Step file from inventor " Pipelines"

[SeniorFlesk]

I've got the task to take a step file of a pipeline in inventor and convert it into Plant 3D and then create the new Pipeline in plant 3D.

Is there a tutorial somewhere on how to do something like this?

I am only used to start from the bottom up in plant 3D with P&ID and then continue out into 3D space then to put in all the essential equipment and piping that is needed. But i have never been working on an already existing file converted from inventor.

[Michiel.Valcke · Accepted solution]

If you have Inventor pipes (drawn with the Tube & Pipe environment) then the best way to convert them to Plant 3D is to do an ISOGEN export from Inventor. This will give you a PCF file which you can convert to Plant 3D piping with the PCF to pipe function.

If you only have a step file, then I do not have good news for you. You can import a step file into AutoCAD with the "IMPORT" command. This will create a block reference consisting of 3D solids (and sometimes 3D surfaces). that will be the furthest that you will get from a step file. The 3D geometry you'll get in AutoCAD will be dumbed down and will not correspond to any Plant 3D components. From there on you can only try to redraw your piping on top of the block reference. 😞 You might have some routines to help you recreate centerlines and the like, but it is messy and timeconsuming work.

[SeniorFlesk]

Yes, I will ask if they have the piping from inventor available, that would save me a lot of time! 

I was afraid that there was no simple solution, but thank you so much for quick answer and well explained, it is really appreciated!