Importing Solidworks Configurations...

[Anonymous]

Good morning!

Last year our Engineering department converted over to Solidworks. They used to export their models out of Pre-E in OBJ format which I could easily import into Max. So since Solidworks doesn't export OBJ, I thought we were in trouble... until I realized that Max (I'm using 2016 currently) can easily import those files right on in! YAY!

Here's my trouble.....  There used to be a separate file for every configuration of a product. Now they've started using the feature of Solidworks where they can setup multiple configurations all in the same Assembly file. That's all fine and good... for them....

I find I can ONLY import the active configuration they were viewing when they saved the file. I have no means to decide which I want when I import. Does anyone know a way to do that? I have one file right now that have about 6 different configurations in it, and I need all of them for rendering purposes and for creating low poly versions.

I hope someone knows and can assist!

[Alfred.DeFlaminis · Accepted solution]

Hello @Anonymous,

There isn't a way for 3ds Max to see those hidden configurations in this case.  I searched for a while and was unable to come up with anything.  However, you may be able to make a macro in Solidworks to export each configuration as a file.  I came across this thread which sort of talks about this, and there is a link out to a macro script on the solidworks forums, but it's not really the format you are looking for.  Maybe it can be edited but I am unsure how to do that. 

This does seem to come up from time to time.  When an importer is built, the specs for the other software change and then there is some slight incompatibilities.  If it were me... I would kick back the file to the engineers to deal with.     On a more serious note, I think the key is how it's exported here rather than expecting an importer to always work with new features, unless you go with a 3rd party paid solution.

Please hit the "Accept as Solution" button if my post fully solves your issue or answers your question. This lets me know that I was effective in helping you, and thank you for doing so.

Best Regards,

[Alfred.DeFlaminis]

Hello @Anonymous,

I just wanted to follow up here, any progress on your issue?

Best Regards,

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Hey thanks for the feedback!

I Will have to look over that script and see how I can modify it, but it might work.

In the meantime I did get a "solution", but that solution was having Solidworks Installed on my system. Then I open the file, and first do a Pack N Go to a location I'm working, and then save the file once for each configuration within the file. It's long, drawn out, and really a pain, but it works and I can then access all the different configurations and bring them into MAX.

So kinda like the script, but... manually. 🙂

[Alfred.DeFlaminis]

Hello @Anonymous,

You have a great attitude!  It seems the new "All in 1" configurations feature in Solidworks is great for Solidworks but new importers must be created by 3rd parties to deal with this issue.  I'm glad that a solution exists, but I am sorry that it's as laborious as it currently is.  Thanks for your good attitude and best of luck on your project.

Best Regards,