By exporting your SolidWorks assembly in the Collada
format, your design is now defined by an open standard for 3D applications.
This enables you to leverage other 3D authoring applications which may not
import native SolidWorks files, including applications on different operating
systems. Not only is your model geometry preserved in the export, but colors,
textures and motion are available as well.One of
the key uses for a SolidWorks model exported to Collada is in a
Microsoft Robotics Studio environment. This tool allows robotic simulation
developers and robotic hardware makers to use code to control actual model
geometry before any component is manufactured. Conversely, SolidWorks
designers are able to export their motion studies into a format which in turn
software developers can build upon to create simulations.
Prerequisites
In order to use the full functionality of our COLLADA
Export Add-In, please assure that you have the following:
- SolidWorks 2008 SP5.0 or later - The Add-In will not
run on older versions
- MS Windows XP/Vista x32/x64
Instructions
- Install the Add-In on a computer which meets the
requirements listed above.
- Open a SolidWorks Model.
- Select a Motion Tab at the bottom of the SolidWorks
window. If you do not specify a motion study, your COLLADA export will not
include animation information.
- Click the COLLADA toolbar button or select Save As
COLLADA from the File menu.
- Specify a location for the exported .dae file
Sample Models
Here are a few sample assemblies to get you started:
Download the sample SolidWorks assemblies.
Notes
- If importing to Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio,
you must use Standard edition. (Express Edition will not load exported .dae
files.)
- Please verify that you are using the most recent
version of
Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio
- If importing to the July CTP of Microsoft Robotics
Developer Studio, the assembly motors will not work correctly.
