IFC to STEP Conversion
This list presents valuable resources, filled with step-by-step guides and expert tips for converting IFC files to STEP format using our converters. Go through them now to streamline your IFC files conversion later.
- Convert Solid Meshes to Faceted BREP in STEP File
- Convert SketchUp SKP Models with Component Instances to STEP
- Explode Component Instances into Mesh Groups
- Convert STL to STEP File with Autoconverter
- Automesher Desktop Application for Windows to Convert 3D File Formats
IFC vs STEP Comparison
| Property | IFC | STEP |
|---|---|---|
| Extensions | .ifc | .stp, .step |
| Name | Industry Foundation Classes | STandardized Exchange of Product |
| Versions |
|
|
| Textures | ||
| Colors | ||
| Geometry components |
Industrial Foundation Classes File
A file format that is widely used in the AEC (Architecture Engineering Construction) industry. It is supported by many software applications, such as Revit from Autodesk or SmartPlant 3D by Intergraph. IFC can store various types of information related to AEC projects, such as:
- Geometry: IFC can represent the shape and size of 3D models, using different types of entities such as solids, surfaces, curves, or points.
- Units: IFC can specify the measurement units for each 3D model, such as meters, inches, degrees, or radians.
- Materials: IFC can define the color and transparency of each geometry component, using values from 0 to 1 for red, green, blue, and alpha channels.
- Instances: IFC can reuse the same geometry component multiple times, by creating mapped items that refer to the original shape definition. This can save storage space and improve performance.
- Structure: IFC can organize the 3D models into a hierarchical structure, using names and identifiers for each component. This can help to manage complex projects and facilitate collaboration.
- BIM: IFC can include generic BIM (Building Information Modeling) data, such as properties, attributes, relationships, or constraints for each 3D model. This can enhance the functionality and interoperability of the file format.
IFC File Converters: Autoconverter and Automesher Application are compatible with IFC, and you can use them to import and export IFC models. You can also modify the custom properties of the IFC geometries, and convert them to other 3D file formats. However, please note that some features of IFC may not be supported by other file formats, and may be lost during the conversion.
STandardized Exchange of Product File
A file format used for the exchange of 3D data across various computer systems, including CAD, CAM, and CAE, in a standardized format. Some of the benefits and features of STEP files are:
- Compatibility: STEP is widely supported by many software applications and platforms, making it easy to share and collaborate on 3D models across different domains and industries.
- Accuracy: STEP preserves the exact shape and dimensions of 3D models, unlike some other mesh formats (SKP, OBJ, or STL) that may introduce errors or distortions during conversion.
- Materials: STEP file format supports colors per assembly. However, it lacks an alpha component. This means that any transparency effects applied to 3D models will not be visible or preserved in the STEP files.
STEP Files Converter: STEP files can be very large, especially when they contain complex or high-resolution 3D models. One way to reduce the file size is to use Autoconverter software, which can utilize the faceted BREP representation, potentially saving up to one-third of the file size. It uses the Open Cascade framework, ensuring compatibility with the latest STEP standards.