An easy way to move your model so it's centered on the origin

[sp1ke727]

I'm trying to use solidworks more. One of the first tasks that I wanted to do was convert a 2d autocad drawing into a 3d model using the the 2d-->>3d commands. I had sucess in creating the model, thing is I didn't line up the autocad drawing views with the SolidWorks planes.

So what I have is the model floating off in space away from the origin. I'm not sure if there is an easy way to fix this.

A solidworks guru we have here said I'm going to have to move every sketch for every feature one at a time. Is there an easier way?

For future models that I construct this way, how would I import them correctly so that the model would be created fron the origin.

Thanks so much for your help in advance, I'm sure this sounds basic to most of you.

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Many/most people re-create the sketches with SW. It is often quicker and more accurate.

However, after importing a DWG or DXF into a SW sketch, you can use the Move Entities function to position the sketch as needed.

In your case, roll back the feature manager to the imported sketches and then re-position them.

 

[TheTick]

The 2D to 3D tool has functions for moving and aligning sketches.

 

[SteveJJH]

if you go to tools>sketch tools>modify, there is a very handy little dialog that allows you to move an entire sketch, amongst other things.

barring that, you could always use insert>features>move/copy to move the resulting solids

 

[SnowCrash]

A more complicated method would be to create a coordinate system based on the center of mass, or other planes, export as parasolids using that coordinate system, and reimport the solid based on that coordinate system.
"are we having fun yet?"

--
Hardie "Crashj" Johnson
SW 2008 SP4
Nvidia Quadro FX 1000
AMD Athalon 1.8 GHz 2 Gig RAM

 

[ctopher]

Every instructor that I have seen teaching SolidWorks to new users is that they say creating the model in relation to the origin doesn't matter.
I personally hate this. I have had numerous arguments about this, then to hear from users later that it is a problem and ask how to fix it.
I 'always' create models with the origin on the mounting base, centered, and based on how it's manufactured (as much as possible).

Chris
SolidWorks/PDMWorks 08 3.1
AutoCAD 08; CATIA V5
ctopher's home (updated Aug 5, 2008)
ctopher's blog
SolidWorks Legion

 

[Russell67]

My personnal recomendations under this situations is to go back to your dxf file and move all the objects to the origin first. This way after you import it will at least be on the origin. Then you can fix the geometry and go from there. Works well for complex geometry.

If you wish not to do that then moving the entities is another option, just use caution because SW may already have assigned some constraints that could cause problems.

However i would agree with the others that if you are trying to learn SW more, recreate then at least it is dimension driven.

 

[drawoh]

sp1ke727,

I agree with ctopher. Read the drawing. Draw your model, located to the origin. You do not necessarily know how the original AutoCAD drawing dimensions were modeled. What is the actual model size of a feature dimensioned Ø6.04/6.02mm?

I try to apply as few geometry controls as I can, to completly control my sketch. I turn off my automatic horizontal and vertical constraints for example. If I want to move my original sketch with respect to the origin, I only have to change or delete one or two constraints.

JHG

 

[sp1ke727]

insert>features>move/copy to move the resulting solids

worked like a charm, thanks Steve.

Thanks all

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

sp1ke727,

When using that function, an extra feature is created in the Feature Manager. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but be aware that it does not move the original sketches.

When making later edits, the original sketches will be offset or even in a different orientation from the model, which can make editing somewhat confusing.

Although it is a quick and easy fix, I would not recommend that method with 2D to 3D conversions

 

[sp1ke727]

CorBlimey,

I did notice this, so I went ahead and took RUSSELL67's advice and went back to the original acad file and centered the drawing on the origin the way I wanted it. When it imported into SW it was lined up where it should be. Then I recreated the model. Which was a good thing sice I was able to eliminate extra features.

Thanks all, you're a great resource!