SW 2005 File Import/Export. How do I..?

[neilw20]

I have about 20Mb of Solidworks (2005) files (parts and assemblies) that were sent to me.

I need to export/convert these 3D models to IGES and ACIS (ver 6) files for inclusion in a new project.

I took my trusty thumbdrive to a friend who has Solidworks 2003, and when I tried to read any of the files got the message they are later version!

It turns out as noted above that the files were saved with SW 2005.
What other CAD programs will allow me to load these files and save as IGES and ACIS formats. I need the files in a format that is transportable to other systems.

I notice there are other CAD/CAM programs that can read SW files, so the data structure must be available to allow file translation.

If anyone has links/information on the file structure used by Solidworks 2005 I will write my own file converter. Some CAD programs I have tried only export as surfaces, and the solids information is lost.

Thanks.

[DareBee]

Hey Neil (you may already know this)
Any version of SW, 05 and newer will work.
Maybe you know someone with a newer version?
You could also send or link your files in bits and pieces and someone (or many) could do some translations.
I am quite busy next week, but maybe I could translate a few of your parts.

[neilw20]

DareBe.
I appreciate the offer, but there is a whole heap of files.
I'm sorry. I told a lie. The ZIP file is 37M and the expanded lot is 50M
It is all the parts of a SX3 (i believe).
I need to export them as ACIS solids, not just surfaces, so some fiddling probably required.
Non-backward compatible software is awful.
They reckon you've had your license long enough. Now we will make it useless.
People must object and not support this highway robbery.
There is software that doesn't intentionally try to cripple peoples work.

More restrictive trade:
Now the printer manufacturers are using RFID tags, and having non-volatile memory at a low enough cost are trying to put the ink/toner resellers out of business and creating more hard rubbish.
For $80 toner I can do 5000 pages. Cartridges for same 5000 will cost $1100.
Printer manufacturer make 2500 page cartridges but only sell 1000 page ones in Australia. I bet they have a country code in the printer too.

Thanks.
Neil.

[DareBee]

I won't get into the backward compatible debate.
Although I would really like it to be true, there are a huge pile of legitimate reasons why (as a complicated software progresses) it simply can not happen.

Good luck ol' boy

[JerryFlyGuy]

Neil, if you want.. Pm me and I'll convert them over the next week. Or post them up to a file share site and send the link.. 50mb isn't really too many files.. It's a three click process..

anyway, if it helps ya..
J

[neilw20]

!

[neilw20]

Source: Well done !
http://www.rlberg.com

I haven't checked the accuracy of the parts.

This link is valid for 7 days.
https://rcpt.yousendit.com/589204327/da2d160bdf28b 7988b3819bbaef3ff78

Thanks.

[JerryFlyGuy]

Neil, Pm me your email address and I'll send you the converted files. There are two zip's each is 2.5mb so it shouldn't be an issue for email..

J

[neilw20]

Thanks Jarret.

That was awesome and fast.

Neil

[DareBee]

Easier than you thought huh Neil?

[neilw20]

AutoCAD 2004 only accepts ACIS version 6
AutoCAD 2007 only accepts ACIS version 7
The great files by default are the latest which is version 17.
The default is always the latest, not only to advance science but helps to damage the intended interoperability of the ACIS format. Always using the earliest version that will support the expected structures will give usable results, but the big end of town don't want to tell you that.
The strange structure and rules these files have cause AutoCAD to give up.
MC9 says logical error or the save file is from a later version of ACIS.
The structure of these files needs to be strange so that they can have nested structures so that various shapes can modify others. New minor versions will always work but later version keep getting new more complex structure rules for new shapes etc. Pain in the rrrrr's
AutoCAD is internally ACIS but staying at an early version which keeps their files interchangeable. The other side of town use parasolids, IGS and try to force upgrading.

TransMagic R7 SP2 demo license naturally only supports the lesser known formats, so they read ACIS any version which was great, but only write a few of the lesser so I still can't get it into any ACAD readable format.

From their help:

Critical Points:
1) The goal of TransMagic is to be a simple, easy to use and deceptively powerful application for the translation, visualization & measurement of geometric formats. Geometric translation is an extremely intensive process mathematically speaking. Because of this TransMagic can consume a large amount of resources during the translation of very large and complex files.


2) TransMagic includes some very powerful "Repair" routines - that when used properly will help to increase your translation success. For hands-on video-based tutorials of these tools please see the "Tutorials" section.


3) When translating files consider the application you're getting the file from and the application you're translating the file to. When-ever possible use the native file format from the application you're getting from your customer or vendor. If they use Pro/E, Unigraphics, CATIA V4, CATIA V5, SolidWorks or Inventor then ask for their native file. Likewise if they use SolidEdge, MasterCAM, Visi, or any other Parasolid based application, then ask them for a Parasolid (*.x_t) file. If they use AutoCAD, Mechanical Desktop, CADKEY, IronCAD or any other ACIS based application, then ask them for a ACIS (*.sat) file.


4) Use STEP only if no other solid format is available. Use IGES as your last resort. If you must use IGES, see if your customer/vendor has the option to write out an IGES file as an MSBO (Manifold Solid Boundary Object). This option is not often available in most IGES writers but if it is, it's at least a solid IGES format. The best IGES reader in the world can't help if the IGES writer created a terrible IGES file. Unfortunately, this is very often the case.


5) Finally, consider the application you're *translating a file to and use the same methodology of native file formats where possible and then STEP and lastly, IGES.


6) This "Native Format Philosopy" will always yield better results than just trying an IGES file to see how it works. Save yourself some time and pain and try to get the native format.


7) The TransMagic interface has many options that will turn themselves "off" and "on" based on your selection. In addition to the Icons along the top and sides of TransMagic, virtually every function is embedded in a Right-Click mouse button menu. The Right-Click menu changes based on your selection type. You can change your selection type by Right-Clicking and then selecting "Filter Selection". There you'll see you have the option to select Body, Face, Edge, Vertex and the Window Select Filters for Solids Only, Surfaces Only and Wire-Frames Only. Each type of selection has different Right-Click options available to it when selected.
Note: in order to "see" vertices, you'll also have to Right-Click and then select Show->Vertices.


Grumble grumble..
Thanks for your trouble and the big end have wasted more of 2 more peoples time.

[DareBee]

I spoke too soon - huh -