Batch conversion of UG to AutoCAD data
**1 Introduction**
Unigraphics (UG) is a powerful CAD/CAE/CAM software developed by the U.S. company EDS. It supports the entire product development lifecycle, including 3D modeling, assembly, NC machining, motion simulation, finite element analysis, and engineering drawing creation. As one of the most widely used design tools globally, UG is commonly adopted in many industries. However, in China, AutoCAD remains the dominant 2D design software. This often leads to situations where UG users need to convert their files into AutoCAD-compatible formats like DWG.
Engineering drawings generated in UG typically follow European standards, which may differ from national standards. As a result, some users prefer to export these drawings using AutoCAD for better compatibility. In addition, certain CNC systems require AutoCAD as a source for programming, making conversion necessary. Collaborative enterprises also frequently request AutoCAD files for technical exchanges. Therefore, converting UG files to DWG has become a common task for many professionals.
Directly converting a .prt file to a DWG via UG’s data interface can lead to data loss or redundancy, resulting in unsatisfactory outputs. The conventional method involves using CGM format as an intermediate step, but this approach has its own limitations. For instance, it may cause line segmentation, especially with small segments or arrows, which become multiple parts in AutoCAD. Additionally, the CGM method only allows single-file conversions, which is inefficient for large-scale tasks.
To address these issues, the author explored a more efficient method for batch converting flat panel parts from UG to AutoCAD for CNC wire-cutting applications.
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**2 UG to AutoCAD Fast Data Conversion**
**2.1 Single File Conversion from UG3D to UG2D**
Besides the CGM method, another reliable way to convert UG files to AutoCAD is through the "File → Export → 2D Exchange" option. In the 2D Exchange settings, set the Output As field to DWG. This method avoids the line segmentation issue that occurs with CGM and reduces the number of steps required.
However, the default setting for Output As is usually "UG Part File," which generates a UG2D file. Using this as an intermediate step can help avoid problems during the final conversion to DWG. By exporting a UG2D file first and then using an external converter, you can ensure smoother results.
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**2.2 Batch Conversion from UG3D to UG2D**
For large-scale conversions, the 2D Exchange tool alone isn’t sufficient. Instead, we can use the DXFDWG external converter, which supports batch processing. To do this, we first need to configure the default parameters in the UG installation directory under the "UGTO2D" folder.
Open the `ugto2d.def` file using Notepad and modify the following lines:
- `INPUT_PARTS_DIR=F:\ugpart\ug3dpart;`
- `OUTPUT_PARTS_DIR=F:\ugpart\ug2dpart;`
- `INPUT_PARTS_LIST=0204M01.prt, 0204M02.prt, 0204M03.prt,...`
- `OUTPUT_PARTS_LIST=0204M01.prt, 0204M02.prt, 0204M03.prt,...`
After saving the changes, run the 2D Exchange from the Start menu. This will generate a batch of UG2D files in the specified output directory.
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**2.3 Batch Conversion from UG2D to DWG**
Once the UG2D files are ready, launch the DXFDWG converter from the program menu. Select all the UG2D files from the output directory, specify the target folder (e.g., `F:\dwg`), and adjust the conversion settings such as object type, DWG version, and specific views or drawings. These settings can be saved for future use. Click "Convert" to start the process. After completion, the converted DWG files will be available in the designated folder.
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**3 Conclusion**
This article explores a practical and efficient method for converting large volumes of flat-panel parts from UG to AutoCAD for CNC wire-cutting applications. By using a two-step batch conversion process—first from UG3D to UG2D, and then from UG2D to DWG—the workflow becomes significantly faster and more accurate. This method not only reduces manual effort but also ensures high-quality outputs, making it highly valuable in real-world engineering scenarios.
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