Problem

Manually creating solid models in SOLIDWORKS from ECAD files can be very time-consuming, particularly if it needs to be done for many files.

This article will discuss how to use the "Build ECAD Files" task in SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler to create solid models from ECAD files. Please note that this option is only available on computers with a CircuitWorks license. 

For more information on other Task Scheduler Tasks, check out this article: Automating Tasks After Hours with SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler – Hawk Ridge Systems

Solution

This tool is helpful for converting a large amount of ECAD files to solid models while you are not using SOLIDWORKS on your computer. We recommend running a small batch of files to test this process before using it on a large number of ECAD files.

Follow the steps below to create a Build ECAD Files task:

1. Open the Build ECAD Files task in SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler

   

2. Provide an appropriate title for the task.

3. Add the file or folder that contains the documents that need to be converted. Either files or Folders can be specified, and both cannot be used at the same time. If adding individual files from different folders, use the Add File button and browse to the file. If there are folders where all files within need to be updated, use the Add Folder button to browse to the folder and use the "include subfolders" option as needed.

   

4. Running mode can be set to Once, Daily, Weekly, or Monthly. If the Start time and Start date are set in the past, before clicking "Finish", the task will start immediately.

5. Set the desired Start Time and Start Date within the Task Schedule section

   

6. Under the "Advanced..." options, users can set the Task working folder, timeout duration, and whether SOLIDWORKS runs in the background or not. Note: Always set the working folder to a folder with full permissions and configure the timeout if the task will be running for a long time.

   

7. Click Finish to set the task in motion after all requirements have been set up.
8. SOLIDWORKS will launch itself, perform the actions according to the task, and close itself when the scheduled time is reached.

The ECAD Build task is stored in a macro and runs at the scheduled time. Users can find the completed SOLIDWORKS models in C:\ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS\CircuitWorks\AssemblyModels. To modify this location, please go to the CircuitWorks Options and select the Models page.

When the task is complete, a .txt file reports the results of the ECAD Build task for review. This file is saved in C:\ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS\CircuitWorks.

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