How to Open SolidWorks 2013 Files in SolidWorks 2012 SP5

Throughout the years, almost all of our customers have asked at one time or another, "Can I open files from the newest version of SolidWorks into a previous version?" The answer has always been, "No. The latest version of SolidWorks uses newer technology that is not compatible with the older technology of previous versions of SolidWorks." As a result, customers have had to be careful when they upgrade to make sure that they stay compatible with their customers, suppliers, and internal teams. Well, the most asked for enhancement is finally here!

Starting with SolidWorks 2013, SolidWorks files are backwards compatible! With previous release interoperability, you can collaborate using a mix of SolidWorks 2013 and SolidWorks 2012 (SP5). Files can be opened directly and associativity is maintained. That's right. You do not have to export and import files!

HOWEVER... You Always Have to Read the Fine Print

Future version files appear in read-only mode when opened in the previous release. However, once you upgrade to the next version of SolidWorks, all the FeatureManager design tree data is available. SolidWorks 2013 files have reduced functionality in SolidWorks 2012 Service Pack 5. SolidWorks 2013 files will not have most FeatureManager design tree data when opened in SolidWorks 2012 Service Pack 5. Any actions that require FeatureManager design tree data cannot be performed with a SolidWorks 2013 document open in SolidWorks 2012 Service Pack 5.

You can open SolidWorks 2013 parts and assemblies using SolidWorks 2012 Service Pack 5. Although this is a great step forward, there are some limitations to be aware of. Starting with SolidWorks 2012 SP5, you will be able to open a future version file. This will be the same for future releases as well. For example, you will be able to open SolidWorks 2014 files in SolidWorks 2013 Service Pack 5. But... Backwards compatibility is only supported between consecutive releases. So, you will not be able to a SolidWorks 2014 file in SolidWorks 2012 SP5.

Further, here are some things that YOU CAN and CANNOT do in SolidWorks 2012 SP5:

1. Once a SolidWorks 2013 part or assembly file is open in SolidWorks 2012 SP5, YOU CAN view configurations, use the Measure tool, view Mass Properties and Custom Properties, and view Materials. YOU CANNOT edit the SolidWorks 2013 part or assembly in SolidWorks 2012.

2. YOU CAN work with SolidWorks 2013 parts and subassemblies in a SolidWorks 2012 assembly. YOU CANNOT edit mates or components in the SolidWorks 2013 subassembly.

But, in a SolidWorks 2012 assembly, YOU CAN:

• Mate the SolidWorks 2013 component or subassembly to SolidWorks 2012 or SolidWorks 2013 components.

• Add a Bill of Materials that includes SolidWorks 2012 and SolidWorks 2013 components.

• Suppress and unsuppress SolidWorks 2013 components.

• Create a drawing of the SolidWorks 2012 assembly that includes both SolidWorks 2012 and SolidWorks 2013 components.

• Use interference detection when mating SolidWorks 2013 and SolidWorks 2012 parts.

• Mirror and pattern components from SolidWorks 2013.

• See and reference default planes and origins of the SolidWorks 2013 part or subassembly.

There are new options in SolidWorks 2013 for part and assembly models that contain configurations. Because of these new options, you must rebuild and save data for each configuration that you want to be available in SolidWorks 2012 SP5.

3. YOU CANNOT open SolidWorks 2013 drawings in SolidWorks 2012 SP5.

YOU CAN create drawings of SolidWorks 2013 parts and assemblies in SolidWorks 2012 with some limitations. YOU CANNOT insert model items or access FeatureManager design tree data such as weldment cut lists and weld beads.

In conclusion, SolidWorks has tried very hard to provide the functionality that its customers request. SolidWorks 2013 does allow backwards compatibility with SolidWorks 2012. Because this new feature certainly has its limitations, it is still going to be up to the individual user and company to decide when the best time to upgrade is. Hopefully, though, this will help everyone decide to upgrade much sooner and take advantage of the latest and greatest version of SolidWorks.

Neil Bucalo

Technical Analyst

Computer Aided Technology, Inc.

