Data Exchange Interfaces

Site Map
Preface
What's New?
User's Tasks
Customizing
Glossary
Index

© Dassault Systèmes 1994-2001. All rights reserved.

 Site Map
Preface
What's New?
User Tasks

Importing a STEP AP203 / AP214 File

Exporting Data to a STEP AP203 / AP214 File
Importing a 3D IGES File into a CATPart
Importing a 2D IGES File into a CATDrawing
Exporting CATPart DATA to an IGES File
Importing a DXF/DWG File into a CATDrawing
Inserting a DXF/DWG File into a CATDrawing
Exporting a CATDrawing Document Data into a DXF File
Exporting a CGM File
Inserting a CGM File into an Existing CATDrawing
Exporting CATPart Data to an STL File
Exporting 3D Documents to VRML
Opening a tdg Document

Customizing
Glossary
Index
 Preface
CATIA Version 5 is an open system, capable of interoperating with data in all of the
mostly used data format standards in the CAD/CAM/CAE Industry.
For Importing and Exporting external files there are miscellaneous formats : STEP,
IGES, DXF/DWG, CGM, STL, VRML, and STRIM/STYLER.
These formats are used to transfer geometric data (surfaces and wireframe) between
different CAD-CAM systems in following situations :
concurrent engineering with using several CAD-CAM systems
migration of databases when changing system (example: for new
CATIA customers)
exchanges of geometric data with clients or suppliers

Data Exchange Interfaces are :

STEP AP203 / AP214 format (Standard for the Exchange of Product model
data) : the CATIA - STEP AP203 Interface 1 (ST1 Product )and the CATIA -
STEP AP214 Interface 1 (SI1 Product) : allow to interactively read and write
data in STEP AP203 / AP214 data formats. Its supports geometry and assembly
structures and handles topology (shells, solids) on export and import.
For instance, you can read a STEP file, edit its content in CATIA V5
workbenches, and save the results directly as a STEP file.
IGES format is supported by the CATIA - IGES Interface (IG1) product. CATIA -
IGES Interface (IG1) helps users working in a heterogeneous CAD/CAM
environment to exchange data through a neutral format. The Initial Graphic
Exchange Specification (IGES) format, is the most used neutral format to
transfer data between heterogeneous CAD systems. Users can perform
bi-directional data exchange between dissimilar systems with direct and
automated access to IGES files.
IGES files containing 3D geometry are imported into CATPart documents. Their
type should be "igs".
IGES files containing 2D geometry and annotations are imported as
CATDrawing documents. Their type should be "ig2".
DXF/DWG : DXF formats are supported by the CATIA - Generative Drafting
Products. After creating drawings, the designers can export data in DXF/DWG
formatted files and import the 2D geometric data contained in a DXF/DWG file
into a CATDrawing document.
CGM format is supported by the CATIA - Object Manager Products.
STL format is supported by the CATIA - Object Manager Products. STL
concerns stereolithography document (.stl).
VRML format is supported by the CATIA - Object Manager Products. Moreover
CATIA DMO (DMU Optimizer) results can be exported as VRML files.
 STRIM/STYLER : CATIA - STRIM/STYLER To CATIA Interface 2 (STC) allows
to process in CATIA V5 the Geometry from Strim and Styler Applications. It
provides a unique direct Interface from Strim and Styler to CATIA, which
operates on Strim and Styler Native Format Files in CATIA Environment. The
product features a direct access to Styler or Strim data files to convert and store
them into CATIA V5 format. The product enables to retrieve an existing Styler or
Strim design into CATIA, and proceed to further transformations in CATIA
Mechanical Solutions, Potentially NC Manufacturing Solutions and Shape
Design & Styling solutions.
STRIM and STYLER files (with extension ".tdg") can be selected in File Open to
Create and Display a CATIA part document enclosing the geometry of the files
in a CATIA Format. Files can be selected in the CATIA - DIGITAL MOCK-UP
NAVIGATOR to be inserted as existing components in a Product.

