Here is how you can export a step assembly in SOLIDWORKS:
Exporting a SOLIDWORKS assembly to the STEP format is a common process used for sharing 3D models with users of different CAD software.
Standard Steps to Export a SOLIDWORKS Assembly to STEP
Follow these steps to save your SOLIDWORKS assembly as a STEP file:
- Open the Assembly: Start by opening the SOLIDWORKS assembly file (.SLDASM) you wish to export.
- Access Save As: Go to
File>Save As. - Choose File Type: In the "Save As" dialog box, navigate to the desired location for your STEP file.
- Select STEP: From the "Save as type" dropdown menu, select one of the STEP file formats:
- STEP AP203 (.step, .stp): A commonly used format suitable for general 3D data.
- STEP AP214 (.step, .stp): Includes additional data like colors, layers, and geometric tolerance, making it richer than AP203.
- Options: Click the Options... button to configure export settings.
- In the Export Options dialog box, you can adjust settings like output coordinate system, exporting surfaces/solids, and tessellation tolerance.
- Reference Information: For large SOLIDWORKS assemblies, you can optimize the export. In Tools > Options > System Options > Export > STEP, select
Export assembly components as separate STEP files(recommended for large assemblies). This option results in assemblies being exported as atomic STEP files, which can improve performance and organization for complex structures.
- Save: Click OK in the Options dialog, then click Save in the "Save As" dialog to create your STEP file.
Key Export Options Explained
Understanding the options available during the STEP export process can help you create a file that best suits the recipient's needs.
Here are a few common settings you might encounter in the STEP Export Options:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Output as | Choose whether to export as Solid/Surface geometry or Wireframe geometry. |
| Export assembly components as... | Allows exporting as a single file or multiple files (as per the reference). |
| Coordinate system | Select the desired coordinate system for the exported file. |
| Output entities | Specify which entities (like sketches or hidden components) to include. |
- Tip: Always verify the exported STEP file in the target software or a viewer if possible to ensure the data transferred correctly.
Using the method above, including the option for separate component files for large assemblies as recommended in the reference, you can successfully export your SOLIDWORKS assembly.
