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ssmithdigilab
Mechanical
- Oct 12, 2009
- 48
I noticed that in these forums there doesn't seem to be a complete process for inserting logos into SolidWorks parts using Adobe Illustrator files. Yesterday I kind of stumbled upon the trick for successfully creating the logo in SolidWorks using the .AI file. See below.
In Adobe Illustrator when the logo file is saved, make sure that "Use Compression" and "Create PDF Compatible File" are both unchecked.
In Solidworks go to File -> Open -> Choose the .AI file (you will need to change the "Files of Type:" drop down to either "All Files" or "Adobe Illustrator Files" in order to see the file).
Solidworks creates a new part with nothing but a sketch in the feature tree. Click on the sketch (to highlight it) and then click on the "Extruded Boss/Base" button.
*** Here is where the trick comes in ***
When you try to simply extrude the sketch that was imported from Adobe Illustrator, it often fails giving you the following rebuild error: "The sketch cannot be used for a feature because an endpoint is wrongly shared by multiple entities." This error is caused by lines on top of lines, as you will find out if you try to edit the sketch and begin deleting each line/arc/etc that makes up the sketch. You will come across numerous instances where there is a line on top of another line. This happens even if you used a standard font in AI.
To get around this problem, in the "Extrude Feature Manager" click in the "Selected Contours" box. Then move your cursor over to the 3D sketch. Notice that when your cursor goes over a closed portion of the sketch, that area turns red. When that area is red, left click. Do this for every open area in the sketch. Once you have selected all of the contours in the sketch, click the checkmark in the "Extrude Feature Manager". You have now successfully extruded the sketch and have a 3D version of your company logo. Note that I usually extrude this to .001" thick, so that it doesn't stick out off of the part surface too much. Save the file.
Next open the part that you want to insert the silkscreened (or embossed, etched, etc.) logo onto. Go to Insert -> Part. Browse to the logo part file. Place the logo into the 3D space of the part. Now use mate settings to locate the logo correctly on the part. The logo is now made up of a series of "Bodies" on your part.
Lastly, you can alter the appearance of the logo bodies to give you the correct colors of your logo.
In Adobe Illustrator when the logo file is saved, make sure that "Use Compression" and "Create PDF Compatible File" are both unchecked.
In Solidworks go to File -> Open -> Choose the .AI file (you will need to change the "Files of Type:" drop down to either "All Files" or "Adobe Illustrator Files" in order to see the file).
Solidworks creates a new part with nothing but a sketch in the feature tree. Click on the sketch (to highlight it) and then click on the "Extruded Boss/Base" button.
*** Here is where the trick comes in ***
When you try to simply extrude the sketch that was imported from Adobe Illustrator, it often fails giving you the following rebuild error: "The sketch cannot be used for a feature because an endpoint is wrongly shared by multiple entities." This error is caused by lines on top of lines, as you will find out if you try to edit the sketch and begin deleting each line/arc/etc that makes up the sketch. You will come across numerous instances where there is a line on top of another line. This happens even if you used a standard font in AI.
To get around this problem, in the "Extrude Feature Manager" click in the "Selected Contours" box. Then move your cursor over to the 3D sketch. Notice that when your cursor goes over a closed portion of the sketch, that area turns red. When that area is red, left click. Do this for every open area in the sketch. Once you have selected all of the contours in the sketch, click the checkmark in the "Extrude Feature Manager". You have now successfully extruded the sketch and have a 3D version of your company logo. Note that I usually extrude this to .001" thick, so that it doesn't stick out off of the part surface too much. Save the file.
Next open the part that you want to insert the silkscreened (or embossed, etched, etc.) logo onto. Go to Insert -> Part. Browse to the logo part file. Place the logo into the 3D space of the part. Now use mate settings to locate the logo correctly on the part. The logo is now made up of a series of "Bodies" on your part.
Lastly, you can alter the appearance of the logo bodies to give you the correct colors of your logo.