The CATIA - Data Exchange Interfaces User's Guide has been designed to show
you how to Import and Export external files in/from CATIA Version 5.
 What's New?
STEP :
Importing a STEP AP203 / AP214 File
=> Offset Surfaces
Exporting CATPart or CATProduct Data to a STEP AP203 / AP214 File
=> Performance of Export and Size of generated Files

=> Export of shells

=> Multiple Instances of a Part in an Assembly

Exchange of Assemblies : Support of External References in AP203 and AP214
=> Options panel : choice of the export mode
=> Support of external references on import
=> Support of external references on export
Units on Export

IGES :
Import of a 2D IGES File into a CATDrawing

DXF / DWG :
Importing /Exporting a DXF / DWG File
=> DWG File: Dimensions Import Configuration
 User's Tasks
Importing a STEP AP203 / AP214 File
Exporting Data to a STEP AP203 / AP214 File
Importing a 3D IGES File into a CATPart
Importing a 2D IGES File into a CATDrawing
Exporting CATPart or CATProduct Data to an IGES File
Importing a DXF/DWG File into a CATDrawing
Inserting a DXF/DWG File into a CATDrawing
Exporting a CATDrawing Document's Data into a DXF or DWG File
Exporting a CGM File
Inserting a CGM File into an Existing CATDrawing
Exporting CATPart Data to an STL File
Exporting 3D Documents to VRML
Opening a Document from STRIM or STYLER
 Importing a STEP AP203 / AP214 File
This task shows you how to import to a CATPart or CATProduct document the data contained in a STEP AP203 / AP214 file.

The following points should be remembered :

Conformance Classes 2,3,4 and 6 are supported in AP203.
Conformance Classes 1 and 2 are supported in AP214 (assembly and 3D geometry / topology management).
External references are supported with STEP AP214, but they not with STEP AP203.
Assemblies generated by V4 CATASM and referencing to .model files or cgr files are supported.
The table entitled STEP Part 42 Entities Imported from V5R6 and Higher provides information on the entities you can import.

You can automate Data exchanges between CATIA V5 and STEP/IGES/DXF using VBScript macros. The process is explained in the last
part entitled Importing Using VBScript Macros.

1. Click the Open icon or select the File->Open command.

The File Selection dialog box is displayed.

2. Set the .stp or .step extension in the Files of type field.

This displays all .stp or .step files contained in the selected directory :
3. Select the .stp or .step file of your choice (High_pressure_washer.stp, for example) and click Open.
What is then displayed depends on the contents of the STEP file.
If the STEP file contains a normalized assembly structure, a CATProduct document is created.
If the STEP file does not contain any geometrical and topological data, the components will be visible only in the Specification Tree.
If the STEP file contains also geometrical and topological data, all the components will be present in the Geometry Space and in the
Specification Tree.
If the STEP file contains only geometrical and topological data, a CATPart document is created.
The geometrical elements of the faces, which could not be transferred, are created in the NO SHOW space. In the NO SHOW space, you can
visualize the Surface supports and the 3D Curves).

4. Consult the report file (name_of_step_file.rpt) and the error file (name_of_step_file.err) which are generated by the import operation. These
files are created in a location referenced by the CATReport variable. On NT the default value of this variable is Profiles\user\Local
Settings\Application Data\Dassault Systemes\CATReport and on UNIX it is $HOME/CATReport.

After the recovery of STEP files, CATIA V5 generates a report file. In this file you can find references about the quality of the transfer.
 Here is a conversion summary:
Entity Mapping OK KO NS OUT DEG INV
MANIFOLD_SOLID_BREP 1 0 0 0 0 0
ADVANCED_FACE 2310 0 0 0 0 0
Result 2311 0 0 0 0 0
Legend:
OK = Transferred OUT = Out Of Size
KO = Not Transferred DEG = Degenerated
NS = Unsupported INV = Invalid

"OUT" entities are OUT of model size. Most of the time, these entities are curves and they are out of the V5 model space. These entities are
not created.
"INV" entities are Invalid entities, that is to say their description within the STEP file is invalid (STEP syntax rules are not respected,...). These
entities are not created.
"DEG" entities are degenerated entities. They are solids (MANIFOLD_SOLID_BREP) or Shells (OPEN_SHELL), or Curves (LINE,
CIRCLE,...). Degenerated solids are incomplete solids (at least one Face misses)

The following points should be remembered:

As the unit system used in Version 5 is MKSA (radians, mm) data from all STEP files will be converted into such units.
Color exchange is not supported.

