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MarcoMal5-Regular Member
5-Regular Member
November 10, 2025
Question

Export step with welds

  • November 10, 2025
  • 3 replies
  • 560 views
I am using Creo Parametric Release 12.4 and Datecode12.4.0.0

I am experiencing an issue when exporting a model from Creo Parametric to STEP format.

When I create a model as a single part and then add weld bodies, Creo automatically generates additional bodies and layers during the export. When I reopen the exported STEP file in Creo, the structure of the model appears completely different from the original one created in Creo.

Could you please help me understand why this happens and how to correctly export the STEP file without the model structure changing?

Thank you in advance for your support.

    3 replies

    KenFarley
    KenFarley21-Topaz II
    21-Topaz II
    November 10, 2025

    STEP files are their own "dumb" geometry format. They're comprised of geometry elements. The features you used to create the geometry in Creo are not put in the file. It's meant to be used to provide geometry to another program.

    If you want to re-use a model for another model, copy the relevant file to a new file, open that new file, and work from there.

    M
    MarcoMal5-Regular MemberAuthor
    5-Regular Member
    November 11, 2025

    Thanks for your reply! Please read the details I added.

    tbraxton
    22-Sapphire II
    tbraxton22-Sapphire II
    22-Sapphire II
    November 10, 2025

    Your question is not clear to me. If you are seeking to preserve the multibody structure, then using the AP242 STEP protocol supports multi-body. If you did not use the AP242 protocol, then try that one and it should preserve the multibody structure of your Creo design model.

     

    If you are looking to preserve the Creo model tree inclusive of features etc. then as @KenFarley disclosed, this is not supported by any STEP protocol I am aware of.

     

    M
    MarcoMal5-Regular MemberAuthor
    5-Regular Member
    November 11, 2025

    Thanks for your reply! please read the details I added

    M
    MarcoMal5-Regular MemberAuthor
    5-Regular Member
    November 11, 2025

    Thanks for the replies. Let me explain: I need to export the geometry of a composite model as follows:
    Assembly --> Single Element --> Welds inserted at the single element level.
    In this case, in all exported steps (203, 214, and 242), a different structure and bodies than the original are exported. When reopening the same file in Creo, it is incorrect.

    M
    MarcoMal5-Regular MemberAuthor
    5-Regular Member
    November 11, 2025

    I attach an example of the original model and then the same by opening the step file

    Chris3
    Chris321-Topaz I
    21-Topaz I
    November 11, 2025

    This is a case of "Works to product specification for Creo Parametric"

     

    When importing step models, Creo creates an extra assembly. This is done I believe to have a place to stick all of the annotations and misc things that come along with the step model.

     

    This is a known issue. I believe that PTC has stated they are thinking about trying to correct it in a future release but I don't believe they have yet.

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