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.
We have created a video blog entry showing its use.
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.