The Effect of The CAD Data Exchange on the Motion Analysis in the Solidworks CAD Program

Abstract

Today, computer-aided systems are widely used in design and manufacturing. There are many CAD and CAM programs in the world with different features developed for this purpose. Common file formats are developed in order to make data exchange between CAD and CAM programs. However, losses can occur in data exchange. In this study, it was thought that a 3D model obtained in a CAD program would have an effect on the results obtained if another CAD was used for any analysis. For this purpose, a crank-rod mechanism is designed as a 3D in a common CAD program. The parts used in the crank-rod mechanism are modeled as solid. The parts were save in IGES, STEP and SLDPRT common file formats. Assemblies were realized separately for 3 different CAD formats. The motion analysis was performed on the crank-rod mechanisms and the results were compared. The results of the analysis showed that there were differences between SLDPRT, STEP and IGES data of the crank-rod mechanisms.