Importing STEP files

[Anonymous]

I seem to be having trouble with the attached step files. I've downloaded them from Mercedes but can't get them to work. After going back to there support i got this response".

I think you have a problem with your CAD system or with your step interface.

Most CAD systems can import the step files by external references.

This is the method for generation of our step files by using the step file declared in the readme file.

I am using inventor 2011 and after many hours, I can't seem to find a solution  

[mdavis22569]

I got 2 surface files out of it ... for the A906 files. Nothing was in the C906

IF you have autocad see if you can .stp them in via the autocad and for from there

[JDMather]

---

@Anonymous wrote:

I seem to be having trouble with the attached step files...  

---

Be more specific.
Exactly what trouble are you having?

The files open fine here.

Obviously - there is not going to be anything in a 12kb file.

What is the direct download url?

[Anonymous]

Hi, Thank you for your response. 

The 106 & 649kb file opens as a single ipt file it’s the 12kb file I’m having trouble with.

I think this should open as an assembly.

There is a readme.txt file that comes with the files asking you to open the file “C906_0412.st” when I do this there is no content in the drawing.

I have much larger content folders similar to the one attached for more complex assembles that would take too long to assembly myself.

The download was from Mercedes Bodybuilder portal which is

https://bb-portal.mercedes-benz.com/portal/kat_cloudvan.html?&L=en

Ive attached a picture of the downloaded folder.

[mdavis22569]

The 12kb is empty ...so it's nothing on your part causing the problem

[SBix26]

The 12 kB file isn't empty.  Open it with Notepad and you'll see.  I don't have a STEP reference to understand what's in there, but it is certainly not empty.

Sam B

Inventor Professional 2015 SP1 Update 3
Windows 7 Enterprise 64-bit, SP1
HP EliteBook 8770w; 8 GB RAM; Core™ i7-3720QM 2.60 GHz; Quadro K4000M

[mdavis22569]

It's a Catia Part,  it's more of the file data information, vs then part data.

I don 't think it's a complete download, or nothing was selected when it was saved out to the step file

[JDMather]

---

@sbixler wrote:
.... Open it with Notepad and you'll see.  ....

---

Open the attached step file created in Inventor in Notepad.
Now create a step file of some simple geometry in Inventor (like a cube or cylinder).

Compare the difference in Notepad.

[rdyson]

The 12 kb step file opens in Rhino as the same assembly as the 649 kb file, except it has just default color.
It appears to be similar to an iam, in that it needs the other files present.

[JDMather]

I see what you mean.

When I open in SolidWorks it returns error about missing file but shows file A9067500004.

[Anonymous]

Is it possible to open this type of file in Inventor?

I've attached another file from the same source. Can you try to open it to see if the same errors occur.

[mdavis22569]

I got one ..but like the others you'll probably need Rhino or something else to open them and get their data

[mdavis22569]

[rdyson]

The C906_2402 file is an assembly of 4 tires and 4 wheels

[KevinLi-Autodesk]

Hi leigh.wilcox,

Very appreciate for your reporting about this !

C906_0412.stp is a valid assembly STEP file (not empty) which has external references with other 2 STEP files, but Inventor STEP import translator does not support to read STEP assembly file which has external references case. That's why it opens nothing in Inventor. Please use attached STEP file for the workaround temporarily, it can be opened as assembly in Inventor.

We have noticed this requirement and under investigating in the team, will keep you any update on this.

Regards,

[Anonymous]

Hi kevin, Have you any further news for this problem?

[KevinLi-Autodesk]

Hi leigh.wilcox,

It is confirmed that this problem is caused by STEP file with external reference that Inventor does not support so far, and this function is under implementation by our development team now. Will notice you when it is available in Inventor.

Regards,

[joakim]

Has this been implemented yet? Stuck with Inventor 2015 for now, but if STEP Assy's been handled in 2016, it might force an upgrade here...

Anybody have a workaround for now? I can use FreeCAD to open the assembly (also from Mercedes in this case), but naturally I can't export it to anything useful from there.

[KevinLi-Autodesk]

Hi joakim,

This function had been implemented and should be available in Inventor 2017 release, you can also try it now in Inventor 2017 beta (https://beta.autodesk.com) if you have the account.

Regards, 

[Anonymous]

Joakim,

I had the same problem, I have opened the main step-file in Autodesk 3DS Max Design, and export it as a .SAT file. Now you can open it in Inventor.