How do I export .STEP files with appearance?

[flex2022]

Dear team,

I recently tried to export a STEP file of a CAD model that I designed and rendered in Fusion 360. On opening the exported file back in Fusion 360, I found the applied colours, materials and decals had disappeared.

Is there a way I can retain the above-mentioned in my CAD models? The end user needs a STEP file with presentable quality of the models. 

I appreciate your support.


Many thanks,
Raj

[hamid.sh.]

Fusion exports to STEP 214 version, which contains color information but not decal.

[flex2022]

Hi Hamid,

Thanks for your immediate response.

I notice the color is retained where I have used "Paint" from "Appearances". But the "Steel - Satin" appearance was not retained. For decals, I believe I will need to convert them into bodies and then apply color to retain the visual appearance.

Attached below are some images for your reference. I appreciate your support.

Many thanks,
Raj

  

[hamid.sh. · Accepted solution]

As far as I know STEP 214 contains only RGB color information and any other appearance property (e.g. decal, texture, reflectivity, etc.) is lost by STEP conversion. So, what your end user requires is contradictory IMHO. Have you suggested sharing Fusion 360's native file (*.f3d) instead? Or sharing via link that can be opened in the browser?

By the way, one thing instead of decal you can do is to Split Face and apply color to the faces (but it really isn't worth... will be time consuming and won't give you render quality). Here is an example, I opened the exported STEP file in eDrawings:

[flex2022]

Thanks @hamid.sh. ,

I appreciate your time and efforts in solving my query. I'm hoping my end customer will have access to Fusion 360.

I will take your advice on splitting faces. Although time consuming now, it will be time-saving for repeated use in the future. I will bear in mind the quality issue.

Many thanks,
Raj