Windows 8 & Solidworks 2012 Test Drive

 

   I just had to. With the Release to Manufacturing of Windows 8 already here I had to take it for a test drive. It is available as an evaluation copy from the MS website. It was a 2.5gb downloaded .iso file which when put onto a bootable USB stick, (because really who uses a DVD player anymore?) installed with out any issues on an older Dell M6300 in less than 10 minutes.

The thing that is striking about the interface is the massive overhaul by Microsoft. It is definetely a bold move and in my opininon a good one. You can definetely tell that it is aimed at a multi-platform arena. Tablets, touchcreens, phones, and desktops will all get a taste of it. All of the usual driver issues that have usually have plageued MS for quite some time seem to be absent. The OS was actually pretty lightweight and nimble. The one thing that will get everybody upset is the new "Metro" style interface.

I have been a Xbox live subscriber for quite some time because I have teenagers that like to game. The interface has actually been on the Xbox for quite some time, so it really wasnt a shock and I was already used to it. SolidWorks ran very well with no crashes in my testing and I did no tweaking whatsoever. I couldnt even tell you what video driver was running. With the majority of businesses all converted over to Windows 7 now and the official retirement of XP immenent, Windows 8 will be quite a large task to sell the corporations on as far as an upgrade is considered.

The price point is going to be a reported $40 for the upgrade to Windows 8. That is now sounding like Microsft is really starting to listen to there customer base. Now give me a Microsoft Surface tablet to run the full-blown Windows 8 and SolidWorks and we will be talking game changer. Gauranteed.

 

 

Todd Werginz

CATI

SolidWorks 2012 Enhancement - SolidWorks Sustainability

Sustainability has a new, advanced user interface that allows you to more closely model processes, with parameters like recycled content and duration of use. You also have access to the latest Sustainability Extras materials as soon as they become available—without waiting for service packs or new releases.

Benefits:

More accurately model your products with new “what if” scenarios and better support for unique and custom materials, beyond the standard SolidWorks material database.

SolidWorks 2012 Enhancement - SolidWorks Enterprise PDM Integrated Search

Enterprise PDM Integrated Search gives you the option of searching from within your current Explorer window—no separate dialogs needed. Access favorite searches or open the full search tool for all options.

Benefits:

Reduce screen clutter by streamlining the number of open dialog boxes.

SolidWorks 2012 Enhancement - Magnetic Lines and Balloons

Magnetic Lines allow you to automatically and precisely arrange balloons on a drawing. Balloons will snap to Magnetic Lines and can be moved from one Magnetic Line to another.

Benefits:

Create and place balloons precisely where they need to go, while spending less time detailing and aligning your drawings.

SolidWorks 2012 Enhancement - Costing Tool

SolidWorks® Costing automates manufacturing cost calculations for sheet metal and machined parts. Modify your design or switch part configurations and instantly see the new, updated manufacturing estimate. Default templates are customizable to simulate your specific manufacturing environment.

Benefits:
Designers can make more informed decisions based on cost throughout the design process, continually modeling different scenarios. Automate your quoting process to increase manufacturing sales opportunities.

Rolled Edge Flanges

A common feature in the sheet metal industry are rolled edge flanges on a cylindrical parts.  With all the great sheet metal tools that SolidWorks has to offer, that is one area the software has strugggled in the past.  SolidWorks has never had the capabilitys to create a part as such and still be able to create a flat pattern from it.  With the introduction of SolidWorks 2012, that has all changed.  SolidWorks now has a new feature available in sheet metal that will allow you to create “Rolled Edge Flanges”.  Its called “Swept Flange”.  With this new feature, you now have the ability to create complex sheet metal parts and create  flat patterns that go along with them.

Take a look at the example below...

Just like any sweep feature, you need to create both a profile and a path sketch (Note: with a sheet metal part, the path needs to be an open contour).  Once you have your sketches, simply utilize this new swept flange feature located in the sheet metal features...                                         

The results are just as you would expect...

However, as good as this new swept flange feature is, there is a slight problem when you go to show the flat pattern.  You will get an error stating that this part cannot be unbent...

Fortunately, there is a workaround.  The problem isn’t necessarily a problem with the geometry, but rather a problem with what SolidWorks thinks should be the fixed face/edge.  If you edit the flat pattern feature, you can clearly see what face SolidWorks is trying to keep fixed...

