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Transitioning to Pro/Engineer Tips
Tip# 3210 By Joel Sanders On 31-May-2009
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Rated By 1 users
Categories : Misc. User Tools
Software type : Pro/ENGINEER
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Tips for AutoCAD users transitioning to Pro/Engineer.

Design draftsman Joel Sanders sent us this tip for AutoCAD users transitioning to Pro/Engineer.

Editor's note: This tip has not been tested by the Cadalyst Tip Patrol.

"Out of desperation, from dealing with an instability issue in the current version of Pro/Engineer Wildfire v4, when in the sketcher mode, I needed to rely on my trusty AutoCAD 2004 to quickly and effortlessly import AutoCAD geometry into Pro/E sketcher mode.

"Create in AutoCAD the final shape geometry (as defined for revolve or to extrude) and save as a DWG and close file (create geometry in model space, normally using the XY plane, Pro/E will define the orientation for you).

"Within Pro/E define the axis of rotation and/or surface plane(s) in part mode (this will help in selecting the correct sketch orientation plane). When done, start the mode of operation whether extrude or revolve, right click for shortcut menu to define internal sketch and follow normal prompts for sketch orientation.

"Define sketch references if required. Next select the Sketch drop-down menu, pick Data From File, select File System. When in the browser, change file type to DWG (there is no DXF selection), find the geometry created in AutoCAD and click Open on the Pro/E browser. A dialogue window opens up noting the transfer of data (will warn of errors if they occur) close the window. A successful transfer will leave a plus (+) flag attached to the cursor as if it was an object being inserted from a palette or other Pro/E object data file.

"Insert object close to the target reference point(s) and left mouse click to insert geometry. Use the grip handle and place it on the point of the object that has to snap to the target reference (constrain object normally using coincident, symmetric, etc. if inadvertently the object is inserted as a free point). Set the scale to 1.00 and accept. When done exit sketch mode and complete mode of operation following normal Pro/E prompts such as selecting the axis or plane (the ones created in the previous steps) and direction. This is an effective way of getting around a frustrating glitch as well as reducing the learning curve for those hard-core AutoCAD users transitioning to Pro/E like me."

 

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User comments
Comment by Carreon,Martin
Posted on 2009-06-02 14:29:01
This seems to work as written only where larger parts are concerned. If you have small parts and features, make sure to adjust the accuracy and units accordingly in the Pro/E setup section first. Also, you may need to reset the autodimensioning by selecting a feature and using the regenerate command. I wish I could have started with larger features! (The SolidWorks process is so much easier.)