Anyone knows a way to convert a model to IFC format?

Fredrik_Högström

Hi. Working towords a client in infrastructure/buildings. they need models converted to IFC format. Anyone knows a way to do this? 
Thnaks!

philip_thomas

Fredrik - i have been googling trying to find a solution for you.
Alas - all the threads i found indicate that unless the source is a BIM system (and supports IFC out) then this is not possible.
Another forum user might have a solution, but i regret that i am unable to find one.

Fredrik_Högström

Thanks for your effort!

NeilCooke

@Fredrik_Högström AFAIK - IFC is models in SAT format (ACIS) with extra metadata. The metadata is all stored in subcategories though (e.g. HVAC > Heating > Piping > .... or something like that) which we can't do. If they just want to import the model, try SAT format. SolidWorks is able to export IFC and if I remember right, that is all that they are doing.

famadorian

NeilCooke said:

@Fredrik_Högström AFAIK - IFC is models in SAT format (ACIS) with extra metadata. The metadata is all stored in subcategories though (e.g. HVAC > Heating > Piping > .... or something like that) which we can't do. If they just want to import the model, try SAT format. SolidWorks is able to export IFC and if I remember right, that is all that they are doing.

If IFC is ACIS, then why can't I import IFC into Onshape?;)

NeilCooke

Turns out it’s STEP in a metadata wrapper. Convert them using this: http://ifcopenshell.org/ifcconvert.html

famadorian

NeilCooke said:

Turns out it’s STEP in a metadata wrapper. Convert them using this: http://ifcopenshell.org/ifcconvert.html

If it's just STEP in a metadata wrapper, can't we just strip off the metadata and import STEP? ..and same with exporting?

brooke_spreen

Link to improvement request: https://forum.onshape.com/discussion/4009/ifc-support-in-onshape