Converting an Inventor assembly to SolidWorks is a straightforward process that often leverages SolidWorks' built-in translation capabilities. The most direct method involves importing the Inventor file directly into SolidWorks, which utilizes Inventor in the background for a seamless conversion.
To convert an Inventor assembly to SolidWorks, the most efficient method is to directly open or import the Inventor file within SolidWorks. This process typically utilizes an integrated translator that interacts with Inventor in the background to ensure data fidelity.
Direct Import Method (Recommended)
SolidWorks provides robust tools for directly importing files from other CAD systems, including Autodesk Inventor. This method is generally preferred as it aims to retain as much design intent as possible, converting native Inventor data into SolidWorks entities.
Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how to perform a direct conversion of an Inventor assembly into SolidWorks:
- Open SolidWorks: Launch your SolidWorks application.
- Initiate Import: From the SolidWorks menu, navigate to File > Open, or click the Open icon on the toolbar.
- Select Inventor File: In the "Open" dialog box, change the "Files of type" dropdown to "Inventor Files (*.ipt, *.iam)" or "All Files (*.*)". Browse to the location of your Inventor assembly file (.iam) and select it.
- Confirm Conversion: SolidWorks will prompt you with options for importing. You can choose to import the file as a "SolidWorks part" (a single part file) or "SolidWorks assembly" (preserving the assembly structure). It is highly recommended to select "SolidWorks assembly" for assembly files.
- Background Conversion: As per the reference, SolidWorks will open Inventor in the background to facilitate the conversion of the part or assembly file. This background process ensures that SolidWorks can correctly interpret and translate the Inventor data, often leveraging Inventor's own API. Once the conversion is complete, the Inventor assembly will appear in SolidWorks as a native SolidWorks assembly.
Alternative Conversion Methods (Using Neutral Formats)
While direct import is often the best choice, sometimes using neutral file formats can be necessary, especially if you encounter issues with direct import, prefer a simpler geometry, or need to share files with other CAD systems. These formats are universal and widely supported.
Common Neutral File Types
- STEP (.stp, .step):
- Standard for Exchange of Product Data. STEP is a widely accepted ISO standard for 3D data exchange. It's excellent for transferring solid geometry and surface models, making it a reliable choice for complex parts and assemblies.
- Benefit: Good for maintaining geometric accuracy.
- IGES (.igs, .iges):
- Initial Graphics Exchange Specification. IGES is an older standard for 2D and 3D data exchange, primarily used for surface and wireframe geometry.
- Benefit: Universal, but generally less preferred than STEP for solid models due to potential fidelity issues.
- Parasolid (.x_t, .x_b):
- Native Kernel Format. Parasolid is a powerful geometric modeling kernel used by many CAD systems, including SolidWorks. Exporting an Inventor assembly to Parasolid (from Inventor) and then importing it into SolidWorks can result in high-quality geometric data transfer.
- Benefit: Often provides the cleanest geometric transfer for solid models, as SolidWorks itself is built on the Parasolid kernel.
To use these methods: You would first export the Inventor assembly to one of these neutral formats from within Autodesk Inventor, and then open or import that neutral file into SolidWorks.
Important Considerations During Conversion
While conversion tools have advanced significantly, it's crucial to be aware of potential limitations and best practices to ensure the integrity of your design data.
Potential Data Loss and Limitations
When converting CAD files, especially between different software platforms, some data may not translate perfectly:
- Feature Tree/Design History: Direct imports or neutral file conversions will typically result in "dumb solids" or imported features. The original Inventor feature tree (extrusions, cuts, fillets, etc.) will not be preserved in SolidWorks. You'll get the final geometry, but not the design steps to create it.
- Assembly Mates/Constraints: While the assembly structure (components in their correct positions) is usually maintained, the original Inventor assembly constraints (mates) may not always translate perfectly as native SolidWorks mates. You might need to re-apply some mates.
- Drawings and Bill of Materials (BOMs): Associated Inventor drawings (.idw) and their linked BOMs will not be converted to SolidWorks drawings (.slddrw). These will need to be recreated in SolidWorks.
- Material Properties and Appearances: While basic material properties might transfer, complex appearance settings, textures, or custom materials might not translate accurately and may need to be reapplied in SolidWorks.
Best Practices for Smooth Conversion
To maximize the success of your conversion:
- Simplify Assemblies: Before converting, consider simplifying the Inventor assembly by removing unnecessary components or complex features that are not critical for the SolidWorks environment.
- Check Geometry: After importing into SolidWorks, always perform a Check Geometry or Import Diagnostics (Tools > Import Diagnostics) to identify and repair any potentially faulty surfaces or gaps that might have occurred during translation.
- Use Latest Versions: Ensure you are using relatively recent versions of both Inventor and SolidWorks. Newer versions often have improved interoperability and translators.
- Save As Native: Immediately after importing, save the converted assembly as a native SolidWorks Assembly (.sldasm) to prevent re-translation issues and to enable full SolidWorks functionality.
- Backup Original Files: Always keep a copy of the original Inventor assembly files before initiating any conversion process.
Comparison of Conversion Methods
| Feature | Direct Import (SolidWorks) | Neutral File Formats (STEP, Parasolid) |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Very easy, single step within SolidWorks | Requires export from Inventor, then import into SolidWorks |
| Data Retention | Best for retaining assembly structure and positions; attempts to maintain geometry integrity. | Excellent for geometric accuracy; ideal for "dumb solid" transfer. |
| Feature History | Not retained | Not retained |
| Mates/Constraints | May require re-application of some mates | Will require re-application of all mates |
| External Software | Requires Inventor to be installed for background processing | Does not require Inventor during SolidWorks import |
| File Type | Converts .iam to .sldasm | Converts .stp, .x_t to .sldasm |
By following the direct import steps, you can efficiently convert your Inventor assembly into SolidWorks, providing a solid foundation for further design work in your preferred CAD environment.
