Convert a "IGES" or "STEP" file to a "SAT" file

[jeff.garr]

I am trying to convert a "IGES" or "STEP" file to a "SAT" file to use in AutoCAD. I am using SolidWorks to convert the file using "Save As". This is the response I get when I try to insert the "SAT" file:

"Command: _acisin Unable to read the ACIS file U:\Engineering\Acad File
Access\Misc. Drawings\McMaster Carr\1624A650 Suface Mount Hinge.SAT."

Any ideas around this??

[jaberwok]

In acad, look at the ACISOUTVER variable. From Help -

Type: Integer
Saved in: Not-saved
Initial value: 70


Controls the ACIS version of SAT files created using the ACISOUT command. ACISOUT only supports a value of 15 through 18, 20, 21, 30, 31, 40, 50, 60, and 70.

Depending on the acad version that created the file and the sworks version opening it, there may be incompatibilities.

A value of 50 should be safe because IIRC that was the value in use when (before) adesk bought out their ACIS licence from Spatial.

[jeff.garr]

Thanks for trying John, but this didn't help. I am trying to bring in a SW file into ACAD not an ACAD file into SW. It appears the variable mentioned would be for a exporting a file and not inserting one. Is there a variable for inserting a file too??

[jaberwok]

It appears the variable mentioned would be for a exporting a file and not inserting one. Is there a variable for inserting a file too??

Yes, it is and no, I don't know of one. :-(
The fix would probably have to be in SW then. :-( :-(

[JD Mather]

In SolidWorks when you Save As ACIS (*.sat) click the options button and select ACIS v7. That is the latest version of ACIS that Autodesk products will read. Or download the free Spatial Hoops ACIS viewer and it can be used to save back to earlier version (although the method to do this isn't where you would expect so you will have to look around in the program).