Independent Copy and STEP-to-IPT References

[rahul_kaldateNNA36]

A concern regarding STEP/STP to Inventor IPT conversion and Pack & Go is being raised, along with a request for guidance and possible improvement.

1. STEP to IPT conversion

The expectation is that when a STEP/STP file is converted to an Inventor IPT using a non-associative conversion workflow, the resulting IPT should be completely independent of the original STEP file.

For example:

Supplier_Model.stp → Convert → Supplier_Model.ipt → Save

After this conversion, the IPT would be expected to work independently without Inventor later asking for the original STP file when the IPT is moved, copied, or included in Pack & Go.

However, there are situations where Inventor subsequently asks for the original STP location. From a user's perspective, this is confusing because the IPT appears to be a native, independent Inventor file.

Could the Inventor team please confirm whether this is expected behavior and, if so, explain what reference or dependency is being maintained?

2. Pack & Go and independent copies

A related concern is the difference between packaging a design and creating a completely independent copy.

The desired workflow is simply:

Original Assembly → Create Independent Copy → New Independent Assembly

The new assembly should contain independent copies of its editable subassemblies and parts. Any changes made to the new assembly or its copied components should not affect the original assembly or its original editable components.

For example, if the original assembly contains:

Original Assembly

• Subassembly A

  • Part 1

  • Part 2

• Part 3

the independent copy should contain:

New Assembly

• Subassembly A (Copy)

  • Part 1 (Copy)

  • Part 2 (Copy)

• Part 3 (Copy)

All internal references should automatically point to the copied files rather than the original files.

It is understood that Pack & Go is primarily intended for packaging and sharing, and that iLogic Design Copy, Design Assistant, or Vault may be more appropriate for some copy workflows.

However, a simple and reliable "Create Independent Copy" or "Make Independent" option would make this workflow much clearer and safer.

3. Request for guidance

Could the Inventor team please advise:

1. What is the recommended workflow today for creating a completely independent IPT from a STEP file?

2. What is the recommended workflow for creating a completely independent copy of an assembly?

3. Is there a way to verify that no hidden external references remain?

4. Could a future version of Inventor consider a dedicated "Make Independent" or "Create Independent Copy" workflow?

The main requirement is simple:

Once an independent copy is created, there should be confidence that editing or moving the copy cannot modify or unexpectedly depend on the original design or its original STEP source.

Thank you for your time and for any guidance you can provide.

[BoganD2]

For item 1;

It sounds like your workflow and/or settings are incorrect.
When importing your step files into Inventor is your import type set to 'Reference Model' or 'Convert Model'. Reference model will link the step file to the new IPT. While Convert will convert the model to a stand along part or assembly (based on step file type and information saved in the step file.)

If you have imported the step file as 'Reference Model' you can right click it in the model tree and 'break' link to original step file.

For item 2; 

Are you opening the 'Pack and Go' assembly after running the tool and noticing it's using the original files or is a vendor?

If you are finding that the original files are being used when you open the P&G it's more than likely a project file issue. 

Try to create a P&G of the assembly. Then close the file and prior to opening the P&G make sure to adjust the Project file to use the project generated with the Pack and Go.
Outside of Pack and Go you can Copy design the file through Vault (PDM) or through Design assistant (which i believe is included with Inventor.)