By Gregory Bejtlich – Application Specialist at SolidXperts

Following the release of SOLIDWORKS, users can now import third-party files as graphical 3D meshes rather than solid or surface bodies. Previous releases were limited to the mesh file types *.stl, *.obj, *.off, *.ply, *.ply2. Changes for 2019 also include the addition of a ‘Graphical Body’ check box from the ‘Open’ dialog.

Importing as a graphics body can be very useful for manual remodeling or taking specific measurements. Additionally, importing as a graphics body utilizes significantly fewer resources when opening large or complex files.

To access this feature, follow the steps below.

Import as a Graphical Body can be accessed with File > Open (Ctrl + O) or Insert > Component > Existing Part/Assembly within an assembly.

Using the file format drop list, select any third-party format such as Autodesk Inventor (*.ipt) or ProE/Creo (*.prt)

Unlike importing mesh files, users are no longer required to enable the Graphics Body through the options menu. SOLIDWORKS now includes an “as Graphical Body” check box below the file explorer. Select the check box and click ‘Open’.

The Inventor Part (*.ipt) is now imported as a Graphical Body. Notice the feature tree displays the part not as a surface body or solid body – but as a Graphic Body.

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From the 2004 version of SOLIDWORKS onward, the welded construction function speeds up the creation of assemblies because it allows the representation of assemblies without having to create multiple individual files. But, there is more since version 2019.

The new “Structure” function allows the creation of welded constructions in a different way. It is not necessary to draw a path for each profile. For example, it is possible to create a starting profile (“Primary Element”) from:

– From 4 planes;

– Of a path element (a bit like welded construction);

– By defining a length by selecting only one point (note the absence of a sketch in the requested selection);

– By defining an intersection between a face and a plane.

So, with a few clicks, you can define a structure, including corner treatment:

You can then modify the created structure (in one function!) to change the profiles of certain elements:

Following the creation of the external shape of the frame, reinforcements or other elements must generally be attached to it. As mentioned above, creation methods using entities other than sketch segments can be used. For so-called “secondary” elements, using the selection of two existing profiles, two methods are possible:

– Supporting Plan Element” uses an existing plan to position the newly created profile.

Activating chain selection allows the automatic creation of element pairs when two entities are selected.

– Between point elements.

This method has two ways of working, using either distance or length ratio.

The first allows the definition of two distances from the starting point of the profiles:

We can see on the screenshot above that despite the two equally defined distances, the profile is at an angle. The reason for this is that the dimension is defined by the starting point of the profile, which corresponds to the starting point of the sketch, i.e. at the top of the structure for the profile on the left of the screenshot and at the bottom for the profile on the right:

Just click on the appropriate icons to reverse the directions and thus obtain a secondary profile perpendicular to the primary profiles.

Ratios (whose value must vary between 0 and 1) of length relative to each previously selected element can also be used. In this way, always taking the direction into account, it is easy to create a spacer that would be on one side at the upper third of a profile and at the lower third on the other.

As for the creation of a drawing, the operation is the same as for a welded construction.

All in all, even if you are already using welded construction, this new working method can be confusing at first, but you quickly get used to it and learn to appreciate the lightness of the creation tree it produces. Moreover, just like the welded construction, the result produced is compatible with the BeamCutXperts beam optimization tool.

For more information visit our SOLIDWORKS product page, or consult an Xpert!

Installation –

Admin Image types (option) Standard, Remote, Compressed

Remote – allows users to download image from internet / SOLIDWORKS Customer Portal instead of from company VPN

Compressed – smaller download, but must use full package at each service pack upgrade

SOLIDWORKS Electrical – new client or server specific installation options (easier for multi-user environments)

PDM – vault views can now be deployed as part of an Admin Image

Copy Settings wizardcan now adapt to System Options distributed and locked with Admin Image

 

User Interface –

New message bar pop-up at top of graphics window

Quick Copy utility for Measure tool – allows 1 click copy of values or values + units

Command Search now integrated in Shortcut toolbar (and can be directly added to toolbar)

Drawings saved to PDF can now include the sheet / paper color

Reference Geometry display and selection during Mate, Measure or Pattern.

While in the command hover mouse over faces or cylinders press [Q] to momentarily display reference geometry for selection.

Additional options for Component Tree display to show various combinations of Component Name, Description, Configuration, and Display State.

 

Sketching –

Linear sketch entity is now usable for direction reference in patterns

Sketch textnow works in patterns

 

Parts –

Coordinate systems – can be set with exact values in 3D space (independent of a geometry reference to select)

Coordinate systems – can be referenced or selected by its origin, an axis or plane

Cosmetic Threads – better display, retains proper depth and edge attachment

Draft Across Parting Lines – now draft can be applied in both directions from a parting line as 1 feature

External Threaded Stud Wizard – an extension of detailed Thread Feature that builds the stud with threads at 1 time

Hole Wizard Slots – dimension to arc center option added, hit [Tab] to rotate 90deg while placing feature.

