Convert STEP file with surface bodies to solid bodies

[Xylord]

Hello all!

I'm trying to turn the attached .STEP file into a simple solid .ipt, but I can't seem to do it. I've tried the sculpt command, stitching, patching some holes and then stitching, but I just can't seem to be able to turn it into a solid.

Is there any way to accomplish this without having to re-do the model?

[Mark.Lancaster]

@Xylord

My advice.. If this is a vendor supplied CAD part I would go back to them and ask for a correct 3D file..

[Xylord]

It is, and i seems I will, then. I've seen a few threads similar to mine that were similarly inconclusive, .step files simply suck, I guess. Thank you.

[CCarreiras]

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@Xylord wrote:

It is, and i seems I will, then. I've seen a few threads similar to mine that were similarly inconclusive, .step files simply suck, I guess. Thank you.

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The bad ones, yes sucks... the good ones work ok.... actually very well!!

[TheCADWhisperer · Accepted solution]

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@Xylord wrote:

... I've seen a few threads similar to mine that were similarly inconclusive, ....

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@Xylord

I have never seen a thread here inconclusive on the issue of STEP files.

In this case the SolidWorks user almost certainly removed faces in an attempt to protect intellectual property.

In other cases the user of other software simply didn't know what they were doing.

There is nothing inherently wrong with using STEP.  (see attached STEP file).

I have seen plenty of native Inventor rubbish too.

Operator training and experience.

[Xylord]

I am sorry, I am sure this format has its uses, but I was referring to this thread where the best answer to get a solid body was a similar "Ask the supplier".

Your file worked great however, I could easily create a solid body using the sculpt command! Thank you!

If I may ask, how did you achieve this result? I tried to patch up the holes in the surface but I didn't get very good results.

[TheCADWhisperer]

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@Xylord wrote:

I am sorry, I am sure this format has its uses, but I was referring to this thread where the best answer to get a solid body was a similar "Ask the supplier"...

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That is pretty conclusive.

If the supplier gives you a hobbled file that they have either "dumbed down" in an effort to protect IP or they simply didn't know how to supply a better file there are two possible solutions.

1. Remodel yourself to get proper geometry (hopefully you have something useful from the source) as they aren't going to give it to you for free.

2. Teach the source how to use their software so that in the future they supply you with proper geometry.

I guess in the case of #1 - if the source is trying to protect Intellectual Property - you could offer to purchase the IP from them.

[WHolzwarth]

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Xylord schrieb:

Hello all!

I'm trying to turn the attached .STEP file into a simple solid .ipt ..

Is there any way to accomplish this without having to re-do the model?

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Yes, that can be done. Not a really big deal with a simple geometry like that.

2017 IPT and STEP in Zip

Walter