DWG from a solid file

[cijunet]

Hi
Is there a way to create a DWG file from a solid? I'm using SW2007 and AutoCad2000.
Thank you

[functionbikes]

the drawing package in solidworks will make the dwg file that can be opened in autocad, I have done this many times, on the rare occasion that it does not work try saving the drawing as a dxf file then open it with autocad

hope this helps
jlittle

[cam1]

Hi: Are you looking to export the data as a solids model.....then do a save as .STEP or IGES, and import that into Autocad.
If you are looking to import 2D files into AutoCad, then create a multi view detail drawing in SolidWorks, and do a save as .dxf or .dwg from SolidWorks. You will probably want to save the file as a 2000 dwg. This is configureable when you do a save as .dxf, an options box will appear on the lower RH corner.

cheers

[DareBee]

If only I had a dollar for every time this question is asked

[Man@Work]

Hi
Is there a way to create a DWG file from a solid? I'm using SW2007 and AutoCad2000.
Thank you

Hi,

I'm not a SoliWorks user, but I think that is impossible to convert a 3d solid model directly from Solidworks to Autocad (sldprt -> dwg).

If you can send me your file in neutral format (iges, or step, or parasolid, or neutral...) I can try to convert it for you...

Regards

[Man@Work]

Hi: Are you looking to export the data as a solids model.....then do a save as .STEP or IGES, and import that into Autocad.
If you are looking to import 2D files into AutoCad, then create a multi view detail drawing in SolidWorks, and do a save as .dxf or .dwg from SolidWorks. You will probably want to save the file as a 2000 dwg. This is configureable when you do a save as .dxf, an options box will appear on the lower RH corner.

cheers

Hi,

AutoCAD cannot import Iges or Step files, the only AutoCAD releases that are able to make this are
- Mechanical Desktop
- AutoCAD Mechanical...

Regards

[pixburghenat]

If only I had a dollar for every time this question is asked

ye might hav'enough to fill the tank with petrol.

:-)

[cijunet]

Thank you for your feedback.
What I was trying to do is to extract geometry from a solid in SolidWorks and then export it in AutoCad. People that I work with need to work with drawings in AutoCad, while we are having only solid models done in SW.

[JerryFlyGuy]

If only I had a dollar for every time this question is asked

Heck.. I'd take a dime!!

[DareBee]

Thank you for your feedback.
What I was trying to do is to extract geometry from a solid in SolidWorks and then export it in AutoCad. People that I work with need to work with drawings in AutoCad, while we are having only solid models done in SW.

Most of us are in this same situation.
2d geometry in ACAD is just drawing views (the same as some of us used to make on drawing boards (IMG-what the heck is that)).

SO

Make a drawing (slddrw) and save it as dwg or dxf.

[pixburghenat]

Thank you for your feedback.
What I was trying to do is to extract geometry from a solid in SolidWorks and then export it in AutoCad. People that I work with need to work with drawings in AutoCad, while we are having only solid models done in SW.

OKay.

I'm the newbie, so I'll -try- and answer this one.

You have a solid model in Solidworks.
Create a Solidworks drawing template using your AutoCad Template. (optional)
Create a new drawing, use your new drawing template.
Use your model as the model to base your new detail drawing on.
Use the standard views or add your own, all based on the solid model.
Add your details, notes, etc.
Save your drawing as an Solidworks drawing file.
Do so to allow your drawing to update if the solid model changes.

Convert to an ACAD dwawing file.
'Save as' the same drawing as a ACAD dwg file.
When you do this the first time a mapping file will be created
in one of the Solidworks folders, this can be edited and further
customize to convert your drawings to ACAD.

At this point you should be able to load the new file into AutoCAD.
You may notice that the new file isn't quite ACAD native.
This is where you may have to modify the mapping file until you get the mapping file to convert the way you want. You can convert linetypes to linetypes, to layers, to colors, just about anything. You will have to spend a little time with it...and it's still not perfect.

I haven't tried this conversion since 2006, so it may have improved.
But when I was using it, I had the mapping file change everything it could and I still had to do some changes in AutoCad to make the drawing work like a native ACAD file. Things like DimStyles and Fonts were some of the things the mapping file had a problem with.

Read the help files about the mapping file and check Google for it too.

I think I have a mapping file I saved, you are welcome to it...if I can find it. ;-)


Hope this helps.

Scott

[JerryFlyGuy]

Something which is worth noting is that generally the only reason to save as a dwg/dxf is to send it to someone else so they can read/open it. If you are dealing w/ a customer and just want to send something over which can be approved or even for archiving use PDF. I use PDF exclusively and it has helped to elliminate mysterious error's from alot of my work. I used to use ACAD and others would go in and change stuff [w/ good intentions] but never update the Rev table or it would mess something else up down the line.. now w/ PDF they come to me to ask for a change.. I'm the only person [or others in the design dept] who can change stuff.. the files are small, and ANYONE can open them.. no need for a cad program at all.. [I LOVE this functionality..] Another thing w/ SW is that the drawings update automaticly.. having a PDF gives you legacy as well so you can look back at what the original design and following changes were..

Now, the only time I convert to DWG/DXF is when a customer specificly requests their files in that form [it happens rarely], or for profile cutting..

FWIW