Import an old Iventor Project?

[ecam6P6WJ]

Hello,

I tried to upload a complete project via Fusion hub. I use different approaches for that .. only folder and next try only file.

I see the DWG file in fusion, I also see that there is something in the file. But then, when I choose create a fusion design, I only get a file with an component tree of empty components. I also tried to upload it direct to fusion - same behaivour everything is empty. After that I installed Autodesk DWG TrueView 2016 there I am able to open the file - I see the whole model. So I tried to convert it to a newer DWG version. But the result was the same in fusion ....

So Is there a way? thanks

[TheCADWhisperer]

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@ecam6P6WJ wrote:
...I see the DWG file in fusion, ....

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I am a bit confused by this as an Inventor dwg file is a 2D drawing?

From your description it sounds like a 2D drawing of an assembly (*.iam) that would also include links to the part files (*.ipt)

Can you place all of these file (or a dummy set that represents the same issue), zip the folder and attach it here?

Can you create a Screencast recording of the behavior that you observe?

[MichaelAubry]

I assume from the subject header that you're looking to import an Inventor file?  Best practice there is to place all the inventor files (the native .iam and .ipt) into a folder and within Fusion's data panel select Upload. You shouldn't need to use a DWG file.  Note, if you are using a DWG the only geometry that will be imported will be 3D components. It does not import 2D Sketches. As a secondary suggestion if you aren't having luck with .iams and .ipts then try exporting as a STEP and import that.

Hope that helps.
Mike 

[ecam6P6WJ]

I only have DWG files. It is really a very old project, I draw it 2002. I am not sure which version of inventor that was because I was on school. So I attached one file as an example I can open that on DWG True View as you can see. But I do not found any way import it into fusion neither in 2d even in 3D.

[ecam6P6WJ]

Maybe it was autocad lt but I am not sure.

[TheCADWhisperer]

This appears to be an AutoCAD file, not an Inventor file.

List of properties in AutoCAD indicates that it is a Block.

[MichaelAubry]

By DWG do you mean an Inventor DWG (as in a drawing)?  If so that's a 2D format which Fusion does not natively support. That said, you could export as a DXF, which Fusion does support.

If it's a 3D Inventor model you're trying to import, try exporting a STEP file of your assembly.  You'll get the 3D bodies. 

Best,

Mike

[ecam6P6WJ]

Yes it must be a 3D inventor format. I do not have any inventor as I said I draw it back in 2002. So does someone know a way how to convert it?

What do you exactly mean with " If it's a 3D Inventor model you're trying to import, try exporting a STEP file of your assembly.  You'll get the 3D bodies. "

[TheCADWhisperer]

Is this the only file that you have?

[ecam6P6WJ]

No I have a lot of files :-). 

[ecam6P6WJ]

Should It be possible to open it on a new Autocad Inventor?

[TheCADWhisperer]

AutoCAD and Inventor are two entirely different CAD software products.

Put your files in to a folder.

Right click on the folder and select Send to Compressed (zipped) Folder.

Attach the resulting *.zip file here and I will see what, if anything, is usable.

[TheCADWhisperer]

Have you ever heard of a program called Mechanical Desktop?

Is there a chance that is what you were using back in 2002?

[ecam6P6WJ]

Yes you're right it was Mechanical Desktop. Thank´s for that. But do you know how I can convert it?

Or is there no way? 

[TheCADWhisperer]

Mechanical Desktop was discontinued some years ago.

You would need Autodesk Inventor 2009 (I think that was the last year) to convert the files.

There are services that will do this for you if the geometry is valuable (are you willing to pay for the service).

There might be some users of 2009 over here that will do the conversion for you for free.

[ecam6P6WJ]

Okay I found this now: http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/item?id=13744274&siteID=123112 

Is here anyone who can convert the file´s for me? I do not have Inventor either Mechanical Desktop 2009.

[ecam6P6WJ]

I found this: https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/inventor-forum/inventor-2012-import-dwg-from-autocad-mechanical-and-m...

and this: http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/item?id=13744274&siteID=123112

Can you convert i for me?

That would be so great.

[TheCADWhisperer]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1AIPwZd5KI

http://blogs.rand.com/manufacturing/2012/02/mechanical-desktop-to-inventor-dont-get-lost-in-the-tran...

But I would first ask over on the Inventor Forum.

[MichaelAubry]

Did you create this file with an AutoCAD or Mechanical Desktop addin? If so, you might need to ask the author about conversion paths. When I open in AutoCAD I get the following error:  

 In short, it says that the addin that created this geometry is unavailable and editing isn't possible without it.  When I try to export as an IGES and SAT (both 3D formats we support for import) ACAD says there is not a selectable solid body.

 

At this point I do not think there is an expedient way to migrate this file to a solid file format without a better understanding (and access) to whatever original software setup you had that made this file.

As a path forward I suggest recreating the file manually in Fusion. It's not glamorous but 100% reliable and you'll have parametric geometry you 100% trust going forward.

I suggest using the following 2D to 3D workflow:

1) Import an overhead PNG or JPG of the part using Attached Canvas. An example video is shown here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPwSkp97inw

2) Be sure to right click on the attached canvas and calibrate to get the scale correct.

3) Create a new sketch and create new geometry over the raster image.

Best,

Mike

[MichaelAubry]

I did try using Inventor 2017 w/out luck. The MDT conversion tool and importing direct to a sketch both locked up Inventor. That said, it might be worth posting on the Inventor and / or AutoCAD forums to see if they have ideas that I don't.  I've tried all my tricks.  I'd phrase it as "Is it possible to convert this DWG file to a solid (IGES, SAT, STEP)?"