Drawing checks when more than one drawing software is involved [Solidworks/NX]

[Joachuim]

Hi All,

Trying to figure out how to build some sort of link between the native design software [component drawings in solidworks] and customer platform [top level drawings in NX].

What are your best practices/ suggestions?

J

 

[SBaugh]

The only thing that I know of is to either use the 3D interconnect or Parasolid files... as for drawings, there isn't anything out there to my knowledge. Probably going to have to use PDF or buy a seat of NX.

Scott Baugh, CSWP
CAD Systems Manager
Evapar

http://www.evapar.com

"If it's not broke, Don't fix it!"

faq731-376

 

[drawoh]

Joachuim,

Do you need the SolidWorks file to be parametric in NX? If I am designing a widget and I have to supply a 3D model to my customer, I want the files to be not-parametric. IGES and STEP should work fine.

--
JHG

 

[SBaugh]

I should have pointed out I worked with a customer that had NX as well and Parasolid files worked the best between each other, but there was no way to maintain the history. At the time 3D interconnect was new and it did not act well with NX assemblies. Since going to 2019 it's much better, but drawings were never anything we shared. I think interconnect is mainly for model sharing (part\assembly) between Other CAD systems and SW.

Scott Baugh, CSWP
CAD Systems Manager
Evapar

http://www.evapar.com

"If it's not broke, Don't fix it!"

faq731-376

 

[drawoh]

SBaugh,

I am working with an electronics designer who is feeding me STEP files for printed circuit boards exported from Altium. I go into SolidWorks and replace the component. It takes me around fifteen minutes to clean up the resulting mess, which I find acceptable. Providing me parametric design control over the printed circuit boards is not necessary, and a very bad idea.

Take the case that I am designing a system using NX, and you are designing a sub-assembly using SolidWorks. Do you want me to have parametric design control over your assembly? To work like this, we need a well defined design specification, you need control over what you are doing, and I need to minimize complex parametric feature controls from your model.

--
JHG

 

[cowski]

If you are modeling in Solidworks and the main assembly is being managed in NX, you might consider exporting your parts as JT files. NX can (supposedly - I've never used it) maintain assembly constraints when the JT file is updated. If it works as advertised, this could make maintaining the NX assembly a lot easier.