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Converting old AutoCad drawings to Models

Converting old AutoCad drawings to Models

Converting old AutoCad drawings to Models

(OP)
Two part question
I have several older Autocad drawings with tooling components detailed and I'm starting to convert them to Models. Most of the drawings only have a single Top-View with notes describing the thickness. Rather than redrawing everything from scratch in SW this is my process.
1) erase all non esential geometry from original Acad dwg including notes, hatch, etc.. this is fast with filters
2) Insert dwg file into SW sketch
3) Block the entire sketch and coincident relate the block origin to my sketch origin
4) Rename this sketch as "Master from AutoCad
5) Make a new sketch and Select and convert geometry from the master blocked sketch. Then extrude it into the basic model. I will then use the Master sketch as a template to locate and apply Hole wizard holes to my model.

This isn't really too time consuming for a conversion process, and it does insure the integrity of the new SW model to the old AutoCad drawing.

1st question: Does anybody suggest a better way?

2nd question: is there a way to chain or window select geometry from the blocked sketch above? I currently have to single select each line?

thanks
Tom

Tom Malinski
Sr Design Engineer
OKay Industries
New Britain CT

RE: Converting old AutoCad drawings to Models

Tom,

No answer to question 1, but for #2:

When converting entities from the master ACAD sketch, you can pre-select the ACAD sketch (or the block) from the feature tree and then use the convert entities function.  This will bring all the entities in your ACAD sketch into your current sketch where you have greater selection capabilities (window, chain, etc.).

RE: Converting old AutoCad drawings to Models

Most of the time, if the ACAD dwg has dims, I will just recreate the model in SolidWorks from scratch. It's quicker than translating the geometry.

Chris
SolidWorks 07 3.0/PDMWorks 07
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 03-26-07)

RE: Converting old AutoCad drawings to Models

Q1 ... I always re-draw anything from ACAD. I have learned the hard way to NOT trust anyones ACAD drawings. I would use the only a guide.

Q2 ... You should be able to select all entities with a window created by just dragging the cursor.

cheers
SW07-SP3

RE: Converting old AutoCad drawings to Models

Also you can skip the "Block" step. Just use the Modify Sketch (window selection NOT required) or Move Entities (window selection required) to locate on the model origin.

cheers
SW07-SP3

RE: Converting old AutoCad drawings to Models

The 2D to 3D tools in SW are made for moving whole sketches without jumbling the sketch lines w.r.t. each other.  Get to know this set of tools (there is a toolbar).

I like your approach of leaving the master ACAD sketch intact.  I do this, as well.

At least half the time (for me), the ACAD geometry does not match the numbers.  Occasionally, the numbers are not mathematically possible.  Remodelling or reconstraining sketch is a good way to get a reality check.

batHonesty may be the best policy, but insanity is a better defense.bat
http://www.EsoxRepublic.com-SolidWorks API VB programming help

RE: Converting old AutoCad drawings to Models

If you don't know about this already, select an entity attached to lots of others (like a profile sketch for your part with several segments), right-click and pick Select Chain.  This will select everything attached to that segment in a continuous path (not necessarily tangent).  Good way to selectively discriminate which geometry you convert into sketch entities.

Jeff Mowry
www.industrialdesignhaus.com
Reason trumps all.  And awe transcends reason.

RE: Converting old AutoCad drawings to Models

(OP)
Thanks everyone, there are many good suggestions here. I'll try a few

Tom Malinski
Sr Design Engineer
OKay Industries
New Britain CT

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