SolidWorks 2011 Parts Bible - Matt Lombard [240]
Working with layers in imported 2D data
When you import data through DXF (Data eXchange Format) or DWG format files, the layers that exist in the original data are brought forward into SolidWorks, and you can use them in a similar way to the original AutoCAD usage. For example, you can turn layers on or off (visible or hidden), and you can change layer names, descriptions, color, line thickness, and line style.
The way you intend to use the imported data determines how you should open the file. If you only intend to view and print the drawing, then I would suggest using DraftSight, a free download from the Dassault Systèmes or SolidWorks Web sites, or the DWG Editor, which is installed with SolidWorks and enables you to do much of what you can do with basic AutoCAD. These tools offer a familiar interface for the AutoCAD user.
If you need to integrate data from the imported document into a native SolidWorks drawing, you can open the DWG file from the normal Open dialog box in SolidWorks.
Tip
If you want to make a 3D part from the 2D data in the DWG file, you may want to import the drawing into the part sketch environment. This usually leads to some speed issues. If you prefer, sketch entities can also be copied from the drawing to the model sketch. You can even copy entities from DWG Editor to the SolidWorks sketch. The sketch needs to be open in order to paste the sketch entities. In the case where imported 2D data is brought into the model sketch, you lose all the layer information because part and assembly documents do not allow layers.
The colors assigned to layers in data coming from AutoCAD are often based on a black background, and so they can be difficult to see on a white background. The two ways of dealing with this are to change the SolidWorks drawing sheet color to something dark or to change the individual layer colors to something dark. Either method is easy, although if you have to send the 2D data back to its source, it may be best to temporarily change the drawing sheet color.
Figure 18.1 shows the layer interface with an imported drawing in the background. To open the Layers dialog box, click the Layer Properties button, which is found on both the Layer and Line Format toolbars.
FIGURE 18.1
The Layers dialog box and the Layer toolbar
Be aware that many items in an imported drawing may come into SolidWorks as blocks. These items may need to be exploded before you can work with them. This is often the case with the drawing border, title block, or format. To explode a block, right-click on the block and choose Explode.
Working with layers on the sheet format
One of the most obvious uses of layers is for the drawing border sketch lines on the sheet format. The sketch lines used to create the border often have a heavier line weight and a different color that easily distinguishes them from model geometry.
You can assign layers in one of three ways:
• Select existing items, and then select a layer from the drop-down list on the Layer toolbar.
• Set the active layer and create new items.
• While creating items such as sketch entities and annotations, select the layer for the new entity directly from the PropertyManager.
To set a layer to the active layer, double-click it from the Layers dialog box, as shown in Figure 18.1, or change it from the drop-down list on the Layer toolbar. When you assign an active layer, other newly created entities are also placed on the layer, not just sketch entities. Symbols, annotations, blocks, and other elements can also be put onto layers. If you are not particular about the layering scheme on a drawing, then it may be advisable to set the active layer to None, which is a valid option in the Layer toolbar drop-down list.
When you create a new layer in SolidWorks, the new layer becomes the active layer, and any new items that are added are automatically placed