Support of SOLIDWORKS virtual components and Visual Studio 2022 v17.14, significant API changes in CAD Exchanger 3.24.10

CAD Exchanger SDK and Lab updates

Support for SOLIDWORKS virtual components

Since release 3.24.10, you can work with virtual components that do not have a physical representation as separate files but can be used in assemblies. Moreover, you can export and import models containing these components. The feature streamlines file management and adds flexibility in handling complex designs.

Format improvements

As always, we have added multiple enhancements to the formats.

• CATIA: prevented crashes that occur when a pcurve equation uses an unsupported function. Added support for the Composition function used in pcurve equations.

• JT: fixed the issue with incorrect transformations of parts when multiple transformation matrices are attached to an element.

• NX: added a new option NX_ReaderParameters::ImportHiddenObjects() that manages whether hidden and suppressed instances, bodies, and PMI are to be imported. Added C#, Python, and Java wrappers for NX_ReaderParameters.

• Parasolid: improved import of faces on toroidal surfaces.

• STEP:

  • added support for DRAUGHTING_MODEL_ITEM_ASSOCIATION_WITH_PLACEHOLDER entities allowing users to read semantic PMI elements and properties referenced by such entities.
  • added import of properties for semantic PMI elements.
  • added STEP_ReaderParameters::SetIgnoreEmptyParts() method in Python. 

CAD Exchanger SDK updates

Enhanced API

Earlier, to create a PMI text component, you had to first create the object and then call the corresponding function. We have added a constructor overload that allows you to create an object with the set text in a single step. This makes the code more concise and well-structured.

Additionally, now you can obtain import statistics that provide insights into errors and missing external references from the universal reader. Previously, this was available only when using specific readers, for example, the JT reader. This feature provides easier access to import statistics, enhancing the usability of the universal reader.

Support for the latest version of Microsoft Visual Studio 2022

We have added support for Microsoft Visual Studio 2022 up to version 17.14. This feature is particularly important when building and running C++ examples from CAD Exchanger SDK on Windows, ensuring compatibility with the latest development environment.

Updated Eyeshot version 2024.3 for a more stable build

In the latest release, we updated the supported Eyeshot version to the most recent stable release, 2024.3.512. This enhancement ensures that you get a more robust and efficient experience in CAD data manipulation and visualization.

There are also some minor changes in CAD Exchanger SDK. To get the full list of the 3.24.10 updates, read the CHANGES.txt file.

Manufacturing Toolkit updates

Here are the highlights of Manufacturing Toolkit 2025.2:

• Groove recognition with the support of outer diameter, inner diameter, and end face.
• Recognition of wide and intersecting pockets.
• Enhanced CNC Machining UX with the new method to control Wall Thickness analysis, which is now disabled by default.

Follow the link to find more details about the new release.