If you’ve worked in mechanical engineering or 3D design, chances are you’ve encountered SLDASM files. These SolidWorks assembly files vastly increase the scope of your design capabilities, allowing intricate mechanisms and structures to be created by combining individual components.. But if you’re not working within SolidWorks, opening, viewing, and sharing these files can feel like a daunting task.
Before jumping into the methods, it’s worth clarifying what SLDASM files are. SLDASM stands for SolidWorks Assembly File. Created in SolidWorks, these files contain information about how individual parts (stored in SLDPRT files) fit together in a 3D assembly. Each SLDASM file includes references, dimensions, and mates essential for intricate mechanical designs.
Here are three popular methods for accessing SLDASM files without using SolidWorks:.
Several CAD file viewer programs are designed specifically for users who don’t have access to SolidWorks but need to open or interact with files like SLDASM.
CAD viewers like eDrawings Viewer (by SolidWorks), Autodesk Viewer, or FreeCAD allow users to upload and view SLDASM files online or locally. Many of these tools offer annotation features, making collaborative reviews more straightforward.
CAD viewers are lightweight and don’t require extensive setup.
Many offer compatibility on Windows, macOS, and even mobile platforms.
These programs are free to download and use, providing a cost-effective alternative.
CAD viewers are for viewing, not modifying files.
Free platforms sometimes have less intuitive interfaces.
These platforms may not allow you to hide individual parts or create section views.
If you can’t find the right viewer or need enhanced compatibility, converting SLDASM files to universal formats like STEP (.stp) or IGES (.igs) could work better.
Conversion tools like SolidWorks’ built-in export feature or online apps like AnyCAD Exchange or CAD Exchanger convert SLDASM files to more accessible formats. easily viewable in a broader range of CAD software.
STEP and IGES files are readable in most CAD softwares.
Share converted designs with collaborators using non-SolidWorks CAD tools.
Conversioneds files retain essential details such as measurements and relative positioning.assembly structure.Drawbacks
Converted files lose access to SolidWorks’ proprietary features.
Complicated assemblies may lose some relationships or metadata during conversion.
Mate relations such as moving parts or range of motion are not maintained.3. Open SLDASM Files Using an Alternative CAD PlatformIf you're engaged in multiple CAD projects or need advanced functionality, investing in an alternative, versatile CAD tool like Autodesk Inventor, Creo, or Fusion 360 could be the solution.How It WorksThese platforms provide compatibility plug-ins, allowing you to directly open and manipulate SLDASM files. Benefits
Beyond viewing, these platforms enable part and mate manipulation.in-depth edits and redesigns.
Most alternatives include built-in feedback features like annotations and shared workspaces.
They accommodate not only SLDASM but other formats like .DWG, or .DXF, and .STP. Drawbacks
These platforms usually require a paid license.
Higher system requirements can limit access on low-spec machines.
Files will not maintain SolidWorks native functionality.
While SLDASM files are unique to SolidWorks, several similar file formats are used in 3D design. Here's how SLDASM compares:
SLDPRT files represent individual part designs, while SLDASM files assemble those parts into a complete system.
These are universalopen-standard formats used for sharing 3D files across different CAD platforms. While SLDASM files are more proprietary, STEP files offer greater flexibility but may sacrifice some assembly-specific metadata.
IGES files are widely used for 2D and 3D CAD data but have less geometric detail compared to SLDASM.
Quickly find answers to common questions in our FAQ section
Want to know moreSolidWorks is the primary application for SLDASM files, enabling native viewing and editing.
AutoCAD cannot directly open SLDASM files but can handle them if converted to STEP or IGES formats.
Yes! Online platforms like Autodesk Viewer and GrabCAD enable efficient file viewing without downloading full CAD software.
Yes, tools like FreeCAD and Fusion 360 work on macOS and support SLDASM files indirectly through conversions or plug-ins.
Editing requires importing the files into robust CAD softwares like Fusion 360, Creo, or Inventor.
Yes, large assemblies require significant RAM and processing power. Lightweight viewers help mitigate this. Assemblies can also be opened in lightweight mode to lower processing demand.
Convert the file to a universal format like STEP or IGES before sharing.
SLDASM files represent assemblies; STL files focus on geometry used in 3D printing.
Yes, tools like SolidWorks PDM protect files with access controls and encryption options.
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