Import parts

Before importing parts, ensure the file formats are compatible with Praxis. See supported file formats for more details.

If material and thickness are not mapped to the part after import, assign material using the part panel.

Import methods

There are three methods to import parts into the Part Library:

Import via file
Drag and drop
Watch folder

Import via file

A 2D or 3D part file can be imported into the Part Library using the Import parts… option.

Click open icons from the command bar and select Import parts… option.
The Open dialog appears — select any CAD file (2D or 3D).
A preview of the selected CAD file is displayed.
Select the required part and click Open.
The system auto-tools the part for all available machines with updated tooling status.

Drag and drop

Drag and drop a part file directly into the Praxis Part Library.

Watch folder

Watch settings allow you to monitor a folder for new files and automatically import them into the Part Library.

To configure, see Watch settings page.

Use UNC (Universal Naming Convention) path \\192.168.1.11\<Folder path> or a mapped drive M:\<Folder Path>.
The Engine-running PC must have read/write access to this folder.
Do not use a local path like C:\<Folder Path> because the Watch service looks for files on the Engine PC — not the local PC.

Import configuration

Use geometry comparison on same CAD revision

When importing a part with the same CAD revision, Praxis can compare the geometry of the CAD file with the existing part.

To enable this, configure Revision lookup keys (for example, REV) in factory → settings →Import. Then, enable the Use geometry comparison on same CAD revision option.

Revision

Geometry comparison on the same CAD revision works only when Revision lookup keys are configured.

Now, import a part into the part library with a specific revision (for example, Revision 1).
The same part is imported again with the same revision value.
Praxis compares the geometry of the newly imported CAD file with the existing part.
If a geometry difference is detected, Praxis displays a prompt asking whether to:
- Replace the existing part with the new geometry, keeping the same revision value.
- Skip the import, retaining the existing part and its geometry.

This allows users to update part geometry without changing the revision value, while still maintaining control over whether existing parts are replaced.

Imported parts are automatically added to the library for further use. For more information, see Library.