Inventor 2018 converting iges file into a 3d solid

[gregabel3382]

I am looking for someone to convert this iges file into a usable 3d solid with no surfaces. I have not had much success with this particular iges file. In the past i would stitch all surfaces, derive it into a ipt and save out as a .sat file, then step out and would then import step file to save as a solid "base" part. Could someone please help me. this is kicking my butt!!! thanks in advance!

[Cadmanto]

8 minutes and counting trying to import it.     Crashed my Inventor.

Windows 10 x64 -16GB Ram
Intel i7-6700 @ 3.41ghz
nVidia GTS 250 - 1 GB
Inventor Pro 2018

[TheCADWhisperer]

The file is rubbish.

Can you ask the original SolidWorks designer to join this discussion - it appears that the designer could benefit from SolidWorks training (which we can do - even here on Autodesk forum).  

[WHolzwarth]

As not unusual with imports from SWX: Lots of missing faces.

But manual repair is possible. See the beginning.

[gregabel3382]

Walt, 

thanks for your efforts. what are my next steps to resolve this file?

thanks!

[WHolzwarth]

It's mainly a situation of taking close looks at the existing faces.

- Begin with the bigger ones, add missing faces, and stitch them

- For nuts, bolts, and keyboard buttons: Repair only one of similar components, and pattern them. Delete the garbage faces

There's some work to be done, but not impossible.

[WHolzwarth]

Here's a startup file (STEP in Zip). I've tried a 2016 IPT before, but my startup file grew to the gigantic size of about 120 MB. I think, it can be brought back to normal size later, but that's the strange beginning. @Anonymous

I've copied the whole bunch to Construction environment (CE), and deleted all in modeling area (ME).

Now the way to go:

- In CE at start are 191 faces, partially stitched, but not closed

- Create new group in CE

- Move a button to this group

- Switch other content invisible

- Create the missing face at the button's low end

- Stitch that with the rest. Result is a solid

- Copy this solid back to ME

- In ME, pattern this solid 10x as new bodies

That's the situation in the screenshot

- Now switch the 10 buttons invisible in ME

- Back in CE, delete 9 buttons that have been converted

- Remaining CE faces after that: 181

Same procedure with next button row, and other components. So gradually you're bringing the keyboard back to health.

In the end, do a STEPOut-STEPIn for cleaning hidden garbage.

[WHolzwarth]

Hmm. I've done the next row of buttons. It's possible, but Inventor seems to be sometimes rather dumb.

It isn't recognized, that all those buttons are having the same geometry.

Better way perhaps: Converting the multibody IPT to an IAM by Make Components, and doing all patterns there.

[WHolzwarth]

Here's a STEP with an intermediate result.

Some final work is still left.

[gregabel3382 · Accepted solution]

Walt, great job. That will work find for me. I can finish file on my own now.

thanks to everyone involved with this request. Great Group of users.

Best Regards,

Greg