As many of you already know, SolidWorks World 2011 kicked off yesterday. GrabCAD is there as well and Indrek is looking forward to talk to everyone, so if you happen to wander around, stop by in box no 136.
SolidWorks Plug-in
But for GrabCAD that's not what the event is all about. We've been working hard together with CadFaster to add one very useful and exciting feature to all of the files uploaded to the Library - a geniously simple plugin for SolidWorks to import your files into GrabCAD library together with an .exe file that will allow anyone (yes, even the ones who don't have any CAD software installed) to open and see the models in 3D and make annotations. SolidWorks World is now the place where we can proudly present it working all nicely.
How the plug-in works:
- download and install the plug-in
- open your CAD file in SolidWorks
- click on the 'Upload to GrabCAD' button
- if you have an account in GrabCAD, you'll get the API key that allows you to upload the files into the Library together with the CadFaster .exe file
- go to your profile page in GrabCAD and click on the 'View in 3D format' - the model is shown in 3D
- share the link to your model with anyone, even the ones that have no CAD software installed - they still can see it in 3D, make annotations and comments
- the best news - it's all free for GrabCAD users
See Indrek's uploaded bicycle stem here:
SW plug-in button
How it looks in GrabCAD
File view with 3d format button
If you use SolidWorks, then we strongly recommend to try it out. We're working on expanding the list of supported CAD software and any feedback of how useful the first SW plug-in is for you, is much appreciated as always.
