Troubleshooting Pro/ENGINEER to AutoCAD Imports

Converting Pro/ENGINEER Models for AutoCAD: Tips & Tools

Overview

Converting Pro/ENGINEER (Creo Parametric) models for use in AutoCAD requires exporting compatible file formats, preserving geometry/assemblies where possible, and choosing the right tools to minimize data loss.

Common export formats

• STEP (.step/.stp): Best for neutral, widely supported 3D solids and assemblies.
• IGES (.igs/.iges): Good for surfaces; can lose feature history and sometimes heal geometry.
• SAT (ACIS): Maintains solid geometry well for many CAD systems.
• DWG/DXF: Mainly 2D; use when exporting 2D drawings from Pro/ENGINEER for AutoCAD.
• Parasolid (.x_t/.x_b): High fidelity for solids; supported by some conversion workflows.

Recommended tools

• Pro/ENGINEER / Creo built-in export functions (use STEP/IGES/Parasolid).
• Autodesk Inventor or Fusion 360 (can import STEP/Parasolid and export to DWG/DXF or native Autodesk formats).
• Dedicated converters (TransMagic, CADExchanger, Okino) for complex assemblies or format translation with healing.
• Autodesk Navisworks for large assemblies and cross-CAD viewing.

Preparation steps (order matters)

1. Simplify geometry: Remove unnecessary small features, internal details, and construction geometry.
2. Rename/clean up parts: Use clear part names and consistent layers to ease mapping in AutoCAD.
3. Check units: Set and verify units in Pro/ENGINEER before export.
4. Export as STEP or Parasolid for 3D solids; DWG/DXF for 2D drawings.
5. Include PMI only when supported: If you need dimensions/annotations, export to formats that carry PMI (less commonly preserved).
6. Use tessellation control if exporting meshes: Adjust tolerance to balance file size and fidelity.

Import tips for AutoCAD

• For 3D solids, use AutoCAD’s “IMPORT” or “STPIN” for STEP; check the resulting solids for gaps.
• If importing meshes, use AutoCAD Mesh tools or convert meshes to solids with “CONVTOSOLID” where possible.
• For assemblies, many neutral formats flatten hierarchy—rebuild assembly structure in AutoCAD-based tools (Inventor/Fusion) if needed.
• Use Recovery/Repair tools (e.g., “OVERKILL”, “FIX” utilities or third-party repairers) to clean geometry.

Troubleshooting common issues

• Missing faces/gaps: Run a geometry healing tool or re-export with tighter tolerances.
• Incorrect scale: Re-check unit settings and scale during import.
• Lost feature history/parameters: Neutral formats don’t preserve history—expect to remodel features if parametric edits are needed.
• Large file size/slow performance: Simplify models, reduce tessellation density, or export single components.

Quick workflow example

1. In Pro/ENGINEER: suppress nonessential features, set units, export as STEP AP203/214.
2. In Autodesk Inventor/Fusion: import STEP, verify solids, reassemble if needed.
3. Export from Inventor to AutoCAD DWG (2D) or use Inventor’s DWG/DWFX for drawings; or save as SAT/DWG for AutoCAD solids.
4. In AutoCAD: import, run repair utilities, assign layers/materials.

Final recommendations

• Prefer STEP or Parasolid for 3D solids to preserve geometry.
• Use an intermediate Autodesk product (Inventor/Fusion) when needing better compatibility with AutoCAD.
• Keep exports simple and verify units/tolerances to reduce downstream issues.