Importing in PartSpec Format

The Import PartSpec command imports Thomas Register PartSpec files saved in either DWG/DXF (2D objects) or IGES or ACIS (3D objects) format. It places all parts in a single class on the active design layer and deletes any extraneous layers. The Import PartSpec command does not differentiate between a file created in the Thomas Register and other programs.

To import PartSpec files:

1. Select the Import PartSpec command from the appropriate menu:

● Architect workspace: AEC > Machine Design > Import PartSpec

● Landmark workspace: Landmark > Machine Design > Import PartSpec

● Spotlight workspace: Spotlight > Machine Design > Import PartSpec

2. A message indicates that the undo cache will be cleared, and that this action cannot be undone; click OK to proceed.

The Import Thomas Register PartSpec dialog box opens.

Parameter	Description
Import 2D Part (DWG/DXF)	Select to import a 2D part from a DWG or DXF file
Import as symbol named	Select to import the part as a symbol; enter the name of the symbol in the symbol name field
Import as group	Select to import the part as a group
Attach part information to the group or symbol	Select to attach the manufacturer’s part information to the symbol or group. The information is attached through the Part Information record format which is created if not already existing in the file.
Put objects into class	Select the class to apply to all objects being imported
Import 3D Part	Select to import a 3D part
ACIS	Select to import the part from an ACIS file
IGES	Select to import the part from an IGES file

3. Select the desired import options and click OK.

Import

Description

2D part from either a DWG or DXF file

In the Import DXF/DWG Files dialog box, select the file to import, and then click Open. The DXF DWG Import Options dialog box opens. (See DXF/DWG and DWF File Import).

The only setting that may need to be edited in the DXF DWG Import Options dialog is Units Setting In File under the Primary Settings tab. This setting refers to the units in the PartSpec DXF or DWG file, not the units of the current Vectorworks file. Do not edit the Import DXF Layers As Classes field under the Graphics Attributes tab or the Group Record Fields under the Objects tab. Changing these options will prevent objects from importing correctly. Depending on the imported part, the Map Colors to Line Weights dialog box and/or the Font Mapping dialog box may open. Make any necessary changes and then click OK. The part is imported into the file based on the specified settings.

3D part from an ACIS or IGES file

If this is an IGES file, the Import IGES File dialog box opens. Select the file to import, and then click Open. If this is an ACIS file, the Import SAT File dialog box opens. Select the file to import, and then click Open. The part is imported into the current class and design layer, and is available for editing and/or converting into a symbol.