STEP import into AutoCAD

[Anonymous]

I know the issue of importing STEP files has been discussed, but I am running into a problem that the STEP file , once imported, I cannot seem to use the object. I feel like there is something very simple I am over looking. 

When I import the file. The object is blue. Not sure if that means something. (SEE PHOTO 1)

When i create an object/block in autocad, it is a different color (photo 2).

If I try and use union to combine, it does not work (photo 3) , saying "Two solids, or coplanar regions must be selected"

I have tried to "Convert to solid" but its says "object cannot be converted"

Do I need to convert this imported STEP object into something else to be able to work with it? I just want to add it to an already made autocad model. 

thank you so much for your help.

@Anonymous, 

john.vellek has edited your subject line for clarity: File size when converting PDF into DWG using Autocad 2018

[Alfred.NESWADBA]

Hi,

>> I have tried to "Convert to solid" but its says "object cannot be converted"

If the imported object is a block, then run one time command _EXPLODE with that object.

May I ask what the title "converting PDF into DWG" has to do with the content of the body text?

- alfred -

[Anonymous]

I really don't know how that title go there. It must have autofilled from the suggestions.

Thanks for responding.

I tired explode. I forgot to mention that.

once I explode it, I can select all the individual parts.

How can I turn it into an object I can manipulate or combine with my other autocad objects?

The STEP file isn't just a block. It has a very detailed inner thread (not sure if you can appreciate it from the images ).

It's basically the receptacle for a screw connector I need to connect to something else.

[Alfred.NESWADBA]

Hi,

>> How can I turn it into an object I can manipulate or combine

>> with my other autocad objects?

Can you please upload the STEP file as well as the resulting DWG file you get after importing it.

Otherwise I don't know which types of objects you have (and why you can't modify them).

Also please let us know which version of AutoCAD you have.

- alfred -

[Anonymous]

This is the STEP file. 

Ive tried working with this in AUTOCAD 2017 Mac Os and AUTOCAD 2018 Windows. 

I just need to combine this with any 3D object in autocad. 

Thanks, for your help Alfred.

[Alfred.NESWADBA · Accepted solution]

Hi,

I used command _IMPORT to import your STEP-file.

After the processing was finished it's a block.

I used command _EXPLODE one time on that block-insertion ==> result is a 3D-Solid.

Now I can use all 3D-Solid commands in AutoCAD to get the object modified or combined with other 3D-Solids.

So please look to that video and let me know what is different on your system (it's also the reason why I asked you for the DWG file too, to see what you've got)

- alfred -

[JDMather · Accepted solution]

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@Anonymous wrote:

1.  ....once I explode it, I can select all the individual parts.

2.  The STEP file isn't just a block.....

---

1. Then you Exploded too many times.

2. Import the STEP file.  Run the AutoCAD List command and follow the command line prompts.  What type of entity does AutoCAD report the geometry is?

2b.  Explode the geometry one time.  Run the List command again. What type of entity does AutoCAD now report the geometry is?

[john.vellek · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous,

I imported the Step file and exploded it once. After doing so I select it and view it's properties. I see that it is a 3D solid.

I am able to snap to it and even attach additional solids to it.  Are you experiencing something different?

Please select the Accept as Solution button if my post solves your issue or answers your question.

[Anonymous]

thanks everyone! between everyone's input I got things going!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!