What is best practice when importing step files?

[espenrs]

When I import step files they are built up into many components with a single body in each. Not like how I would have designed it natively where I have multiple bodies in one component.

The problem is when I try to join the newly imported step file to any other object/component, only the immediate component/body moves into place and not the entire object.

This makes me wonder if I can import a step file in a way where it's more combined or any other tips and tricks how to work with imported step files?

[Marco.Takx]

Hi @espenrs,

If the imported data is a Assembly that doesn't has to be flexible.

For example, an imported closet and the doors have to be opened within the assembly you want to put it in.

So if that is not necessary, then you can make a ridged group of all components. So select the top in the browser that contains everything including the Origin, then make a ridged group and everything is fixed.

If my post answers your question Please use Accept as Solution & Kudos This helps everyone find answers more quickly!

[TrippyLighting]

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@espenrs wrote:

... I would have designed it natively where I have multiple bodies in one component...

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How do you create a BOM form such an assembly? 

[TheCADWhisperer]

Put the imported geometry into a sub-assembly.

[espenrs]

Is sub-assembly the same as a component group? Because I already do that. And the link is done on the parent component group so I don't understand why it still only effect the single component in the parent component.

[TrippyLighting]

We'd need to see the assembly model in .f3d format if you want more conclusive feedback.

[jeff_strater]

@espenrs - you asked about "best practices".  Best practice is not to try to simulate a rigid sub assembly with a multi-body part.  You can do whatever you want, of course, but you did ask about best practices.  But, to answer your specific question, no, there is no option to import a STEP file containing components as a multi-body part.  If you want a rigid sub-assembly, import the STEP assembly as it is, then create a rigid group, selecting all components in that sub-assembly.

[espenrs]

Thanks, I included a video of what I'm not trying to do here: https://youtu.be/dTvGnoKOke8

1. First I tried using Joint on the object/component
2. Then I tried using Rigid Group on the object/component
3. Then I tried the same, but using Joint on the parent component

The f3d file is attached if anyone want to check that out. It is downloaded from GrabCAD as STEP and saved as f3d.

[espenrs]

Thanks for your time. I've tried using Rigid Group but it doesn't do anything. This video shows a few ways I tried: https://youtu.be/dTvGnoKOke8

First one is without Rigid Group, but the other two is with.

[davebYYPCU · Accepted solution]

Why would you set up a Joint, and not press OK?

The preview is just that - graphics economy, 

Press Ok. then report back.

[espenrs · Accepted solution]

Thanks, that did it.

Of course, it's not like I never pressed OK before. When I tried it first without using a Rigid Group, the same thing happened but when pressing OK it wasn't any better. So when I used Rigid Group and it looked the same I didn't even think about pressing ok would "fix it".

[TheCADWhisperer]

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@espenrs wrote: It is downloaded from GrabCAD as STEP and saved as f3d.

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@espenrs 

Turn on Capture Design History

Make the sub assembly the active component...

Make Rigid Group...

Now entire sub-assembly should move as one unit for assembly with the rest of your components.

Note: Initially when you place new Joint to other component (say the circuit board) only the one body is going to animate, but when you click OK, the other components will move with the sub assembly as expected. I never ONCE saw you click OK when attempting to place the Joint.

Edit 2:  Just re-read your last response in Message 11.  I see that you did finally resolve the issue by clicking OK.

[TrippyLighting]

Do NOT turn on the timeline (capture design history) if not needed. 

Unless you need to make edits to the geometry AND these edits need to be parametric, there is no need to capture the design history. the fil size with almost triple as soon as you capture the design history.

In larger designs that can make a substantial performance difference.

I frequently work with imported STEP files and in designs with thousands of components.

[TrippyLighting]

Please accept any of the posts here that address your problem as the solution.