Solid Edge Solid Edge Fails to Import STEP File with No Visible Geometry

When importing a STEP file into Solid Edge, the assembly structure appears, but no components are visible.

The same STEP file can be successfully imported into other CAD software, such as eDrawings.

This issue occurs because the geometry in the STEP file exceeds the Parasolid kernel's geometry bounding box limit of ±500 meters.

To resolve this issue, ensure that all geometry within the STEP file is located within ±500 meters of the origin (0,0,0) in the world coordinate system. This adjustment must be made in the originating CAD software before exporting the STEP file. Request that the supplier of the STEP file relocates the geometry accordingly and provides an updated file.

• Parasolid Kernel Limitation: Solid Edge is based on the Parasolid kernel, which has a geometry bounding box limit of ±500 meters. If any part of the geometry extends beyond this limit, Solid Edge may fail to display the components upon import.

• Verifying Bounding Box Size:

1. Download the NIST STEP File Analyzer and Viewer: Obtain the software from NIST STEP File Analyzer and Viewer.
2. Process the STEP File: Open the STEP file in the application and run the processing function.
3. Check Geometry Size: After processing, expand the "More Options" section to view the geometry bounding box size in millimeters.

• Understanding the Measurements: If the bounding box size exceeds ±500,000 millimeters (500 meters), the STEP file will not import correctly into Solid Edge.

• Compatibility with Other Software: Other CAD applications may not enforce the same geometry limits, which explains why the STEP file can be imported into software like eDrawings.

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