SolidWorks

SolidWorks® is a computer-aided design software application.

Autodesk DirectConnect supports the import of SolidWorks part *.sldprt and assembly *.sldasm files into the Autodesk Alias, Autodesk Maya, Autodesk Showcase, Autodesk Opticore Studio, and 3ds Max/3ds Max Design software.

Note: For information about additional software setup for Autodesk Alias, please see the Autodesk Alias Data Transfer reference book and the Autodesk Alias Help.

Import SolidWorks files

Note:

Before you can import SolidWorks files, purchase, install, and license SolidWorks 2005 through 2013 on the same machine, and have it running. See installation information in Install Autodesk DirectConnect.

1. Choose the menu path in your installed Autodesk software product:

   Autodesk Alias	File > Open or File > Import > File
   Autodesk Maya (Windows version)	File > Open Scene or File > Import
   Autodesk Showcase	File > Import > Import Files
   Autodesk Opticore Studio	File > Import
   3ds Max/3dsMax Design	Application Menu > Import > Select File to Import dialog

2. Select a SolidWorks part (*.sldprt) or assembly *.sldasm file. If you cannot see the files, start the SolidWorks software, minimize its window, and then try again to open the files.
3. Click OK, or Open to launch the translator and import the file into the scene.
   Note: To maintain the original positioning and orientation of part files in your scene, import the assembly file. Importing part files before the assembly file positions all of them at the origin (0,0,0) and removes the original positioning.

Type of data imported

The software imports NURBS for this file format and maintains the following information on import:

• Precise geometric surface and topology information
• Data organization
• Tolerances and unit
• Colors

Note:

• To locate this data in your Autodesk software, see Locations of Imported Data.
• For information about Alias options for data importation, see the Autodesk Alias Help.

Limitations

When importing SolidWorks files, the software automatically excludes construction history, lines, and animation.