STEP Part 42 Entities Imported into V5R6 and Higher

Implemented Not yet implemented N/A: Not applicable according to the standard

geometrically bounded geometrically bounded shell-based

Shape Representation edge-based wireframe manifold surface faceted brep advanced brep
wireframe surface wireframe

edge_based_ shell_based_ shell_based_ faceted_brep manifold_solid_brep

High Level Entities geometric_curve_set geometric_set
wireframe_model wireframe_model surface_model brep_with_voids brep_with_voids
 Entity
Point
cartesian_point

point_on_curve N/A N/A N/A N/A

point_on_surface N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

point_replica N/A N/A

degenerate_pcurve N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Curve
line N/A

circle N/A

ellipse N/A

hyperbola N/A

parabola N/A

polyline N/A

b_spline_curve (+ rational)
N/A
b_spline_curve_with_knots

uniform_curve (+rational) N/A

quasi_uniform_curve (+rational) N/A

bezier_curve N/A

trimmed_curve N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

 composite_curve N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

composite_curve_on_surface N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

boundary_curve
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
outer_boundary_curve

pcurve N/A N/A N/A N/A

surface_curve N/A N/A N/A N/A

offset_curve_3d N/A N/A

curve_replica N/A N/A

Surface
plane N/A N/A N/A

cylindrical_surface N/A N/A N/A N/A

conical_surface N/A N/A N/A N/A

spherical_surface N/A N/A N/A N/A

toroidal_surface N/A N/A N/A N/A

degenerate_toroidal_surface N/A N/A N/A N/A

surface_of_linear_extrusion N/A N/A N/A N/A

surface_of_revolution N/A N/A N/A N/A

b_spline_surface
N/A N/A N/A N/A
b_spline_surface_with_knots

uniform_surface N/A N/A N/A N/A

 quasi_uniform_surface N/A N/A N/A N/A

bezier_surface N/A N/A N/A N/A

rectangular_trimmed_surface N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

curve_bounded_surface N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

rectangular_composite_surface N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

offset_surface N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

surface_replica N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Topology
vertex_point N/A N/A N/A

edge_curve N/A N/A N/A

oriented_edge N/A N/A N/A N/A

vertex_loop N/A N/A N/A N/A

poly_loop N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

edge_loop N/A N/A N/A N/A

face_bound
N/A N/A N/A N/A
face_outer_bound

face_surface N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

advanced_face N/A N/A N/A N/A

oriented_face N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

vertex_shell N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

wire_shell N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

connected_edge_set N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

open_shell N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

oriented_open_shell N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

closed_shell N/A N/A N/A N/A

oriented_closed_shell N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

manifold_solid_brep N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Importing Using VBScript Macros

You can automate Data exchanges between CATIA V5 and STEP/IGES/DXF using VBScript
macros.

Operating mode:
create a RunTime window (window in which all runtime variables a set)
type the command: cnext –macro MyMacro.CATScript
where MyMacro.CATScript is the VBScript macro you want to execute

Limitations:

The input files must be writable (not read only). Otherwise CATIA will display an information box
and wait for an acknowledge.

The output file must not exist in the output directory otherwise CATIA will ask for a confirmation
to overwrite the file and wait for an acknowledge.
Recommended practices:

You can transfer several files within the same macro, but it is recommended to do only one
transfer per macro.

