CAD Viewers: Solid Edge Viewer (SE)

Viewer for Solid Edge CAD Files
What type of files can Solid Edge Viewer read?

• part, (.par)
• Sheet metal (.psm)
• assembly models (.asm)
• Weldment assemblies (pwd)
• Draft or drawing files (.dft)
• Drawing files (.dwg, .dft)
• 3D viewing and file sharing CAD models (JT)
• Packaged collaboration files (pcf) for NX and SE
• Metafile documents (Microsoft) CGM
• JT files

Solid Edge Viewer Controls and Limitations

• Rotate, size, or fit to window by selecting desired view control button from above the pressing left mouse button and dragging.
• Printing of model picture or drawings are allowed
• Cannot save files
• Cannot measure drawings or models
• Can hide or view individual components in an assembly model
• Cannot view Parasolid, IGS, or Step files

Solid Edge 2D Drafting

• Stand Alone Drafting Software
• Similar to AutoCAD lite.
• Complete 2d Drafting Capabilities.
• Opens and saves documents as dft, dwg, dxf, 2D IGS
• Save documents as dwg or dxf if they are to be distributed.
• Can print drawings with included pdf printer. (SAVE AS pdf)
• Tutorial are available

Solid Edge 2D Drafting Software
(with included 2D/3D Solid Edge Viewer )

• Software should be downloaded directly from the Siemens Site
• Solid Edge Viewer Comes with the 2D software.
• If you already have an existing SE Viewer loaded on your computer, you’ll need to uninstall it prior to installing the updated viewer. 
• *Solid Edge Viewer (PART, ASM, DRT)
  http://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/en_us/products/velocity/solidedge/forms/solid_edge_free_2d_2.cfm 

Free 3D CAD Viewer downloadable software compariso

A useful tool in today's world of engineering is to have software which can view 3D CAD models but without having all of the tools of a CAD software system thus making the viewer extremely cheap (ideally it would be free). Here is a table comparing a few different CAD Viewer software programs and in the coming weeks I will be offering a more descriptive breakdown of each one including their strengths and weaknesses. 

How to add amacro icon to a toolbar in CATIA V5?

There are multiple ways to initiate a CATScript macro in CATIA V5. Did you know that it is possible to invoke your macro through a tool bar icon? How do you create an icon for your macro? Go to tools >customize >commands > macros > show properties. Next, simply define a logo for your macro by picking one from the 180 plus icons to choose from (or browse to your own custom made icon) and then drag and drop it into the menu bar where you want it. It's that easy. So now you should have three ways to run your VBA CATScripts: going to Tools>Macro>Macros, hitting Alt+F8, or by clicking on your icon in a toolbar.