Hi,

are there different STEP (stp) formats.
I have one of my models exported as stp, but this file will not accepted by a manufacturer as right STEP-file.

Hi IBBA, yes there are a couple of different variations of the STEP file format, something like AP203 or AP214. But it is unusual for a CAD program to only accept one or the other of these. I think it's something like they are the same format structurally, but AP214 has additional documented entities for color information in it.

What program is your manufacturer using to import it?

Maybe it's having a problem with your specific model geometry, does it work ok if you transfer just a simple box for example?

- Michael

Hi Michael,

thanks for fast respond. One differenz is the size of STEP file.
When saving directly from MOI, the sample file is 219 kB, when using a converter program it is 33.313 kB.
The last one is unfortunatly to big for sending as attachment.
When reloading the STEP file in MOi for checking, meters will be displayed instead of millimeters.

All the best for you
Bodo-Lutz

Hi Bodo-Lutz - re: unit system, the 3DM file you posted does not have units set to mm, it has it set to "no unit system".

You should go to Options > General and set Unit system = Millimeters to set units for this file before exporting it.

- Michael

Also what converter program are you using that generates a 33MB file from this small object?

- Michael

I used Autoconverter from Automapki - https://www.automapki.com/products/autoconverter.html
Best regards
Bodo-Lutz

The most likely explanation is that the application is meshing nurbs surfaces on import.
When the STEP is exported it is most likely converting all the mesh faces to individual nurbs surfaces, resulting in a huge file size.

The low $ cost for this application suggest that it is very limited.

re:
> When the STEP is exported it is most likely converting all the mesh faces to individual nurbs
> surfaces, resulting in a huge file size.

Yes from their features list it says:


So that appears to be what it is doing. So I would not recommend generating a STEP file that way.

@Bodo-Lutz - do you know what application your manufacturer is using that won't read in the STEP file generated from Moi?

- Michael

hello,

we can open it via Proe (wildfire) or Rhino,they show different function/characteristic of picture.

you can see their difference in the attached files.

Hi Michael,
it was a special case
A manufacturer of aluminum castings in large numbers had first received STL files from me.
For reasons unknown to me, these were not enough for him.
Caused by the fact that the STL files were already checked and repaired with netfabb, I thought converting the STL file to STEP would be a good method. Obviously, this was the wrong way.
I now know that professional 3D service providers have good tools with which they can convert STEP files from MoI to STL.

We live and learn!
Thanks for your help

Bodo-Lutz

Seems Moi has also an export STL ! ;)

Hi Bodo-Lutz, I'm glad you have it resolved now!

- Michael