An assembly lets the user define specific relations between bodies in the modeling space based on geometries. For example, if there are two parts that have holes, it’s possible to set one of the holes on each part to be co-axial. With an assembly, a dynamic relationship is set between the parts.
Shapr3D doesn’t support assemblies yet, but as a workaround, you can use the Align tool to position parts together. However, when you move the parts away from their point of connection, they become independent from each other, unlike in assemblies where the relationship between the parts is dynamic where all the connected parts move together.
Shapr3D supports loading assemblies created in Solidworks, but keep in mind that the dynamic property of an assembly will be lost upon importing it.
Importing a Solidworks assembly file to Shapr3D
The methods below show you how to save a Solidworks assembly file and import it to Shapr3D.
Directly importing the main SLDASM file to Shapr3D
Refer to Solidworks’ File Menu (SOLIDWORKS Visualize Connected) to learn how to export the main SLDASM file, and then follow Import.
The parts that are used in an assembly are regular CAD models called part in Solidworks with a file extension of SLDPRT. These parts can be located anywhere in the storage system. The parts have a link that helps locate them from anywhere in the folder structure of the given storage system. The link is a standalone file, which is the assembly file with the extension of SLDASM.
To make sure the assembly can be transferred properly, the link (SLDASM) and the parts (SLDPRT) should be transferred altogether.
Save the assembly file as a Parasolid format (x_t)
Refer to Solidworks’ Parasolid Export Options to learn how to save a Solidworks assembly file as a Parasolid format, and then follow Import.
Save the assembly file as a STEP format
Refer to Solidworks' STEP Export Options to learn how to save a Solidworks assembly file as a STEP format, and then follow: Import.
Save the assembly file as a virtual component
Saving the assembly file as a virtual component is the most secure method because it stores all subassemblies and parts internally in one file. However, this method might require you to change the way you organize your assemblies in Solidworks.
Refer to Solidworks’ Saving Virtual Components to External Files to learn how to save a Solidworks assembly file as a virtual component, and then follow: Import.