IGES Files (*.igs,
*.iges)
The following
are supported for import and export, except where noted. The IGES translator
can import and export IGES surfaces and BREP solids. The IGES error file
information is merged into the IGES report file (.rpt).
Import
If there is wireframe geometry in an imported file, the software reads
the IGES data and forms curves for the IGES wireframe entities. The 2D
geometry is imported into a sketch rather than imported as reference curves.
If you want the software to try to form a solid from imported IGES data,
export the solid or surfaces from the source system as trimmed surfaces
(Entity type 144) or as untrimmed surfaces (Entity types 128, 122, 120,
118, 114). Also, set the number of significant digits (precision) as high
as possible to ensure accurate translation.
You can import 3D curves in an IGES file as 3D sketch entities. In the
Import Options dialog box, select
the Free point/curve entities
check box and click Import as sketch(es).
The IGES translator supports colors when you import curves.
You can select the levels to import for IGES files that contain multiple
levels. Select the Show IGES levels
option in the Import Options dialog
box to display the IGES-In
Surfaces, Curves, and Levels dialog box.
When imported surface data is
not smooth, SolidWorks tries to repair the surfaces.
Export
The IGES translator exports SolidWorks part and assembly documents as
IGES files. Parts and surfaces exported to IGES format retain their part
or surface color, and are displayed in color when in Shaded
mode.
You can export both surfaces and solids in the same IGES file.
If you export a SolidWorks assembly document that has hidden or suppressed
components to IGES format, a dialog box appears asking if you want to
resolve these components.
Click Yes,
and all the components, including the hidden or suppressed ones, are exported.
Click No,
and the hidden or suppressed components are not exported.
The IGES translator supports layers when you export an assembly document
as an IGES file. In the Export Options
dialog box, you must set the Surface
representation/System preference to MASTERCAM.
The assembly components in the IGES file appear on layers that you can
turn on and off in Mastercam®,
or in other applications.