Remove all part features in one easy step with SOLIDWORKS 2017 Convert to Bodies
Article by Chris Briand, CSWE created/updated October 20, 2016
If you go to the trouble of saving a SOLIDWORKS part as a neutral file format in order to remove ALL feature data from your model then you will find that SOLIDWORKS 2017 will save you a few steps with the new “Convert to Bodies” function.
SOLIDWORKS bodies converted to a single feature
To access this new function, right-mouse click on the part name at the top of the FeatureManager Design Tree and select “Convert to Bodies” from the shortcut menu.
Convert to Bodies Menu
You will then be prompted with a warning that bodies will be permanently deleted and SOLIDWORKS offers various “Save As” options to create a new part from the conversion.
Convert to Bodies Options
The nifty bit of functionality is that if the part is a component within an assembly, SOLIDWORKS will retain the mate references from other parts, assemblies, and drawings as you convert its features over to bodies.
Converted Feature
This will allow you to remove any feature history but still retain the bodies and surfaces.
Related note: If you are converting your parts and thinking that the removal of feature data will make loading SOLIDWORKS models “Faster” in your larger assemblies, we suggest another approach (saving assemblies as parts won’t help either).
SOLIDWORKS 2017 Resources
Access our resources page to get everything you need to learn what’s new in SOLIDWORKS 2017, including tech tips, demonstrations, and upcoming product webinars.
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