Export/Import files with constraints

[jman482002]

Can anyone shed light on a few options for exporting/importing part files to and from Solidworks so that the constraints in an assembly will remain intact? In particular, I was wondering if there is a specific format or procedure for exporting from other CAD programs that would ensure the retaining of these and other features when opened in Solidworks.
On the flip side, is there any way when sharing (exporting from Solidworks) drawings to ensure that only the solids without any features are exchanged in the transfer?
Any thoughts?---Using SW07 SP4
Thanks

 

[Eltron]

Depending on your exact needs STEP and IGES files will essentially be dumb solids when you export them from SW. This does not stop anyone from recreating your features with a tool like Feature Works. Saving a part/assembly/drawing as a 3D .pdf or in eDrawinings format will get you where you need to go as well. If the files are needed in native SW format you can import the part/assembly into a new part. That way you end up with a solid body without any features listed in the feature manager tree.

Hope that helps.

Dan

http://www.eltronresearch.com