How to convert to Unigraphics 1

[KKerr23]

I am trying to send my SolidWorks files to another engineer but he only has Unigraphics. I was told there is a method to convert SolidWorks files into UG files but I am uncertain of the method to do so. If there is no way to directly convert it to UG would it be best to convert it to either IGES or STEP? I have also heard of doing Parasolid instead... Any thoughts?

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

As with any conversion to another program, you will need to ask what formats the other program recognizes.

SW can export or Save as many different formats.

 

[Updraft]

The latest I know of UniGraphics is that it uses the Parsolid kernel. As such, saving your part/assy as a Parasolid (*.x_t or *.x_b) is your best choice. Though other solid formats will work (ACIS=*.SAT or the STEP formats) since both SWX and UG use Parasolid that is your best bet. IGES is the format I have seen the most problems with so I would recommend avoiding it.

You will not be able to save your SWX file as a parametric UG file. Some programs can open another program's native file. I have not had the need for a while, but a few years ago I did have occasion to open several Pro/E files in SWX with good success. If you are really lucky the guy with UG will be able to open your SWX file, but I would not bank on it. He should not, however, have any trouble opening a dumb solid sent to him in a Parasolid format.

- - -Updraft

 

[JohnRBaker]

First off, it hasn't been called Unigraphics for some time (in 2002 the name 'Unigraphics' was officially changed to NX). Second, while you can pass models between NX and SolidWorks using Parasolid Export/Import, NX does provide an optional direct translator which will open, in an NX session, both .sldprt and .sldasm files. This capability has been available since the release of NX 6.0 in 2008.

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Engineering Software
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Industry Sector
Cypress, CA
Siemens PLM:
UG/NX Museum:

To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

 

[KevinDeSmet]

Unigraphics has a certaing ring to it though, NX just doesn't have that. No offense

Certified SolidWorks Professional

 

[JohnRBaker]

I tend to agree with you since I've been using 'Unigraphics' since 1977. However, after the SDRC acquisition in 2001, the decision was made to take the Unigraphics framework and migrate much of the Ideas functionality thereby creating what was in essence a 'new' product. And since we were bringing together not only the Unigraphics and Ideas user bases but also the organizations which had originally developed and supported them, into a single new product effort, it was felt that for many reasons a totally new name was needed. Thus was born 'NX'. Granted, this 'name' may not have the patina of either the older Unigraphics or Ideas names, but it did accomplish the intended goal and that was to bring forth a 'new' product that both camps (users AND employees) could embrace without too much excess 'baggage', as it were.

For an albeit, unfinished history of 'Unigraphics/Ideas/NX', may I suggest:

http://www.plmworld.org/p/cm/ld/fid=209

John R. Baker, P.E.
Product 'Evangelist'
Product Engineering Software
Siemens PLM Software Inc.
Industry Sector
Cypress, CA
Siemens PLM:
UG/NX Museum:

To an Engineer, the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.