Dear Friends,
We are using SolidWorks to create 3D models and drawings. Once the drawing is created in SolidWorks we may send it to fabrication guys.So based on their requirement they can edit the drawings/(change the dimensions most probably) and they may not be having SolidWorks. What might be the optimum workflow or method for such requirement.
Current scenario.
1) We create drawings in AutoCad.
2)We send it offshore/on site or to whatever.(mostly for fabrication.)
3)They Change it as per their Engineering.
(This is easy because everybody used AutoCad).
What we wish to Do.
1) We will create 3D models, parts and assemblies in SolidWorks.
2)We create SolidWorks drawings as per our standards in .slddrw format.
3)then this .slddrw drawing can be sent to fabricators.
4)They can change it, edit, modify it, can change the dimensions as per their need.(So that Each view can update in a parametric way...just a drawing not the model as model will be with us.)
5)Once final revision is released.Final drawing will be retrieved and model will be updated.
What we currently trying to Do.
1) We will create 3D models, parts and assemblies in SolidWorks.
2)We create SolidWorks drawings as per our standards in .slddrw format.
3)We try to convert it in .dwg format.
4)And nothing else because Converting .slddrw to .dwg is very non-value added and time consuming process.(Drawings explode, layers changes, fonts changes, line weights change, Prints/plot styles and .CTB files create in-consistent hard copies, colors are in RGB format which may not be detected in Autocad, layer mapping consumes time .)
We are desperately looking for the solution as We specifically I hate to use Autocad . And I can not tell everyone to switch to SolidWorks as of now.
**(another thought if we don't find any application for this... Can we send a .slddrw file to third party with a certain Association file that will make the drawing views parametric and once a dimention in a view is change all views can update with out 3D model being present locally.)
I have just heard about draft-sight and e-drawings but un-aware of their use.as we rarely use it.
Thanks in Advance.
Regards,
Nikhil Phatak