Summary

A SolidWorks part file may fail to open in GibbsCAM when the SolidWorks file contains STEP (.stp) files as features or bodies.

These STEP files are contained within the SolidWorks part file in a way that GibbsCAM cannot read directly. The STEP features must first be separated from the SolidWorks feature structure before the file can be opened in GibbsCAM.


Table of Contents


Symptoms

You may experience the following:

  • A SolidWorks part file does not open in GibbsCAM.

  • GibbsCAM cannot read a SolidWorks part containing STEP geometry.

  • The SolidWorks file opens normally in SolidWorks but cannot be opened in GibbsCAM.


Cause

The SolidWorks part contains STEP files that have been inserted as features or bodies.

The STEP files are not readable by GibbsCAM while they remain contained within the SolidWorks part in this form.


Procedure

There are two ways to modify the SolidWorks file so that GibbsCAM can read it.

Method 1 - Break the Link or Dissolve the STEP Features

  1. Open the SolidWorks part file.

  2. Locate the STEP feature in the SolidWorks feature tree.

  3. Right-click the STEP feature.

  4. Select Break Link or Dissolve the feature.

  5. Save the SolidWorks part.

  6. Open the modified file in GibbsCAM.

Expected Result

The STEP geometry is no longer contained as an active STEP feature within the SolidWorks part, allowing GibbsCAM to read the file.


Method 2 - Insert the STEP Bodies into a New Part

  1. Open the SolidWorks part file.

  2. Select the STEP bodies.

  3. Insert the selected bodies into a new SolidWorks part.

  4. Save the new part.

  5. Open the new SolidWorks part in GibbsCAM.


Expected Result

The STEP bodies are contained in a new SolidWorks part in a form that GibbsCAM can read.


Additional Information

The issue is specific to STEP files contained within a SolidWorks part file. The STEP geometry is not readable by GibbsCAM in its original embedded form.

Using SolidWorks to either Break Link/Dissolve the STEP feature or move the STEP bodies into a new part makes the geometry readable.


Best Practices

  • Keep a backup of the original SolidWorks file before modifying embedded STEP features.

  • When possible, use a supported native or neutral CAD format that does not contain embedded STEP features.

  • If a SolidWorks file contains imported STEP geometry, verify that the resulting file can be opened in GibbsCAM before using it in production.


Troubleshooting

  • Problem: The SolidWorks file still does not open after breaking the STEP link.

Possible Causes

  • There may be additional STEP features or bodies remaining in the file.

Resolution

Review the SolidWorks feature tree for additional STEP features and repeat the process as necessary.

  • Problem: The STEP bodies cannot be made readable within the existing part.

Resolution

Use SolidWorks to select the STEP bodies and insert them into a new SolidWorks part. Save the new part and try opening it in GibbsCAM.



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Keywords

SolidWorks File Not Opening, SolidWorks, STEP, STP, STEP Bodies, STEP Features, Break Link, Dissolve, SolidWorks Part, CAD Import, CAD Compatibility, SolidWorks Import, GibbsCAM CAD Import