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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.

Last edited by BillYo414
@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.

@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

Last edited by Mellow Hudson Mike
@BillYo414 posted:

How's a 4 pin? @gunrunnerjohn

4pin

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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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