📐Solidworks

SolidWorks is a solid modeling computer-aided design and computer-aided engineering application published by Dassault Systèmes.

There are a couple of ways to export GLTF from Solidworks, one is to use Solidworks XR if you have the proper license for it. From there you can use their Solidworks XR Exporter add-in. Alternatively, you can use a third-party plugin like Simlab.

Exporting Using Extended Reality Add-in

The Extended Reality Exporter exports content that powers rich AR, VR, and web experiences.

You can export SOLIDWORKS CAD files to .glb or .glTF file formats. The files contain information such as geometry, appearances, textures, animations, motion studies, configurations, display states, exploded views, lights, and metadata.

You can:

  • Import these files into platforms such as Unity or Unreal to create experiences.

  • Drag .glb files into Microsoft Office 365 products like PowerPoint to have interactive 3D model viewing experiences.

  • Contact an approved technology provider to create a custom AR, VR, or web experience that suits your needs. For more information or to learn about approved providers, see the SOLIDWORKS Corporate Blog.

    Only Approved Provider Viewers support the advanced capabilities of the XR Exported file. These capabilities include Animations, Motion Studies, Exploded views, Display States, Configurations, Decals, and Metadata.

The Extended Reality Exporter:

  • Improves collaborative internal and external design reviews.

  • Sells designs more effectively with immersive experiences.

  • Trains your staff about how to immersively assemble and interact with your products. For example, you can create an Augmented Reality training walkthrough to teach mechanics how to service an MRI machine when a part breaks, all from the original SOLIDWORKS CAD file.

To export to the glTF file format:

  1. With a file open, click File > Save As.

  2. In the Save As dialog box, select Extended Reality (.GLTF) or Extended Reality (.GLB).

  3. Select Options and specify the settings for exporting Extended Reality files:SceneExport ViewsExports SOLIDWORKS views.Export CamerasExports SOLIDWORKS cameras.Export LightsExports lights to a Khronos Light Extension (.KHR_Light) file.AnimationsExport Motion StudiesExports timeline animations as glTF keyframe sequences.Export Exploded ViewsExports exploded views as glTF keyframe sequences.

  4. Click OK.

Scene Data

  • Export Views: if checked, SOLIDWORKS views will be exported as well. Note: not all GLTF Viewers support views and cameras.

  • Export Cameras: if checked the exporter will extract SOLIDWORKS cameras defined in the document.

  • is checked, the exported will extract lights and store them as Khronos Light Extensions (KHR_Light). Not all viewers support lights.

Animation Data

  • Export Motion Studies: if checked, eventual timeline animations contained in the document will be exported as GLTF keyframe sequences.

  • Export Exploded Views: if checked, eventual exploded views animation will be exported as GLTF keyframe sequences.

Plugins for Exporting GLTF from Solidworks

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