Exporting Trace Paths

You can export a trace path as:

• A reference curve on a SolidWorks part

• 3D coordinate values in a comma-separated value (.CSV) formatted file, and then import it to a spreadsheet program, such as Microsoft^®  Excel.

Example.

Exporting the Path to a SolidWorks Part

You can create a reference curve directly on the trace path reference part or a new part. You can then use the reference curve to define a sketch profile.

• Creating the spline in the reference part - When you choose to create a reference curve on the reference part, COSMOSMotion creates a reference curve using the data points of the trace curve. The trace curve coordinate values are automatically transformed to the part coordinate system, as opposed to global.
  
  If the start and end points in the trace path are the same, then the reference curve is closed. Otherwise, it is open.
  
  If a trace path goes over the same points multiple times, SolidWorks informs you that the curve is intersecting, and it stops the curve creation process.
  
  During the reference curve creation process, you will see the curve appear on the geometry after the process has completed.

Adding the curve to the reference part causes a rebuild event in the SolidWorks assembly, which forces a results deletion in COSMOSMotion.

• Creating the spline on a new part - When you choose to create a reference curve on a new part, COSMOSMotion creates that part, adds the curve, and then switches to the SolidWorks interface to display the new part. You can either save the part or add it to the assembly.

To create the reference curve:

1. From the Browser tree, right-click the trace curve, and then select Copy curve to SolidWorks part.
   
   The Copy curve to SolidWorks part dialog box appears, displaying the name of the default part on which the curve will be created.

2. Select one of the following:

• Reference Part - To create the spline on the trace curve reference part (default).

• New Part - To create the spline on a new part.
  
  Note that if you used global ground for the reference part, only the New Part option is available.

3. If you selected New Part, in the New Part Name text box, enter a name for the new part.

4. Select OK.

To export the values to CSV:

1. Right-click the trace path(s) whose coordinates you want to export.

2. Select Export CSV.

3. Enter the name of the .CSV file to create.