Monday September 10, 2012 at 3:53pm
SOLIDWORKS offers the opportunity to import external 3D file types such as STEP and IGES files, but the lack of features in the FeatureManager tree means editing these models can be difficult and time consuming. The FeatureWorks add-in is available to SOLIDWORKS Professional and Premium customers, and offers the chance to analyse external 3D files and recognise SOLIDWORKS features, converting a single imported body in to a full tree of features. FeatureWorks can be found under Tools > Add-Ins.
Once opened the option to run feature works is available via a right mouse click on the imported solid body.
The FeatureWorks dialog box offers the identification of selected features such as extrudes, drafts and Hole Wizard features. FeatureWorks can also recognise Sheet Metal features such as sketched bends and hems.
After running FeatureWorks, the FeatureManager tree will show all of the identified sketched and applied features. Editing is possible as with any other SOLIDWORKS part file, giving more flexibility to the editing that can be achieved with imported model geometry.
For more information on the capabilities of FeatureWorks go to:
http://help.SOLIDWORKS.com/2012/English/solidworks/SWHelp_List.html?id=4f8a53fec54b42b7b06681994ae951be#Pg0
Stephen White
Software Support Engineer