If not specified an internally defined category is used.
+                  Categories looks like file system paths, i.e. PCB/fabrication/gerber.
+    - `disable_run_by_default`: [string|boolean] Use it to disable the `run_by_default` status of other output.
+                                Useful when this output extends another and you don't want to generate the original.
+                                Use the boolean true value to disable the output you are extending.
+    - `extends`: [string=''] Copy the `options` section from the indicated output.
+    - `output_id`: [string=''] Text to use for the %I expansion content. To differentiate variations of this output.
+    - `priority`: [number=50] [0,100] Priority for this output. High priority outputs are created first.
+                  Internally we use 10 for low priority, 90 for high priority and 50 for most outputs.
+    - `run_by_default`: [boolean=true] When enabled this output will be created when no specific outputs are requested.
+
 * STEP (ISO 10303-21 Clear Text Encoding of the Exchange Structure)
   * Type: `step`
   * Description: Exports the PCB as a 3D model.

docs/README.in

@@ -96,6 +96,8 @@ For example, it's common that you might want for each board rev:
 * PCB 3D model in STEP format
 * PCB 3D render in PNG format
 * Compare PCB/SCHs
+* Panelization
+* Stencil creation
 
 You want to do this in a one-touch way, and make sure everything you need to
 do so is securely saved in version control, not on the back of an old

docs/samples/generic_plot.kibot.yaml

@@ -2460,6 +2460,52 @@ outputs:
       title: ''
       # [string=''] Board variant to apply
       variant: ''
+  # 3D Printed Stencils:
+  # SLA printer, you can use it to apply solder paste to your PCB.
+  # These stencils are quick solution when you urgently need a stencil but probably
+  # they don't last long and might come with imperfections.
+  # It currently uses KiKit, so please read
+  # [KiKit docs](https://github.com/yaqwsx/KiKit/blob/master/doc/stencil.md).
+  # Note that we don't implement `--ignore` option, you should use a variant for this
+  - name: 'stencil_3d_example'
+    comment: 'Creates a 3D self-registering model of a stencil you can easily print on'
+    type: 'stencil_3d'
+    dir: 'Example/stencil_3d_dir'
+    options:
+      # [string|list(string)] List of components to add a cutout based on the component courtyard.
+      # This is useful when you have already pre-populated board and you want to populate more
+      # components
+      cutout: ''
+      # [string|list(string)='_none'] Name of the filter to mark components as not fitted.
+      # A short-cut to use for simple cases where a variant is an overkill
+      dnf_filter: '_none'
+      # `enlarge_holes` is an alias for `enlarge_holes`
+      # [number=0] Enlarge pad holes by x mm
+      enlargeholes: 0
+      # `frame_clearance` is an alias for `frameclearance`
+      # `frame_width` is an alias for `framewidth`
+      # [number=0] Clearance for the stencil register [mm]
+      frameclearance: 0
+      # [number=1] Register frame width
+      framewidth: 1
+      # [boolean=true] Include the generated OpenSCAD files. Note that this also includes the DXF files
+      include_scad: true
+      # [string='%f-%i%I%v.%x'] Filename for the output (%i='stencil_3d_top'|'stencil_3d_bottom'|'stencil_3d_edge',
+      # %x='stl'|'scad'|'dxf'). Affected by global options
+      output: '%f-%i%I%v.%x'
+      # `pcb_thickness` is an alias for `pcbthickness`
+      # [number=0] PCB thickness [mm]. If 0 we will ask KiCad
+      pcbthickness: 0
+      # [string|list(string)='_none'] Name of the filter to transform fields before applying other filters.
+      # A short-cut to use for simple cases where a variant is an overkill
+      pre_transform: '_none'
+      # [string='auto'] [top,bottom,auto,both] Which side of the PCB we want. Using `auto` will detect which
+      # side contains solder paste
+      side: 'auto'
+      # [number=0.15] Stencil thickness [mm]. Defines amount of paste dispensed
+      thickness: 0.15
+      # [string=''] Board variant to apply
+      variant: ''
   # STEP (ISO 10303-21 Clear Text Encoding of the Exchange Structure):
   # This is the most common 3D format for exchange purposes.
   # This output is what you get from the 'File/Export/STEP' menu in pcbnew.

