Can anybody suggest a conversion utility to import SDRC I-Deas files into solidworks. We have a large volume of legacy SDRC files and our license has expired, they were previously IGES'd over but there are a few stragglers that SDRC couldn't convert. Any help would be appreciated.
TIA
Does that mean you are no longer able to run I-Deas?
You could try asking at http://www.eng-tips.com/threadminder.cfm?pid=577 if somone would be able to do the conversions for you.
What version of I-DEAS are you using? And are you talking about assemblies and parts, or drawings?
Since about version 11 or so, I-DEAS was able to export parts and assemblies as Parasolid files to provide interoperability with NX. Later versions of I-DEAS had stronger capabilities when exporting Parasolid.
Thanks everyone for the suggestions, but we no longer have a license to run the software. In the infancy of SDRC, they tied the license to the serial number of CPU. Unfortunately the 486 machine has been ceremonially buried... not recoverable anymore.
Mark; I believe we were running V12. We exported about 30 man years of models, however I-Deas couldn't export some of those parts and assembly models (it would crash consistently). We did not export any drawings. We tried parasolid, STEP, but IGES was the best option for us as it 'crashed' the least amount of times.
Anyone aware of any services for exporting?
what is the file extension? .xxx? There are a couple programs MeshLab & Accutrans3d that have alot of options to save files as, but i am not sure if they include the filetype you are importing. Sometimes i use those programs when i have a particularly difficult import from a weird format. I prefer importing IGES those usually comein without a problem.
A few options exists. The first one is to look at translators from the SW Partner page.
http://www.solidworks.com/sw/products/engineering-software-partners.htm
Another option is to look at Tetra4D. Tetra4D is a Acrobat plug-in that enables the import of 3D CAD models. Once opened, it can then export to neutral 3D files such as STEP, Parasolid and others. Although the file formats supported are not listed on the website, I beleive it does support Ideas but you should ask them. This solution will cost you in between 500$ to 1000$ depending if you already have Acrobat or not.
http://www.tetra4d.com/products.html
Hope this helps,
Michel
looks like you maybe SOL!!! you would need to find someone with SDRC to save or someone that has this:
http://www.cadfamily.com/online-help/I-DEAS/SDRCHelp/LANG/English/iop_ug/int_ideas/savingideas.htm
and NX or SE
I do believe I'm SOL lol. I did look at www.tetra4d.com, it handles MF1, ARC, UNV, PKG file types, we have PRT, ASM, MF1 files. So I could import MF1 files, but no part or assembly files.
As for your link Lenny, I don't know anyone running NX. I believe ultimately if we require porting into SW, we'll have to bite the bullet and pay for services somewhere.
You might try calling Syncroness (http://www.syncroness.com). They are an engineering shop that uses both I-DEAS and Solidworks. They may be able to assist you.
Check if the posts help you:
http://www.capinc.com/support/tips/solidworks-tech-tips-general
http://www.javelin-tech.com/main/support/pdf/sdrc.pdf