How to import STEP file in SOLIDWORKS?

Importing STEP file in SOLIDWORKS

Working in industry involves communication with clients, contractors, etc.  From a computer aided design (CAD) perspective it means being able to exchange and use models from different software platforms.  A common question we receive is SolidWorks compatibility with other software packages. 

For example, assume a client uses a different CAD system and has sent us a *.step file containing the part model.  In this case the part is a base plate.  In order to open the part in SolidWorks we must import the part and use feature recognition.

Select File>Open and browse for the *.step file to open it.

A pop-up window will appear asking to create a new SolidWorks part.  Select yes to accept

A new pop-up window will appear asking whether you would like to run import diagnostics.

Import diagnostics checks the part model for errors.  By selecting OK, the Import Diagnostics ran on our part and did not detect any errors.

Further, you will be prompted whether you want to run Feature Recognition.  

Feature Recognition will attempt to construct the model using Solidworks features and tools.  If you chose not to run feature recognition, the part will exist as a single solid body model.  By accepting Feature Recognition and running it, the part is now deconstructed into a sketch and an extrude boss command.

By inspecting the sketch you’ll find undefined entities used to create the solid body.

Please note that there are many import and export options for SolidWorks.  All import and export options are summarized in the table below:

SolidWorks Tutorial:Pi Day Candle Holder - DIY

SOLIDWORKS DIY (TUTORIAL): PI DAY CANDLE HOLDER

Pi Day is a celebration of the mathematical constant pi, 3.14159 or symbolized simply as π.  Pi  Day occurs on March 14^th and when written in MM, DD, YY format gives 03 14 15 or Pi!

What better way to celebrate Pi Day than to model your very own Pi Day candle holder.  This Pi day candle holder is designed to project the symbol π when lit. 

Let’s start with the solid modeling.  I have created my candle holder profile using a revolve function.  The profile is arbitrary.

Next, we apply a shell command.  In this case I have applied a shell of 3mm and have presented the results as a section view.

Orient yourself to the top plane and sketch the Pi symbol as shown. This will form the outline of the light projected from the candle.

Drawing the Pi symbol is not a trivial task, therefore we can place a picture of the Pi symbol onto the sketch plane for us to trace.  Access this tool by going to Tools> Sketch Tools > Sketch Pictures

Resize and trace the image as shown.  I have sketched the Pi symbol using lines and splines.

Create a reference axis from the center of the Pi symbol to the center of the flame by selecting two points.  Create one point on the Pi sketch and another point on a separate sketch approximating the center point of the flame.

Then use the extrude cut feature and be sure to cut along that reference axis to get your profile.

Use a circular pattern to repeat your cut as frequently as you like.  You are now done modeling!

Save your file as a STEP file.  This file can be used by commercial 3D Printers to print your part for you.  Consider printing ABS plastic so your product is more resistant to heat.

Congratulations you are now celebrating Pi Day in style!

Part description missing from "Save as" menu in SolidWorks

Some may have encountered a problem in SolidWorks where in the “Save as” menu, the description for the part is missing.  To fix this you must have administrator privileges on the computer.

Search for the file “sldpropertyhandler.dll”.  This file is typically located under Program Files, SolidWorks Corp, SolidWorks.  Once found, note the location

Open the command prompt.  For Windows 8 users, press the window key and type “command” and it should appear on the right hand side. 

Once the command prompt is open, type the following:

 regsvr32 "C:\Program Files\SolidWorks Corp\SolidWorks\sldpropertyhandler.dll"

Press Enter.

A pop-up window will appear stating the action has succeeded.  That command ensures that the target file is registered in the Windows Registry.

Now when you try to save a file in SolidWorks, the description box should appear.

How to create custom weldments?

Creating Custom SolidWorks Weldments

Not all weldments are created equally.  The standard library is a good starting point, however some profiles may not be properly dimensioned and some profiles that you need might not exist in the library.  This tutorial will show you how to create your own custom profile and insert it into the SolidWorks Library.

Suppose you need a weldment in the shape of a hexagon.  Your first step is to sketch the profile (as per below Figure 1). Please bear in mind that the origin will be the default point of extrusion for the weldment. 

 Figure 1:

Once you are satisfied with your sketch, select the sketch from the feature manager design tree, go to File > Save As.  Under “Save as type” select “Lib Feat Part”, give it a file name and save (as per Figure 2). The next step is to find your weldment profile library.  This can be done by going to Tools > Options.  Under the System Options Tab, select “File Locations”.  Under “Show folders for”, scroll down to “Weldment Profiles” and note the folder location as shown.

Figure 2:

Place a copy of the custom weldment profile into the Weldment Profiles location (as per Figure 3). 

Figure 3:

**Important** Maintain the file structure or create a new one since SolidWorks uses these file structures to designate their drop down boxes.  For example a standard profile library would look as follows:

…\weldment profiles\iso\angle\ [Weldment profile file]

You may insert your profile under the same file structure, in this case we have created (as per figure 4):

…\weldment profiles\Custom Profiles\Special 1\ [Weldment profile file]

Figure 4:

Once you have placed your custom weldment profile in place you will be able to use it like any other weldment profile (as per figure 5).

Figure 5:

SolidWorks Weekend Training in GTA

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