FormatWorks
Powerful Data Translation Software for SolidWorks Designers
FormatWorks extends the SolidWorks data translation capability to support native CATIA V4 and V5 data as well as other formats. The technology used in FormatWorks is based on propriety algorithms developed by Capvidia for the automotive industry to provide automatic, accurate, and reliable translation into and out of SolidWorks.
FormatWorks simplifies the import process to SolidWorks. Automatic repair and healing ensures that foreign geometries meet the criteria set by SolidWorks to form valid solids. This repair is always performed within the model tolerance while maintaining original model integrity and preventing model deformation.
Sometimes we receive corrupted files. With FormatWorks, corrupted files are translated and we end up with a better quality file.
Michael Fernando, Tool & Die Designer, Theta Industries Inc.
FormatWorks Workflow & Features
- Data Import
- Tolerance Control
- Automatic Repair & Healing
- Manual Repair
- Geometry Check
- Data Export
Data Import File Formats
FormatWorks solves frustrating data incompatibility problems which occur during the import of 3D models into SolidWorks. It seamlessly imports native data formats and performs necessary repairs to form a valid model in SolidWorks.
FormatWorks can import the following file types:
- CATIA V5 up to R16
- CATIA V4
- CATIA V4 2D drawings
- Pro/ENGINEER
- CADDS
- IGES 6.0
- VDA-FS
- STEP
- ACIS
Automatic Repair
The automatic repair includes identification and repair of over 60 typical data translation errors. FormatWorks repairs both geometry and topology using specialized sewing algorithms. Entities preventing the model to form a solid body are automatically detected. The automatic repairs are controlled and always performed within the original model tolerance, which prevents model deformation.
Preview, Select & Translate
FormatWorks has model preview capability allowing you to open a CATIA file and preview the data before it is translated to SolidWorks. You can zoom, rotate and pan the model, a project tree showing the model structure is also included.
You can select separate model entities for translation directly from the graphical preview window. Large CATIA models and assemblies including complex structures are easily handled with FormatWorks. Using the model preview, you select entities that you want to translate into SolidWorks. You can select any combination of assemblies and parts. Translate them into SolidWorks and leave the rest behind. This provides huge savings of time and computer resources (memory) and gives manageable data in SolidWorks.
Feature Translation
FormatWorks provides support for automatic feature recognition. SolidWorks features such as: Holes, Cuts, Chamfers, Fillets, Extrusions and Ribs are identified in the translation process. The imported models are easily editable in SolidWorks.
Export Formats
FormatWorks can export the following file types:
- CATIA V5
- CATIA V4
- IGES 6.0
- IGES with CAD system flavor
- VDA-FS
- STEP
- ACIS
