Working Design skill
Import a STEP file in PartMode
Open a STEP file in PartMode, verify imported exact bodies and hierarchy, and preserve it as an editable PartMode project.
Bring external exact geometry into PartMode without inventing vendor-native features, mates, or manufacturing metadata.
Boundaries
- Preserve the original STEP file and record its byte count and SHA-256 before import.
- Import into a new or explicitly replaceable project; opening STEP can replace the active document.
- Do not claim that STEP reconstructs vendor feature history, mates, or PMI.
- Accept bounded healing only when PartMode reports valid exact solids and the changes fit the approved import policy.
Procedure
- Record the source filename, origin, expected units, expected part or assembly structure, approximate envelope, and original file checksum.
- Save the current PartMode project if it must be preserved. Choose **Open project, STEP, or DXF profile** and select the approved STEP file.
- Wait for the exact reader and any bounded healing pass. If the kernel resets and retries once, keep the resulting diagnostic in the import record.
- Read the import summary: body-definition count, hierarchy mode, names, placements, healing tolerance, repaired-face count, and unchanged-body count when those fields are reported.
- Inspect Bodies, History, and Inspector. Imported geometry should be represented as independent exact B-rep; absence of parametric source history is expected and must not be disguised.
- Compare body count, names, hierarchy, bounding dimensions, and exact health with the delivery contract. Reject an invalid or open solid rather than treating a shaded mesh as successful import.
- Choose Save project file to preserve the imported resources and canonical PartMode document. Reopen that saved project and repeat the key checks.
--- name: import-a-step-file-in-partmode category: design description: Open a STEP file in PartMode, verify imported exact bodies and hierarchy, and preserve it as an editable PartMode project. Use when someone receives CAD from another system, sees a STEP import or healing diagnostic, or needs to distinguish imported B-rep from reconstructed feature history. --- # import-a-step-file-in-partmode Bring external exact geometry into PartMode without inventing vendor-native features, mates, or manufacturing metadata. ## Boundaries - Preserve the original STEP file and record its byte count and SHA-256 before import. - Import into a new or explicitly replaceable project; opening STEP can replace the active document. - Do not claim that STEP reconstructs vendor feature history, mates, or PMI. - Accept bounded healing only when PartMode reports valid exact solids and the changes fit the approved import policy. ## Procedure 1. Record the source filename, origin, expected units, expected part or assembly structure, approximate envelope, and original file checksum. 2. Save the current PartMode project if it must be preserved. Choose **Open project, STEP, or DXF profile** and select the approved STEP file. 3. Wait for the exact reader and any bounded healing pass. If the kernel resets and retries once, keep the resulting diagnostic in the import record. 4. Read the import summary: body-definition count, hierarchy mode, names, placements, healing tolerance, repaired-face count, and unchanged-body count when those fields are reported. 5. Inspect **Bodies**, **History**, and **Inspector**. Imported geometry should be represented as independent exact B-rep; absence of parametric source history is expected and must not be disguised. 6. Compare body count, names, hierarchy, bounding dimensions, and exact health with the delivery contract. Reject an invalid or open solid rather than treating a shaded mesh as successful import. 7. Choose **Save project file** to preserve the imported resources and canonical PartMode document. Reopen that saved project and repeat the key checks. ## Done - Original STEP bytes and checksum remain preserved - PartMode reports valid exact imported bodies with understood healing evidence - Body names, count, placements, hierarchy, and envelope match expectations - The report states that vendor-native history, mates, and PMI were not reconstructed - A saved PartMode project reopens with the same imported exact geometry