Exporting to FEA

I have just constructed my first AutoCAD 3D model but am unable to save it as an ALGOR-compatible file type.

The stp type is the one I mean (ALGOR, the version I am using, seems only happy with stp files for solid models); I tried to open the model as a dxf type in ALGOR, but had no luck.

I am using AutoCAD 2007, and am surprised that exporting to FEA is such an issue.

If there is not a way for me to save the 3D model that AGOR would be happy with, please could some kind soul convert it for me (and maybe even check the part, at the same time!)?

Drawing6.dwg

Part1.zip

Here you are, Sir!

I was unable to import it so I recreated the geometry. Please check it.

As previously posted by JD Mather, Inventor expert extradinare in answer to a similar question:

"Another option is to download the free Inventor LT (http://labs.autodesk.com) and Import the dwg and then Save Copy As type STEP.

A final option is to post the dwg file in the Inventor forum here and request that someone do the translation to STEP for you."

[ATTACH]12744[/ATTACH]

Here you are, Sir!

I was unable to import it so I recreated the geometry. Please check it.

Thank you very much, I really appreciate your help.

Half my computer has been sent away for repair/replacement under warranty so I am forced to use my old mini-ITX spare, which struggles with word processing! This is not the best time to learn AutoCAD, so I am not suprised the model was imperfect.

Thanks again.

As previously posted by JD Mather, Inventor expert extradinare in answer to a similar question:

 

"Another option is to download the free Inventor LT () and Import the dwg and then Save Copy As type STEP.

 

A final option is to post the dwg file in the Inventor forum here and request that someone do the translation to STEP for you."

 

Don't know why I have such a bad rep.

Thanks.

I saw the other thread, from which you quoted, but could not find any download link for Inventor LT. I think the offer for free DL has expired.

The model fuccaro uploaded works fine, and the FE analysis makes sense, so the problem is solved. However, I am still left wondering how AutoCAD users export to FEA. Maybe the inaccuracies with my model meant that it would not load as a dxf, and if it was created properly it would have?

Inventor LT has graduated from labs.Autodesk and is no longer available as free download.

I would be surprised if Algor would not import an ACIS (*.sat) file. (acisout command in AutoCAD) I'll give it a try later today and report back.

Test completed.

As I suspected the ACIS export from AutoCAD opened fine in Algor.

Not sure why the 2009 dxf export did not work so I tried dxf v12 and it worked. Might try going up the list to see where it doesn't work anymore or simply use the ACISOUT.

EsoEng

That is nothing wrong with your model. Just being so simple, the shortest way for me was to recreate it in Catia -really, it was just in a minute or two- and to save it as you asked.

The "normal" way: I open the DWG in AutoCAD, but I have only 2006. So if the model is newer, I must ask my colleague to open it for me and to export it in IGS format. That can be opened in Solidworks (an other colleague) ... should I continue?

So, now you can see why I rebuilt the model, I just asked you to check if *my* model is accurate.