Best Practices To Avoid SOLIDWORKS File Corruption

 Nowadays, many people struggle or affected by SOLIDWORKS file corruption, yet they often fail to identify the causes behind it and continue to repeat the same mistakes. The main goal of this document is to avoid SOLIDWORKS file corruption by outlining the possible reasons for it.

The main reason for SOLIDWORKS file corruption is where you save your file. Now immediately go check the saving location for your SOLIDWORKS CAD file If it’s saved on your computer’s local drive, that’s okay. But if it’s saved on a network drive, shared folder, or a server, the chances of file corruption are higher.

Now, I’m sure you have many questions in your mind, and I’ll answer the main question you’re thinking of.

Question N0:1 Since we all work with file collaboration; how can we save and work on a local drive? And why does working with a network drive or shared folder cause file corruption?

Working with a network drive or shared folder doesn’t cause file corruption. However, saving, opening, or working with SOLIDWORKS files directly on a network drive can lead to file corruption. Let me explain in more detail. First, watch this video where I have an assembly located on both a network drive and a local drive. I will open the assembly and compare the opening times for both the local drive and the network drive. 

When opening a file from a network drive, several factors must be considered between the client and server. These include network bandwidth, current network traffic, drive capability (such as HDD or SSD), antivirus scanning, and network settings. All these processes run in the background, whereas local files are easily accessed by SOLIDWORKS.

Saving SOLIDWORKS files on a server or network drive not only affects the file opening speed but also impacts working speed. For example, when working with an assembly in Lightweight mode, SOLIDWORKS loads only the solid and surface data. However, when switching to Resolved mode, it retrieves the feature history, leading to latency issues. Additionally, sudden network disconnections or slow bandwidth increase the risk of file corruption.

A simple workaround for saving files on a network drive is to first copy the file from the server to the local drive using Windows Explorer. Then, work on the file locally, save it, and finally paste it back onto the server or network drive via Windows Explorer. For instance, when copying an assembly file of 600KB using Windows Explorer, it takes 18 packets of 32KB each. However, opening it directly through the application results in 150 packets of 4KB each. Therefore, to avoid file corruption and improve performance, it is recommended to save and work on files locally.

Question N0:2 I have Microsoft documents like Excel and PDF are working fine with the server, but why SOLIDWORKS files are get corrupted?

SOLIDWORKS files are interlinked, for example, when you save a SWX drawing file to the server, it will reference all associated files such as the assembly file, part file, and subassemblies. These files are saved together, making it large binary data. If there is any connectivity error during this process, it can lead to file corruption.

MAKES YOUR DESIGN WITHOUT ANY ERROR

A secondary reason is to ensure that your design is free from errors. If your file becomes corrupted, it can be difficult to identify the corrupted file errors and warning files. Therefore, it is important to work with minimal errors to avoid such issues

PARTH LENGTH

When saving a SOLIDWORKS file, the file path should not exceed 256 characters. This applies not only SWX files, all files saved in Windows. To avoid issues, maximum reduce file saving path and special characters in file names.

OTHER FACTORS AFFECTING SWX FILE CORRUPTION:

• Sudden power loss.
• Connectivity issues during file saving or while working with a server or common sharing.
• Check folder permissions on the server.
• Errors when copying files due to system errors or user termination.
• Avoid creating assemblies with numerous imported files.
• Antivirus protection: If an antivirus blocks file saving to the server, it may cause file corruption. To prevent this, add exceptions for your working directory and the SOLIDWORKS .exe file.

SOLIDWORKS PDM: 

If you want file collaboration and need to work with a server while avoiding these issues, SOLIDWORKS offers a product called SOLIDWORKS PDM (Product Data Management). It features a powerful tool called ‘check-in’ and ‘check-out.’ When you check out a file from the server, it copies all associated files to your local drive (as temporary files). Any changes you make will be saved locally. Only when you check the file back in will all the updated information be saved to the server. For more information about this product, feel free to reach out to us.

Contact Us:   Have questions or need assistance? Feel free to reach out!

Email: mktg@egs.co.in
Phone: +91 94454 24704

Why Is ‘Compare’ in 3DEXPERIENCE a Game-Changer for Engineers?

 In the fast-paced world of product design and engineering, ensuring accuracy and consistency between design iterations is crucial. The Compare tool in 3DEXPERIENCE offers a powerful way to analyze differences between 3D models, making it an essential asset for design validation, quality control, and collaboration.

What is Compare in 3DEXPERIENCE?

Compare is a application within the 3DEXPERIENCE platform that allows users to visually and geometrically compare two versions of a 3D model. This tool highlights differences in shape, dimensions, and features, enabling teams to quickly identify changes and assess their impact on the design. Whether you’re working on product revisions, quality inspections, or collaborative design reviews, Compare streamlines the validation process.

Key Features of Compare

Visual & Geometric Comparison: Overlay models to detect changes and discrepancies between versions.

Color-Coded Differences: Identifies added, removed, or modified areas with colour indicators.

Precise Measurement Tools: Evaluate dimensional changes with accuracy.

Side-by-Side Viewing: Compare designs from different perspectives for a comprehensive analysis.

Integration with 3DEXPERIENCE Apps: Seamless compatibility with other tools like 3D Markup, 3DPlay, and Product Structure Editor.

Benefits of Using Compare

1. Enhanced Design Validation – Compare ensures that every modification in a design is intentional and aligns with engineering requirements. By visually inspecting differences, teams can reduce errors and maintain design integrity.

2. Improved Collaboration – With real-time access to model comparisons, designers, engineers, and stakeholders can efficiently communicate changes and provide feedback, reducing the risk of misinterpretations.

