Solid Edge Multiple Bodies Appear in AP242 STEP File Export

Customers have reported that when saving a .par or .psm file as a STEP file containing PMI (Product and Manufacturing Information) data - the AP242 format - multiple bodies seem to appear when the STEP file is opened.

This creates confusion and raises concerns about the integrity of the design.

The presence of multiple bodies in the AP242 STEP file is expected behavior and not a software defect. The issue arises when the user creates a PMI Section view in the original model file and chooses to export the PMI data along with the model.

When the STEP file is imported back into Solid Edge as a part file, the software correctly identifies the presence of multiple bodies.

The as-designed body and the PMI section body are both included in the file.

To verify, the user can observe the Pathfinder symbols in Solid Edge. The PMI body will have an icon with dimensions, indicating that it contains PMI data.

To resolve any confusion, it is important to understand that the appearance of multiple bodies in the AP242 STEP file is a result of exporting the PMI data along with the design model. If the user only wants to export the as-designed body, they should exclude the PMI data during the export process.

It is recommended to communicate this behavior to users who encounter the issue. Assure them that the presence of multiple bodies in the STEP file does not impact the integrity of the design. Emphasize the importance of considering the purpose of the export and whether including PMI data is necessary.

For more Solid Edge STEP related articles, please refer to the "Solid Edge STEP FAQs Collection"