This question may be more generalized toward conversion types but SWX is where I want the data to end up.

I have a MDT assembly I want "quickly" converted into SWX to use in a design (not my idea to use 2 softwares on a single design ). I'd like to just convert it into a SWX part file to keep things clean. I saw it done a couple years ago where somebody converted an assy into a SWX part file that was just an accumulation of surfaces. This would be fine.

I tried the MDT > IV > IV derived part > STEP > SWX. Problem #1 is that it's a long process (and I'll probably have to do this a few more times in the future). Problem #2 was that SWX crashed when I hit the Save button

So, does someone have a suggested neutral file format and format settings that would work. I tried ACIS, STEP, & IGES but all came in as assemblies. I was hoping I could choose a setting within one of these formats that would just combine the entire assy model into a single part when converted.

Also, for you SWX users more experienced than I, remind me what SWX's calls their version of Derived Component. I can't remember.

Thanks.

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MechMan

<Jedi Mind Trick> You want to go home and re-think your life.

Can SWX create a derived part from an assembly, like IV does?

Or, can MDT derive a part from an assembly, then SAT to SWX?
Else maybe... MDT > IV > IV derived part > SAT > SWX?

just tryin' to help.

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Bill Bogan
B2 Design
http://www.b2-design.biz
I'm thinkin' about it....

Yes. I just can't remember what it's called and where to find the command.


Unless it's a new feautre, I don't remember MDT being able to do that. Well, unless you use the Combine command but you have run the command individually for each freakin part.



That's what I've ended up doing. On this mid-size assy it's a time consuming and RAM hungry task, but it finally woked. I thought I found a way to do it by exporting surfaces but only 20% of the assy converted into SWX.

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MechMan

<Jedi Mind Trick> You want to go home and re-think your life.

I think that the command is a file save command. Save as part or something. Maybe that will help looking in the help file.

Shoot, that was too freakin easy! Thanks Kathy! Not really the "command" I was thinking of (there's another that lets you keep a link to the assy) but it's exactly what I was looking for.

Thanks again!

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MechMan

<Jedi Mind Trick> You want to go home and re-think your life.

When you are opening the neutral file in SW you should be able to select options or advanced (can't rembeber what they call it) from the file "open dialog" after selecting STEP or whatever file type you are trying to open from the "File TYpe" Pulldown.
In the options dialog that comes up I think there is an option to open all parts as bodies or something like that. That will give you a single part file with multiple bodies instead of an assembly.

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Todd Bryant
Ransohoff
www.ransohoff.com

Welcome back Kathy. Where have you been?

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Sean Dotson, PE
RND Automation & Engineering
Free 30 day trial of iPropWiz v5
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I think she posted that on Mar 24...

I was wondering the other day where she got to...

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Cory
-----------------------------------
Mechanix Design Solutions
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@mcadguy

Dang, you're right. I saw her name on the visitors list the other day so I assumed she just posted that. Need to pay more attention.

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Sean Dotson, PE
RND Automation & Engineering
Free 30 day trial of iPropWiz v5
Follow @seandotson & @mcadforums & @rndautomationon Twitter

MechMan,

The Command you were thinking of I think is the Join Command. It's tedious to use but it can be done. Since SW added the File Save As command you don't need to do a Join Command anymore.

Regards,
Scott Baugh, CSWP