slddrw file with no external reerences

[ken1]

A customer sent me a slddrw file. I can open it up in view-only mode no problem......when I go to open it up in view/edit mode I receive an error saying sldprt-file-not-found. It shows the file in preview mode, but when I open it, the views aren't visible.

Can I create a solid model from this? (reverse)

Can I access the data?

Can I save it as a dxf/igs etc....and import the file
into mastercam?


Thank you in advance.....Ken

 

[TheTick]

SW does save some of the image information of the drawing that will allow one to preview without having the constituent references (assemblies and parts). If you don't have all of the references, you will not be able to fully open the drawing. The notable exception to this is if the drawing was saved as Rapid Draft.

The sender needs to send all referenced documents. The simplest way is for them to open the file in SW, select "File --> Find References" and pick "Copy files" to copy all referenced files to a new directory for subsequent "packaging and delivery".

The sender could also make an eDrawing.

If all that is needed is a "print", I usually send a PDF. This also works well as a reality check to ensure the receiver gets all of the information.

All this machinery making modern music can still be open-hearted.

 

[RawheadRex]

You need the corresponding SLDPRT or SLDASM file(s) in order to be able to do anything with the SLDDRW that was sent to you. In SolidWorks SLDDRW files are dependent upon SolidWorks models that are created or already exist.

Get in touch with whomever sent you this file and as for the models to be forwarded to you.

Chris Gervais
Sr. Mechanical Designer
Lytron Corp.

 

[ken1]

thank you both for the quick response.....i need the geometry wireframe,surfaces,solids....not a print.....i will contact the sender.



ken

 

[JNR]

Just an extra comment. SW works like the real word. The Parts and Assemblies are exactly that. Think of the drawings are real-time views of the actual parts and assemblies. The drawing file can save enough "pictorial" data to be able to display what the previews looked like when it was filed. However in order to actually open up and do anything the drawing file needs to know what the models look like NOW. There are other ways round this as long as you don't want the 3D data, but sound like that is exactly want you wanted.

Soap box! Soap box!!! I find that we tend to use the term "CAD drawing" a lot when we really mean a "CAD model". Specially those of us using certain systems or those who have been in CAD a long time and used older type systems. It leads to much misunderstanding and wasted time, simple though it might be. I find that this happens with curtomers and vendors a lot. We all need to get much more precise. I always ask exactly what is required in detail and make sure that I understand first time and I am giving them (or getting) what they really want and the most appropriate file format for the source and target systems.

3/4 of all the Spam produced goes to Hawaii - shame that's not true of SPAM also.......

 

[ken1]

JNR, I'm interested in "getting around this" if I didn't need the 3d data.
Can you please elaborate on how I can use the 2d data that I did receive?


Thank You,
Ken

 

[TheTick]

I wouldn't be too embarrassed about approaching the customer on this. It's really their operator's error.

 

[ken1]

theTick, i already requested new 3d data....my thought is that "getting around this" will help me in the future.


Ken

 

[MadMango]

I think [blue]JNR's[/blue] "other ways around this" might be in the form of DXF or DWG 2d data.

Receiving a View Only file means exactly that, you can only view it. There's no file geometry you can use. I'm not even sure you can save it as a JPG. But, if you can, you might be able to convert it, then Instert Picture in SW, and re-trace the image with sketches... but it seems like a lot of work. I'd just request new files from your customer.

MadMango
"Probable impossibilities are to be preferred to improbable possibilities."
Have you read faq731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[TheTick]

I did an experiment, detaching a drawing from its references.

As you already know, it is not possible to export using any save-as type options.

It is still possible to print. You may be able to print to postscript or PDF (i.e. with PDF995, available at

http://www.pdf995.com

), and then convert the postscript or PDF to DXF/DWG. This is possible with Hijaak or GhostScript (I have not had the best luck with GhostScript and DXF). Even if it looks right, be sure to inspect results closely.

Hijaak is a must-have for anyone reading graphic data into CAD.

All this machinery making modern music can still be open-hearted.