Tag Archives: Import Export

Selecting Custom Templates for Imported Files

Posted on January 15, 2013 by Joseph Richter

When importing non-SolidWorks part or assembly files from clients or vendors the SolidWorks templates used for the file conversion can be specified.  Instead of having to open and change units, precision, or add file properties on every single imported part save some time with this tip.

In order to adjust the templates that SolidWorks uses for imported files select Tools > Options > System Options > Default Templates.  Under Default Template you can map the preferred part and assembly template for SolidWorks to use during the import process.

Or instead of always using a specific template you could select the setting ‘Prompt the user to select document template’.  With this setting enabled SolidWorks will prompt you for which template to use the next time you import a file.

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Importing/Exporting Formats within SolidWorks

Posted on January 4, 2013 by Quinton Rocke

Many SolidWorks users already know you can import and export the common 3D CAD files such as IGES, STEP, and Parasolid.  What most don’t realize is vast number of less common file types SolidWorks has the ability to work with. For example did you know you can import & export Adobe Illustrator files?  The following table displays the data translation methods available:

For more information on compatible file types see the SolidWorks help file.  In addition SolidWorks is always improving the importing and exporting with each version of the software so its a good idea to check the what’s new guides each year.

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Bounding Box for Machined parts

Posted on November 29, 2012 by Michael Nolte

A lot of time when you’re machining a part you may need a rough size of material stock to start with. The bounding box ability is a quick way of getting a starting stock size. In SolidWorks 2013 the bounding box is a newly added feature for sheet metal and weldments however it this can also be used for any part in SolidWorks.

Here are the steps:
-Open the part you want a bounding box on.
-Select insert menu > Weldments > Structural Member
-Cancel out of the PropertyManager for Structural Member (This causes your SolidBodies folder to show up in the FeatureManager Design Tree as a “Cut List” folder)
-Right-Click over the “Cut List” Folder and select update


-Right-Click over the “Cut-List-Item” folder and select “Create Bounding Box”

 

When you expand your “Cut-List-Item”

folder you will now see a 3D sketch that is the bounding box. If you right-click over the ”Cut-List-Item” folder and select Properties you will have “Cut List Properties” for “3D-Bounding Box Thickness”, “3D-Bounding Box Width”, “3D-Bounding Box Length” and “3D-Bounding Box Volume”

Note: Make a copy of your part because once your SolidBodies folder is changed to a “Cut List” folder it cannot be changed back.

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DDi CADcast 2013 What’s New: Fundamentals

Posted on November 16, 2012 by Brad Rach

This DDi CADcast covers the new features and enhancements to the fundamental functionality in SolidWorks 2013.

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Relocating the origin of imported models

Posted on November 6, 2012 by Joseph Richter

When downloading non-native SolidWorks models from suppliers or clients for use in assemblies, occasionally the origin is in the wrong place.  This presents a challenge, as this is a dumb solid with the default Origin and Reference Planes away from the geometry.

In order to adjust this simply add a new coordinate system to the model and then export as a parasolid and then re-import it back into SolidWorks. 

To do this first you will need to add a sketch point onto the model Geometry that can be used to define the Origin of a new Coordinate System.  Then insert a Coordinate System from Insert>Reference Geometry>Coordinate System selecting the skech point to define the Origin.

With the new coordinate system in the model, Save As and change the File Type to Parasolid (*.X_T).  In the Save As dialog box, select the Options Button in the lower left hand corner.  From the options Dialog proceed to select the Coordinate System to Export with.

Select the coordinate system you created and save.  Close the existing file after export.  Open/Import the new Parasolid (*.X_T) that was just created to find the model with the Origin and Reference Planes in the desired location.

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