SOLIDWORKS Import Diagnostics and Repairing Import Errors

A support call about errors in imported models usually ends with a question how to avoid such errors.  In an assembly with many imported models it can be a difficult and overwhelming task to identify files with errors and correct them.  Checking models for errors right after the import is a better approach.

The following two options in Tools > Options > Import can help identify and repair geometry errors as files are imported in SOLIDWORKS:

• Perform full entity check and repair errors
• Automatically run SOLIDWORKS Import Diagnostics (Healing)

Import Diagnostics

SOLIDWORKS Import Diagnostics can be launched from Tools > Evaluate.  If gaps or faulty faces are found in imported files, the option Attempt to Heal All (or Attempt to Heal All Faces or Attempt to Heal All Gaps) can be used.  A diagnostic check works only before the imported models have been modified with additional features, so it is better to address geometry errors immediately after a file is imported in SOLIDWORKS.

If Attempt to Heal All does not correct all errors, we can try adding, removing and recreating geometry, for example, deleting and patching faces or recreating them using surface tools.  In some instances, exporting file to a neutral file format (eg. Parasolid) and importing it back clears gaps or faulty faces.

Import Diagnostics