Example:

Macro for implementing a STEP AP203 file into CATIA V5

Language="VBSCRIPT"
Sub CATMain()
Dim Document0 As Document
' Reading a STEP file
Set Document0 = CATIA.Documents.Open ( "E:\tmp\Box.stp" )
' Saving the corresponding CATPart
CATIA.ActiveDocument.SaveAs "E:\tmp\Box"
CATIA.Quit
End Sub
Exporting CATPart or CATProduct Data to a STEP AP203 /
AP214 File
This task shows you how to save in STEP AP203 / AP214 formats the data contained in a CATPart or CATProduct document.
STEP AP203 and STEP AP214 formats are used for the data exchange between the Assembly workbench and other CADCAM
software products. Saving your assembly in STEP AP203 / AP214 format comes down to gathering assembly data into one file.
The assembly structure and the geometry (in compliance with the STEP format) are saved.
You can export:
CATProduct documents (resulting in STEP AP203 / AP214 files in compliance with Part 44)
the bodies (volumes, shells and faces) of CATPart documents (resulting in STEP AP203 / AP214 files in compliance with
Part 42)
The export of Shells occurs with no limitation and all the structure information can be recovered.

Multiple Instances of a Part in an Assembly is possible: a link with the same reference is established in order to limit the
number of instances.

Support of External References on Export: the External References functionality is available only with AP214. For more
information about the Customizing export mode, refer to Customizing STEP Setting in CATIA - Infrastructure User's Guide.

The table entitled STEP Part 42 Entities Exported from V5R6 and Higher provides information on the entities you can export.

You can automate Data exchanges between CATIA V5 and STEP using VBScript macros. The process is explained in the last
part entitled Exporting Using VBScript Macros.

1. Open the CATPart or CATProduct document to be saved in STEP AP203 / AP214 format.
2. When the document is open, select the File -> Save As... command.
The Save As dialog box is displayed:
3. Specify the name you want to give to the STEP file in the File name: field.
4. Set the .stp extension in the Save as type field.
You will remember that the extension used in V4 was .step. In Version 5, CATPart and CATProduct documents are exported to
files with the extension "stp".

5. Click the Save button to confirm the operation.

If you now open the .stp file you will see that the file header contains the following information:
the file name
the date of creation (with the year expressed in four digits meaning that your STEP data will be year 2000-compliant)
the V5 version used for the conversion.

6. If STEP AP203 and AP214 licenses (STEP AP203 Interface 1, ST1, and the STEP AP214 Interface 1, SI1) are available, you
can choose the Application Protocol in Tools -> Options -> Compatibility, click the STEP tab. Select AP203 or AP214 and click on
OK.
 7. Consult the report file (name_of_step_file.rpt) and the error file (name_of_step_file.err) generated by the import operation.
These files are created in a location referenced by the CATReport variable. On Windows the default value of this variable is
Profiles\user\Local Settings\Application Data\Dassault Systemes\CATReport and on UNIX it is $HOME/CATReport.

After the recovery of STEP files, CATIA V5 generates a report file. In this file you can find references about the quality of the
transfer.

When a CATProduct document is exported the geometry/topology of the CATPart documents is also stored in the .stp file.

The following points should be remembered:

The units used are V5 units i.e. MKSA (radians, mm). The angles are exported in radians and lengths in mm or Inch.

Color exchange is not supported.

Hidden objects (i.e. that belong to the No Show space) are not exported.
Higher performance of export and size of generated files: limited number of characters in the internal data of the STEP file,
which reduces the file size (- 4 or 5%).

STEP Part 42 Entities Exported from V5R6 and Higher

Implemented Not yet implemented Not generated by V5

N/A: Not applicable according to the standard

OpenShell (GSM,
Not generated by
Not generated by V5 Wire (GSM, Free Style, etc.) Shape Design, Free PartBody
V5
Style, etc.)

