CST Studio Suite Workflows with SolidWorks
Overview
SolidWorks geometry can be transferred to CST Studio Suite using the Parametric Import workflow.
In addition to importing the CAD geometry, selected SolidWorks parameters can be synchronized with CST and used to drive geometry changes. This allows CST to work directly with design parameters defined in the SolidWorks model and update the imported geometry as the design changes.
This article covers the Parametric Import workflow, parameter synchronization, practical considerations, compatibility, and requirements for the CST-SolidWorks connection.
1. CST Studio Suite and SolidWorks
1.1 Parametric Import
The CST Parametric Import allows the geometry and selected design parameters from a SolidWorks model to be transferred into CST Studio Suite.
Before creating the import, the dimensions that will be controlled from CST must be defined as global variables in SolidWorks. In the example shown below, the parameters “ARRAY”, “Diameter” and “Internal_Diameter” are defined in SolidWorks and are later selected during the CST Parametric Import.
The basic workflow is:
SolidWorks → Parametric Import → CST Studio Suite
A typical setup includes the following steps:
Define the required parameters in SolidWorks.
In CST, create a 3D CAD Parametric Import.
Select the SolidWorks parameters to synchronize.
Complete the import and verify the parameters in the CST Parameter List.
Figure 1 SolidWorks-CST Parametric Import workflow: defining CAD parameters, creating the parametric import, selecting the parameters to synchronize, and verifying them in the CST Parameter List.
Once the connection is created, the synchronized parameters become available in CST. If one of these parameter values is changed in CST, the new value is passed to SolidWorks. SolidWorks then rebuilds the CAD model, and the updated geometry is reimported into CST.
A key point is that not every SolidWorks dimension is automatically available in CST. Only parameters properly defined in SolidWorks and selected during the Parametric Import can be synchronized.
1.2 Parameter Synchronization and Bidirectional Interaction
Once the “Parametric Import” has been created, the synchronized parameters can be used in both directions.
In one direction, CST can drive changes in the SolidWorks model. When a synchronized parameter is modified in CST, the new value is sent to SolidWorks, the CAD model is rebuilt, and the updated geometry is reimported into CST.
Figure 2 Example of a CST-driven parametric update. A synchronized parameter is modified in CST, the Parametric Update is executed, SolidWorks rebuilds the CAD model, and the updated geometry is reimported into CST.
Changes can also start directly in SolidWorks. In that case, the parameter is modified in the SolidWorks model, the geometry is rebuilt, and the CST Parametric Import is then updated so that CST reads the modified CAD data.
Figure 3 SolidWorks-driven update. A synchronized parameter is modified in SolidWorks, the model is rebuilt, and the CST Parametric Import is updated to reflect the geometry change.
1.3 Considerations and Compatibility
Before using SolidWorks - CST Parametric Import in a workflow, there are a few points to consider.
Parameter definition
Only parameters that are properly defined in the SolidWorks model as “Global Variables” can be synchronized with CST. Regular model dimensions should not be expected to appear automatically as CST parameters.
SolidWorks sessions
Only one SolidWorks instance should be active when using the parametric connection.
This is important where multiple SolidWorks sessions or releases may be open at the same time.
Assemblies and repeated components
SolidWorks assemblies are supported by the Parametric Import workflow.
However, when the same component is used multiple times in an assembly, its parameters are read once. The repeated instances do not create independent copies of the same component parameters in CST.
Version compatibility
CST provides two different ways to bring SolidWorks geometry into the model: Standard CAD Import and Parametric Import.
With a Standard CAD Import, CST reads the SolidWorks geometry as CAD data. The geometry is transferred into CST, but there is no active parametric link back to the SolidWorks model. If the CAD model changes, the geometry must be imported or updated again as a CAD file.
With a “Parametric Import”, CST maintains a connection with the SolidWorks model and can also read selected CAD parameters. These synchronized parameters can be used to drive geometry changes.
Starting with CST Studio Suite 2026 SP2, support for SolidWorks 2026 is available in both workflows.
Standard CAD Import: SolidWorks 2003-2026
Parametric Import: SolidWorks 2013-2026
The supported range should always be verified in the installed CST release or service pack, since CAD compatibility can change between updates.
Figure 4 SolidWorks version support in CST Studio Suite 2026. for Standard CAD Import and Parametric Import. The left image shows the version range available for Standard CAD Import, while the right image shows the version range available for Parametric Import.
1.4 Requirements
The CST-SolidWorks Parametric Import workflow requires a supported SolidWorks installation and access to the CST environment.
No additional interface license is required specifically for the SolidWorks Parametric Import connection. Solver licensing depends on the CST simulation technologies being used.