Xchangeworks problem

[Bocephus]

I have a Solidworks 2004 part file that I would like to bring into Autocad. I tried converting it into a ACIS . SAT file but the geometry just looks really bad when I try to solprof the part in Autocad. So I attempted to use exchange works and and convert a Step file. But it will not convert the model. My feeling is that due to the fact this part was originally created in Autocad then brought over and tweaked in Solidworks is why it will not convert. Does anyone have any suggestions on this kind of issue. Should xchangeworks still be able to convert the file even thoug it has jumped platforms?

Thanks

 

[Dennyd]

From SWX your options are to save the part as a Parasolid, ACIS, STEP or IGES. The STL format is not suitable. SWX doesn't care where the solid originated in order for it to save it out as one of these formats, that is why it is referred to as a "dumb solid". Make sure you are in the part file and not an assembly file when you perform the Save-As function.

Two questions:
1. Does the SWX part file have any errors? Sometimes with imported geometry you'll get errors, but it will still show you what looks like a complete part.
2. What are the import options in your ACAD?

ExchangeWorks is for importing a file into SWX and trying to create parametric geomtery from it. It won't help in sending a file to ACAD, and there is no need for it in that direction anyway. All you will be able to get in your ACAD is a dumb solid.

- - -Dennyd

 

[Bocephus]

Well Dennyd, Xchange works is for bringing solid models into Autocad and forming a 3d solid from then. Import options are STEP, IGES, PRT....

"XchangeWorks is a free-of-charge data translation plug-in for AutoCAD® and Mechanical Desktop® users that allows for the import of data from most mechanical CAD products on the market today. XchangeWorks integrates seamlessly into your existing Autodesk® environment and provides import ability for the leading industry standard data exchange formats, IGES®, STEP, VDA-FS, as well as SAT(ACIS®) and Parasolid® formats. More importantly, XchangeWorks allows for the direct import of native SolidWorks®, Pro/ENGINEER® and Unigraphics® part files directly into AutoCAD or Mechanical Desktop."

 

[Dennyd]

Thanks for the update. My reference point is SolidWorks.

With regard to your original post, you are still trying to convert a dumb solid that has been modified in SWX. Have you checked for part problems? Also, what versions of the various software are you using?

- - -Dennyd

 

[Bocephus]

Well there are no errors in this model I wish to bring into acad. I realize it becomes a dumb model but I have no choice. It has to be documented in ACAD.

SW 2004 SP3
ACAD 2000i Mechanical

 

[agbaca]

I played around with XchangeWorks and ACAD last year and to my recollection XchangeWorks had not been updated to accept the newer SolidWorks versions (future version problems once again. It looked to be a promising tool but you get what you pay for. I’ve had great luck with ACIS and STEP conversions between ACAD and SolidWorks. Make sure your conversion tolerances (and units in ACAD) are set appropriately in both ACAD and Solidworks when exporting/importing.

Good Luck,

A G Baca

 

[DesignSmith]

I would recommend trying ACIS again. Max out the units in both systems and try the following.
First type `ACISVER' on the AutoCAD command line to see what ACIS level that is currently set to.
Then when saving from SolidWorks use the [Options] to match the ACIS version level found in AutoCAD or go 1 level lower.
(The SolidWorks default may be 2 or more levels higher than your ACISVER number.)
Immediately after opening the new SAT file in AutoCAD, hit [F2] on your keyboard to see if any error messages flew by when the file opened. If so, use the File-Utilities, to purge, audit, or repair the file as needed, and then save the DWG.


DesignSmith

http://www.DesignSmith-Services.com