Context
SOLIDWORKS users who fabricate products that are installed in a building need a way to produce BIM-ready content. This content should have a lower level of detail for use in coordination and documentation through a BIM application. The geometry should be Exact or BREP (not Mesh) in order to provide a clean representation. This can be achieved through IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) as a common exchange format for all BIM applications.
Overview
Coordinate System
IFC export supports the use of an independent Coordinate System. This allows the BIM content to be located and oriented differently than the original fabrication-ready assembly.
Defeature
Prior to export a defeaturing process can be applied to the whole assembly and saved as a configuration in SOLIDWORKS. The Silhouette option within Defeature quickly creates simplified cuboid geometries which are generally acceptable for BIM consumption.
Save as IFC
SOLIDWORKS supports the export of IFC 4 (the latest version of IFC) which allows for better BREP geometry and provides cleaner results. During IFC export the user can choose which Coordinate System to export when providing the final BIM-ready content.
Scenario
- Create new coordinate system with altered location and direction (Z-up).
- Create simplified model with bounding box geometry as new configuration.
- Save new simplified model as IFC and compare coordinate system results.
Further Information
IFC Export in SOLIDWORKS Help
https://help.solidworks.com/2023/english/SolidWorks/sldworks/c_ifc_files.htm
What's New in SOLIDWORKS 2022 - Import & Export
https://youtu.be/zWBD6Ss90cY
Silhouette Defeature in SOLIDWORKS Assembly
https://youtu.be/FgDcG3fnjHk?t=198