Shape geometrically bounded geometrically edge-based shell-based

manifold surface faceted brep advanced brep
Representation wireframe bounded surface wireframe wireframe

High Level edge_based_ shell_based_ shell_based_ faceted_brep manifold_solid_brep

geometric_curve_set geometric_set
Entities wireframe_model wireframe_model surface_model brep_with_voids brep_with_voids
Entity

Point
cartesian_point

point_on_curve N/A N/A N/A

point_on_surface N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

point_replica N/A N/A N/A N/A

degenerate_pcurve N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Curve
line thru edge_curve N/A

circle thru edge_curve N/A

ellipse thru edge_curve N/A

hyperbola thru edge_curve N/A

parabola thru edge_curve N/A

polyline N/A

b_spline_curve
(+ rational)
thru edge_curve N/A
b_spline_curve_with_knots

uniform_curve (+rational) N/A

quasi_uniform_curve
N/A
(+rational)

bezier_curve N/A

trimmed_curve N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

composite_curve N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

composite_curve_on_surface N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

 boundary_curve
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
outer_boundary_curve

pcurve N/A N/A N/A

surface_curve N/A N/A N/A N/A

offset_curve_3d N/A N/A

curve_replica N/A N/A

Surface
plane N/A N/A N/A

cylindrical_surface N/A N/A N/A

conical_surface N/A N/A N/A N/A

spherical_surface N/A N/A N/A N/A

toroidal_surface N/A N/A N/A N/A

degenerate_toroidal_surface N/A N/A N/A N/A

surface_of_linear_extrusion N/A N/A N/A N/A

surface_of_revolution N/A N/A N/A N/A

b_spline_surface
N/A N/A N/A N/A
b_spline_surface_with_knots

uniform_surface N/A N/A N/A N/A

quasi_uniform_surface N/A N/A N/A N/A

bezier_surface N/A N/A N/A N/A

rectangular_trimmed_surface N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

curve_bounded_surface N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

rectangular_composite_surface N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

 offset_surface N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

surface_replica N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Topology
vertex_point N/A N/A thru edge_curve N/A

edge_curve N/A N/A thru oriented_edge N/A

oriented_edge N/A N/A N/A thru edge_loop N/A

vertex_loop N/A N/A N/A N/A

poly_loop N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

edge_loop N/A N/A N/A thru wire_shell N/A

face_bound
N/A N/A N/A N/A
face_outer_bound

face_surface N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

advanced_face N/A N/A N/A N/A

oriented_face N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

vertex_shell N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

wire_shell N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

connected_edge_set N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

open_shell N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

oriented_open_shell N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

closed_shell N/A N/A N/A N/A

oriented_closed_shell N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Exporting Using VBScript Macros

You can automate Data exchanges between CATIA V5 and STEP using VBScript macros.
Operating mode:
create a RunTime window (window in which all runtime variables are set):
type the command: cnext –macro MyMacro.CATScript
where MyMacro. CATScript is the VBScript macro you want to execute:
Limitations
The input files must be writable (not read only). Otherwise CATIA will display an information box
and wait for an acknowledge.
The output file must not exist in the output directory otherwise CATIA will ask for a confirmation
to overwrite the file and wait for an acknowledge.
Recommended practices
You can transfer several files within the same macro, but it is recommended to do only one
transfer per macro.
Examples:

Macro for exporting a CATIA V5 CATPart file to STEP AP203

Language="VBSCRIPT"
Sub CATMain()
Dim PartDocument0 As Document
' Reading a CATPart file
Set PartDocument0 = CATIA.Documents.Open ( "E:\tmp\Box.CATPart" )
' Saving the part in a STEP file
PartDocument0.ExportData "E:\tmp\Box2", "stp"
CATIA.Quit
End Sub
Macro for exporting a CATIA V5 CATProduct file to STEP AP203
Language="VBSCRIPT
Sub CATMain()
Dim ProductDocument0 As Document
Set ProductDocument0 = CATIA.Documents.Open ( "E:\tmp\Product1.CATProduct" )
ProductDocument0.ExportData "E:\tmp\Product1", "stp"
CATIA.Quit
End Sub
 Importing a 3D IGES File into a CATPart
This task shows you how to import into a CATPart document the data contained in an IGES file.
Once imported, the data can be handled just as if it were created as a CATPart. The main purpose of such an import is to
be able to create shells from IGES faces but you may also find it useful for re-using face contours in the Sketcher
application, deforming NURBs in Generative Shape Design or using faces in other CATIA applications.

