Problem while exporting an Inventor assembly file into .IGES or .STEP

[KulasekaranK]

Dear all,.

I am using Autodesk inventor professional suite 2012.

I am working in a Chain Manufacturing company in India.

Generally our customers asks the 3D model of a particular component to attach in to their main assembly, so I will convert the component by using 'Export' or 'Save as' to .IGES or .STEP.

But this time our customer asks the full chain assembly to install into their machine and run.

So they are asking the assembly file in ".IGES or .STEP"

I converted the chain assembly like always I do, but after converting the 'constrains are gone' in .IGES & STEP.

If I move or float the chain assembly in all sub assemblies & components coming separately,.

So they couldn't attach the assembly in to their machine assembly,.

I attached the picture here for better understand,.

Please advise me,.

Thanking you.

[JDMather · Accepted solution]

Start a new part file.

Go to Manage>Derive and derive the assembly into a single part file.

Now Save As type STEP or IGES.

It sounds like the customer does not understand how to use sub-assemblies or that neutral format files (STEP or IGES) do not preserve assembly constraints.  I recommend that you refer the customer to this discussion.

[KulasekaranK]

Dear sir,

Thank you very much for the answer,.

Please let me know, is there any other format that retain the constrains, even if we convert?

The ultimate aim is, they want to use the chain in an assembly with drive and driven sprockets and neet to run.

And also why Autodesk doesn't make this feature (retaining constrains)?

Thanking you.

[CCarreiras]

Hi!

No, when you export to other formats, you lose the assembly constrains, and you lose also other features like the treads information.Other properties are maintained like color, Material, position...

Tip: When you import the assembly from step or other format, "Grounded" all parts to maitain the correct position.

Regards.

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[JDMather]

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@KulasekaranK wrote:
 

The ultimate aim is, they want to use the chain in an assembly with drive and driven sprockets and neet to run.

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It is not easy to do this.

[LOONYLEN]

You must first "Shrinkwrap" your model then, "Save As" .stp file.

The file size will grow but you will realize the desired result.

-Len