kibot/dep_downloader.py

@@ -69,6 +69,10 @@ Dependencies:
     debian: python3-lxml
     arch: python-lxml
     downloader: python
+  - name: KiKit
+    github: yaqwsx/KiKit
+    pypi: KiKit
+    downloader: pytool
 """
 import importlib
 import os
@@ -559,6 +563,9 @@ def run_command(cmd, only_first_line=False, pre_ver_text=None, no_err_2=False):
         return None
     last_stderr = res_run.stderr.decode()
     res = res_run.stdout.decode().strip()
+    if len(res) == 0 and len(last_stderr) != 0:
+        # Ok, yes, OpenSCAD prints its version to stderr!!!
+        res = last_stderr
     if only_first_line:
         res = res.split('\n')[0]
     pre_vers = (cmd[0]+' version ', cmd[0]+' ', pre_ver_text)

kibot/gs.py

@@ -377,6 +377,19 @@ class GS(object):
         copy2(pro_name, pro_copy)
         return pro_copy
 
+    @staticmethod
+    def get_pcb_and_pro_names(name):
+        if GS.ki5:
+            return [name, name.replace('kicad_pcb', 'pro')]
+        return [name, name.replace('kicad_pcb', 'kicad_pro'), name.replace('kicad_pcb', 'kicad_prl')]
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def remove_pcb_and_pro(name):
+        """ Used to remove temporal PCB and project files """
+        for fn in GS.get_pcb_and_pro_names(name):
+            if os.path.isfile(fn):
+                os.remove(fn)
+
     @staticmethod
     def load_board():
         """ Will be repplaced by kiplot.py """

kibot/misc.py

@@ -242,6 +242,7 @@ W_PCBDRAW = '(W103) '
 W_NOCRTYD = '(W104) '
 W_PANELEMPTY = '(W105) '
 W_ONWIN = '(W106) '
+W_AUTONONE = '(W106) '
 # Somehow arbitrary, the colors are real, but can be different
 PCB_MAT_COLORS = {'fr1': "937042", 'fr2': "949d70", 'fr3': "adacb4", 'fr4': "332B16", 'fr5': "6cc290"}
 PCB_FINISH_COLORS = {'hal': "8b898c", 'hasl': "8b898c", 'imag': "8b898c", 'enig': "cfb96e", 'enepig': "cfb96e",

kibot/out_base.py

@@ -252,6 +252,11 @@ class VariantOptions(BaseOptions):
             return []
         return [c.ref for c in self._comps if not c.fitted or not c.included]
 
+    # Here just to avoid pulling pcbnew for this
+    @staticmethod
+    def to_mm(val):
+        return ToMM(val)
+
     @staticmethod
     def create_module_element(m):
         if GS.ki6:
@@ -334,6 +339,22 @@ class VariantOptions(BaseOptions):
                     for line in restore:
                         m.Remove(line)
 
+    def detect_solder_paste(self, board):
+        """ Detects if the top and/or bottom layer has solder paste """
+        fpaste = board.GetLayerID('F.Paste')
+        bpaste = board.GetLayerID('B.Paste')
+        top = bottom = False
+        for m in GS.get_modules_board(board):
+            for p in m.Pads():
+                pad_layers = p.GetLayerSet()
+                if not top and fpaste in pad_layers.Seq():
+                    top = True
+                if not bottom and bpaste in pad_layers.Seq():
+                    bottom = True
+                if top and bottom:
+                    return top, bottom
+        return top, bottom
+
     def remove_paste_and_glue(self, board, comps_hash):
         """ Remove from solder paste layers the filtered components. """
         if comps_hash is None or not (GS.global_remove_solder_paste_for_dnp or GS.global_remove_adhesive_for_dnp):