The second task, entitled The Management of KO Faces, shows you how to recover a maximum of the faces' geometry,
the topology of which could not be built when importing an IGES file into a Version 5 CATPart document.

In the lower part entitled What about the Elements You can Import, there is a list presenting the IGES data supported
when imported into a CATPart document.

You can automate Data exchanges between CATIA V5 and IGES using VBScript macros. The process is explained in the
last part entitled Importing Using VBScript Macros.

1. Select the File->Open command.

The File Selection dialog box is displayed.

2. If the directory contains many different types of files you may wish to set the .igs extension in the Files of type field.
This displays all files with the extension "igs" contained in the selected directory.

In Version 5, both files with the extension "igs" and IGS can be imported to a CATPart document.

3. Select the .igs file of your choice and click Open.

This creates a new document similar to a CATPart document in all respects and containing all surfaces and 3D wireframe
geometry. The data is now available in your session.

The following points should be remembered:

The IGES standards 5.2 and 5.3 are supported. The latter is year 2000-compliant.
Trimmed and bounded surfaces are transformed into faces.
Solids, volumes and skins as well as text, annotations and 2D geometry are not converted.
The tolerance used is the default tolerance defined in the Part Design session.
Properties such as the original colors, the show status, names are maintained in your session.

Import with Join :

If you want to join the surfaces of your IGES model into a shell. You can select the Join option in the Settings :
Tools -> Options -> General -> Compatibility -> IGES -> Import : Join. If this option is active, the software will try to
knit the surfaces from an importable file into a shell. For more information see Customizing IGES Settings.
If you select the option : join surfaces of each group. The software try to knit the surfaces of each group into one
shell per group. This option is useful if you intend to work with IGES models which enclose separate parts, and
recover separate shells into CATIA.
You can select the tolerance which is used to join the surfaces : If you know the tolerance of the system which has
created the IGES file, you can use it. Otherwise, it is better to begin with a small tolerance.
To see the boundaries of the created shell, you can select : Tools -> Options -> General -> Display -> Visualization ->
Colors : Surfaces' boundaries. For more information refer to Customizing Visualization Settings.
If you select the join option, while importing IGES files to CATIA, make sure that model is constituted of one part.

In case you used to handle several parts in one single IGES Model, make sure that each part corresponds to an
associativity instance (402). There will be one Join per associativity instance.
The Join operation may fail in specific topological configurations.

The import operation generates a report file (name_of_saved_file.rpt) and an error file (name_of_saved_file.err). These
files are created in a location referenced by the USERPROFILE variable on NT and by the HOME variable on UNIX. The
default location is the folder Profiles\user\Local Settings\Application Data\Dassault Systemes\ on Windows NT (where
"username" is your logon id) or the CATReport directory in your home directory on UNIX.
In the report file, you can find references about the quality of the transfer.

The Management of KO Faces :

This task shows you how to recover a maximum of the faces' geometry, the topology of which could not be built when
importing an IGES file into a Version 5 CATPart document.
During the IGES transfer, the user has the possibility to re-build its document when some faces have not been completely
transferred.
1. Open an IGES File in CATIA Version 5.
In the specification tree, there is an element per defective face : FaceKO#1423 and FaceKO#1473. Notice that the

defective faces are already in the NO SHOW space .

2. Click on the SHOW / NO SHOW icon to see the KO faces. The faces' support surfaces are in a specific red color
and you can see the pink outline of the faces which corresponds to the 2D Curves. The outline of 3D Curves is blue.

In the NO SHOW space : In the SHOW space :

 3. The user can visualize the number of defective faces in the report file generated by the import operation.

4. Finally the user can repair the KO faces manually in the Shape Design workbenche.

What about the Elements You Import?

