Importing STEP files from CREO with embedded PMI data

[DeanD]

Unable to find a similar post addressing this issue.
We need to import STEP files that were created with CREO that contains embedded PMI data and be able to access and read the PMI.
Incidentally, the "CREO View Express Viewer" is also unable to read the STEP file created by CREO.
Using SolidWorks 2023 is there any way possible import/convert to be able to retain and read the PMI?
VAR does not have any solutions or workarounds.
Files are ITAR controlled, and cannot be shared.

[SPerman]

The help says it can be done, but that's about it.

https://help.solidworks.com/2023/Englis ... Redirect=1

Are the files AP242 format? Are annotations turned on?

There are a couple of threads from the old forum, but they don't contain much useful information.

https://r1132100503382-eu1-3dswym.3dexp ... zQtkdfZ1BQ

https://r1132100503382-eu1-3dswym.3dexp ... CwlhJGDRIw

[SPerman]

After digging deeper, I am confused.

The section on PMI says the step files need to be AP242.

But the section on importing step files doesn't list ap242 as an option.

I downloaded some files from here to test with

https://www.nist.gov/ctl/smart-connecte ... /mbe-pmi-0

but solidworks gave me this error, and never imported any PMI that I could find.

[DennisD]

After digging deeper, I am confused.

The section on PMI says the step files need to be AP242.

image.png


But the section on importing step files doesn't list ap242 as an option.

image.png

I downloaded some files from here to test with

https://www.nist.gov/ctl/smart-connecte ... /mbe-pmi-0

but solidworks gave me this error, and never imported any PMI that I could find.

image.png

You are SOL trying to import AP242 in SolidWorks. It is not yet capable, not even in SWX2024.
https://help.solidworks.com/2024/englis ... eneral.htm

[KennyG]

You are SOL trying to import AP242 in SolidWorks. It is not yet capable, not even in SWX2024.
https://help.solidworks.com/2024/englis ... eneral.htm

So how are you supposed to work with PMI? Can you at least export to other systems with AP242?

[SPerman]

You are SOL trying to import AP242 in SolidWorks. It is not yet capable, not even in SWX2024.
https://help.solidworks.com/2024/englis ... eneral.htm

More conflicting information:

From: https://help.solidworks.com/2024/englis ... mation.htm

[SPerman]

So how are you supposed to work with PMI? Can you at least export to other systems with AP242?

I found information earlier that says you can export to AP242 (starting with 2023), but at this point, I'm not sure what part of their documentation to believe.

https://help.solidworks.com/2023/Englis ... Redirect=1

https://help.solidworks.com/2020/englis ... export.htm

[SPerman]

One more link.

https://cadforum.net/viewtopic.php?t=2673

[KennyG]

I found information earlier that says you can export to AP242 (starting with 2023), but at this point, I'm not sure what part of their documentation to believe.

https://help.solidworks.com/2023/Englis ... Redirect=1

https://help.solidworks.com/2020/englis ... export.htm

I gleaned this from the Help for 2023 you posted...

"You need a SOLIDWORKS MBD license to create an output"

So, if you don't own the MBD add-on license, you are out of luck. This may also be what controls import of AP242 as well.

[dave.laban]

The "Import PMI" / AP242 topic is from the SolidWorks MBD part of the Help directory too, which would further support that theory too.

image.png (10.71 KiB) Viewed 3921 times

[zxys001]

..maybe try this program to see if the PMI is there?

https://www.nist.gov/services-resources ... and-viewer

[zwei]

if u just need to view the file.. edrawing can view the pmi info without much trouble...

Importing into SOLIDWORKS and keeping the PMI info most likely need a seat of MBD

[DeanD]

Well, after some rather fruitless tries, turns out that the PMI data would have to be recreated once the file was imported. Worked at length with our VAR and a few individuals that really think outside of the box, and that is the only common solution found so far.
Thanks to all that rang in on this.