Solidworks Add In
Alexandrie Gallup
Our problem is that our boards are too big to export as a STEP files from PCB to Solidworks. We need the mechanical properties of all of the parts to check for interference and alignment of connectors etc.
Here's a trick I've used to get models to the solidworks designer - create a simple board with the models imbedded in Allegro - export the STEP with models 'exported' and let the SW guy add them to his library. Saved my designer 3-4 hours just the other day when I supplied a 3D model to him this way.
When you transfer to the ME are you using the MCAD collaboration feature (IDX) that tracks the changes? Does the system (probably Circuit works mainly) care where the step library for the components lives, or can you point to any location?
Sorry for the questions, but I have been unable to get any help from our channel partner to get this working and I'm unable to retire integration risk in the manner seamlessly advertised by Cadence :-)
Can you share your USD file? Materials are unlikely to look exactly the same in a CAD system and in Omniverse. The materials in CAD systems is usually much simpler than the material system in Omniverse. That said, depending on the structure you get when you import your CAD, we should be able to come up with a pipeline that makes the materials look really good with little effort from your students.
Solidworks colors dont come in as complex shaders in OV, sometimes its labled none if its a default color sometimes is a simple color shader. In either case, the colors from solidworks are simply that, just colors. They lack reflectivity, roughness, top coat, refraction etc. We need the shaders to look great in OV so that when we render with path tracing the product/render/scene look ultra realistic. Unfortunately, even solidworks integrated rendering tool, visualize and photoview, even require repainting with better shader to make the model look better/realistic. What i propose is to limit the amount of painting in solidworks, and instead use that time in Omniverse Composer. I have two videos i would like to share with you to help the way you paint/group etc. This will change the way you use composer 100% you have my email from our meeting today, please reach and I will send you a few links. -adamh
Hi @dqdesign
I can help you more with your inquiry. We do not currently have an OV connector for Solidworks, but not to worry. We have a very solid pipleine already. Just save your SW model as a STEP / STP file and bring it into USD Composer. It will use our CAD Converter and you should get amazing results. For materials I would not try to bring them in directly, but apply far more realistic rtx render materials in USD Composer. Same for lighting, cameras etc.
thanks @Richard3D for the suggestion! One recurring issue I get with CAD exchanges is losing references when reloading the model after SW modifications. In most cases, the changes applied in the new CAD/rendering tool lose their reference, necessitating a manual reapplication. Does OV Composer offer any tools to address this issue?
i have solidworks 2024 and i download the datasmith and it wont let me download when i get the ready to install datasmith exporter for solidworks nothing come up for me to do but to cancel it and redownload the installer about four times now if anyone know how to help plz tell me
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