To get this flat pattern to work correctly, you will need to select an edge to remain fixed; Just as you would if this was a rolled cylinder without the flanges...

Once you tell SolidWorks what edge is to be fixed, the flat pattern will work as expected...

SolidWorks does have a handful of SPRs out there that address this very issue on similar parts as you see here in this example.  So if you run into a similar issue, look to see what SolidWorks is trying to keep fixed when flattening the part.  Most likely, this workaround will resolve the issue.

Even with the workaround, the addition of this new “Swept Flange” feature greatly enhances the sheet metal capabilities in SolidWorks.  You can now create more complex sheet metal parts than ever before.

 

Nathan Brunner, CSWP

Technical Analyst

Computer Aided Technology, Inc.

SolidWorks 2012 Is Here!

Be the first to see SolidWorks 2012 live at the CATI Design Innovation Summit.  The Design Innovation Summit is a unique opportunity to learn how you can help your company succeed in making better products faster.  Attendees will have a chance to win a trip to SolidWorks World 2012, sponsored by Objet Geometries.

>>Click Here to Learn More

Event Highlights:

• The latest SolidWorks Solution offerings


• FREE hands-on SolidWorks Training


• User focused content


• Multiple presentation tracks to customize your experience


• 3D Printing from Objet Geometries


• Presentations from top SolidWorks World Presenters


• See real products designed in SolidWorks


• Network with fellow SolidWorks users


• Contests and prizes(Win a trip to SolidWorks World 2012)

Locations and Registration:

Date	City	Location
October 4	Hartford, WI	The Wisconsin Auto Museum & Schaur Arts Center	View Agenda & Register
October 5	Palatine, IL	Harper College	View Agenda & Register
October 11	St. Louis, MO	The MotoMuseum	View Agenda & Register
October 13	Indianapolis, IN	Indiana State Museum	View Agenda & Register

All events are 8am - 5pm. The agenda varies by location. Click through to see the agenda and register for an event near you.

Sponsored By:

 

Date

City

Location

Agenda

October 4

Hartford, WI

The Wisconsin Auto Museum & Schaur Arts Center

View Agenda

October 5

Palatine, IL

Harper College

View Agenda

October 11

St. Louis, MO

The MotoMuseum

View Agenda

October 13

Indianapolis, IN

Indiana State Museum

View Agenda

CATI Design Innovation Summit

Join CATI for our first annual Design Innovation Summit! The CATI Design Innovation Summit is an interactive learning experience focusing on how you can design and make better products. The information covered at these events is too vital to your organization's success to put a price on, so registration is FREE.

>Register Today

Event Highlights:

• FREE hands-on SolidWorks Training


• Presentations from top SolidWorks World Presenters


• User focused content


• Multiple presentation tracks to customize your experience


• The latest SolidWorks Solution offerings


• 3D Printing from Objet Geometries


• See real products designed in SolidWorks


• Network with fellow SolidWorks users


• Contests and prizes

>Suggest a presentation idea

When & Where:

October 4, 2011 - The Wisconsin Auto Museum, Hartford, WI
October 5, 2011 - Harper College, Palatine, IL
October 11, 2011 - The Moto Museum, St. Louis, MO
October 13, 2011 - Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis, IN

More information will be released in the coming weeks.

>Register Here

We hope to see you there!

 

Jim TeDesco
Marketing
Computer Aided Technology, Inc.

SolidWorks 2012 Beta set to launch in June

The SolidWorks Beta team announced that the 2012 Beta program will be launched at the end of June 2011. 

>Click here to be a part of the 2012 Beta

This year’s Beta program has many new user driven changes. Here are just a few of the enhancements:

• Redesigned Beta website with improved navigation and accessibility to key information


• Improved problem reporting


• Creative competitions to stretch your minds, challenge your SolidWorks skills, and win prizes

Visit the 2012 Beta site and click "Join Now".

Be part of the SolidWorks 2012 Beta program to test and explore all the new and exciting features for SolidWorks Design, Simulation, and Enterprise PDM!

If you have any questions please email us at beta@solidworks.com