6 Replies Latest reply on Jun 28, 2016 1:54 PM by Akul Kakumani

Cannot sketch on an imported file in Solidworks 2016

Akul Kakumani Jun 28, 2016 11:08 AM

Hi everyone,

I had to import a step file that was made in Catia into solidworks but it initially just imported it as a bunch of surfaces even though there were just solids in Catia. So I went into options and selected the B-REP mapping option and Solidworks then imported the step file as a solid. Now the issue is Solidworks just wont let me sketch on any of the faces on this solid. When I try to select plane, it just does nothing. So just wanted to check if any of you had any idea as to what might?

Thank you!

Re: Cannot sketch on an imported file in Solidworks 2016

Glenn Schroeder Jun 28, 2016 11:24 AM (in response to Akul Kakumani)

The surfaces of the Part probably aren't perfectly flat, and if they aren't then you can't sketch on them. You'll probably need to create a new Plane and sketch on it.
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- Re: Cannot sketch on an imported file in Solidworks 2016
  
  Akul Kakumani Jun 28, 2016 1:54 PM (in response to Glenn Schroeder)
  
  Yeah, I had the same thought but there are flat surfaces on the part but I can't sketch on them either.
  
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Re: Cannot sketch on an imported file in Solidworks 2016

Ryan McVay Jun 28, 2016 12:46 PM (in response to Akul Kakumani)

Welcome to the world of multi-CAD. You have to remember that CATIA is using a proprietary modeling kernel. Not all solid kernels are the same! I'd have your CATIA source output a secondary STEP file and see if they can adjust their settings on their end and attempt a second shot.
If that fails, then see about getting a more simplified version of the solid- one with less fillets and rounds. Then apply those as secondary operations inside of SW. Ask for cgr file so that you can view what the CATIA file should look like.
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- Re: Cannot sketch on an imported file in Solidworks 2016
  
  Akul Kakumani Jun 28, 2016 1:54 PM (in response to Ryan McVay)
  
  I'll ask them and see what they have to say, thanks!
  
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Re: Cannot sketch on an imported file in Solidworks 2016

Kelvin Lamport Jun 28, 2016 1:05 PM (in response to Akul Kakumani)

Even though you said you selected the B-REP option, it sounds like a graphics file was created. If none of the faces, edges or vertices can be selected (and highlighted), that is almost certainly the case.
Does the part have a mass?
Can you post the STEP file and SW part?
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- Re: Cannot sketch on an imported file in Solidworks 2016
  
  Akul Kakumani Jun 28, 2016 1:54 PM (in response to Kelvin Lamport)
  
  I can highlight the faces and other features but just can't sketch on them. I also used section view to see if it was a solid and it does look like a solid.
  
  I wanted to attach the file but am not allowed to. I know this makes things a lot harder to see but it's company policy, sorry.
  
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