Modification to 3D Model from Exchange Format File Using Visual Basic in SolidWorks

During the process of modeling, analysis and optimization of mechanical system, 3D models need to be saved as exchange format files as well as be modified frequently. The exchange format file would lose certain feature information of the original model, making operations to models inconvenient. Aiming at the model imported from exchange format file, we study programming of relevant operation with Visual Basic in SolidWorks environment, including entity extrusion or compression from a planar surface and fillet/chamfer for edges. Specialized functions are developed to facilitate the modeling and modification for complicated solids by appending menu icons into SolidWorks, thus improving the model operation efficiency and degree of automation significantly.