To make sure the elements you need to handle in your session are those you expected, here is a list presenting the IGES
data supported when imported into a CATPart document:

Element number in IGES Element number in

Element Type Element Type
format IGES format
null 0 tabulated cylinder 122
circular arc 100 transformation matrix 124
composite curve 102 rational B-spline curve 126
conic arc - ellipse 104 form 1 rational B-spline surface 128
copious data 106 forms 1-3, 11-13, 63 offset curve 130
unbounded plane 108 form 0 offset surface 140
bounded plane 108 form 1 boundary (of skin) 141 *
line 110 form 0 curve on a parametric surface 142 *
semi-bounded line 110 form 1 bounded surface (of skin) 143
unbounded line 110 form 2 trimmed (parametric) surface 144
parametric spline curve 112 subfigure definition (detail) 308
parametric spline
114 color definition 314
surface
point 116 associativity instance (group) 402 forms 1, 7, 14, 15
ruled surface 118 single subfigure instance (ditto) 408
surface of revolution 120

* Only the Geometry type curves "Curve on a parametric surface" and "Boundary" are taken into account for face creation. 2D
Parametric type curves are ignored.

Notice that elements contained in dittos are imported as simple elements (dittos are exploded).
Importing Using VBScript Macros
You can automate Data exchanges between CATIA V5 and IGES using VBScript macros.

Operating mode:
create a RunTime window (window in which all runtime variables a set)
type the command: cnext –macro MyMacro.CATScript
where MyMacro.CATScript is the VBScript macro you want to execute

Limitations:

The input files must be writable (not read only). Otherwise CATIA will display an information box and wait for an
acknowledge.

The output file must not exist in the output directory otherwise CATIA will ask for a confirmation to overwrite the file and
wait for an acknowledge.

Recommended practices:

You can transfer several files within the same macro, but it is recommended to do only one transfer per macro.

Example:

Macro for implementing a IGES file into CATIA V5

Language="VBSCRIPT"
Sub CATMain()
Dim Document0 As Document
' Reading an IGES file
Set Document0 = CATIA.Documents.Open ( "E:\tmp\Box.igs" )
' Saving the corresponding CATPart
CATIA.ActiveDocument.SaveAs "E:\tmp\Box"
CATIA.Quit
End Sub
Importing a 2D IGES File into a CATDrawing
This task shows you how to import into a CATDrawing document the data contained in a 2D IGES file.
Once imported, the data can be handled just as if it were created as a CATDrawing.
1. Select the File -> Open command.
The File Selection dialog box is displayed.
2. If the directory contains many different types of files you may wish to set the .ig2 extension in the
Files of type field. This displays all files with the extension "ig2" contained in all the selected directory.
3. Select the .ig2 file of your choice and click Open.
This creates a new document similar to a CADrawing document in all respects and containing all 2D
geometry and annotations. The data is now available in your session.
The import operation generates a report file (name_of_file.rpt) and an error file (name_of_file.err).
These files are created in a location referenced by the USERPROFILE variable on NT and by the
HOME variable on UNIX. The default location is the folder Profiles\user\Local Settings\Application
Data\Dassault Systemes\on Windows NT (where "username" is your logon id) or the CATReport
directory in your home directory on UNIX.

What about the Elements You Import?

To make sure the elements you need to handle in your session are those you expexcted, here is a list
presenting the IGES data supported when imported into a CATDrawing document:
Element type Element number in IGES format
circular pattern 100
composite curve 102
conic arc 104
copious data 106
line 110
parametric spline curve 112
point 116
transformation matrix 124
rational B-spline curve 126
offset curve 130
angular dimension 202
arc length dimension 204
diameter dimension 206
flag note 208
general label 210
general note 212
leader 214
linear dimension 216
point dimension 220
raduis dimension 222
general symbol 228
sectioned area 230
subfigure definition (detail) 308
associativity instance (group) 402
drawing 404
properties 406
single subfigure instance (ditto) 408
view 410
Exporting CATPart or CATProduct Data to an IGES
File
This task shows you how to save in IGES format the data contained in a CATPart or CATProduct document.
The table entitled What about the Elements You Export provides information on the entities you can export.

