incorrect scale to nwd files for Navisworks 2011

[D.Slam1]

Has anyone experienced half of an NWD file that consistantly loads in inches (instead of mm) when all settings are figured for mm?  (all models are converted from Shipconstructor 2009) Nothing looks out of the ordinary in our option settings but the model always opens half metric and half imperical.  In fact, it's always the botttom half of the selection tree that is scaled incorrect...  Does this sound familiar to anyone?

dslam

[lee.mullin]

What were the original CAD files? This is most likely due to be when the files were first loaded and converted in Navisworks. Have you checked the Options > File Readers and relevant file reader scale.

You can later change this by right clicking the model in the selection tree (assuming that there's a few CAD files in that NWD) and changing the units in File Units and Transform.

[D.Slam1]

The original files are CAD created through Shipconstructor Pipe and HVAC modules in metric units. Navis Options Editor setting for display units and default decimal units are also millimeters. Dwg loader is set to the same CAD version I currently use.  I find that I must scale and move the systems each time my batch utilities recreates the files (each morning). And one other thing, all the files that are the incorrect scale are always the bottom half of the nwd files in the selection tree....

[lee.mullin]

Are you exporting NWD files from Ship Constructor? This is no longer a supported workflow, and although I do not think this is causing the issue, I'd recommend exporting to NWC and see if the same thing happens.

If not then we need to work out what is different between the files at the top half and those at the bottom half. Are they all the same version, do the Pipe and HVAC models all come in the same, are they from the same machine, saved at the same time, same folder? You may need to check your export options by typing NWOPT and ensure that these match the units you expect.

Can you also try manually loading these files (rather than through the Batch Utility) and see if this makes any difference?

[D.Slam1]

All options are set correctly for scaling.  I have been informed by another firm working with me that they are now experiencing the same issues.  My only solution has been to remove all the nwd files and remake them from scratch.  Since then, there has been no scaling problem although I did loose clash information from the past.

You mentioned creating files through nwc instead.  Can you explain this process to me?  What are the benefits?

dslam

[lee.mullin · Accepted solution]

Whereas importing a file converts a supported file to a format Navisworks can handle, NWC export effectively takes a snapshot from the CAD application to create an NWC.

From applications like Revit and ArchiCAD this is the only way to get a file for use in Navisworks. In applications like AutoCAD based applications it simply provdes another route.

It doesn't need a license so if you have Navisworks installed you can install the exporter on the relevant CAD application as per the instructions in the Navisworks help files. If this is a user who just needs to provide files for a Navisworks user (and not use Navisworks themselves), they can install the standalone exporter from here: -

http://www.autodesk.com/navisworks-nwcexportutility