Creating and editing your 3D models
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      How to export CAD from Solidworks.

      In this article we'll go through how to export your CAD data from Solidworks, using Pack & Go, MBD, or STEP ready to upload into the platform.

      We prefer to work with files exported from Pack and Go or MBD (STEP 242 files) as these contain the most data for the platform to process. More data provided, the better the result from our 3D model automation.

      If you encounter any problems please reach out to our team and we can find a solution that best fits your data. 

       

      Jump to instructions for:

       

      Pack and Go:

      1. Open the General Assembly:
        1. Open SolidWorks.
        2. Open the .sldasm file you want to export.
      2. Access Pack and Go,
        1. With the general assembly open, go to the "File" menu.
        2. Click on "Pack and Go". This might also be accessed by clicking on the Solidworks logo at the top left, depending on your version of Solidworks. 
          Untitled design (6)-2
      3. Select/Verify files to include:
        1. In the Pack and Go dialogue, you will see a list of all the files that the assembly depends on. This includes parts, subassemblies, and any other reference items.
        2. Verify that all the items you want to include are checked. Usually, they are checked by default. 
      4. Include Toolbox Components,
      5. Include Suppressed Components,
      6. Using "Save to Zip File" chose your save location, 
        1. Chose where you want to save the files. You can save them to a folder on your computer or directly to an external drive. 
      7. Chose "Flatten to Single Folder",
      8. Your Pack and Go should look like the below:
        Untitled design (9)
      9. Hit "Save".

       

       

      MBD (Step 242)

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      Using the MBD tab will allow you to save your CAD as a STEP 242 file. This is our preferred quality when saving as a STEP file as it contains the most detail. 

      1. Open the General Assembly:
        1. Open SolidWorks.
        2. Open the .sldasm file you want to export.
      2. Click on the MBD tab.
      3. Click on "Publish Step 242 File".
        Screenshot 2024-11-22 at 10.01.42
      4. Click on the green tick. 
      5. Select the location and click 'Save' 

       

      STEP 214

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      This is an alternative to Step 242

      1. Open the General Assembly:
        1. Open SolidWorks.
        2. Open the .sldasm file you want to export.
      2. Click on File and go to "Save as"
      3. Chose your save location.
      4. Click on 'Options' 
      5. Ensure the options match below:
      6. Click "OK"
      7. Hit save.