Inserting STEP file into existing Part File?

[oharag11]

So, it's been a while since I used SW after using NX for 7 years. I'm finding some frustrating issues. I'm hoping you can help me.

So, in NX I would create a Part Number - save it to TC. Then I would use File/Import - and choose a file to import into existing part file.

I'm using SW 2019 - so maybe this was fixed/updated in later versions.

Someone sent me a STEP that I need to use in my design. I double clicked on the STEP file - SW opened - I then saved this part file to a specific Part Number. Well, I got a new STEP file from supplier - I want to replace the imported body in existing Part File. There is no File/Import in SW. Under /Insert/Part File SW is expecting a SW Part File. Under the Pull Down for file type in dialog box it only shows "*.sldprt,*.prt". There is an /insert/DXF/DWG option. There should be a /insert/step (or any other file type) option. If I choose /File/Open it opens the STEP file in a separate generic SW part file. I tried copying the imported body from this generic part file into existing part number I'm trying to update. It gives me an error. Drag and drop doesn't work. WTH!

So my question:
- I have an existing part number file - I previously opened a STEP file and saved it as this number.
- I need to update this existing Part Number with a new STEP File.
- How do I do this.

BTW frustrating - this should be a slam dunk - File/Import - Done.

 

[ctopher]

I agree this can be frustrating.
You have to convert the STEP first.
This may help

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NR0RXRkS6RE

(I'm also on SW 2019, going to 2022 soon)

Chris, CSWP
SolidWorks
ctophers home

 

[oharag11]

I got a response on SW Forum.

You select the existing Body - click edit and then select new STEP File. This should have been easy to figure out - I guess I wasn't thinking this was the way to update the body within a part. Now I know.

This still begs a question: how do you add new STEP files to an existing Part File in SW? There is no Insert/Step (or any other file) for that matter. You can't copy past bodies from SW files created when clicking on a STEP File - you can't drag and drop bodies - you can insert a SW part file - but that doesn't seem intuitive.

 

[pattwood]

Select "Insert==>Part" from the top pull down menu, then change the file type to STEP and navigate to where the step file is located.
Good luck if the STEP file contains more than one body, you won't be able to import it. Once you import your STEP file be sure to right click
on it and select dissolve feature, otherwise it will stay linked to the original STEP file (unless you want it that way). Also know that
EVERYTHING you do to, or with, that imported body will be a feature in the tree and will be forever linked to everything that comes after it.
Just moving it creates a feature. There is no deleting reference data in Solidworks. Solidworks is an ABSOLUTE NIGHTMARE!