Saving SOLIDWORKS Geometry and Initializing a 3DEXPERIENCE Simulation

You can save SOLIDWORKS geometry to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and build simulation workflows using 3DEXPERIENCE simulation apps.

This task shows you how to:

Before you begin: This functionality is available only when you have the following roles:
  • Collaborative Designer for SOLIDWORKS
  • Structural Performance Engineer (SFO), Structural Mechanics Engineer (SSU), Structural Engineer (SLL), Structural Designer (SRD), Fluid Dynamics Engineer (FMK), or Plastic Injection Engineer (IME).

Save the SOLIDWORKS Geometry to the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform

You can save SOLIDWORKS geometry to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

  1. In a SOLIDWORKS Desktop session, open the part (.sldprt) or assembly (.sldasm) files to save to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
  2. Click Tools > Add-ins, and ensure that 3DEXPERIENCE is selected.
  3. Click the 3DEXPERIENCE task pane tab.
    The MySession widget lists the active SOLIDWORKS files with their current lifecycle status. Note the 3DEXPERIENCE collaborative space where the 3DEXPERIENCE data are stored after the save operation completes.
  4. From the Lifecycle section of the action bar, click Save Active Window .
    The Save to 3DEXPERIENCE dialog box lists the active SOLIDWORKS files.
  5. In the Save to 3DEXPERIENCE dialog box, do the following:
    1. To save all active file objects, select the Save and Convert check boxes in the top row. To select individual file objects, select the check boxes corresponding to those files.
    2. Click Save.
    The 3DEXPERIENCE converter creates a physical product for the current configuration of the transferred SOLIDWORKS part. A physical product is a PLM entity that represents a part or assembly. When the conversion from a SOLIDWORKS part to a 3DEXPERIENCE physical product is successful, the icon under Convert Status changes to a green check mark .

    Tip: If the Convert Status column is not visible, use the context menu in the header row to select Customize View > Convert Status.

Initialize the Simulation using the 3DEXPERIENCE Simulation Apps

You can initialize a 3DEXPERIENCE simulation based on geometry transferred from SOLIDWORKS.

  1. In the MySession widget, do the following:
    1. Select the SOLIDWORKS assembly or part file object to create a 3DEXPERIENCE simulation.
      The selected files are highlighted.
    2. Click the Compass.
    3. Select Me , and expand My Apps.
    4. Under My Apps, select the appropriate simulation app (Structural Scenario Creation, Mechanical Scenario Creation, Linear Structural Scenario Creation, or Linear Structural Validation).
      The selected app starts in the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.
  2. From the Create analysis case options in the Simulation Initialization dialog box, select the type of analysis case to create.
    The app initializes a 3DEXPERIENCE simulation object and creates a new analysis case. A 3DEXPERIENCE simulation object encapsulates geometry data for the product being simulated, as well as simulation-related data including results.
  3. Set up a simulation scenario, run the simulation, and explore the results using the 3DEXPERIENCE simulation apps.
  4. To save the 3DEXPERIENCE simulation object to the active collaborative space, select Save.