Features and Operations > Save/Load

Import 3DCS File supports six 3DCS file formats: WTX, WT3, GEO, MTM, DB2 and DEV.

Importing a file into 3DCS can work with existing 3DCS model or a new model. The 3DCS data in the file may be appended to the tree or be merged with the tree. The imported file uses a unique Part ID to match the Parts in the Model if not then it uses the CAD Part Name if that doesn't match then looks for the 3DCS Part Name to match and bring in the data.

To import a 3DCS file, go to the 3DCS Tools toolbar and select the Import 3DCS File button.

If you import a WTX, WT3, or a GEO file, 3DCS will ask where and how to import the data.

Select one of the three options: Merge, Replace or Append.

•Merge - Add and Update: Existing MTM's, GD&T, circles, slots, points and mesh will be updated with content of wt3 file and new MTM's, GD&T, circles, slots, points and mesh will be added.

•Replace - Add, Update and Delete: Replaces all of the WTX data: MTM's, GD&T, circles, slots, points and features. with the existing MTM's, GD&T, circles, slots, points and features. Anything that wasn't in the WTX file will be deleted.

•Append: Creates a new sub-assembly or new parts, with the 3DCS data.

These Functions will create missing assemblies/Parts in the correct location.

If the imported .wtx file have part name not matching with the part name in the current tree then Tree Linking Wizard dialog will pop up allowing the user to manually link them which avoids duplicating parts in the tree.

Optional:

Do not create new parts (Merge and Replace only): Activating this option, while Importing a WTX file, will prevent 3DCS from creating the parts not specified in the current assembly. Users can prevent 3DCS from creating the Parts not required.

If the 3DCS model has a different top product name, 3DCS will require the user to select which product (top level or sub-product) to import the data to.

Solidworks and 3DCS will require the Assembly file to be saved to a folder location. Similarly, users will need to save the Assembly and parts to Import 3DCS WTX files.

Procedure:

1.Create a new Assembly

2.Construct the assembly structure to use in 3DCS.

3.Save the Assembly to the PDM or folder location.

4.Update Model in 3DCS.

Notes:

•The *.mtm extension loads Move, Tolerance and Measurement data from an *.mtm file.

•When importing a DEV or DCSDB2 file, a similar dialog will appear.

oThe dialog box has the [Change Part] button. The Change Part button gives the user the option to select which part the points will be Appended, Merged, or Replaced in.

oThe Replace function will only delete points that do not exist in the DEV file and leave MTM's alone since it does not create or contain MTM's.

•Importing a WTX will also import the Lights and Styles, if the WTX has them applied to parts.

•if there is a mismatch in the unit of the imported .wtx file vs the CAD assembly units then the import will be stopped, which the user can still bypass it by by clicking "OK" button in the warning dialog while holding the shift button.