Maria Lamas
By: Gaurav Bhamre
Exciting announcement: Our Data Exchange connector for SolidWorks® is now available in Public Beta. This connector enhances our Data Exchange ecosystem and helps you share your data between SolidWorks and numerous applications currently supported by Data Exchange.
Since the connector is currently in the beta stage, we recommend using it with smaller datasets for now. Rest assured that we are working diligently to make improvements in subsequent builds.
Expanding the Data Exchange ecosystem
The Data Exchange connector allows design engineers and manufacturing engineers to share their SolidWorks models and properties with downstream users via applications such as Revit, Inventor, AutoCAD, Civil3D, Rhino, and Tekla. Explore our Public Roadmap to see which applications can be connected to SolidWorks via the Data Exchange ecosystem.
The SolidWorks connector uses Autodesk Construction Cloud to store and securely access design data. This helps project team members to collaborate on their models and view the latest updates in SolidWorks. AEC Collection subscribers already have access to Autodesk Docs.
A more streamlined Data Exchange process
With the connector, you can:
- Curate a subset of data: Share only specific data with the stakeholders to eliminate the worries of file compatibility or oversharing.
- Share property data: Data Exchange is not confined to 3D and 2D geometry; it also extends to critical property data associated with the objects in the model. This includes materials, part names, object categories, and more. Our connector makes these properties universally accessible across all connected applications.
- Share & receive updates: The SolidWorks Connector helps you share and receive incremental updates, meaning you can refer to the latest and most up-to-date information. Changes made in design and manufacturing models are synchronized and reflected in other applications, maintaining data consistency and streamlining collaboration.
Improve AEC workflows with SolidWorks Connector
Regardless of team size or location, the Data Exchange connector can support AEC workflows in these key areas:
Multi-disciplinary coordination and collaboration
Design development often requires cross-disciplinary collaboration and coordination for Manufacturing and AEC projects. With the help of the Data Exchange connector for SolidWorks, you can load specific SolidWorks assemblies into architectural and MEP models for better model coordination.
Similarly, SolidWorks can load specific building sections and floors from applications like Revit and Rhino, which helps designers to reference the building space where the assemblies need to be located. They can use the update and reload functionality to easily coordinate the data shared by exchange with the latest information from the source model.
Transition between 2D and 3D designs
Data Exchange connector can read and write 2D geometries, which helps in converting 2D AutoCAD drawings to 3D models in SolidWorks for more detailed product design. This promotes collaboration between teams working in 3D (SolidWorks) and 2D (AutoCAD).
Try out the Beta Release
Ready? Get the SolidWorks Connector (Early Access) from the Autodesk App Store and share your feedback on our Community Forums. Also, check out the updated Public Roadmap, where you can comment and vote for your interests.
We look forward to hearing your thoughts and suggestions as we continue to improve and expand our Data Exchange ecosystem.