How difficult is it to read and modify .STEP files. I have a .STEP file of a connector that I would like to modify for different pin counts. I've looked at several applications that claim they can import and edit .STEP files, but so far I haven't been able to get one to even open the file! I know the file is good, I can view it in a .STP viewer.
Is it possible to modify these or am I living the impossible dream?
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I believe Solidworks can do it if the features (extrudes, lofts, fillets, chamfers, etc) can be interpreted/identified by Solidworks. Sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn't. I don't have a ton of experience with STEP/STP files (I use STL or AMF) but I'll give it a shot when I get home. Is there a specific CAD format you do your editing in? Maybe I can convert it for you.
Very difficult for me because I have no idea what you're taking about.🤔
@BillYo414 posted:I believe Solidworks can do it if the features (extrudes, lofts, fillets, chamfers, etc) can be interpreted/identified by Solidworks. Sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn't. I don't have a ton of experience with STEP/STP files (I use STL or AMF) but I'll give it a shot when I get home. Is there a specific CAD format you do your editing in? Maybe I can convert it for you.
I don't do CAD editing, that's the problem. 
I got these STEP files for connectors for my PCB layout program. However, I don't have a couple of sizes of connectors, so I'd like to modify them from the larger one. The STEP file is attached to my first post in the thread.
You're not alone there Denny!!!!
Peter.....Buco Australia
@Mellow Hudson Mike posted:Are you interested in the topic of this thread?
Would you like us to explain what STEP files are and how they relate to our hobby?
We can certainly do this if it would help.
Mike
You can try and I will try to understand though I was joking with John.
How's a 4 pin? @gunrunnerjohn
It didn't recognize any of the features so it's a little messy to edit but it seems like it can be done in Solidworks. I'm using the cheap maker version for what it's worth.
Did you want a specific pin count or dimension? What format should I send it back in?
Have you tried FreeCad?
@Mellow Hudson Mike posted:Are you interested in the topic of this thread?
Would you like us to explain what STEP files are and how they relate to our hobby?
We can certainly do this if it would help.
Mike
Yeah why don't you 'splain it to us Lucy?
@DennyM posted:You can try and I will try to understand though I was joking with John.
No harm no foul but the worst place for a private joke is in the middle of a public forum, for the rest of us forumites at least.
@MartyE posted:Yeah why don't you 'splain it to us Lucy?
Clearly no need to. It's apparent that we're all experts here.
All I'm trying to do is help, particularly newbies.
Mike
@BillYo414 posted:How's a 4 pin? @gunrunnerjohn
It didn't recognize any of the features so it's a little messy to edit but it seems like it can be done in Solidworks. I'm using the cheap maker version for what it's worth.
Did you want a specific pin count or dimension? What format should I send it back in?
That looks good, I'm trying to get a 7-pin and 9-pin of the connector. It would be in STEP format, the same as the sample. For some reason, the library I got has everything but those two sizes.
@Mellow Hudson Mike posted:Clearly no need to. It's apparent that we're all experts here.
All I'm trying to do is help, particularly newbies.
Mike
Well even though I'm familiar with CAD, i was unaware of the "Step File" name since I haven't really dove into 3D Printing. Just never came across it so I went to "the Google".
For those not knowing, from Google...
STEP files are intended for creating, editing, and sharing 3D model designs across various CAD programs. They're a standardized file format, which makes sharing designs a lot easier. Although most commonly used in architecture, mechanical, and manufacturing design, anyone in any industry can create a STEP file
Gotcha @gunrunnerjohn. I'll try to get them modified tonight after work.
@BillYo414 posted:Gotcha @gunrunnerjohn. I'll try to get them modified tonight after work.
Wow, that would be great! It's odd that just a couple of the files were missing, but I do appreciate the fix.
Just kidding John. The made a mistake on the plasma table at work so I took a late lunch so I was able to crank them out at lunch real quick. Let me know if they work!
