This article explains how to export parts from SOLIDWORKS using any coordinate system.
When exporting files from SOLIDWORKS, the default coordinate system is used. That is to say, the world coordinate system represented by the Origin Point will become the 0,0,0 base point, with the x, y & z axes pointing in the same direction as the model's Origin Point.
If the reference triad is being shown (see image), it's easy to see the axis directions. The arrows of the reference triad always point to positive space.
Occasionally, it is desirable to use a coordinate system that differs from the original coordinate system in the model. Reasons vary, but may include machining operations, or printing on a 3D printer.
Create Supporting Geometry
It will be necessary to select geometry on which to base two of the three axes of the new coordinate system. Sometimes there is no geometry currently present in the model which can be selected to define the desired location. If that is the case, create new planes or sketches to help define the new coordinate system's location.
In the following image, a sketch was created on the bottom of the part. A few construction lines were created which will later be used to locate the new coordinate system on the base of the part and directly at the center of the parts footprint.
Create The Coordinate System
The Coordinate System command can be found in the Insert menu > Reference Geometry, and is shown here. In our example, the endpoint of the small construction line was used to define the 0,0,0 point of our new coordinate system. The long construction line represents the X axis. The short construction line represents the Y axis.
The Coordinate System command itself is very straightforward, so we will not spend much time on it. Select geometry as needed, and flip any of the axes as desired. Our X axis is represented by the red arrow. The Z axis is pointing straight up.
Viewing Coordinate Systems
If the new coordinate system is not visible, turn the display of coordinate systems on. Use the View menu, or click the Hide/Show Items flyout, shown in the image. There is an icon for Coordinate System visibility. Toggle it on and the coordinate system should be visible.
Like many items in the FeatureManager, coordinate systems can also be independently hidden or show. Click the coordinate system and use the toolbar to toggle it's visibility on or off.
Exporting With A Specific Coordinate System
When it's time to export the model, select the File menu > Save As > and pick the desired file type to export to. For this example, STEP will be used. As can be seen in the image, there is an option to select the Output Coordinate System. The new coordinate system, Coordinate System1, appears in the list. Select it and click Save.
Happy Modeling!