Unreal Engine 5.3.2 freezes when using "Convert Selection to Blueprint Class" on Datasmith-imported SolidWorks model

Development Asset Creation
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Hi everyone,

I’m working with Unreal Engine 5.3.2 and running into a consistent issue when trying to convert a SolidWorks assembly into a Blueprint.

Here’s my setup:

  • Unreal Engine: 5.3.2
  • SolidWorks: 2024
  • Installed Plugins: Datasmith CAD Importer, Datasmith Importer, and Datasmith Content

My workflow so far:

  1. I have a moderately complex SolidWorks assembly (around 30 parts).
  2. I use the Datasmith Direct Link Import to bring it into UE5 — no problems there.
  3. The Datasmith scene is created correctly, and all Static Meshes show up in their folder.

The issue:
I want to turn the assembly into a Blueprint so I can manipulate it more easily within the engine. Based on several forum threads, the recommended approach is to select the Static Mesh Actors in the scene and use “Convert Selection to Blueprint Class.”

However, as soon as I click that option, Unreal completely freezes:

  • It freezes when selecting the full assembly
  • It freezes even with just a small subset of parts
  • It even freezes when I try with just a single part

The only way to close UE5 afterward is to force-quit it through the Task Manager.

ChatGPT suggested trying to automate the process via Python scripting, but I’m not sure whether that would bypass the issue or if this is a deeper bug.

Has anyone else run into this problem? Any working solution or reliable workaround to convert Datasmith-imported models to Blueprints without crashing Unreal?

I’d really appreciate any help or advice you can offer.

Thanks in advance!

2

Hi @TonyJim
Let’s see…

Reduce Model Complexity: Try simplifying the assembly (e.g., remove parts or consolidate meshes) to reduce the load during the import.

Update Plugins and Engine: Ensure Datasmith plugins and Unreal Engine are up to date to avoid compatibility issues.

Monitor Resource Utilization: Monitor CPU and RAM usage to ensure Unreal is not slowing down from the complexity of the import.

Use Python Scripting: Transform individual parts to Blueprints with Python, potentially bypassing the freezing issue.

Review Logs: Check Unreal’s logs for error messages or crash dumps to identify the cause of the freeze.

Create Actor Manually: Rather than converting to a Blueprint, create a new Actor manually and add your Static Mesh components.

1 Like
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Thanks for your time

1.- I have simplified the assembly, I deleted like 60% of the pieces to reduce the model as much as possible, also I deleted nested assemblys by disolving them

2.- Both UE5 and Datasmith are updated and working fine per se

3.- I´ve change energy settings to high perfomance on my desk PC, there shold be no problem, my specs are:
-AMD Ryzen 7 7700X 8-Core
-32.0 GB RAM
-NVIDIA RTX 4070
-Windows 11 64 bits

It’s not like super wow, but it should be enough

My UE5 keeps freezings inmediatly as soon as i do “convert selection to bp class”

Do you thing the only solution is to use python scripting?

Output log does not show anything regarding Datasmith or the operation convert selection …

Creating actor manually is not quite the solition, as there are many pieces wich require mates so the model satisfy its purpose

thanks in advance

4

I’ve found a palliative solution

Initially, I wanted the full assembly, the point was to be able to animate my model, but no matter what I did, I couldn’t use “Convert selection to Blueprint class”, so I found the option “Merge” within the plugin “Modeling Tools Editor Mode”, that actually worked, so having a single mesh allowed me to create a Blueprint

Downside is I am not able to do the animation, am I? Please help

I attach the video tutorial for the “Merge” option.