NX won't open a step as a solid

[Jashe]

I created a stp from Catia and I did cut a section to make sure it was a solid but when I opened it up in NX, it came in as all surfaces (like an iges). Has this happened to anybody else before? Is there a way to make it a solid in NX?

 

[Xwheelguy]

Try importing into a new part rather than opening it. You should be able to expand the STEP 203 import dialog fully and under Options, make sure the Sew Surfaces Automatically option is ticked ON. It's also quite possible you mistakenly export only surfaces from CATIA - also pay attention if you have a command window open during the NX import - try to catch some of the messages that appear during the import process.

Tim Flater
NX Designer
NX 9.0.3.4 Win7 Pro x64 SP1
Intel Xeon 2.53 GHz 6GB RAM
NVIDIA Quadro 4000 2GB

 

[cowski]

When you import into NX, there should be a .log file created in the same directory as the step file. It will list any errors it encountered and near the end of the file it will report the number of solid bodies input for translation and the number of solids ending up as sheet bodies. Inspecting the .log file may give some insight as to what happened from there to here.

www.nxjournaling.com

 

[Jashe]

I was able to create the stp once I clicked on the box for the Sew Surfaces Automatically. Thanks Xwheelguy.

 

[Xwheelguy]

I'm gonna guess there was a setting in CATIA that exported the solid as a surface model - I'd double check that.

Tim Flater
NX Designer
NX 9.0.3.4 Win7 Pro x64 SP1
Intel Xeon 2.53 GHz 6GB RAM
NVIDIA Quadro 4000 2GB

 

[Jashe]

When I open the stp up in Catia and cut a section it's a solid. I really think it was that Sew Surfaces button.

 

[Xwheelguy]

In 10+ years, I've never had to turn that button on. My current employer uses CATIA and I-DEAS and I don't turn on that button, hence why I feel it's something on CATIA's STEP export settings. Making a round trip from the same software isn't necessarily eliminating the root cause, especially if you're not checking the settings for both import and/or export in CATIA. I could very well be wrong, but if it were me, I'd take a look - might make the importing a bit quicker and definitely easier for the next person that does this (if you're not around).

Tim Flater
NX Designer
NX 9.0.3.4 Win7 Pro x64 SP1
Intel Xeon 2.53 GHz 6GB RAM
NVIDIA Quadro 4000 2GB

 

[Jashe]

I've never had to use that button either. I've never had this happen before. Always something new I guess.