STEP file to Inventor Constraint problem- Need help

[cbell1007]

Is there a miraculous button I can click that will apply the original constraints placed before the assembly was made into a step file? I have a seat frame model with a 1,000 parts that I am overwhelemd by even thinking about re-constraining. If anyone could shed some light on the hows or whys, please do so. Thanks

 

[KENAT]

I suggest you post in the relevant software forum

http://www.eng-tips.com/threadforum.cfm?lev3=70

rather than here, then ask management to delete this thread.

Posting guidelines faq731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

(probably not aimed specifically at you)
What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484​

 

[Sparweb]

May I suggest making a "shrinkwrap" of the assembly before making the step file? The resulting one-part model won't need constraints to maintain integrity. What happens next, when converted into a step file format - I don't know much about what happens then, because I haven't needed that file format myself.

But also take Kenat's advice and post in the other forum.


STF

 

[dgallup]

Some CAD systems give you the option when opening a STEP assembly to open it as a single part. Does the same thing as a shrink wrap. I have never used or even seen Inventor so I don't know it it can do that.

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The Help for this program was created in Windows Help format, which depends on a feature that isn't included in this version of Windows.

 

[btrueblood]

You also should have the ability to set the assembly once imported to "Grounded" - i.e. all positions of parts are fixed/locked in the positions specified by the original step file. Right click the top assembly on the browser "tree" and see if you can click the "Grounded".

 

[cbell1007]

SparWeb- The original file was a Pro-E file that our seat manufacturer converted into a STEP file then e-mailed to me. I have asked if it shrink wrapped before converted into the step file and they said yes.

btrueblood- I am familiar with the Grounded command you are referencing but have not seen that available in Inventor. Would be worth my time in Googleing though. Thank you for bringing that to my attention.


and Finally....

dgallup- at what point in opening the step file should it ask me if I want to open it as a single part? Although that would constrict me in being able to create the animated presentations, I think I may be able to work with that. Please let me know.

Thank you everyone for responding.

 

[cbell1007]

btrueblood- Corrections for my reply above...I now see the grounded option in the right click menu in the browser tree, but on part level. Thank you

 

[dgallup]

In Pro/E it is right at the start, it asks if you want to open as a part or an assembly. If the supplier had done a file save as shrinkwrap as a part you would only have one part, no animating possible.

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The Help for this program was created in Windows Help format, which depends on a feature that isn't included in this version of Windows.