kibot/out_panelize.py

@@ -5,10 +5,7 @@
 # Project: KiBot (formerly KiPlot)
 """
 Dependencies:
-  - name: KiKit
+  - from: KiKit
-    github: yaqwsx/KiKit
-    pypi: KiKit
-    downloader: pytool
     role: mandatory
 """
 import collections
@@ -708,10 +705,7 @@ class PanelizeOptions(VariantOptions):
             fname = self.save_tmp_board()
             self.unfilter_pcb_components(GS.board, do_3D=True)
             self.restore_title()
-            to_remove.append(fname)
+            to_remove.extend(GS.get_pcb_and_pro_names(fname))
-            to_remove.append(fname.replace('kicad_pcb', 'kicad_pro'))
-            to_remove.append(fname.replace('kicad_pcb', 'kicad_prl'))
-            to_remove.append(fname.replace('kicad_pcb', 'pro'))
             logger.debug('- Modified PCB: '+fname)
         else:
             fname = GS.pcb_file

kibot/out_stencil_3d.py

@@ -0,0 +1,180 @@
+# -*- coding: utf-8 -*-
+# Copyright (c) 2022 Salvador E. Tropea
+# Copyright (c) 2022 Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Industrial
+# License: GPL-3.0
+# Project: KiBot (formerly KiPlot)
+"""
+Dependencies:
+  - from: KiKit
+    role: mandatory
+  - name: OpenSCAD
+    url: https://openscad.org/
+    url_down: https://openscad.org/downloads.html
+    command: openscad
+    debian: openscad
+    arch: openscad
+    role: mandatory
+"""
+import os
+import shutil
+import tempfile
+from .error import PlotError
+from .gs import GS
+from .kiplot import run_command
+from .out_base import VariantOptions
+from .misc import W_AUTONONE
+from .macros import macros, document, output_class  # noqa: F401
+from . import log
+
+logger = log.get_logger()
+
+
+class Stencil_3D_Options(VariantOptions):
+    def __init__(self):
+        with document:
+            self.output = GS.def_global_output
+            """ *Filename for the output (%i='stencil_3d_top'|'stencil_3d_bottom'|'stencil_3d_edge',
+                 %x='stl'|'scad'|'dxf') """
+            self.side = 'auto'
+            """ [top,bottom,auto,both] Which side of the PCB we want. Using `auto` will detect which
+                side contains solder paste """
+            self.include_scad = True
+            """ Include the generated OpenSCAD files. Note that this also includes the DXF files """
+            self.cutout = ''
+            """ [string|list(string)] List of components to add a cutout based on the component courtyard.
+                This is useful when you have already pre-populated board and you want to populate more
+                components """
+            self.pcbthickness = 0
+            """ PCB thickness [mm]. If 0 we will ask KiCad """
+            self.pcb_thickness = None
+            """ {pcbthickness} """
+            self.thickness = 0.15
+            """ *Stencil thickness [mm]. Defines amount of paste dispensed """
+            self.framewidth = 1
+            """ Register frame width """
+            self.frame_width = None
+            """ {framewidth} """
+            self.frameclearance = 0
+            """ Clearance for the stencil register [mm] """
+            self.frame_clearance = None
+            """ {frameclearance} """
+            self.enlargeholes = 0
+            """ Enlarge pad holes by x mm """
+            self.enlarge_holes = None
+            """ {enlarge_holes} """
+        super().__init__()
+
+    def config(self, parent):
+        super().config(parent)
+        self.cutout = ','.join(self.force_list(self.cutout))
+
+    def move_output(self, src_dir, src_file, id, ext, replacement=None, patch=False):
+        self._expand_id = id
+        self._expand_ext = ext
+        dst_name = self._parent.expand_filename(self._parent.output_dir, self.output)
+        src_name = os.path.join(src_dir, src_file)
+        if not os.path.isfile(src_name):
+            raise PlotError('Missing output file {}'.format(src_name))
+        if patch:
+            # Adjust the names of the DXF files
+            with open(src_name, 'r') as f:
+                content = f.read()
+            for k, v in replacement.items():
+                content = content.replace(k, v)
+            with open(dst_name, 'w') as f:
+                f.write(content)
+        else:
+            shutil.move(src_name, dst_name)
+            if replacement is not None:
+                replacement[src_name] = os.path.basename(dst_name)
+
+    def get_targets(self, out_dir):
