Solids import Edgecam

[ACP5080]

Since a few weeks im using Edgecam for cnc-milling at work. But our Engineers use HiCad. Now to import solids into Edgecam , i can only export the file in HiCad as .step, import in Inventor and convert to .ipt, and then i can import the file in Edgecam. Is there an easier way to export a Hicad file to Edgecam solids or should we invest in some expensive modules?
Hicad can Export :
.step
.iges (VDAIS)
.dxf
.VRML

greetz Ed

[MIKE JEFFERS]

sldprt files work for me
but .iges is just a mess ,no help i know but would be interested to find out
why
mike

[ACP5080]

.iges is no solid i think. Its a "hollow" 3d model consisting of surfaces.
When step converted to ipt, and imported in Edgecam, only then i can make use of the auto features.
With an imported .iges it cannot recognize any holes.

[mikewsk2]

None of those file types are solids. The closest that comes to it is IGES and it is simply surfaces and therefore contains no intelligence like hole/pocket/face features.

However, depending on your licensing there is a BREP loader for IGES that allows an IGES to to be imported in as a parasolid file. This still won't allow you to find features but it would be better than an IGES file.

Also, this BREP loader will clean/heal those messy IGES files.

The attachment is an image of the advanced IGES import dialog box

[Mike Mattera]

STEP is a solid format, but you can only load it if you have the Solid Machinist for Parasolids. And it may only be in 11.5 of the new 11.75.

Mike Mattera

[ACP5080]

Originally Posted by Mike Mattera STEP is a solid format, but you can only load it if you have the Solid Machinist for Parasolids. And it may only be in 11.5 of the new 11.75. Mike Mattera

Thnx, that was what i needed to know.
We're still on 10.0 here...so time for an upgrade.

[Simtech]

STEP is now available in EdgeCAM 11.75, before it had to be brought in with Part modeler.

[koppis]

I use 11.75 with solid machinist for parasolid, but STEP format don't work correctly. Example can't use "align for turning" command with STEP solid. Cuccently we use SOLID EDGE for converting files to PARASOLID.