Hybrid Modeling – allows mesh bodies (after BREP conversion) to be edited with surface features and combined with solid features

Segmented Mesh bodies – converted mesh bodies can have faces turned into classic BREP

Mirror about 2 planes – with 1 feature creation

Rotate Section View– around a hole or axis

Thickness Analysis – now offers Resolution control with Low, Med, High tessellation sizes

 

Model Display –

Performance improvement for 3D textures and silhouette edges

 

Sheet Metal –

Edge flanges on curves can now apply edit profile to limit the feature extents

Etched contours on bends (sketch text or split lines) retain display in flattened state

 

Structure System & Weldments –

Structure Systems now supports end caps

Custom Properties of older version weldments (2017 or earlier) can be upgraded to newer property architecture

Improvements in Complex Corner property manager

Ability for multiple secondary members (using between points, or up to member methods)

Connector Elements for Structure Systems now supported

Can include cut features as connector is placed.

ImprovedCustom Properties dialog for Structure Systems and Weldments bodies

 

Assemblies –

(x) Automatically optimize resolved mode, hide lightweight mode

Improves performance by letting system control lightweight use behind the scenes (behaves as resolved to the user)

Open Subassemblies in Different Mode– right click option to load subassembly as LDR or Resolved (independent of upper assembly current mode)

Exclude from BOM – custom configuration property for components

Configuration Table – Design Table functionality without needing the embedded Excel sheet  (file size / performance / no excel ???)

Section View – option toexclude failed componentsand still create section view

Assemblies and components with equations will auto resolveas needed, if loaded lightweight

Move with Triad– automatically appears when more than 1 component selected

AdditionalQuick Mates options on In Context Toolbar

 

Detailing & Drawings –

Alternate Position Viewsnow allow cropping

Predefined Drawing Viewsnow support trimetric, dimetric, or flat pattern types

Detailing Modeimprovements – available for any version file, Save model data and include standard views performance options added

Geometric Tolerance frames now build dynamically on screen 

Radius / Diameter dimension display toggle now on incontext bar for easier access

Sheet Metal flat pattern views can now show bend lines when sketch display is hidden

Handling of detailed cut lists within BOMtables is improved

Symmetric Linear Diameter Dimension is added 

 

Import / Export –

Performance improvements forimport of large DXF/DWG and STEP files

Ability to select specific IFC Entity types from the files for import

Assigned colors of entities properly support in DXF/DWG export

 

PDM –

Improvements with Windows AD integration: additional user data fields, profile import, login validation tools

Improved configuration property managementand control

Archive Server and User log export capabilities added

Preview Tab now shows full eDrawings viewer controls

Performance improvementsfor file operations even when database has higher latency

 

Manage –

UI improvements for BOM, Project Properties, Process Tab and more

Additional user rights controls over check out of items

Replace User capability added

Performance improvements for BOM and Project display as well as PDM check in/out

 

Simulation –

Blended Curvature Based Mesher is now default for new studies

Bonded and Contactperformance improvements

Linkage Rod Connector item

Improved solver performance and automatic solver selection

 

Visualize –

Tools to set camera perspective to matchbackplate

Shadow catcher property can be assigned to scene elements

Scenes Tab UI improvements

Animations improvements for motion studies, key frames and more

Render Output Viewer – in project viewing, control, and management of renders

Pattern Tool – replaces and improves prior Formation function (Vee, Circle, Scatter, Grid)

 

CAM –

Toolpath endpointscan be set for a custom color for easier viewing

Filter for Mill & Turn tools containing specified text string

 

Composer –

Ability to import SOLIDWORKS appearance decals

Import file versionextensions: ACIS up to 2021 , Creo 7, SOLIDWORKS 2022

 

Electrical –

Links in BOM cells – allows multiple items to reference 1 mfg part

PDF data file support for Project PDF exports (bind PDF function)

Multiple UI improvements

Attribute capability added to Origin & Destination arrows (shows mark of connected component)

Electrical Content Portalcan now be set as dockable panel in UI

Improved Connection Point creation

 

Inspection –

New API– auto open SOLIDWORKS files, Balloon drawings, create reports and more

Standalone now supportsall native SOLIDWORKS files and NX/Unigraphics *.prt files (MBE)

Smart Extract in standalone has improved recognition and parsing of PDF file content

 

MBD –

HTML(5) exportoption on 3D PDF creation

Angle Dimension manual annotation for DimXpert added

Geometric Tolerancingimprovement including ANSI Y14.5 or ISO 1101 release selection

 

eDrawings –

Support for SOLIDWORKS custom file properties when saved as eDrawings files

Components list UIimprovements

 

Flow Simulation –

Scene Plot utility – stores all displayed plots and model display

Compare Tool improvements

Range Function – for handling of transient effects (such as power derating due to temperature calculation)

Flux Plot – now available within Transient Explorer

 

Plastics –

Symmetric & Cyclic Cavity and Runner Layout tools

Injection Location Advisor – based on part geometry software selects up to 4 recommended injection locations

Polymer materials data updates (using latest manufacturer properties)

SABIC, Polyplastics, Solvay Specialty Polymers, Radici Group, LANXESS

Improved UI of Plastics Manager Tree

4K and higher displayresolution support

Solver performance improvement – cooling calculation time reduced 34%, Fill & Pack reduced 60%

 

Routing –

Flatten Routeimprovements for horizontal selection, and line only output

Connector backshellsupport added

Replace Connectorcapability added – preserves line connection where possible  

 

SolidXperts teams can help you become true 3D experts! An additional question? Need information?

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