? Solid Works to SketchUp workflow ?

JClements

Hi:

I realize that SimLabs has a plugin to import SW into SU.

However, are there other methods to accomplish this by exporting from Solid Works to a format that SU can them import?

dedmin

http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=29822

watkins

Dear John,

I have in the past done the following, but from Inventor and not Solid Works.

export as .sat file
import into AutoCAD and scale up x100 (to take care of small features)
export from AutoCAD as .dxf file
import into SU
scale 0.01 to bring the model back to normal size

In most case it works.

Regards,
Bob

JClements

Hi Bob, thanks:

" ...export from AutoCAD as .dxf file" ?

I thought it would have been DWG for the 3D attributes.

Regards, John

watkins

Maybe you are right. It has been a long time since I've done this. Give it a go.

Bob

watkins

Dear John,

The attached file was exported from Inventor as a .sat file, and imported into AutoCAD (type Import at the Command line). I then scaled up x100 and exported as both a .dwg and a .dXf file (both attached). Try importing them into Sketchup. May sure the dimensions are set to millimetres, and retain the drawing origin.

I tried with the .dxf file and it works just fine. It takes a few minutes to complete the import into SU, so be patient. The file is an assembly so contains lots of groups.

THE SYSTEM WON'T LET ME ATTACH FILES WITH EXTENSIONS .DWG AND .DXF, AND SO I WILL EMAIL THEM TO YOU WITH THE ORIGINAL .SAT FILE

Regards,
Bob

watkins

In trying to send you a PM I find that going that route also blocks .dwg and .dxf files. If you would like the files then please send me a PM with your email address.

Regards,
Bob

Rich O Brien

Try zipping them, that would allow you to upload.

Gaieus

Guys, we keep adding newer file types to the possible attachments but until all that is needed is added, you can always ZIP those files and attach that way.

Rich O Brien

Ha ha!

watkins

Zipped folder containing 4 files (.sat, .dwg, .dxf, and .skp)

Files.zip

JClements

Thanks, Bob.

I did notice a few things with the DWG import. I couldn't weld the 40-edges that form one of the small holes. I couldn't use the script to place a guidepoint at the center of the selected edges that form one of the small holes.

Also, for the repetitive elements, are there blocks/components in Solidworks and can they be exported so they come into AutoCAD and SU as such?

watkins

Dear John,

The .sat file was created using AutoDesk's Inventor 11.

If you want to weld the 40 segments of the circle, then soften the group first. After softening, Chris Fullmer's tool for finding the centre point can be used. Also note, the SU model needs to be scaled by 0.01 (I forgot to do this before posting).

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Bob