I have a question regarding the choice of CAD software to be used with Isaac Sim. What is the CAD software with the best support to import assemblies to Isaac Sim currently?
Here is some background info and our observations regarding the topic:
- We would like to import CAD assemblies with many parts, and these assembly parts need to move with respect to each other in Isaac Sim. This is important for the simulation. For example, you can imagine a nut/bolt scenario.
- We observe that you cannot import Solidworks assemblies. Importing all the assembly parts as individual files (e.g., step files) is inefficient as you need to reconstruct the assemblies in Isaac Sim.
- Our assembly file includes many instances of the same reference part (e.g., a main part with 20 threaded holes and 20 times the same screw that will enter the threaded holes). Ideally, we prefer that only a single mesh/sdf file is generated and used for all the instances of the screw for computational efficiency. Therefore, we want that if a source assembly has multiple references to a single part file/screw, this relationship is preserved when imported to Isaac Sim.
- Fusion 360 can export USD files but for single parts, not assembly. Also, you cannot modify the created mesh tessellation.
- You can import assemblies from Onshape, and the part referencing structure is preserved. However, not all the features are supported (e.g., mates etc.).