Problem

This article describes how to replace an imported body within SOLIDWORKS. This can be useful when the neutral file containing the imported body needs to be updated, and we need to update the SOLIDWORKS Part file without recreating features added after the import.

Solution

This workflow only works on features that were created from an ACIS, Autodesk Inventor, IGES, Parasolid, Pro/ENGINEER, Solid Edge, STEP, VDAFS, or VRML file. 

1. Create a backup of the SOLIDWORKS Part file

2. Open SOLIDWORKS and open the Part file

3. Right-click on the imported body feature to select "Edit Feature"

   

4. If the part file contains features added after the import, there will be a warning about potential errors. Click "OK" through this warning.

   

5. Browse to the updated file and click "Open". Note: Select the "Match faces and edges" checkbox, if desired. This propagates the dependencies of the old faces and edges in the old body, such as sketches or features, to the new faces and edges in the new body.

6. When it is opened, choose whether to run the imported body through Featureworks to try to recognize features or not

7. If there are any errors, edit features to fix them or recreate the features that cannot be fixed. Examples of fixing errors can involve editing the plane used for a sketch, fixing references, or redefining the direction for an extrude.

   

An imported solid body will only be replaced if the new imported body can be knitted into a solid body. A surface body is replaced with the first surface in the new import file, and subsequent surfaces from the new import file are added to the model.

Below is an example where the imported rectangular body was changed and reimported with a triangular top shown on the right.

For additional support, existing customers can submit a ticket or new customers can contact Hawk Ridge Systems.