SolidWorks Model Based Definition (MBD) is an add-on that significantly expands SolidWorks' interoperability capabilities, particularly with regard to support for the STEP AP242 format. This module allows you to move from a product definition based on traditional 2D drawings to a fully 3D approach that integrates all manufacturing information directly into the model.
The STEP AP242 format represents a major evolution in CAD interoperability, combining the features of the AP203 and AP214 formats while adding support for PMI (Product Manufacturing Information). These PMIs include dimensions, geometric tolerances, surface finishes, weld symbols, and other technical annotations directly integrated into the 3D model.
STEP AP242 Export Capabilities:
Specific Export Settings:
STEP AP242 Import Capabilities:
Using SolidWorks MBD with the STEP AP242 format offers several significant advantages:
SolidWorks MBD integrates seamlessly into existing workflows :
The adoption of SolidWorks MBD with STEP AP242 support represents an important step towards the Model-Based Enterprise (MBE), where the 3D model becomes the primary reference for all stages of the product lifecycle.
SolidWorks integrates several advanced technologies to improve the interoperability of CAD data, enabling engineers and designers to collaborate effectively in multi-CAD environments. These sophisticated tools address the complex challenges of exchanging technical data while preserving model integrity.
Introduced in 2017, 3D Interconnect represents a major evolution in SolidWorks' interoperability strategy, replacing legacy conversion capabilities. This technology fundamentally transforms the way users work with third-party CAD data.
Key Features:
Workflow Benefits:
3D Interconnect supports many native formats, including CATIA V5 (up to V5-6 R2024), NX (up to NX 2406), Creo (up to Creo 11.0), Solid Edge, and Inventor (up to 2025), as confirmed by recent compatibility data.
This technology bridges the gap between SolidWorks and Dassault Systèmes' 3DEXPERIENCE platform, creating a unified digital ecosystem for design, simulation, and product lifecycle management.
Key Capabilities :
This integration allows geographically dispersed teams to work simultaneously on the same projects, accelerating product development cycles.
ScanTo3D is an add-on to SolidWorks Premium that transforms scanned data into usable CAD models. This technology is essential for reverse engineering and integrating physical objects into the digital design workflow.
Conversion Process:
Practical Applications:
ScanTo3D supports various mesh formats, including STL, VRML, PLY, and point clouds, providing maximum flexibility for importing scanned data.
SolidWorks offers powerful tools for transforming 2D technical drawings into parametric 3D models, allowing you to modernize older designs and capitalize on existing technical archives.
Available Conversion Methods:
Business benefits:
SolidWorks integrates sophisticated tools to diagnose and repair geometric problems during file import, ensuring model integrity throughout the process. exchange.
Import Diagnostics:
This tool systematically analyzes imported files to identify various geometric anomalies:
The diagnostics generates a detailed report of the detected problems and offers various repair options, allowing users to choose the most appropriate method depending on the context.
Visual Properties Import:
SolidWorks preserves the visual attributes of imported models:
This feature is particularly important for teams working on the aesthetic appearance of products, such as in the industrial design or consumer goods sectors.
Geometric Healing:
The automatic healing process corrects various geometric imperfections:
These diagnostic and repair tools are essential for maintaining CAD data quality when exchanging data between disparate systems, thus reducing costly errors in the subsequent product development.
To optimize SolidWorks data interoperability, here are some recommendations:
CAD Interop distributes several specialized solutions to improve the interoperability of SolidWorks data, each addressing specific needs in the engineering data lifecycle. These complementary tools enable companies using SolidWorks to maximize the value of their CAD data by facilitating its sharing, validation, and reuse in different contexts.
3DViewStation is a high-performance visualization and analysis solution that allows you to examine SolidWorks CAD models without requiring a full SolidWorks license. This solution is particularly well-suited for sharing models with collaborators who don't need to modify the files.
Key Capabilities:
3DViewStation also offers export capabilities to various formats, allowing you to convert SolidWorks data into neutral formats such as STEP, JT, and 3D PDF, or visualization formats such as FBX and glTF.
CADfix is a powerful SolidWorks data repair and simplification tool that can correct complex geometric problems. It allows you to prepare models for various downstream applications and optimize data for FEA analysis, CAM, or 3D printing.
Key Features:
CADfix is particularly useful in multi-CAD environments where SolidWorks models must be shared with partners using other CAD systems, as it helps eliminate interoperability issues before they arise.
CADIQ is a validation solution that allows you to verify the integrity of SolidWorks models in exchange processes and accurately document changes (ECO). This solution detects subtle issues that could affect manufacturing or assembly.
Validation Capabilities:
CADIQ 16.5.1 offers advanced features such as analysis of imported visual properties, validation of geometric tolerances, and verification of compliance with standards enterprise.
DEXcenter is a CAD data exchange automation platform that facilitates collaboration between teams using different CAD systems. It offers a secure and scalable enterprise portal to manage data exchanges, including CAD conversions, between suppliers and customers.
Key Features:
DEXcenter enables t automate exchange processes that would otherwise be manual and error-prone, while maintaining a high level of security and traceability.
Proficiency is a specialized solution for converting SolidWorks models while preserving their build history (parametric conversion) as part of CAD migrations or multi-CAD collaborations.
Solution Architecture:
Elements preserved during conversion:
This solution is particularly valuable when migrating from SolidWorks to other CAD systems or vice versa, because It preserves design intelligence that would be lost with traditional conversion methods.
SimLab is an innovative solution for creating immersive experiences from SolidWorks models, transforming designs into interactive visualizations for training, marketing, or design review.
Key Features:
Practical applications for SolidWorks users:
SimLab offers various Subscription plans tailored to the needs of businesses and educational institutions, with specific licenses for educational labs (Lab License and Lab License Pro) including VR collaboration capabilities for up to 30 participants per session.
This solution radically transforms the way SolidWorks data can be leveraged beyond engineering design, enabling its use in training, marketing, and immersive collaboration contexts, without requiring programming skills.
CAD data interoperability is a critical issue for SolidWorks users working in multi-CAD environments. With its native import/export capabilities, advanced technologies like 3D Interconnect, and an ecosystem of specialized solutions like those offered by CAD Interop, SolidWorks offers robust options for addressing interoperability challenges.
By following data exchange best practices and using the right tools, companies can optimize their collaboration processes, reduce conversion errors, and maintain the integrity of their designs throughout the product development cycle.
For more information on CAD interoperability solutions for SolidWorks, please contact CAD Interop, a specialist in CAD data interoperability and distributor of software for converting, visualizing, controlling, and simplifying 3D and 2D data.