Use Shapr3D and SOLIDWORKS side by side, so you can get the best of both worlds: Model parts and assemblies in SOLIDWORKS on your desktop and make quick fixes to those designs with Shapr3D on the spot, from anywhere.
All you need to do is save your SOLIDWORKS project as an entire part or assembly in the software’s native format—SLDPRT or SLDASM. The SLDASM file can include virtual components—sub-assemblies and parts that are internally saved in the assembly—and referenced components (as long as they are not mesh files).
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Before you import SLDPRT and SLDASM files into Shapr3D, though, you should know a few things: Shapr3D does not support files created in beta versions of SOLIDWORKS. |
You don’t have to convert these files into STEP, X_T, and IGES files just to make them Shapr3D-compatible. Once you’ve saved your project in SLDPRT or SLDASM format, share your project with Shapr3D by importing the file. On the screen, you can track the app’s progress processing the file, repairing geometries, and tessellating the imported bodies.
If you’re importing an SLDASM file with referenced components, the Locate Referenced Files dialog with a complete list of references will appear.
You can then click the Browse icon for each component, find and select the corresponding, locally saved external reference file (not mesh), and click Continue. You have to manually select the references because iOS prevents Shapr3D from directly accessing local files without your permission. Note that those referenced files must be available on your iPad locally for the import to be successful.
When you’re done importing, the bodies that make up the part or assembly will appear in your design space and you can directly edit them on your iPad right away.
The SOLIDWORKS file’s assembly features, history tree, sketches, attributes, and other 2D or non-geometric data will not be translated into Shapr3D. However, the original hierarchical structure of the assembly file is retained in the app. So, even though Shapr3D doesn’t support assemblies yet, you can still pick up where you left off in your assembly design. In the app, open the Items manager to see an organized panel of folders and nested geometries, representing the original tree of assemblies and parts. If your design includes empty parts or assemblies, those will be displayed as empty folders.
After you tune up your design in Shapr3D, you can always go back to SOLIDWORKS. Export your model from Shapr3D as an X_T file, and import that into SOLIDWORKS. The folder structure will be preserved in the X_T file and you’ll be able to reopen the same assembly in SOLIDWORKS without hangups.