Import PCBA as a part

Question

In the past, I've imported pcba files (emp, emn) from our electrical engineers to create creo assemblies of the pcba.  If I wanted to create a part which represented the pcba, is there an easy way to achieve this?  The only way I can think of is by use of a shrinkwrap, or exporting the assembly file to a neutral format and then try and import it to a part file.  Seems like that's may not be the best method. 
 
If I try to import the emp/emn file into a part file (rather than an assembly), all the pcba components import into the part file at the part's co-ordinate system, essentially stacking all the components on top of each other.  My memory may be failing, but I seem to remember a way of doing this which was a bit more simple to perform.  Forgive me if this is answered elsewhere, but I haven't found much on the web or in the forums.

StephenW · Accepted Answer

I am not familiar with emp/emn files but in general for imported files, you will need to add the option: intf3d_in_as_part yes

for importing an assembly as a part file. It's a hidden option so you will have to either added it directly to your config.pro with a text editor or thru the configuration editor by typing it in (find will no work).

This will give you the option to import as an assy or as a part file and will leave the components in the position they are at in the assembly instead of bring all of them in at the default coordinate system.

Being a hidden option, there are possibly some un-intended consequences that PTC has discovered that may or may not affect you.

I have used it many times and I haven't seen anything out of the ordinary. It fails to solidfy about the same # of times as importing as an assembly.

tbraxton · Answer

I have not done this in a release newer than Creo 4.0 but the .emn file supports importing the data into a part that would represent the PCB or panel without any component placement. The .emn file has a section for the placement info that can be edited in a text editor to delete it this section starts with the header ".PLACEMENT" should you need to remove the placement data from the file to get it to work. Follow the link below for step by step instructions. Link to the IDF 3.0 spec is also below for reference.

Import IDF board part

IDF 3.0 Spec

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