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problems opening STEP file in solidworks

padmaster

I am trying to open a PCB STEP file in Solidworks 2012 SP05. I am running SPB 16.6 so15 latest hotfix.

When I export from allegro in AP-203, Solidworks tells me "The file being read in is not a AP203 or AP214 file. Do you wish to continue?" I select yes...Solidworks crashes.

When I export from allegro in AP214, Solidworks proceeds to open the file with no warnings.....and then crashes.

When I export from allegro in AP242, Solidworks tells me "The file being read in is not a AP203 or AP214 file. Do you wish to continue?" I select yes...Solidworks crashes. Solidworks 2012 SP05 doesn't appear to recognize the AP242 format in the list of FILE>OPEN options.

Anyone else having these issues? Could this be an issue with my computer?

FYI, I am on the hairy low edge of even being able to do any 3-D modeling. Video card has 256mb memory, XP 32bit system, 2gb ram.

 

  •  I have been in contact with Solidworks technical support concerning this issue and the concensus is that this will be fixed in a 2014 service pack....maybe. But it may be in a late 2014 service pack....or maybe even 2015. Doesn't appear to be a high priority to Dasssult.

     

    Here is a thread from 2010 discussing some third party conversion software options.

     

     /forums/p/16446/850657.aspx

  • As alternative to STEP you can also use the Native-Board-Import (NBI) Software to create a realistic and detailed 3d PCB model in SolidWorks (or Catia):

    http://www.sts-development.biz/de/native-board-import-nbi-product1

    All available information (components, nets, copper areas, drills, ...) are available in the resulting 3d model. 

  • I'm fighting the exact same problem, in solidworks 2012 as well.

    I have another tool called Geomagic Design that can't handle it either.

  •  I am also having this problem 16.6.30. I downloaded step files from various manufacturers and can preview my board just fine within pcb editor's 3d view. When I export the step file (no errors) solidworks 2012 crashes.

     

    I also attempted to open the step file in freecad with similar results (crashes).

     

    Any advice? 

  • Update,

    I had some intermittent success, when I made sure that my by board file units matched all of my step file units. ie I matched standard to standard and metric to metric.

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