X,Y and Z cooridinates from a model??

[jkarns]

Is there anyway to get the XYZ coordinates from a .stp file in Inventor or Autocad? I am using Autodesk Inventor 2014. I have also attached a .stp file, I am trying to get the XYZ coordinates to program our CNC benders. Thanks.

[JDMather]

If you don't have a CAM software for generating code for your bender - I think I would simply do a traditional 2D drawing of the model to get the coordinates.

[jkarns]

Sorry I should have been more clear about my experiance. I have very little experiance with Autocad or Autodesk Inventor, I am only self taught. Could you give me a few pointers on how to get the XYZ's on a traditional 2D drawing?

[Nicolas.Bourquin]

Dear Jkarns,

You could try 2 different ways,

1) the first one (the simpliest) in an 2D idw drawing => generate traditional views => use"generate ordinate dimensions" >> indicate the origin

                       

2) the second one (a little bit more complicated) is to add work points (and other work feaures) attached to 3D geometry at the positions you would like to know the coordinates and then to follow the instructions at this link to export the coordinates of all the work points in an excel sheet (using a VBA code).

Note: To help during the placement of work features (axis, workplane, points) >> right click on "base 1" >> copy to construction >> all the radius and lines will be automatically generated.

I hope that will help you.

Best regards 

[jkarns]

Thanks for the input, the menthod I can do but I program the machine in XYZ coordinates or LRA (Length Rotation Angle). As for exporting the work point to an excel sheet I have followed the instructions and when I run the macro I get a popup screen with a title of UserForm1 which remains blank as it appears to be loading but nothing loads. I am using Windows 8 and Autodesk Inventor 2014.