How to import a 'Hinge' STEP file and apply constraints for use in assembly?

[tychee68]

Total self-teaching newbie on Inventor 2025 - mostly watching YouTube: Neil @Tech3D

I downloaded a 3-D STEP file of a Surface-Mount Lift-Off Hinge from McMaster-Carr (attached).

While I am familiar with Motion/Transitional Constraints, I am unable to find step-by-step instructions on how I might bring this file into Inventor and ultimately use the part in an assembly as a working hinge. Having it in the two parts that make up the hinge would be ideal but for now I just need this to be a working hinge in an assembly.

Any links/videos clearly describing the process are greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[kacper.suchomski]

Hi

Should the hinge operate smoothly or be in several individual positions?

[tychee68]

Ideally, operate smoothly with a 270 degree range of motion.

[kacper.suchomski · Accepted solution]

Then you need to derive the solids into two separate parts (Make Components tool).

Then you have two scenarios to choose from:

1. Create a hinge subassembly. Set the constraint or join range to the value and as desired. Insert the subassembly into the target assembly and change the subassembly status to flexible.
2. Insert parts individually directly into the main assembly and add constraints or join there along with the range.

[tychee68]

Since I have asked for links/videos to step-by-step instructions, I have attempted to fill in the blanks for your offering:

1. I created a new part.
2. I clicked on 3D Model.
3. I clicked on 'Derive' but this does not recognize a file type of .STEP

I also tried:

1. I created a new part.
2. I clicked on Import to bring the STEP file in.
3. I clicked on 3D Model.
4. I clicked on 'Derive' but this want to open a file and does not recognize a file type of .STEP

[kacper.suchomski]

Unable to derive from step file.

You didn't indicate which scenario suits you better.

[tychee68]

Apologies, I misunderstood and I missed the note about Components Tool.

Option 1 of creating a working Hinge subassembly would be good.

With your notes I have:

1. Created a new Part.
2. Imported the STEP file.
3. For each of the two Solid Bodies I created individual Component parts.
4. Created a new Assembly and placed both Component parts in it.
5. Grounded one of the parts.
6. Used the Mate constraint with Axial alignment
7. Used a standard mate on two surfaces near the pin so the pieces would meet together.

Now I am trying to understand how to limit the free movement to 270 degrees.

[kacper.suchomski · Accepted solution]

Here is the instruction to define the angle range.