we are members of sema and we get our math straight from the big three but when we transfer all the files our math comes across as a complete mess. How do I fix this? Sema is telling me we should upgrade to better software? It is per mated together but when I open it I loose parts and mates. And is Solidworks capable to handle files this size? We need to upgrade this year and I am not so sure we should go with solidworks or another software.
one sub assembly is like 1068 Parts and yes I lose mates and parts, I can open them as separate parts and they are fine but when I try to put lets say the frame on the body that is when it goes bad.
on and it is a txt file but that I can open no problem, and Chrysler no longer uses Catia.
The GM data sets are ALWAYS be great, Ford a little more complicated and the Chrysler data a complete mess.
I have not figured a great work around, I just grab what I need and disregard the junk. Lucky me I typically only work with the powertrain components.
I assume you have to deal with body data, it helps to get the fastest CPU and a large video card you can afford.
Best, Jason
1) What do you mean "complete mess?"
2) "Lose parts and mates" Does this mean you open the assembly and parts are missing? Are they there at first, then disappear?
3) How big are the files?
4) What format are you getting from the Big 3? Step? Catia? IGES? I HIGHLY recommend getting files in either STEP or Parasolid (SW native format). We have had great success with STEP files as a neutral file format.
I'm assuming you're getting Catia because Jeep. SW obviously doesn't read that directly. We had horrible problems with Catia files at one point. We bought a translator, but there was still lots of bad geometry. We finally bought a seat of Catia just to open the files and send out as STEP for Solidworks use. That's why I suggest STEP. Either have your supplier give you STEP or buy Catia to go Catia-->STEP-->Solidworks.
Solidworks reads in STEP very well in our experience.
IGES files are the worst, in our experience. Almost every file has issues.