+        # TODO: auto side is tricky, needs variants applied
+        return [self._parent.expand_filename(out_dir, self.output)]
+
+    def run(self, output):
+        cmd_kikit = self.ensure_tool('KiKit')
+        self.ensure_tool('OpenSCAD')
+        super().run(output)
+        # Apply variants and filters
+        filtered = self.filter_pcb_components(GS.board)
+        if self.side == 'auto':
+            detected_top, detected_bottom = self.detect_solder_paste(GS.board)
+        fname = self.save_tmp_board() if filtered else GS.pcb_file
+        if filtered:
+            self.unfilter_pcb_components(GS.board)
+        # Avoid running the tool if we will generate useless models
+        if self.side == 'auto' and not detected_top and not detected_bottom:
+            logger.warning(W_AUTONONE+'No solder paste detected, skipping 3D stencil generation')
+            return
+        # If no PCB thickness indicated ask KiCad
+        if not self.pcbthickness:
+            ds = GS.board.GetDesignSettings()
+            self.pcbthickness = self.to_mm(ds.GetBoardThickness())
+        # Create the command line
+        cmd = [cmd_kikit, 'stencil', 'createprinted',
+               '--thickness', str(self.thickness),
+               '--framewidth', str(self.framewidth),
+               '--pcbthickness', str(self.pcbthickness)]
+        if self.cutout:
+            cmd.extend(['--coutout', self.cutout])
+        if self.frameclearance:
+            cmd.extend(['--frameclearance', str(self.frameclearance)])
+        if self.enlargeholes:
+            cmd.extend(['--enlargeholes', str(self.enlargeholes)])
+        with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as tmp:
+            cmd.append(fname)
+            cmd.append(tmp)
+            try:
+                run_command(cmd)
+            finally:
+                # Remove temporal variant
+                if filtered:
+                    GS.remove_pcb_and_pro(fname)
+            # Now copy the files we want
+            # - Which side?
+            do_top = do_bottom = False
+            if self.side == 'top':
+                do_top = True
+            elif self.side == 'bottom':
+                do_bottom = True
+            elif self.side == 'both':
+                do_top = True
+                do_bottom = True
+            else:  # auto
+                do_top = detected_top
+                do_bottom = detected_bottom
+            prj_name = os.path.splitext(os.path.basename(fname))[0]
+            replacements = {}
+            # The edge is needed by any of the OpenSCAD files
+            if (do_top or do_bottom) and self.include_scad:
+                self.move_output(tmp, prj_name+'-EdgeCuts.dxf', 'stencil_3d_edge', 'dxf', replacements)
+            # Top side
+            if do_top:
+                self.move_output(tmp, 'topStencil.stl', 'stencil_3d_top', 'stl')
+                if self.include_scad:
+                    self.move_output(tmp, prj_name+'-PasteTop.dxf', 'stencil_3d_top', 'dxf', replacements)
+                    self.move_output(tmp, 'topStencil.scad', 'stencil_3d_top', 'scad', replacements, patch=True)
+            # Bottom side
+            if do_bottom:
+                self.move_output(tmp, 'bottomStencil.stl', 'stencil_3d_bottom', 'stl')
+                if self.include_scad:
+                    self.move_output(tmp, prj_name+'-PasteBottom.dxf', 'stencil_3d_bottom', 'dxf', replacements)
+                    self.move_output(tmp, 'bottomStencil.scad', 'stencil_3d_bottom', 'scad', replacements, patch=True)
+
+
+@output_class
+class Stencil_3D(BaseOutput):  # noqa: F821
+    """ 3D Printed Stencils
+        Creates a 3D self-registering model of a stencil you can easily print on
+        SLA printer, you can use it to apply solder paste to your PCB.
+        These stencils are quick solution when you urgently need a stencil but probably
+        they don't last long and might come with imperfections.
+        It currently uses KiKit, so please read
+        [KiKit docs](https://github.com/yaqwsx/KiKit/blob/master/doc/stencil.md).
+        Note that we don't implement `--ignore` option, you should use a variant for this """
+    def __init__(self):
+        super().__init__()
+        with document:
+            self.options = Stencil_3D_Options
+            """ *[dict] Options for the `Stencil_3D` output """

