3DS Import for SolidWorks is a 3D Studio® (.3ds) file import add-in for SolidWorks®. This add-in gives SolidWorks the ability to import geometric data from 3DS files.

3DS Import for SolidWorks reads polygon mesh data stored in 3DS files and imports it into SolidWorks. A polygon mesh in a 3DS file is comprised of a set of triangular faces. 3DS Import for SolidWorks creates trimmed planar surfaces for each triangle and knits them together to create a body. If the polygon mesh is closed (i.e. it does not contain boundary edges) then 3DS Import for SolidWorks will create a closed body feature, otherwise an open surface will be created.

3DS Import for SolidWorks is very easy to use as it adds new commands to SolidWorks. It also adds a submenu to the SolidWorks menu called "3DSImport".

3DS Import for SolidWorksis designed to work with the following versions of SolidWorks:

• SolidWorks 2010 (32 & 64 Bit)
  
  
• SolidWorks 2009 (32 & 64 Bit)
  
  
• SolidWorks 2008 (32 & 64 Bit)
  
  
• SolidWorks 2007
  
  
• SolidWorks 2006
  
  
• SolidWorks 2005
  
  
• SolidWorks 2004
  
  
• SolidWorks 2003
  
  
• SolidWorks 2001 Plus
  
  
• SolidWorks 2001
  
  
• SolidWorks 2000

System Requirements

Below is the hardware, software and operating system requirements for SolidWorks add-ins running on the Microsoft Windows platform.

• SolidWorks (32 Bit and 64 Bit): 2000, 2001, 2001 Plus, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010
  
  
• Operating System (32 Bit and 64 Bit): Windows XP SP2 or later, Windows Vista
  
  
• RAM: 1 GB (Recommended 2 GB)

Download & Purchase

Please download a fully functional trial of 3DS Import for SolidWorks by clicking on the "Download Now" button below. To start using the software, you need a license key. A license key can be of two types: Trial or Permanent. A trial key is issued to you instantly and completely free of cost so that you may try the software before you purchase a license. A permanent key is issued after you have purchased a license. We are confident that during the trial period (10 days or runs, whichever is earlier) you will find 3DS Import for SolidWorks extremely useful. Later when you decide to buy the software please return to this page and click the "Buy Now" button to place your order. In the order process you will be asked to enter your Host ID that appears in the "SYCODE License Server" dialog box (which appears when you run any of the "3DSImport" commands). We will create and send you your Key by e-mail within one business day. To avoid disruption in your workflow we urge you to place your order before the trial period ends.

		3.15 MB
		$245
		$195

IMPORTANT! Purchasing a Subscription is highly recommended since it the most cost effective way of keeping your software up to date. Moreover, Subscription entitles you to get a second free perpetual license for your laptop, among many other benefits. For details please read the SYCODE License and Subscription Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

Note: Downloading this software indicates your acceptance to the SYCODE Software License Agreement. The price mentioned above is for a single user license. For your bulk-licensing needs please contact us.

Installation & Usage

Since 3DS Import for SolidWorks is an add-in for SolidWorks, it must be loaded into the SolidWorks environment before it can be used. Please follow the simple instructions in the 3DS Import for SolidWorks ReadMe document which is copied into the installation folder. After you have loaded the add-in file into SolidWorks, Simply click on the menu items in the "3DSImport" submenu to run these new commands. Truly, software made simple!

The '3DSImport' submenu consists of the following commands:

• Import - Import a 3DS file
  
  
• Help - Display the 3DS Import for SolidWorks help file
  
  
• Register - Register your copy of 3DS Import for SolidWorks
  
  
• About - Display the 3DS Import for SolidWorks About box

The 3DSImport submenu

3DS Import for SolidWorks comes with detailed documentation for each command as well as a  tutorial to get you started in the shortest possible time. There is also an online version of the help file which you can view by clicking the link below.
 
Online Help

The 3DS File Format

The 3DS file format is the native file format of 3D Studio. 3D Studio has now been replaced by 3ds Max whose native file format has a .max file extension. However, 3ds Max is still able to read and write .3ds files. 3ds Max is one of the most widely-used off the shelf 3D animation programs. It has strong modeling capabilities, a flexible plug-in architecture and a long heritage on the Microsoft Windows platform. It is mostly used by video game developers, TV commercial studios and architectural visualization studios. It is also used for movie effects and movie pre-visualization.

Customization

If you want 3DS Import for SolidWorks to work in a different way to suit your workflow, do let us know. We will customize the add-in to suit your needs.