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Anonymous
September 26, 2008
Question

STEP to Solid part

  • September 26, 2008
  • 1 reply
  • 20825 views
I would like to know if anyone knows how to import a STEP-file and then convert it into a SOLID. It is impossible to import a STEP and the create a cross section on a drawing. I've tried to use the build in "make solid" but does not work. This is crucial since it is the only way of converting from CATIA to ProE eg. STEP is the only format I can get so commenting on other formats is unnecessary.
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1 reply

KenFarley
KenFarley21-Topaz II
21-Topaz II
September 26, 2008
Generally speaking, I believe if the STEP file is okay it should automatically generate a solid body upon import. Unfortunately (and I happen to be dealing with just such a problem myself) if the geometry is inaccurate, you will be missing bits, and might or might not have just surfaces. As far as I know, if you read a STEP file in and don't get solid geometry, there isn't any way to correct things. That's one of the dangers of converting data from one CAD system to another.
M
mattgriswold1-Visitor
1-Visitor
September 26, 2008
Actually, there's a full array of tools and methods for fixing import geometry. Unfortunately I don't know where to tell you to look for documentation as I learned most if through experience. One of the quickest thing to try is to redefine the import and find (not sure what version you are using) Heal Geometry and Zip Gaps.
R
RameetGrewal1-Visitor
1-Visitor
September 29, 2008
Magnus, You can solidify the imported step file by using the import data doctor. More information on it can be found in #Help >> Data Exchange >> Data Doctor. There are basically two ways to "heal" geometry. Automatic and Manual. Manual healing gives more control of the final geometry. Another option would be to play around with Accuracy (If this is alright with your end objective).You can try to increase the accuracy so that the model becomes less accurate.(for e.g. if the accuracy is 0.0012 you can try to make it 0.05 and see if it solidifies.) The last option would be to make the required surfaces manually in Pro/E. The best way in my opinion would be to use the Pre Wildfire scheme (It makes seeing open surfaces much easier).To activate it #View >> Display Settings>> System Colors >> Scheme >> Use pre Wildfire scheme. Now if you see the model in wireframe mode you will see some yellow colored edges (for non solid geometry). These indicate the open surfaces. You need to close all the yellow edges by making surfaces in Pro/E. The most versatile option is the boundary blend surface. Then you need to merge the surfaces together. The closed surfaces are shown in magenta color. Once you have filled all the open surfaces #Edit >>Solidify. I know it’s not easy but you can definitely solidly any geometry. Hope this helps. Rameet
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