We are having issues with 2018
We deal with a lot of import models
For many years until just recently we were able to import one file on top of another import file “overlay” We could use this for reference geometry to create a single part this is not an assembly process
My question is how to make it work like it did before?
Thank you for your time.
Disable (uncheck) 3D InterConnect and you can use the same old process (unless there is a different issue)
We do not use assemblies in this shop when you disable 3-D interconnect it turns every import into an assembly then you have to take it back out of the assembly by saving it as a part this adds three steps to every part that we have come in.
Prior to 2018, we were able to import one model and import another model in the same part file. Without any conversions in without having to save the part out first.
Corey Brooks wrote:
We do not use assemblies in this shop when you disable 3-D interconnect it turns every import into an assembly then you have to take it back out of the assembly by saving it as a part this adds three steps to every part that we have come in.
Prior to 2018, we were able to import one model and import another model in the same part file. Without any conversions in without having to save the part out first.
Are you sure that you were using Solidworks?
I am not sure that I know how to do this. I tried several things and I can't import two separate files directly into the same part file. I am using SW 2017, and I am not sure that it could be done with SW 2015 either.
I have been wrong before...I could be wrong....this is generally what it looks like when I am wrong.
Edit: Turns out I WAS wrong.....I THOUGHT it looked familiar!
Corey,
I believe Dan to be correct. Please list the exact steps you performed to achieve what you are talking about.
Bob
Hello Corey,.. maybe your are thinking about or using "Insert/Features/Imported" for your imported overlays? (image attached)
Paul Salvador wrote:
Hello Corey,.. maybe your are thinking about or using "Insert/Features/Imported" for your imported overlays? (image attached)
Wow, Paul. I never knew that existed! Thank you for that!
That is awesome! That may change some things for me in the future!
Very nice Paul, I never knew that existed. This will really come in handy when comparing imported parts that go through several revision changes.
Bob
They are essentially the same. Only the file format options are different. They could be easily combined & save space.
First, thank you all for your time and help!!!
I have for years been able to import an iges file and open the second one on top of the first. without saving or making an assembly.
Just like Paul is doing in this post.
Please try to do this with these two models without saving the one.
Hey Corey,.. yes, is one of those features I use a lot for referencing data.
..and Dan and Bob.. glad it will be useful.. as with many of us visiting,.. we get to see/share some of this program thru another set of eye's and workflows...
BTW,... since we are on this topic (and some of you all ready know this)... when you import as normal or through this import option, you have the option to Edit (rmb) the imported body and "re import" dumb data. This is GREAT for updating (or comparing) the reference data from your client/vendor or what ever source!
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/njpjpu9nne2zniw/AAAF-de3Eoznt6VFUcYd7wH-a?dl=0
The first link did work here is a better link
I reset all my setting and shut off 3d interconnect and most of the import files are working now.
Again thank you all
Hello Corey,.. I don't have 2018 on my system... and now, I'm confused,.. why are you exporting IGES files (should be parasolid) from SolidWorks.. and/or was this a test for importing IGES and getting trim set of bodies (instead of a solid body?)
Paul
The is test importing 2 iges on top of another. but this is 2018 problem, in 2017 and before it work fine.
Thank you
Corey,.. so, are you saying "Insert/Features/Imported" does not work in 2018 ?
It works for me on 2018 Paul.
Paul
Yes Insert/Feature/Import work only if 3d interconnect is off if 3D interconnect is on the first part disappear
In 2018 if 3D interconnect is off then bad import model or multi-body come in as assemble
Hi Corey,
So are you saying that:
a) With 3D interconnect ON you cannot use Feature/Import. Is it greyed out!? (if I interpret your term "disappear" right)
b) With 3D interconnect OFF you can use Feature/Import
c) But depending on the 3D interconnect setting you see different levels in the quality of the imported geometry
That's tough. That means if you use your current workflow (pre-2018) then you get lower quality imported geometry. If you want better quality then you are forced to change your workflow.
Sounds like 3D interconnect in it's early stage of implementation is somewhat causing a good chunk of issues. SW will have to address that. But if you want then I can let you know how to bulk-convert files in a folder.
Elmar
Hi Corey,
Not sure what your current steps are (maybe you could explain better). Conversion or import from iges & step is pretty straight forward with the exception of error handling. But once you have them converted, simply insert them into an assembly. Interference check is one option to compare the two. Not sure if you work with solids or surface or a mix of the two. Hard to say from the information you provide.
Anyways, SW offers a few functions like join, mold tools etc. that will allow you to merge files together.
To explain all steps goes beyond what makes sense to explain in this thread.
Good luck
Elmar