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Scaling issue when Importing SW files in Autocad via "Exchange Works"

Scaling issue when Importing SW files in Autocad via "Exchange Works"

Scaling issue when Importing SW files in Autocad via "Exchange Works"

(OP)
Hi-

When I import an SW file into AutoCad via "Exchange Works" the part always imports larger into AutoCad than it's actual size in SW. For example: a part that has a length dimension in SW of 10.11 inches in SW has to be scaled down in AutoCad by 0.0393 to get the 10.11 inches. I checked my AutoCad import scaling units - they are set to inches.

What am I doing wrong?

RE: Scaling issue when Importing SW files in Autocad via "Exchange Works"

I've had some weird things with ACAD, too.

I think it comes down to ACAD being a unit-less system.  There really aren't inches in ACAD per se, but units that are consistent with one another in a given file.

To what decimal place is your scaling giving you accuracy?  Do you hit it dead-on with the scale you're using (0.0393)?  Do other models perform exactly the same way?

What file format are you importing into ACAD?  DWG?  DXF?  3D file of some sort?

Jeff Mowry
Industrial Designhaus, LLC
http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

RE: Scaling issue when Importing SW files in Autocad via "Exchange Works"

Hmmm ... .0393" = 1mm

RE: Scaling issue when Importing SW files in Autocad via "Exchange Works"

(OP)
I thought that I had it but.....

The SW part was drawn by someone else in SW in inches. I Had my SW units set to mm. I changed it back to inches (re-saved) and made sure that the AutoCAD user preferences "drag and drop scale" was set to inches for both "Source content units" & "Target drawing units" under the "drad and drop scale" settings.

When I imported the part (12.11 inches in length) into AutoCAD using "XchangeWorks" the part was (256.7940 inches in length).

There is certainly some connection with mm here. Any other thoughts?


RE: Scaling issue when Importing SW files in Autocad via "Exchange Works"

With SW, it's pretty straight-forward because you're always dealing with real size in space--whether you measure in mm or inches, you still have the same amount of real mass.  So normally by changing your units, you're simply changing the units being displayed that demark your part.

Somehow I suspect the problem might lie in a default import unit within XchangeWorks or some similar issue within that program.  Strange.

Jeff Mowry
Industrial Designhaus, LLC
http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

RE: Scaling issue when Importing SW files in Autocad via "Exchange Works"

(OP)
I've tried everything - Still not working. Any last thoughts?

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