Best file type for exporting SolidWorks part file to IDEAS.

[pdybeck]

I have a vendor who is asking for our solid model in IGES format. This vendor uses IDEAS as their CAD/CAM solution along with SmartCAM when IDEAS CAM package won't cut it (no pun intended). I just spoke to him and asked if parasolid would be better. He hadn't heard of parasolid, which is kind of scary, but I'm sure not all that uncommmon. Could anyone recommend which file format would work best with these packages. I think I will be trying IGES, STEP, and parasolid. If anyone has output settings to go along with these file types, that would also be very helpful. Maybe a FAQ needs to be written on this one. TIA

Pete Yodis

 

[ctopher]

If IGES is what he knows, I would give it to him ... unless it is an assembly and the internal parts are proprietary, then save as a part then IGES. I made a list of available SolidWorks file types and sent them to our vendors for reference. They can pick which works for them.
It is not uncommon for someone to not know what parasolid means. Most software users just do certain steps to do a job and do not expand other capabilities.

Chris
Sr. Mechanical Designer, CAD

 

[Theophilus]

Your vendor should be able to check what he can import within IDEAS. I normally export into parasolid as a personal favorite, but CAM packages can be particular in these areas (and I don't know about IDEAS, myself.)


Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

Reality is no respecter of good intentions.