All, I am trying to create an OpenRail model in Solidworks, to then use in COSMOS for stress analysis. Initially, I tried importing several of the file formats (SAT, STL, Parasolid etc.), which open correctly but have several (more like 50+ face faults) errors as far as Solidworks is concerned. I also don't agree with the practice of packaging various lengths into a single part file, that is ripe for error!! That being said, I do appreciate the effort that was placed into this and understand most don't have Rhino/Inventor/Solidworks/Catia etc. I am normally fairly quick to just re-model from scratch and go on my merry way. However, in the case of OpenRail, I have two issues: 1) The drawing on the Openbuilds website for the rail is too low of a resolution for me to read dimensions from! I zoom in and can get a few more but none of the detailed slot dimensions are clear to me. I have 15/20 vision.... 2) The imported part files are modeled in such a way that I cannot pull parts from. I might consider installing google sketchup, but I'm not a fan of needing to install yet another CAD program simply to parse dimensions. I will try again to read from the dwg's and dxf files on this machine, but fixing #1 above would be most appreciated! I will upload the finished file when complete
No feedback or assistance on this? I did more work with the model yesterday, and couldn't get the .dwg loaded in 2D draftsight I also couldn't view the files in edrawings Closer inspection in Solidworks reveals the part is modeled with no flat edges!! I guess I'll have to install sketchup, unless the higher resolution image of this: http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/server2...nRail_Drawing__99391.1379562206.1280.1280.jpg can be provided...
Sorry @samc99us I must have missed this post. I had a friend (George) who created OpenRail in different formats that may be helpful for you
Kram, Sent you a PM. Much thanks to George, but those are the original files included in the download from the parts store, AKA I already have them and they are giving me fits! -Sam
Sam, maybe you can import and export the files with the method mentioned here to get better results. http://www.openbuilds.com/threads/solidworks-edrawings-viewer-to-sketchup.351/
JustinTime, Nice link but I'm trying to go the other way. Fortunately Kram242 has provided the files I need and can upload here soon -Sam
Gentleman, Attached are Solidworks 2012 part files for 500mm, 1000mm and 1500mm OpenRail. Also attached are several formats of those same files (parasolid, IGES and .STL for all, a few more for the 1000mm). These are "clean" files; no academic watermarks and they import back in cleanly into Solidworks, so if you are running an older version, you should be able to import the parasolid and have Solidworks detect the features. This should also be the case in other programs, but if not, the PDF drawing is included. Most fillets are 0.50mm, effectively. The parts here are a little off from that, as I utilized another part file for reference and thus copied those dimensions. I don't have a piece of Open Rail to measure myself, so that's as good as it gets unless I acquire a model of the extrude die.
