Inventor models convert to IFC and NWD formats

[Yashasvi23481]

Hi Support,

             I work in Inventor 2018 and need to convert my models into IFC and NWD format so recipient can look as they don't have Inventor but Nawisworks. I usually convert to step file, adsk or dxf from Inventor so far, so not sure of these formats. If so, are there any settings I need to change during conversion ? 

Please help. Have to do by Tuesday !

Thanks and Regards,

Yash

[WHolzwarth · Accepted solution]

Generally there shouldn't be any problem. Navisworks can import many filetypes, including Inventor data.

What is their Navisworks release?  Perhaps there's an issue caused by importing new Inventor data to an rather old Navisworks.

[johnsonshiue · Accepted solution]

Hi! This one is simple. You can send them Inventor files. Navisworks is a great aggregator. It can import almost any common CAD file. Or, you can download the Navisworks Export Utility and install it on top of Inventor. Then you can export to Navisworks.

https://www.autodesk.co.uk/products/navisworks/autodesk-navisworks-nwc-export-utility

Many thanks!

[Yashasvi23481]

Hi Johnson and Walter,

    Thanks for helping with query. If I have to send actual inventor assembly for them to open in Navisworks do i send whole assembly or sub? I have another question, not sure if its inventor one or Revit query, but it has to be exported out from inventor. I have to export my assembly to be opened in Revit. Both are same version 2018. Which is better way .sat format or .adsk format through BIM exchange ?

I have read that .sat file is dummy object with no parametric connection, whereas .adsk is file containing mass properties. But .adsk when loaded in Revit comes as block. have not tried with .sat file. Do you know about Revit and its formats ?

If you can put light on it will be helpful. Recipient want the model in .ifc format, .nwd format and revit (.rvt or .adsk).

One peculiar thing I observed was shrinkwrap file size was larger than actual assembly. Why is that so. See the file size. Did I do something wrong ? I thought it will reduce file size.

 When you convert to other format esp with BIM exchange, do you use substitute or shrinkwrap ? even sat file size is larger than actual assembly. Cant seem to get logic. 

Regards,

Yash

[Yashasvi23481]

Hi Johnson,

I downloaded Navisworks for 2018. Installed as well but when I try to export my file from Inventor, Naviswork is not an option for file format.

When you say download over Inventor how do you do that ?

Many Thanks and Regards,
Yash

[WHolzwarth]

Only short answers, Yash

- Inventor to Revit: Watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXI8oJ1wq28

- Size of shrinkwrap: Your comparison shows only the size of the IAM. Included components are not listed and need to be added.

- Assembly in Navisworks: Better than sending Inventor files could be sending a STEP. Only one file is needed for the whole assembly. It's enough for only showing the geometry.

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Yash,

I did mention that you need to install the following Export Utility on Inventor to export to Navisworks.

https://www.autodesk.co.uk/products/navisworks/autodesk-navisworks-nwc-export-utility

Many thanks!

[Yashasvi23481]

Hi Johnson and walter,

Thank you for help. Will convert to step file. I had downloaded navisworks utility exporter. Will restart and check .nwd in export option.

Thanks n Regards,
Yash

[Yashasvi23481]

Hi Johnson,

    I installed and ran Navisworks 2018 but still there is no option to export to Navisworks. Is there an icon that shud appear on desktop? When I run, I get message both 32 bit and 64 bit are installed. 

      Anyways, I converted to SAT file and loaded in Revit with masses. They can open at their end. Issue resolved. 

Thank you once again. 

Regards,

Yash

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Yash,

You do need Inventor and Naviswork installed so the SwitchBack will work. See the document below.

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/navisworks-products/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/20...

Many thanks!

[peter.roman]

Hi Johnson,

I just wanted to check if the nwc export utility works with Inventor? (I don't see any options)

I'd like to export nwc from Inventor then bring that into Navisworks.

Currently I'm exporting to step from Inventor then importing that into Navisworks to produce an nwd.

This is because when opening Inventor files in Navisworks it doesn't fully respect view representations (hidden surfaces showing up).

[johnsonshiue]

Hi Peter,

Inventor is not yet able to export to NWD. However, you can always use DWFx. Simply export Inventor files to DWFx (design views are captured too). Then import it to Naviswork.

Many thanks!