How can we import, and store STEP files in Windchill

[Dave_K]

Version: Windchill 12.1

Use Case: We would like to store STEP files from vendors in Windchill, but how?

Description:

We would like to store STEP files that we receive from vendors in Windchill.  We don't need to tie them to a particular WT part or anything, we simply want to store them.  We have looked at Import to Workspace, but .stp and .step are not valid options.

What methodology should be used, to simply store the STEP data in Windchill?

[avillanueva]

How are you identifying them? Are you looking to track iterations/versions of them? Easiest is WTDocument. That you can store any content you want. It is different than managing as EPMDocuments.  I suspect there are configuration changes to allow them directly to be imported to a WGM workspace.

[BenLoosli]

If you only want to store them, put them in Windchill as WTdocuments since the file format itself is just text.

You can still control revisions if needed or put the revision as part of the document name and each import is independent.

[Dave_K]

ok, @BenLoosli  and @avillanueva  ignore my ignorance, but how would I import it as a WTdocument?

[avillanueva]

From a Folder page of any Product area or Library. On the toolbar should be New Document. A wizard would appear and you can upload the file there.

[BenLoosli]

Do you have a document library set up? Set up a folder for your STEP or IGES files and then use the New Document to add a document to the Library.

I would set up a document type for use with these files so you can use a custom glyph with them.

Your system administrator should know how to do all this.

[HelesicPetr]

Hi @Dave_K 

Pack the STEP files to a ZIP package and create the WTDocument from the ZIP file.

First go to the folder where you want to store it.

Tip> if you crate folder structure inside the ZIP it will be created in the Windchill. 

PetrH

[joe_morton · Accepted solution]

A few other options for you to weigh pros/cons:

• You can open the STEP files in NX, save them as NX files, then check them in normally (as NX files). We do this frequently, but with Creo
• You should be able to open the STEP files in NX, then save them to the Workspace as STEP files and check in as a STEP file.
  • for either of these options, you can use this guide for how prevent associating the CAD with a WTPart: https://www.ptc.com/en/support/article/CS268136?source=search
  • the advantage of the options above is that Windchill recognizes these as CAD documents, which makes opening them in a CAD package easier
• Like others said, you can save the files in Windchill as Documents. You could even make a ZIP file with a whole project and store that ZIP file as a single Document in Windchill. That might be a good method if you just want an archive available in the future, just in case. 
  • with this option, you'd most likely download the files outside of the work group manager, then bring them into NX afterwards

[anursingh]

Hi @Dave_K,

I wanted to see if you got the help you needed.

If so, please mark the appropriate reply as the Accepted Solution. It will help other members who may have the same question.
Please note that industry experts also review the replies and may eventually accept one of them as solution on your behalf.
Of course, if you have more to share on your issue, please pursue the conversation. 

Thanks,
Anurag