Importing into SolidWorks
So, let's import this into SolidWorks and see what we get. What would we like to get? Something like a multi-layer sandwidth: Each Gerber conductor layer on its own Z-level in SolidWorks with a given thickness. Between each conductor layer a solid body representing the FR4. Drill holes running through the entire assembly like toothpicks holding the whole thing together.
Importing
We are going to import into a SolidWorks part. We will start by just importing the top layer. We import it as a new part and the data as a 2D Sketch. here is what it looks like as it first comes in:
You can import a scanned file with mesh data into the SOLIDWORKS software without using the ScanTo3D add-in. The software imports the file and associated.
You can see that our circuit traces have lost their width but the solids for the square pads are OK. To convert this to a part, we have to selected the closed regions (i.e. the pads) and extrude them along Z. The actual thickness is about 0.0014 inch (assuming 1 oz.copper) but we will use 0.004 inch so that we can actually see something in 3D.
In order to extrude this, I had to first delete the sketch lines for the traces (as they don't form a closed body they can't be there), select the rest of the 2D sketch lines and then use the extude/boss function to extrude by 0.004 inch in the Z direction. I also set the material to copper which gives the data its brownish color.
I can now save this as a 'part' we'll call TOP_LAYER.SLDPRT
So you can see that to import just one layer requires several manual steps and we have yet to be able to import the traces.
I have always worked with Solidworks as a starter software for models and not as a importing software. But recently I have had to import various files into Solidworks from other CAD software and am wondering what is the best practice for this? The files that I am usually importing are .STEP, .IGES, and Pro/E files. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
![Solidworks Import File Solidworks Import File](/uploads/1/2/5/6/125643844/972469132.png)
10 Answers
With personal experience, I recommend imporotvať files into Solidworks format *. Stp.
Os melhores arquivos para importar para o SolidWorks na minha opinião são parasolid (.x_t .x_b) e step (.stp .step).
Se voce pode negociar com seu fornecedor de arquivos peça que mande em
parasolid.
Se voce pode negociar com seu fornecedor de arquivos peça que mande em
parasolid.
The best files for importing into SolidWorks in my opinion are Parasolid (. X_T. X_b) and step (. Stp. Step).
If you can negotiate with your supplier to send the file number in
Parasolid.
If you can negotiate with your supplier to send the file number in
Parasolid.
Agree with juriga and Jackson. Step or Parasolid. SW can also attempt to do a feature recognition on Step. Can't remember if it will do it for parasolid. Also if you are doing a lot of Pro/E you might find an aftermarket add-on that will import with all the features intact. Stay away from IGES as that is basically a mesh file.
Step and parasolid works fine if you're importing models from other softwares.
Iges works perfect as inventor's 'pack n' go' if you want to share an assembly between SW users, it recognizes all the features and create the parts involved automatically.
Iges works perfect as inventor's 'pack n' go' if you want to share an assembly between SW users, it recognizes all the features and create the parts involved automatically.
Thanks everyone for the help. Even though i have been using Solidworks for 6 years there are still things i have never done with the software. But as I always tell my co-workers, 'CAD is a never ending learning experience.'
I like to just drag the file into the work area of SW, Its really quick. No need to go through the file/open/ type filter and browse for the file method.
Even I could recommend files marked SAT. When you open the file you have Solidworks required supplementary information in XLS format. This is extra work for the distributor. But try to be everything.
Just a correction on my comment above. IGES is not a mesh file. My bad. I was thinking STL for some reason. And SW will do a feature recognition on IGES. Sorry for the error.