Edit/Modify assembly sub parts with a .iges or step file

[msohaibPLAF8]

Hello

I am currently working with .iges and .step files for a complex assembly which includes a multitude of components, all of which are constrained. My goal is to make modifications to a specific sub-part of this assembly. For instance, I aim to extend the length of a certain plate.

However, when I attempt to select this particular component, I am only presented with options for Model States, Solid Bodies, and Origin. Unfortunately, the option to Edit Sketch, which I believe is essential for my modifications, seems to be missing. ( Screenshot attached for reference)

This leads me to my core question: Is it possible to modify, edit, or add to a sub-part in an assembly without having access to the master drawing file? I'm eager to know if there's a way around this, or if there are alternative methods to achieve my objective.

Thank you in advance for your guidance on this matter.

Best Regards,
Mohammad Sohaib

[LT.Rusty]

STP and IGS are neutral file formats. They contain a solid object, but it's a completely dumb solid. You can modify it... but you can't edit the parameters that were used to create it originally. 

You may (or may not, depending on the part) be able to get some control over the existing features with the Feature Recognition add-in, but I've had very mixed results with it in the past. (Though, admittedly, I haven't tried it with 2024 yet.)

[Gabriel_Watson]

See if you can use this free add-in for Inventor to at least recover some features to edit those from the original STEP file:
https://apps.autodesk.com/INVNTOR/en/Detail/Index?id=9172877436288348979

[msohaibPLAF8]

I appreciate your gracious reply. I did attempt to utilize the feature recognition add-on, but unfortunately, it did not perform flawlessly as you have mentioned. I am using Inventor 2024.

I have another inquiry that pertains to .step and .iges files. Is it possible to create a comprehensive drawing using a step file? The issue I am encountering is that the thread and note options do not provide any information while creating a drawing view. I comprehend that this is likely due to the same reason you mentioned earlier. However, I am curious if there exists a workaround or alternative method to obtain thread information.

Many thanks

Mohammad Sohaib

[JDMather · Accepted solution]

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@msohaibPLAF8 wrote:

Unfortunately, the option to Edit Sketch, which I believe is essential for my modifications, seems to be missing. 

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You have 4 options.

1. Feature Recognition

2. Direct Edit

3. Edit Solid...

4. Use new sketches/features.

[LT.Rusty]

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@msohaibPLAF8 wrote:

I appreciate your gracious reply. I did attempt to utilize the feature recognition add-on, but unfortunately, it did not perform flawlessly as you have mentioned. I am using Inventor 2024.

I have another inquiry that pertains to .step and .iges files. Is it possible to create a comprehensive drawing using a step file? The issue I am encountering is that the thread and note options do not provide any information while creating a drawing view. I comprehend that this is likely due to the same reason you mentioned earlier. However, I am curious if there exists a workaround or alternative method to obtain thread information.

Many thanks

Mohammad Sohaib

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Unfortunately there's no workaround for that, and it's 50-50 as to whether holes in parts imported from STP files are even recognized as holes when it comes to doing drawings.

If I have something where it's super important to detail out something from a reference part that I received from a vendor or manufacturer, I'll usually just delete their hole and re-do it with Inventor's hole and / or thread features.

[msohaibPLAF8]

Superb. Thanks!