I've downloadwed a STEP file of a part I want to use but it comes in as a surface model. I can still use it in my assembly but, when I create drawings, the part is invisible. Can I convert the surface model to solid?
Using Inv2009 (but will be installing 2010 next week).

You sure can. If it's watertight it should be a snap.

You'll right click the object in your model browser, and "copy to construction". Then delete the original. Go to your construction folder and double click it to enter the construction environment. From there you should be able to use a stitch command to stitch the surfaces together and create a solid.

This will only work if the model is water tight. If not you can manually use patches to fix gaps.

After you have a solid you can right click it and "copy object" as a body back into your model environment.

Let me know it works.

I got as far as the stitch command but could not select any surfaces. I'll have another go tomorrow.

You may have to do an unstitch on the surfaces first. Then you should be able to right click in the part window while in the stitch command and do a "select all".

Another way to skin this cat would be to show the surfaces in the IDW.

If you select your model in the IDW browser, right click, "Include all surfaces", your model should show up.

The surfaces are included in IDWs if that is all there is, but are hidden by default if a solid is present.

FYI http://www.myvbooks.com/ac55jsp/stores/ ... 309C98.jsp

OK, I managed to 'unstitch' then 'stitch all' surfaces but that didn't change the drawing.
Following the 2nd suggestion of 'show all surfaces' in the IDW did the trick.
Thanks for your help.

Can you attach the file here or provide the url to download site.

FYI
http://www.myvbooks.com/ac55jsp/stores/ ... 309C98.jsp

This is the troublesome part.

Nigel

I tried but could not anything with this file (IV2010 Pro). I've encountered this situation before and was only able to get past it by contacting the originator, who sent me a variety of formats (as I best recall it was a solidworks file that finally worked). I note that the file was originally produced in SW 2007. My take on this situation, once it is a face model, it is not possible to convert short of some luck. So I would suggest that you try that first, or go ahead and recreate it yourself. I was also hoping that the features recognition addin might work, I tried to go over to ACAD and TurboCAD V12 and using other formats either to import or export them - none worked either.

Try this one. Keep in mind that the SWx user didn't model correctly (turn off the clamp ring and look at the lever - when you constrain it doesn't look correct and definately wasn't in correct postion in the original.

Luck will not fix parts. See the link I posted earlier in this thread for repair instructions.



Feature recognition works on solid bodies - not surfaces.

JD

I read your link earlier and I have it bookmarked. You are factually correct on both counts, I was referring to methods I will use in a broader context and as decribed above. Depending on the websites, software one encounters, numerous translation problems that tend to differ. Your part works - thats the main thing.

JD, thanks for sorting out the model. I see what you mean about the lever, that would not work as shown.

interestingly.. i opened the .stp, and it came in as a 3d model. not surfaces. al i did was drag it into inventor. and it also showed up in a drawing.

i included a screen capture (i did change the part material to aluminum, and as you can see it only changes the ring/lever).

i am using IV2008, if that matters.