STEP file format in ACAD 3D 1

[cfee]

Someone I'm helping out got a stack of 3D parts from a supplier in "STEP" file format. The person who sent them (a sales rep) was told that this is what he was supposed to send us, yes, even after double checking. Since ACAD uses ACIS or "SAT" files, I'm at a loss.

Suggestions ? I need to try and use these parts.

Thanks !

 

[francesca]

You can import them into Microstation and then export as .dwg.

 

[cfee]

Hmmmm... Any other way ? Don't have Microstation.

Tks !

 

[francesca]

How big is the file? STEP is plain text IIRC so you could write a LISP routine to draw the objects...

 

[cfee]

Write a lisp routine. Whew ! What in your opinion would be the reason for a company to represent that their files are compatible with AutoCAD 3D and present those files in this format ?

Thoughts ?

 

[ajack1]

Probably ignorance, every other 3D package I am aware of can read in .step files, in fact that is our preferred transfer format when we cannot get native data. So I for one wasn’t aware AutoCAD couldn’t open them.

As a short term fix to overcome your problem look at getting Rhino, it is free for about 40 saves and you can import .step files and export in most formats.

 

[cfee]

If all the major 3D CAD software will import step, then AutoCAD may. I may just not know the majic commands to do this. If there is none, and AutoCAD really can't do something this simple while the others can, that'd be really disappointing.

I wasn't aware RHINO would do this. I'll check into that as an avenue. Thanks !

 

[RHTPE]

Check out:

http://www.fileguru.com/SE-CNC-Converter/info

Ralph
Structures Consulting
Northeast USA

 

[francesca]

Google Sketchup might be another alternative. A quick google says you have to buy the STEP import plugin, though.

 

[rollupswx]

STEP and IGES translators were removed from vanilla AutoCAD years ago when they started moving to verticals. AutoCAD Mechanical or Autodesk Inventor will read STEP files.

Also, free Inventor Fusion

http://labs.autodesk.com

will read STEP and write dwg.