Importing models from SolidWorks 2009? 1

[pkelecy]

SEwST apparently can't import a native SW09 file (at least it couldn't when I tried it) -probably because SW09 came out after SEwST was released.

So what is the best alternative format? Parasolid?

Thanks,

Pat

 

[lapuser]

Parasolid is probably the best. I have not had a 2009 SW file to open yet but perhaps if you go to GTAC and download sp2 for SE there will be some help there in the update. Scince you are a subscriber I would take advantage of support by phone at GTAC where I have dealt with nothing but great tech support and they will get you an answer fast and after all you have paid for that. They are your best line of support unless it is after hours and you post on a forum and hope someone sees your plea. Dave

 

[pkelecy]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll check with GTAC and see what they say.

Pat

 

[KENAT]

Give Gtac a call but we've had similar issues on earlier versions and using parasolid usually works best.

KENAT,

Have you reminded yourself of faq731-376 recently, or taken a look at posting policies:

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

 

[pkelecy]

Just as a follow-up, I applied the latest service pack (mp2) and was able to import SW09 files. So the software is capable of doing this. However, the one (relatively large) SW assembly I wanted to bring over still won't import. GTAC is taking a look at it now, but it's probably due to how it was constructed. I tried a smaller one, and it worked fine.

Pat

 

[Gemnoc]

Limited experience here, but I found that converting asssemblies or parts from Parasolid worked better than native SW files too. And since SE is always ahead one version for the Parasolid kernel compared to SW, you don't need to worry about compatibility.

Added bonus if you share files by email: the Parasolid file is much smaller than the combined batch of files needed for an assembly.

 

[KENAT]

I believe my colleage had more success having vendors using SW create parasolids, and then opening those in SE than direct from SW. Sadly he got let go yesterday or I'd ask him.

Assemblies tend to be more problematic than parts no matter what software you use.

Do make sure you're opening them as an assy not a part. Also sometimes they'll come in as faces, there are options related to processing them this way though it has limitations.

KENAT,

Have you reminded yourself of faq731-376 recently, or taken a look at posting policies:

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

 

[Gemnoc]

I frequently download parts from a hardware site (most of the time specialty screws not in our library). They are designed in SW and many times, they convert wrong if I download them in SW format, no trouble if I choose Parasolid or ACIS. So even parts seem problematic.

 

[pkelecy]

On a related note, are there any utilities for converting SW files to parasolid (other than using SW itself)? My trial of SW just expired so I have no way of directly exporting them at this point, which is why I ask.