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

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

Answers

  • philip_thomasphilip_thomas Member, Moderator, Onshape Employees, Developers Posts: 1,381
    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.
    Philip Thomas - Onshape
  • Fredrik_HögströmFredrik_Högström Member Posts: 5 PRO
    Thanks for your effort!
  • NeilCookeNeilCooke Moderator, Onshape Employees Posts: 5,310
    edited June 2018
    @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.

    Senior Director, Technical Services, EMEAI
  • famadorianfamadorian Member Posts: 390 ✭✭✭
    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?;)
  • NeilCookeNeilCooke Moderator, Onshape Employees Posts: 5,310
    Turns out it’s STEP in a metadata wrapper. Convert them using this: http://ifcopenshell.org/ifcconvert.html
    Senior Director, Technical Services, EMEAI
  • famadorianfamadorian Member Posts: 390 ✭✭✭
    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_spreenbrooke_spreen Member, Developers Posts: 115 ✭✭✭
    Design Engineer | Anerdgy AG
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