3. Time & Cost Savings – By catching design discrepancies early, Compare minimizes costly errors in later stages of production. This proactive approach helps avoid rework and delays.

4. Seamless Quality Control – The tool supports quality assurance teams in detecting inconsistencies between CAD models, ensuring compliance with design standards before production.

How to Use Compare Effectively

1. Upload or Select Models: From compass open Compare app, Choose two versions of a 3D model within the 3DEXPERIENCE environment.
2. Activate Comparison Mode: Enable the Compare feature to overlay or view model’s side by side.
   
   
   
   
   

3. Analyze Differences: Use colour coding and measurement tools to inspect changes.

   

   
   

    4. Model Review: Using the advanced options in Compare app we can see the difference between two different model’s properties, structure & 3D view.
   
   

   
   
   
   

    5. Document Findings: Utilize 3D Markup to annotate and communicate necessary modifications. 

   Conclusion:
   
   The Compare tool in 3DEXPERIENCE empowers designers and engineers to enhance their workflow with precise, intuitive model comparisons. Whether you’re refining a concept, ensuring compliance, or collaborating with a team, this feature is a game-changer for efficiency and accuracy in product development.

   Are you ready to take your design validation to the next level? Explore Compare in 3DEXPERIENCE and experience the benefits firsthand!

   Contact Us:   Have questions or need assistance? Feel free to reach out!

   Email: mktg@egs.co.in
   Phone: +91 94454 24704

   
   
   

   
   

   
   

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How to Use SOLIDWORKS View Orientation: A Quick Guide?

In 3D modelling, the right view at the right time improves accuracy and efficiency. Whether designing, inspecting, or creating drawings, how you view your model impacts your workflow. The View Orientation dialogue box in SOLIDWORKS makes switching views, setting custom angles, and refining orientations effortless.

Accessing the View Orientation Dialogue Box:

The shortest way to access the View Orientation Dialogue box is by pressing the spacebar in your keyboard. It is the default keyboard shortcut assigned for the View Orientation Dialogue box.

You can also find it in the Heads-Up View Toolbar which has access to the orientation dialogue box. These shortcuts ensure that adjusting your model’s view doesn’t disrupt your work flow.

(Heads up View Tool Bar)

The conventional way to access it would be View -> Modify -> Orientation.

Layout and Sections of the View Orientation Dialogue Box

The View Orientation dialogue box is structured to provide easy access to various viewing options.

1. The Standard Views section includes common preset angles like Front, Top, etc. Hovering over an option shows a preview of the same,
2. The Custom Views section allows you to save specific angles, so you don’t have to manually adjust the model every time.
3. Split Planes divide the graphic area into sections, improving visibility of model for in-depth analysis. You can link the views as well
4. The Previous and New Views sections let you switch back to a recently used view or create a new custom view for easy access.
5. Update Standard views and Reset Standard views are used to change the orientation of the model.
6. The Axis Orientation Options allow you to define which axis points upward. By default, SOLIDWORKS sets the Y-axis up for parts and assemblies.

7. The View Selector provides a 3D cube-style interface that lets you quickly switch between different orientations by clicking on the desired face, edge, or corner.

8. Standard View Selection – Choosing the right view is essential for precise model analysis and editing.

• The Isometric View offers a 3D perspective, commonly used in documentation and presentations.
• The Dimetric View displays the model at two equal angles, providing an alternative spatial perspective.
• The Trimetric View presents three different angles, offering another way to inspect the model.

9. Normal To option helps adjust the view perpendicular to a selected face.

FAQs

1. How to Create a New View?

If you often need to return to a specific angle, saving it as a custom view can be a time-saver.

1. Adjust the model to your desired angle which is to be saved as a custom view.
2. Press the spacebar to open the View Orientation dialogue box.
3. Click New View
4. enter a name, and press OK.

Now, you can instantly access this saved view without repositioning the model manually. Custom views saved in the part or assembly environment can be directly used in drawing views, maintaining a uniform presentation. By saving the same, it ensures all team members view the model from the same perspective, improving collaboration.

2. How to Update Standard Views?

If the default views don't suit your needs, you can update them for better alignment with your project.
In this Example, we can see that the model is not assigned properly

1. Adjust the model to the desired orientation and open the View Orientation dialogue box.
2. Click Update Standard Views
   

   3. then select the standard view you would like to assign the current view to.
   4. Read the message and click Yes
   5. Confirm the update.
   This ensures that your model is always displayed in the most practical orientation for your workflow.

3. Why Create Custom Views
 Custom views provide quick, repeatable access to critical perspectives, improving efficiency and accuracy.
• Creating custom views ensures consistency across parts, assemblies, and drawings, reducing the need for constant manual adjustments.
• They also speed up workflows in animations, renderings, and simulations, ensuring predefined camera angles for clarity.

4. Use of Axis Orientation of a File
The axis orientation defines how your model sits in 3D space, and that choice matters. In SOLIDWORKS, the default is Y-axis up, but industries like aerospace and architecture often use Z-axis up for consistency with machining or structural design standards. Setting the right orientation ensures proper alignment in simulations, exports, and CAM processes.

Conclusion: 

The View Orientation dialogue box in SOLIDWORKS is a versatile tool that simplifies how you interact with your model. By mastering its features, you can improve navigation, save time, and enhance overall efficiency. Whether working with detailed part designs or complex assemblies, controlling your model’s orientation is a small yet impactful improvement to your workflow.

Contact Us:   Have questions or need assistance? Feel free to reach out!

Email: mktg@egs.co.in
Phone: +91 94454 24704