topic STEP import: Assembly as multi-body part? in Inventor Forum

STEP import: Assembly as multi-body part?

Curtis_W — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 14:20:07 GMT

When importing a *.stp or *.step file I am expecting to get an option to import an assembly as a multi-body part file, but Inventor is not giving me that option ( the drop down is grayed out and only shows Assembly).

See attached sample *.stp file.

Can someone jog my memory, as to why I would not be getting this option, and/or how I would get this option?

Thanks!

Inventor 2024 Help | To Import Files as an AnyCAD Reference or Convert Model | Autodesk

Re: STEP import: Assembly as multi-body part?

Curtis_W — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 14:24:45 GMT

oh, wait... So I just placed the *.stp file into an assembly file ( vs. opening the *.stp directly) and I was able to choose to place the file as a multi-body part.

Is that just how this works now ( using Inventor 2024) ? I can only place as multi-body solid part, but can't open the *.stp as a multi-body solid part? 🤔

Re: STEP import: Assembly as multi-body part?

Gabriel_Watson — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 14:46:01 GMT

I tried myself here too, and the same results. I also tried dragging the STP file from Windows File Explorer directly into a Part IPT but we got a blocking mouse icon, so I guess we have no other choice but what you tested for multi-solid. Probably worth filing an idea for this, as it makes no sense to constrain the user to fewer choices if the functionality is available and not conflicting.

Re: STEP import: Assembly as multi-body part?

jeremy_wasserstrass — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 16:22:27 GMT

When Autodesk implemented AnyCad that option went away. Before that happened there was a nice selection box that would allow for that choice(multi-body or assembly) to be made when opening a .stp file. Now the only way to get that option is to import a .stp file into an ipt or iam. When I asked about it at the time of AnyCad implementation I was told that it is just the way AnyCad works.

Re: STEP import: Assembly as multi-body part?

emanuel.c — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 20:03:47 GMT

.sat files allow the option to import as Assembly / Multi-body part / Composite feature part so if I have the option of .step vs .sat I always choose .sat for this reason...

Re: STEP import: Assembly as multi-body part?

johnsonshiue — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 22:05:02 GMT

Hi Curtis,

Yes, Jeremy is right. This Import option was removed back in 2016 when AnyCAD Reference on STEP Import was introduced. You will need to start a new part. Then use Import command to import the STEP file. Then the assembly STEP will be imported as a multi-solid body part.

Many thanks!