It's some of my ugliest CAD work 
but the end result is complete.
@BillYo414 posted:Just kidding John. The made a mistake on the plasma table at work so I took a late lunch so I was able to crank them out at lunch real quick. Let me know if they work!
It's some of my ugliest CAD work
Wow, thanks! They look perfect! 
Sweet! Glad it worked. I learned to do a new thing!
I'm not using the exact size connector for this design, but this is how the models get used. When I'm laying out a board, I want the correct sized model so I can verify the fit for components before spend money and sit around for weeks waiting on the PCB's!
The assembly opens and is workable Solid Edge community eddition also.
Interesting! I was curious what you were doing with this. What program do you use for this kind of design?
This is a PCB design program, DIPTRACE. It's the software I use to design circuit boards. Once you capture the schematic, then you convert it to a physical board design. The 3D parts allows you to see a 3D representation of the board so you can see if you've overlapped parts or put stuff in awkward positions.
I'm a little late to the party... Nice Work Bill! All STEP(S) opened just fine in Fusion 360. Here is a pile of connectors... https://grabcad.com/library/tag/jst#!
What's a good free STP/STEP viewer? I downloaded some of those JST-XH connector assortments, and they crash my STP Viewer, but others display. I found an AutoDesk on-line viewer that can view the ones that crash my viewer, so I suspect it's the viewer. I want one on the machine so I don't have to answer a bunch of questions for each image.
I have this STPViewer, and it's the one that doesn't like some of the files.
Fusion 360 is free for non-commercial work. The files also opened easily for me in it. It will allow one to either view or edit .STEP and many other file types.
There are lots of great online tutorials for learning how to use the program.
Fusion looks to be overkill for simply looking at the STEP files. I did download it, and the fact that it's taking minutes to load on a pretty fast machine tells me it's going to be complicated.
I'm with you John. I run fusion on an old laptop in the attic (train room, 3D printing etc.). It's an i5 with 8gb of RAM... so, kind-of pokey but not that bad. It's like most programs 20/80... 20 percent useful 80 percent yuck. Remembering what button does what three days later is a chore at my age... the free version is all I need so I'm good with it.
Once Fusion 360 got loaded it does indeed display the problem files. I also found IDA-STEP that doesn't choke on them. It's a little more "lightweight".
Now that you have 360 in the house... I smell a 3D printer on it's way in the not-to-distant future! 
A long ways off. I'm not sure I can devote the time it would take to get even reasonably proficient with 3D modeling. That's the only thing that would make sense to have the printer for.
It's not that bad! You just gotta know how to look up tutorials on Youtube
My big problem is keeping up with the stuff I have in the queue now, trying to add another task like learning 3D CAD would be the proverbial straw! 
@gunrunnerjohn posted:That looks good, I'm trying to get a 7-pin and 9-pin of the connector. It would be in STEP format, the same as the sample. For some reason, the library I got has everything but those two sizes.
John can you get me the dimensions of this plug pin to pin/depth/box. The reason I ask is I have seen these in a catalog I have for mother board components.
@ThatGuy posted:John can you get me the dimensions of this plug pin to pin/depth/box. The reason I ask is I have seen these in a catalog I have for mother board components.
Problem has been solved, so if you want the whole set, just let me know.
I view STEP files in FreeCAD, it's very powerful and a little arcane, but free. I am marginally proficient but can do simple mods. 18 year olds are awesome at creating 3D models, STEP is a common file format for the 3D models and most CAD systems can read and write. FreeCAD can quickly create a high quality STL for printing as well. It keeps getting improved by a team of designers as it's an Open Source program. Way more than I need but no limitations like the free Fusion 360. I know just enough to tweak stuff (both STEP and the STL's) in order to get good prints and parts that fit together. A lot of the functions I need can be done in a slicer (like splitting a model, rescaling, making multiple copies to print, etc).
Jim
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