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RECOMMEND A CAD TRANSLATOR

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peternoon

peternoon

Mechanical
Apr 2, 2011
20
BO
Hello,

My CAD package is getting a bit old and clunky, it cannot import STEP files.
Can anyone recommend one of those translator programmes that can translate between formats like STL, IGES, STEP and maybe solidworks PRT models.
It would also be an advantage if it could do things like simplifying models and reducing file sizes as some suppliers send you enormous files of their parts with every single detail.

Thanks
 
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Are you looking to replace you CAD system, or just wanting a conversion utility to 'prop up' the existing one?

Most of the newer 3D CAD systems will import/export most neutral file formats. Obviously SolidWorks will be best for the "solidworks PRT models".
 
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It looks like the posting I put yesterday did not go through. I was saying that yes, I am trying to prop up my old system I-DEAS NX while I replace it with something like Solidworks. I only want to spend a few hundred pounds (or dollars). My system can accept IGES and VDA but only if IGES is free from errors, otherwise it rejects the whole model.

I looked at Transmagic and it looks good but you can do very little with the demo version and, as usual, they do not put the price on the website.

Somebody recommended CADfix.
 
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adobe acrobat professional can convert between step, igs, etc. it can also read all those formats + swx, catia...
i suggest you try solid edge, since they are from the same company (siemens now, ugs formerly)
 
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Some of this translators look useful. The only difficulty I have now is that the sellers of CAD software are getting increasingly difficult to deal with. They want you buy their software without trying it or they don't bother to answer messages with questions about their software or they don't bother to put the price of their software on their site.
 
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AFAIK the uniform commercial code gives you a certain amount of time in which you can return the software for full refund. The less upfront the seller is about what the software's capabilities are, the more chance you have to just return it. UCC trumps contracts IIRC.

TOP
CSWP, BSSE

"Node news is good news."
 
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Have you tried the old IGES translator in I-deas?

In the Prompt window:

/xto co bo fc ex for export

or

/xto co bo fc im for import

If you have a active support and maintenance agreement for I-deas then you can switch to NX and it comes with the STEP translator.

NX5, NX6, NX7.5 and NX8
I-deas 12, NX I-deas6.1m1
Solid Works 2009
 
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Find of of these guys. I hear they can translate most anything (even Bocce).
C3PO_EP3.jpg
 
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Far far away.


--
Hardie "Crashj" Johnson
SW 2011 SP 4.0
HP Pavillion Elite HPE
W7 Pro, Nvidia Quaddro FX580

 
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AutoCAD 3D (non-Inventor) parts and assemblies to SolidWorks - is there a good/better/best format for doing this, i.e. sat, iges, etc?

Thanks.
 
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I would have started a new thread for this question.
acisout (*.sat)
 
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