Solidworks 2006 to MC9

[tmachine]

I see that version X will convert SW2006, will there be a patch for 9.1 SP2?

[Pete Rimkus from CNC Software Inc.]

We do not currently plan on releasing a SW2006 patch for V9

[tmachine]

Thanks for the quick reply. I guess I will be upgrading to X sooner rather than later now.

[gcode]

tmachine,

you can save a SW 2006 file as a parasolid and import it into V9 with no trouble.

 

If you use parasolids, you can also build a

coordinate system in SW , export it with the parasolid and control how the solid lands in

V9. No more translating and rotating to

match your solid up with your V9 WCS

[chip]

quote:

---

If you use parasolids, you can also build a

coordinate system in SW , export it with the parasolid and control how the solid lands in

V9. No more translating and rotating to

match your solid up with your V9 WCS

---

Hey gcode.... I was Un-aware of that... What do you set in SW?

[gcode]

In SolidWorks, go to

Insert/Reference Geometry/ Coordinate System

Make a coordinate system with X Y and Z pointing

the way you want them to be in Mastercam.

 

You can use existing geometry to define the system or make a plane and sketch an XY axis system to snap to.

 

You can make as many as you want and name them

to keep track of them (one for each side of a part for example)

 

then Save AS

parasolid (binary is best)

click Options

and select your coordinate system from the

"Output coordinate system" drop down

 

You can also set the ouput version level

(v15 will open in V9 just fine)

 

When you open the parasolid in V9 or X,

it will be oriented accordding to the

SW coordiante system

 

I've been begging CNC Software to include this in their SW export utility for years

 

This works with STL, IGES, solid part file or assemblies.

[chip]

You the man! It helps... I always draw my assemblies in Front. I usually have to rotate the components a few time to get them machineable. Helps though. Also I never used Binary. Seems to transfer the same.

[Pete Rimkus from CNC Software Inc.]

gcode,

 

-------------

"...I've been begging CNC Software to include this in their SW export utility for years..."

-------------

 

I think you mean "import", but that's not important. What is important is how you would envision it being implemented? As a post-import part of the File/Open process (i.e. read the SLDPRT and then prompt for orientation)?

[Bryan Johnson]

It would be great if we could deal with cordinate systems from solidworks in the same method we now deal with multiple configuratios.

 

Give the option to select during import.

[Bryan Johnson]

But reading in assembly files is higer on the list.

[gcode]

quote:

---

how you would envision it being implemented

---

Read the file

If no SW Coordiante Systems are present, import

with SW's default orientation.

If there is one or more CS's in the file have a

dialog screen with a dropdown pop up requesting the user make a choice.

 

[ 10-26-2005, 09:36 AM: Message edited by: gcode ]

[Pete Rimkus from CNC Software Inc.]

Gcode, Bryan,

I'll check it out, but it all depends on what they make available in their API for working with SW files outside of SolidWorks.

[tmachine]

"tmachine,

you can save a SW 2006 file as a parasolid and import it into V9 with no trouble."

 

True, I don't use SW, but half of my customers do. I can ask them to save the file so I can read it until I revision up. I was hoping to upgrade next year some time, but will have to rethink that. Even the upgrade price is a big expense for a 2 man shop.

 

Thanks again for the replies.

[chip]

I think it works well enough. Dealing with plastics (I don't know the benefits of other types of parts in the industry). If I import a SW file and its a Mold Base Assembly (EJ half, Hot Half, Inserts, Cores, etc.). I have to work with each part in MasterCam. Normally I keep the MBA in a file. Pull individual files (Save As). and bring that part into a machinable position in MasterCam.

 

If MasterCam prompted before I brought in into MasterCam where to set the orgin (i.e. Importing toolpath groups and operations). I don't know that it would benefit me if it was 30' off centerline.

 

What gcode showed me is a good feature if I were to design an individual part. I was to give it to another programmer.... He could then bring the file in ready to machine. no questions on which side is up!

 

I'm sure these features benefit others somehow someway... I had an incredible time trying to get my boss to spring for Version X. let alone purchase another add-on for a translator. Him knowing full well were running just fine in Version 9. The translation is good and accurate. Lets see if we can get the rest of our crew efficient in X!