Import 3D DXF Assembly into SolidWorks

3D Design Interfaces
1

Hi all

We have assemblies in DXF 3D format. We want to import them into SolidWorks.

However, when you open a 3D DXF in SolidWorks and then "import the 3D model sketches". The assembly created has only empty parts.

We tried to re-impote piece by piece and reopen the assembly with the correct parts. But this does not work, the origins of the parts change and the assembly no longer has its original form at all.

Then we tried the "Import MDT – Mechanical DeskTop" method from this tutorial. But nothing happens.

Do I need to reinstall the original version of Mechanical Desktop?

 

2

if you import a 3D DXF assembly into SolidWorks 

SW only sees the surface of this assembly (therefore empty of body)

ditto if you import parts they will be in surface

So you have to modify your surface parts to get volume via thickening tool

and save all these parts and thus redo your assembly

@+ ;-)

 

3

Importing parts alone is not a problem.

I am looking for a solution to recover the assembly. Of course I can reassemble, but since I don't have a plan. I don't know how...


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4

Normally, the imported file will certainly be empty in terms of constraints, but nevertheless well "positioned".

It will therefore be necessary to add constraints on the parts without affecting the basic values.

5
Hello At the time of import you must check "3d curve or model" and not import the 3d sketches. From memory, this is the second option of the second section in the import. edit: oops I hadn't seen your screen print so the problem may come from the fact that it's MDT @+
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6

@Jose

I don't quite understand. You mean you have to create the parts and then take the coordinates of each of them from the empty assembly to assemble them?

I think it won't work, because the result is going to match what I get by recreating the parts one by one and replacing the empty files. When I open the assembly, it is "exploded".

Did I understand correctly?


capture.png
7

@Coyote

See the screenshot of my first answer. Indeed I formulated my question badly... Sorry.

8

If it is exploded, indeed, it does not work... :/

No possibility of having a WWTP instead of a DXF?

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9

@Jose

Thank you for your quick answers.

For the WWTP. These are the files before using SolidWorks. We don't have a position with any other software than SolidWorks, DraftSight.

I'm not a good Autocadian. By reinstalling an Autodesk Mechanical Desktop, is it possible to export them in neutral format?

By the way, I don't really understand the differences between Mechanical, Inventor...

 

10

I'll leave it to others to explain the differences between the versions but I think that by reinstalling a license and exporting the assembly in a neutral format, there should be no problems.

However, the assembly must be compatible with the software (version per year).

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11

Are there many parts?

 

One solution would be to save the assembly with the "empty" parts and then close it.

 

Then import each part one by one to replace (overwrite) the ones that make up the assembly.

 

By reopening the assembly, it should appear correctly: be careful to fix all the parts, there are no constraints in general!

12

@Lucas

That's what I explained in my question: "We tried to re-impote piece by piece and reopen the assembly with the correct parts. But this doesn't work, the origins of the parts change and the assembly no longer has its original form at all."

And what I detailed with Jose: "(...) recreating the pieces one by one and replacing the empty files. When I open the assembly, it is "exploded"."

13

Uh, of course the "Import MDT data from the file... " is checked during the import?

 

If not, in the "empty" file, is there still a tree structure or surface bodies?

14

@Jose

As I said in my question when I try the "Import MDT – Mechanical DeskTop" data. MDT tries to open but nothing more in the SolidWorks window...

15

Try opening your DWG3D with DraftSight

Then you export it in SAT (exportsat function to type in the command window) and select the solids

If it works, then read the SAT again with SW

From memory I think he creates several bodies in the same room

If you want an assembly you can then use the split function (automatic) and create the assembly from the split function (right button on the function)

Crooked!!

 

16

@ACO

When I select all the elements of my 3D, by holding the right mouse button, and the command line enters. Here is the result.

 

exportsat

26 found, 26 total

No selected solids, regions, or bodies.

 

So of course no export.

 

Is it my selection method that is failing?

17

A silly question but has the base file been tested under Mechanical?

It's still weird that none of the solutions mentioned above work.

Normally, the assembly opens on the surface, certainly without any constraints, but opens anyway and contains surface elements that must be re-stressed.

 

In this case, either it doesn't open anything (empty assembly) or in a disorderly way if the parts are registered beforehand.

 

Isn't the basic assembly ... compromise?

18

Hello

I'm not sure which version of Autocad was used to create the file.

I tried with a trial version of mechanical but I can't export it in a format that allows it to be opened with SolidWorks.

If I try the SAT export I face the same problem as with Draftsight. An error message tells me that no objects, bodies, etc; is selected

19

In fact, the files were created with Autocad R14 which dates back to 97!

20

Oh yes, indeed!!

So maybe we should re-open the assembly on a slightly more recent Autocad to save again in DXF or even STEP if possible and it should go back to normal:)

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