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DXFs from SolidWorks

DXFs from SolidWorks

DXFs from SolidWorks

(OP)
   I want to convert a folder full of SolidWorks drawings into DXF files.  Is there a program out there that will do that, or do I have to do it from SolidWorks?

   The ideal case is that SolidWorks itself would not be required, and our purchasing department could do it.

                         JHG

RE: DXFs from SolidWorks

I thought I remember seeing a macro for this, but can not find it now. I will look.
Can I make a suggestion? It would have to be done from SW. Do not give purchasing access to your files. Send them PDF's. Most companies I have worked with, purchasing thinks they have the right to change them.
IMO

Chris
Sr. Mechanical Designer, CAD
SolidWorks 05 SP3.1 / PDMWorks 05
ctopher's home site (updated 06-21-05)
FAQ559-1100
FAQ559-716

RE: DXFs from SolidWorks

I agree with ctopher.  PDFs or give them SW Viewer.

"I think there is a world market for maybe five computers."
Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943.
Have you read FAQ731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

RE: DXFs from SolidWorks

And make your files read-only on your network for them.

Jason

RE: DXFs from SolidWorks

As far as batch converting SW drawings to DXF, task scheduler may be able to do this, but I have had great success with a product called PAC4SWX.  It is available at the below site:
http://swtools.cad.de/us_prog_pac.htm

RE: DXFs from SolidWorks

(OP)
ctopher,

   Thanks.  The fabricator requested DXFs, so I am sending him DXFs.  

   Our files are in SmarTeam.  Our purchasing cannot modify SolidWorks files.  They just phone the shop and tell them what they want changed.  <:O

   PDF and other data formats that reliably show tolerances and GD&T specifications are a separate issue, and one that is seriously pissing me off.  I am extremely unhappy about DXF files going out by themselves.  Our vendor will use them to program MasterCAM.  Meanwhile, I have printed off paper, correctly, and to scale.

                        JHG

RE: DXFs from SolidWorks

Sending DXF to the fabricator is no problem. We do it all the time. I always send the PDF drawing with it.
If possible I usually will call them and find out what system they use and send the appropriate CAD file for CAM in place of DXF.
Control all SolidWorks files yourself and no access thru any other dept, except maybe the machine shop via PDMWorks/SmarTeam.
Every dwg we release for production gets translated to PDF and stored in a read only folder. Anyone within the company has access to do what is needed to make the part.

Chris
Sr. Mechanical Designer, CAD
SolidWorks 05 SP3.1 / PDMWorks 05
ctopher's home site (updated 06-21-05)
FAQ559-1100
FAQ559-716

RE: DXFs from SolidWorks

JHG,

Just a little history on dxf files. One reason that dxf translate so differently across platform and software is that the protocol itself really is not owned by any one source.  "data eXchange Format" started out kinda free, so as others used it to share information, the translators all didn't work the same.  So your GD&T and other specific features don't always come out well, or at all.  Or at least from my past knowledge.  I'll have to dig a bit more to make sure.

As Chris stated, I also send out pdf files along with dxfs, because the data can always be manipulated easy, pdfs are more static, so it's a good idea.

I know the pain, I'm the only SW user in an ALL Acad world.

John

RE: DXFs from SolidWorks

(OP)
SolidsMaster,

   The reason I do not trust DXF is that we are relying on the other guy's translator.  Maybe the authors did not understand the standard.  Maybe they were sloppy.  Maybe it apparently did not matter.  GD&T symbols are implemented by fonts on my computer, and not necessarily on yours.

   I have just been informed at work that DXF is absolutely reliable, and a complete drawing transfer format.  Is anyone aware of any history to the contrary?

                         JHG

RE: DXFs from SolidWorks

I have used DXF for almost 20 years and has never been 100% reliable. Scaling can change, lines cut/added/removed/hidden. I only use it if it doesn't have to be 100% accurate or have tight tolerancing. The end user of DXF will almost always have to do some fixing.

Chris
Sr. Mechanical Designer, CAD
SolidWorks 05 SP3.1 / PDMWorks 05
ctopher's home site (updated 06-21-05)
FAQ559-1100
FAQ559-716

RE: DXFs from SolidWorks

I understand, but most translators are okay as long as you are transferring 1:1 data.  Make sure if you have scaled views, to use the "scale output 1:1" option to avoid someone measuring the 2 inch part at 4 inches....

I've found dxfs reliable in sense that line geometry is acurate, but as always there are instances where errors occur or you get unexpected results with other portions of the file.  Just a few days ago I had a hatch pattern turn 90degrees because the original view is SW was rotated 90 deg, so when I went to the DXF it fowled up.  This is where I see the errors, not with actual geometry, but mostly with annotations and special features.  So I always open the files up in AutoCAD to make sure they are okay enough.

Don't you just wish it was an all Solidworks world....

John

RE: DXFs from SolidWorks

... someday it will be.

With DXF, you can only use the geometry. Do not use hatch, text, or other ref. Save as DXF 1/1 scale... MOST of the time will be OK, but not always.
I will always try to send any format other than DXF if the end user can read the other format.

Chris
Sr. Mechanical Designer, CAD
SolidWorks 05 SP3.1 / PDMWorks 05
ctopher's home site (updated 06-21-05)
FAQ559-1100
FAQ559-716

RE: DXFs from SolidWorks

Drawoh

If your vender is using mastercam software why not send them a parasolid file of your part. Matercam can directly import parasolid and I would think that the accuracy would be a lot better with a parasolid.
We use mastercam here and the cam software automaticly converts our solidworks files to use. I beleive it is using parasolid to do this.

Roger

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