importing from Mechanical Desktop to SW2004
importing from Mechanical Desktop to SW2004
(OP)
Hi guys,
I need some advice regarding importing files from Mechanical Desktop to SW2004. I'm not positive what version of Mech Desktop it is but it would be one of the latest, if not the latest.
I have tried using .iges but I end up with the model simply as a imported body and I can't edit the sketches.
1) What format do I ask for the Mechanical Desktop files to be saved in, and
2) are there any tricks when opening them in SW.
Best regards,
Phil
I need some advice regarding importing files from Mechanical Desktop to SW2004. I'm not positive what version of Mech Desktop it is but it would be one of the latest, if not the latest.
I have tried using .iges but I end up with the model simply as a imported body and I can't edit the sketches.
1) What format do I ask for the Mechanical Desktop files to be saved in, and
2) are there any tricks when opening them in SW.
Best regards,
Phil






RE: importing from Mechanical Desktop to SW2004
Your best bet would be to obtain a variety of formats (STEP, IGES, Parasolid) to see which is imported & recognized with FeatureWorks the best.
RE: importing from Mechanical Desktop to SW2004
The way I look at importing is: Parasolid (1), then STEP(2), then IGES(3), finally ACIS (4).
Regards,
Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.3dvisiontech.com
http://www.scottjbaugh.com
FAQ731-376
RE: importing from Mechanical Desktop to SW2004
Is there a difference when importing a part vs an assembly? Will the assembly be one solid body or will SW recognize it as seperate parts?
When you have to edit a part that has been imported, can you simply draw the sketch over the body, then change the dimensions etc.. Will the imported body 'follow' the new sketch? Or is it simpler to recreate from scratch?
Thanks,
Phil
RE: importing from Mechanical Desktop to SW2004
It's going to vary depending on how it was exported. If it was exported as an assembly Then you will probably be importing it as an assembly and get separate parts. They will all still be imported bodies or surface bodies.
You cannot edit an imported body and no it will not follow the sketch. THe sketch is a child of the imported body.
You draw sketches and add to the imported body. But it will not change the imported body.
That's going to vary on it's complexity. But if you need to change it and Featureworks doesn't recognize (or you don't have it) then you will probably have to recreate it.
At least you have a 3D model to take measurements from. You could start a sketch on the imported body and convert the edges. Then once you complete the sketch, you could simply copy it from one part to another. You might have to adjust it (Tools\Sketch Tools\Modify), but the sketch is there.
Regards,
Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.3dvisiontech.com
http://www.scottjbaugh.com
FAQ731-376
RE: importing from Mechanical Desktop to SW2004
RE: importing from Mechanical Desktop to SW2004
I have used this converter to convert our MDT5 files to SWX2003.
I've found the convertor will hang if you are converting some Assembly models and I tend to resort to just converting parts only then build the assemblies in SWX.
Also Note that the XY planes are 90 degrees different to each other so rectangular arrays get skewed.
You also get lots of planes.
RE: importing from Mechanical Desktop to SW2004
If the files are prior to MDT 4, open-regen-purge-save, in MDT 5 or 6 before converting. (numerous cases of bad geometry from prior version files)
Otherwise, set the ACISVER system variable as high as it will go in MDT, then use the ACISOUT command to give you new *.SAT files that can import nicely into SolidWorks.
DesignSmith
www.DesignSmith-Services.com