src/kibot-check

@@ -558,7 +558,7 @@ deps = '{\
         "extra_arch": null,\
         "extra_deb": null,\
         "help_option": "--version",\
-        "importance": 10000,\
+        "importance": 20000,\
         "in_debian": false,\
         "is_kicad_plugin": false,\
         "is_python": false,\
@@ -575,6 +575,13 @@ deps = '{\
                 "max_version": null,\
                 "output": "panelize",\
                 "version": null\
+            },\
+            {\
+                "desc": null,\
+                "mandatory": true,\
+                "max_version": null,\
+                "output": "stencil_3d",\
+                "version": null\
             }\
         ],\
         "tests": [],\
@@ -622,6 +629,39 @@ deps = '{\
         "url": null,\
         "url_down": null\
     },\
+    "OpenSCAD": {\
+        "arch": "openscad",\
+        "command": "openscad",\
+        "comments": [],\
+        "deb_package": "openscad",\
+        "downloader": null,\
+        "downloader_str": null,\
+        "extra_arch": null,\
+        "extra_deb": null,\
+        "help_option": "--version",\
+        "importance": 10000,\
+        "in_debian": true,\
+        "is_kicad_plugin": false,\
+        "is_python": false,\
+        "name": "OpenSCAD",\
+        "no_cmd_line_version": false,\
+        "no_cmd_line_version_old": false,\
+        "output": "stencil_3d",\
+        "plugin_dirs": null,\
+        "pypi_name": "OpenSCAD",\
+        "roles": [\
+            {\
+                "desc": null,\
+                "mandatory": true,\
+                "max_version": null,\
+                "output": "stencil_3d",\
+                "version": null\
+            }\
+        ],\
+        "tests": [],\
+        "url": "https://openscad.org/",\
+        "url_down": "https://openscad.org/downloads.html"\
+    },\
     "Pandoc": {\
         "arch": "pandoc",\
         "command": "pandoc",\
@@ -1027,7 +1067,7 @@ def run_command(cmd, only_first_line=False, pre_ver_text=None, no_err_2=False):
     cmd[0] = cmd_full
     last_cmd = None
     try:
-        cmd_output = subprocess.check_output(cmd, stderr=subprocess.DEVNULL)
+        res_run = subprocess.run(cmd, check=True, capture_output=True)
         last_cmd = cmd[0]
     except FileNotFoundError as e:
         last_ok = False
@@ -1039,7 +1079,9 @@ def run_command(cmd, only_first_line=False, pre_ver_text=None, no_err_2=False):
                 print('Output from command: '+e.output.decode())
         last_ok = False
         return UNKNOWN
-    res = cmd_output.decode().strip()
+    res = res_run.stdout.decode().strip()
+    if len(res) == 0:
+        res = res_run.stderr.decode().strip()
     if only_first_line:
         res = res.split('\n')[0]
     pre_vers = (cmd[0]+' version ', cmd[0]+' ', pre_ver_text)

src/kibot-check.in

@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ def run_command(cmd, only_first_line=False, pre_ver_text=None, no_err_2=False):
     cmd[0] = cmd_full
     last_cmd = None
     try:
-        cmd_output = subprocess.check_output(cmd, stderr=subprocess.DEVNULL)
+        res_run = subprocess.run(cmd, check=True, capture_output=True)
         last_cmd = cmd[0]
     except FileNotFoundError as e:
         last_ok = False
@@ -92,7 +92,9 @@ def run_command(cmd, only_first_line=False, pre_ver_text=None, no_err_2=False):
                 print('Output from command: '+e.output.decode())
         last_ok = False
         return UNKNOWN
-    res = cmd_output.decode().strip()
+    res = res_run.stdout.decode().strip()
+    if len(res) == 0:
+        res = res_run.stderr.decode().strip()
     if only_first_line:
         res = res.split('\n')[0]
     pre_vers = (cmd[0]+' version ', cmd[0]+' ', pre_ver_text)

tests/yaml_samples/stencil_3D_1.kibot.yaml

@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+# Example KiBot config file for a basic 3D stencil
+kibot:
+  version: 1
+
+outputs:
+  - name: 'stencil'
+    comment: "Creates a 3D printable stencil"
+    type: stencil_3d
+    dir: stencil/3D