MC2021 not opening sldprt or ipt

[thad]

Our designer just updated to SW 2022 SP2 and I can no longer open native sldprt files in MC 2018. He is also using Inventor 2021. I can't open those ipt files in MC2018 either. So I had IT install MC 2021 (including up to patch 2_1) thinking that would allow me to open both Inventor 2021 and SW 2022 files...but it doesn't.

Should I be able to open those files with MC 2021? If so, any idea why I can't?

[thad]

When I try to open a SW file, I don't get any error, just a blank MC screen with no entities.

When I try to open an Inventor file, I get an error about the file being either newer than Inventor 2018 or an invalid file.

[thad]

Looks like I need a newer version of MC. They, apparently, really tightened up on needing the latest versions to open the other system's files.

[JParis]

Looks like I need a newer version of MC. They, apparently, really tightened up on needing the latest versions to open the other system's files.

For awhile now, that's been one of the biggest reason to keep your maintenance...we versions were released much further apart it was different but with the yearly releases now for almost all softwares, it's a constant to try to keep up.

There are times with Mastercam, and I'm sure others as well, that they're a bit behind, it takes a maintenance release to get the functionality for the latest CAD files from whomever.

[thad]

For awhile now, that's been one of the biggest reason to keep your maintenance...we versions were released much further apart it was different but with the yearly releases now for almost all softwares, it's a constant to try to keep up.

That's new to me since I'm still using X9 to program. I had 2018 installed but I only used it to open Inventor and SW files and write out stp files to import into X9. I'm a one man show here for programming/CNC machining so there usually isn't a good time to stop and learn the new software. Guess I'm gonna have to bite the bullet now.

Thanks JP.

[thad]

What's the consensus on the latest stable release for real work? Is 2023 any good? Did I hear about another re-write of the software in the last version or two?

[Tim Johnson]

Try .x_b or .x_t, That's all I use anymore.

[neurosis]

What's the consensus on the latest stable release for real work? Is 2023 any good? Did I hear about another re-write of the software in the last version or two?

I just started using it this week and so far I'm having mixed emotions.   lol

Some things are much faster. Simulation seems faster and smoother.  Some things are just super buggy even with update 2.  The buggs I've encountered are pretty minor so far. Not show stoppers by any means. 

The *most* problems I've had have been opening up pre x9 era part files (yes, they've been updated through the migration every version).  If I start a file from scratch I seem to have less issues. 

I haven't encountered anything so far that would make me step backwards.  If I do I'll update.

[thad]

Try .x_b or .x_t, That's all I use anymore.

The goal is to eliminate the intermediate files from being needed. We have one designer and one person who uses his files. Me. I can't be dependent on him making parasolids, etc. I may need to open any of his files at any given time.

[CNCAppsJames]

Our designer just updated to SW 2022 SP2 and I can no longer open native sldprt files in MC 2018. He is also using Inventor 2021. I can't open those ipt files in MC2018 either. So I had IT install MC 2021 (including up to patch 2_1) thinking that would allow me to open both Inventor 2021 and SW 2022 files...but it doesn't.

Should I be able to open those files with MC 2021? If so, any idea why I can't?

Go back and reread what you typed...
"SW 2022" vs "MC 2018" 2022>2018 is ALWAYS gonna be no bueno.
2022>2021. Same deal.
You want to open native CAD files, your MC Version has to be AT LEAST a little older than CAD releases.

You have two options, update to MC2023 or get Neutral CAD files (STP, STEP, X_T, SAT, etc...)

[thad]

Go back and reread what you typed...
"SW 2022" vs "MC 2018" 2022>2018 is ALWAYS gonna be no bueno.
2022>2021. Same deal.

Prior to him updating to SW 2022, I could open his files in MC 2018. So he either just updated from SW 2018 to SW 2022 (which is doubtful, but not impossible) or you're wrong.    I'll find out later today.

[thad]

Prior to him updating to SW 2022, I could open his files in MC 2018. So he either just updated from SW 2018 to SW 2022 (which is doubtful, but not impossible) or you're wrong.    I'll find out later today.

He was previously using SW 2018, so you are correct, @CNCAppsJames , (as I'm sure you already knew    ). 

[Jeff]

I'm still using X9 to program

Reported!