SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler - Build ECAD Files

This article will discuss how to use the SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler to create solid models from ECAD files. Please note that this option is only available on computers with a CircuitWorks license. You can find a full list of tasks performed by the Task Scheduler here:
Automating Tasks After Hours

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 always suggest running a small batch of files to test this process before using it on all of your ECAD files.

Creating the Task

1. Open the Build ECAD Files task within the SOLIDWORKS Task Scheduler application.
   
2. Provide an appropriate title for the task.
3. Select the files and/or folders that you want to build. Use the "Add File..." and "Add Folder..." buttons select to your desired data.
   
4. Set the Running Mode under the Task Schedule section to define how often the task should run. The options are "Once", "Daily", "Weekly", and "Monthly". Select the frequency at which you would like the task to run.
5. Set the desired Start Time and Start Date within the Task Schedule section.
   
6. Under the "Advanced" options, you can set the Task working folder and timeout duration. The Task working folder should always be directed to a location that is accessible with full permissions. The timeout duration is helpful if the given task is expected to take an extremely long time. The default timeout duration is 3600 seconds. You can also select to run SOLIDWORKS in a minimized window.
   
7. Select "Finish" once you have completed creating the task.

The ECAD Build task is stored in a macro and runs at the scheduled time. You 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 build task for your review. When you close the report, this file is saved in \ProgramData\SOLIDWORKS\CircuitWorks.

For further technical support, please contact Hawk Ridge Systems at 877.266.4469 for the U.S. or 866.587.6803 for Canada and support@hawkridgesys.com.