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Converting an autocad dumb solid?

Converting an autocad dumb solid?

Converting an autocad dumb solid?

(OP)
Is there anyone who knows a quick way to convert an autocad dumb solid into solidworks? The way we do it now is to convert the autocad file into an acis file, then open that acis file in soildworks and save it. In solid workd if I go to file open dwg, then select 3d model nothing appears on my screen, open mdt files won't work either because it is a solid model built in acad. Am I doing something wrong?

RE: Converting an autocad dumb solid?

First of all, double check that all your add-ins are loaded.  It sounds like you have the MDT add-in loaded, but also try the DXF3D.

Have you tried opening up the dwg or a dxf file directly in SolidWorks?

My final idea is layers.  I know that when I import a 2D dxf into a drawing, all the layer information is also imported and often the layers have been turned off by SolidWorks.  Part files don't support layers, to my knowledge, but it may be affecting your import.  I heard somewhere that SolidWorks deals with layer 0 and the defpoints layer rather strangely.  You may want to put all the elements on one layer (once on layer 0, once on another layer) and try importing that.

--Scott

RE: Converting an autocad dumb solid?

(OP)
Scott,

Thank you for your suggestions, all those things I tried already and I still get an empty file. As far as the mdt translator the files are dumb solids and mdt translator won't work on them. Any other suggestions?

Kim

RE: Converting an autocad dumb solid?

Have you tried making an Iges file and then importing it to SW? Maybe even try Xchangeworks?

Scott

Scott Baugh, CSWP
George Koch Sons,LLC
Evansville, IN 47714
sjb@kochllc.com

RE: Converting an autocad dumb solid?

(OP)
Thank you for your  suggestion, I think I will stick with the acis file, it seems they are cleaner files.

Thank you

Kim

RE: Converting an autocad dumb solid?

Kim,

I have to admit, I don't know much about AutoCAD other than I don't want to use it. I have never held a job that required me to use it. Although I work for a company that has 55+ seats of it installed. There is only two of us now that use SW here. I was the only one for about 8 months.

Well good luck then and I hope you find the answer. You should really try posting that to comp.cad.solidworks

Scott Baugh, CSWP

Scott Baugh, CSWP
George Koch Sons,LLC
Evansville, IN 47714
sjb@kochllc.com

RE: Converting an autocad dumb solid?

Kim,

ACIS file format is the best way I have found to bring in an AutoCAD 3D model for use in SWX.  I just hope that you are not looking for features to edit. ; )

RE: Converting an autocad dumb solid?

I can't vouch for its performance since I haven't used it yet, but have you tried the FeatureWorks add-in that is available from Solidworks?  It is advertised as being able to recognize the features of dumb solids (ACIS, STEP, IGES, etc.) imported from other CAD systems and make them parametric.  Does anyone have any experience (Good, Bad, or Other) with this add-in?

RE: Converting an autocad dumb solid?

(OP)
It is good, however it does take some time depending on the size of the part.

Kim

RE: Converting an autocad dumb solid?

I ENCOUNTERED THIS SAME SITUATION THIS MORNING.  THE SOLID MUST BE A MDT 'PART' BEFORE THE TRANSLATOR WILL WORK.  LOAD INTO MDT, GOT TO THE PART MENU - CONVERT SOLID.  SAVE IT AND TRY TO IMPORT INTO SWX.  NOTE THE MDT TRANSLATOR WILL NOT WORK WITHOUT MDT 5.0 INSTALLED.

HOPE THIS HELPS,
JEFF

RE: Converting an autocad dumb solid?

Heres a coupla things I didnt hear mentioned; ones easy and ones a 'techhie' ...

1) Did you actually try and 'zoom ' the model in SW? The settings for acis import into SW arent quite clear, and your model may have come in *tiny* ...

2) use the 'acisoutver' in acad, and try exporting to a version 2 ...

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