Importing excel files into solid works

[1fstgm]

I was wondering if there is an option in solidworks which allows you to import data points which are in an excel file? I have a series of points ploted on excel (130 or so). I want to use these points as a path for my part? I have done it in autocad, but I created the commands on the excel worksheet itself. Is it similar for Solidworks?

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Search for point cloud for lots of previous threads.

 

[Heckler]

thread559-154236

Heckler
Sr. Mechanical Engineer
SWx 2007 SP 2.0 & Pro/E 2001
XP Pro SP2.0 P4 3.6 GHz, 1GB RAM
NVIDIA Quadro FX 1400
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(In reference to David Beckham) "He can't kick with his left foot, he can't tackle, he can't head the ball and he doesn't score many goals. Apart from that, he's all right." -- George Best

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Sorry I missed that you wanted the points to form a path.

Insert > Curve > Curve through XYZ points then browse to the excel file.

 

[1fstgm]

Do I have to save the file as .txt file or can I directly import it as a .xls file?

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

I believe only .txt formats will work ... but why not try .xls and see?

 

[1fstgm]

Alright, I got it. It does have to be a .txt or .sldcrv file. I also ran into a problem though. I am getting an error when following the path with a circle greater than 1.8 mm in radius. Here is the error:

Error: Sweep22
The sweep could not be completed because it intersected itself while passing through segment #1 of the path. This may have been caused by:

(a) the path passing too closely to itself: Check to make sure it does not pass too closely.

(b) the way the section twists as it moves along the path: Check that the Orientation/Twist Control setting is correct. If the "Align to End Faces" box is checked, the end faces may be twisting the section too much relative to the path.

Note: If the sweep path is not normal to the section, the entire path is considered to be #1.



Any way around this or any thoughts?

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Without knowing more details of what you are actually creating;
1) Use a circle less than R1.8mm
2) Modify the path so that the swept profile does not intersect itself

 

[1fstgm]

So I iterated the path so that the circle wouldn't intersect. There is no way around it besides modifying points or modifying the radius. Thanks to all!