Dxf Problems 1

[peter2007]

when i import a dxf into solidworks and use it to make a part, the sketch is miles from the origin, how can i move the sketch so its attached to the origin, ive tried useing the move button but cant seem to get it right.

 

[AnnaWood]

Before I import any dxf/dwg into SolidWorks I make sure the origin (0,0,0) is where I want it to be in the dxf/dwg file.

While in AutoCAD.....

I first type 'BASE' in the AutoCAD command line and make sure it is set to 0,0,0. Then I create a point at 0,0,0. Then I move my data in AutoCAD to orient it to the zero point, the way I want. I leave the zero point in the file to help with orientation in SolidWorks.

I then import that data into SolidWorks. Most times the zero point in the dxf/dwg will come in right on the SolidWorks origin. If not then it is a matter of using the sketch tools to re-position/re-orient.

It takes a bit of practice, but the sketch tools are pretty powerful in SolidWorks. It is easier to use them if you have some good reference points already created in your dxf/dwg's though....

Cheers,

Anna Wood
SW 2007 SP4.0, WinXP
Dell Precision 380, Pentium D940, 4 Gigs RAM, FX3450

http://designsmarter.typepad.com/solidmuse

http://www.phxswug.com

 

[peter2007]

thanks for the info, but the dxfs have been produced in Radan not autocad, maybe i can set the origin up in radan so it comes right in solidworks

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

thread559-183286

 

[peter2007]

THANKS.

 

[fcsuper]

While editing the sketch and before you do anything else, highlight all of the entities you wish to move as a whole. Hold down the CTRL key and left mouse click one of the entity endpoints. This will allow you to move all of the sketch entites in unison.

Matt
CAD Engineer/ECN Analyst
Silicon Valley, CA
sw.fcsuper.com
Co-moderator of Solidworks Yahoo! Group

 

[ctopher]

or ... in the menu, go to TOOLS/SKETCH TOOLS/MOVE, select the geometry, left-mouse click and move.

Chris
SolidWorks 07 4.0/PDMWorks 07
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 04-21-07)

 

[fcsuper]

Chris,

I've had issues with this when their are arcs, but it's so long since I did it that way, I don't know.

Matt
CAD Engineer/ECN Analyst
Silicon Valley, CA
sw.fcsuper.com
Co-moderator of Solidworks Yahoo! Group

 

[SBaugh]

If you added relationships to your arcs I bet you would have very little trouble... however I have yet to see that tool cause any geometry issues.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP

http://www.scottjbaugh.com

"If it's not broke, Don't fix it!"
faq731-376

 

[ctopher]

Matt,
The only time have had issues with the arcs, is moving a sketch in a part and the end point of the arc is somehow in the z-axis. Never had problems with arcs in a dwg.

Chris
SolidWorks 07 4.0/PDMWorks 07
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 04-21-07)

 

[fcsuper]

Scott,

Adding relations isn't always practical with imported sketches in a part. Let me tell you how much fun I've had with imported sketches! I developed the habit of using above method because it has been the most robust and predictable for me over the years. But, I agree the move function as described by Chris will generally work, especially in the more recent versions of SW.

Matt
CAD Engineer/ECN Analyst
Silicon Valley, CA
sw.fcsuper.com
Co-moderator of Solidworks Yahoo! Group

 

[josephv]

Many times, we find it is quicker to just create a brand new sketch that to import a DXF or DWG. Here is why:

- Many ACAD users cheat (i.e. the lengths and dims don't match)
- Many times what should be a straight line is not a straight line in ACAD
- The ACAD DXF/DWG does not necessarily capture the design intent
- Two lines in top of one another, or points in space (i.e. problematic geometry)
- Sketching in SWX is just so easy