You can automate Data exchanges between CATIA V5 and STEP using VBScript macros. The process is
explained in the last part entitled Exporting Using VBScript Macros.

1. Open the CATPart or CATProduct document to be saved in IGES format.

2. Select the File -> Save As... command.

The Save As dialog box is displayed.
3. Specify the name of the document in the File name: field.
4. Set the .igs extension in the Save as type field.
In Version 5, CATPart documents can be exported to files with the extension "igs".

5. Click the Save button to confirm the operation.

The Save as igs dialog box appears (only when exporting a CATPart document) :

This dialog box offers several options:

The default Standard option and the BSpline option allow you to select which curve and surface types
you want to generate. If you leave the default Standard option selected the curve and surface types
created in the Part are kept as is. If you select the BSpline option all curves and surfaces are converted
into B-splines.
The default Surface option and the Wireframe option allow you to select the representation mode. If you
select Surface solid decomposition will be identical in both the original model and the resulting file.
The Wireframe option in Version 5 can be used if you want 3D visualization of solid edges to be
identical in both the original model and the resulting file. This may be useful in cases where curves are
the only form of input accepted in the receiving system.
You may wish to round digits up or down to 7, 8, 9 or 10 digits. If so, use the Number of digits list
provided.
When selected, the Show / No Show option allows you to save only the Part's entities which are in the
Show mode.
 If you are happy with the settings you have selected and do not want this dialog box to reappear the next time
you export, click the checkbox provided in the lower left-hand corner of the dialog box.

6. Click OK.

You can also use the Tools->Options->General->Compatibility->IGES tab to enter the information mentioned
above.
IGES 5.3 (year 2000-compliant) is the standard supported.
The export operation generates a report file (name_of_saved_file.rpt) and an error file
(name_of_saved_file.err). These files are created in a location referenced by the USERPROFILE variable on
NT and by the HOME variable on UNIX. The default location is the folder Profiles\user\Local
Settings\Application Data\Dassault Systemes\CATReport on Windows NT (where "user" is your logon id) or
the CATReport directory in your home directory on UNIX.
In the report file you can find references about the quality of the transfer.

The topology of solids and shells is lost during the export. As a consequence, you have a group of surfaces
called an Open Body. If you make an Import with Join, therefore you can get a Close Body.

When a CATProduct is exported, the component .igs and .model files are not stored in the .igs file.
Each component of a CATProduct document is translated by a subfigure definition / singular subfigure
instance in the .igs file.

What About the Elements You Export?

The list below shows the IGES element numbers corresponding to the element types in Part
Design.
Element
Element Number
Element Type Element Type Number in
in IGES format
IGES format
circular arc 100 surface of revolution 120
composite curve 102 tabulated cylinder 122
conic arc - ellipse 104 form 1 transformation matrix 124
copious data 106 form 2 rational B-spline curve 126
unbounded plane 108 form 0 rational B-spline surface 128
curve on a parametric
line 110 form 0 142 *
surface
trimmed (parametric)
point 116 144
surface
ruled surface 118 color definition 314

* The only curve type generated is the Geometry type.

Exporting Using VBScript Macros

You can automate Data exchanges between CATIA V5 and IGES using VBScript macros.
Operating mode:
create a RunTime window (window in which all runtime variables are set):
type the command: cnext –macro MyMacro.CATScript
where MyMacro. CATScript is the VBScript macro you want to execute:
Limitations
The input files must be writable (not read only). Otherwise CATIA will display an information box and wait for
an acknowledge.
The output file must not exist in the output directory otherwise CATIA will ask for a confirmation to overwrite
the file and wait for an acknowledge.
Recommended practices
You can transfer several files within the same macro, but it is recommended to do only one transfer per macro.
Examples:

Macro for exporting a CATIA V5 CATPart file to IGES

Language="VBSCRIPT"
Sub CATMain()
Dim PartDocument0 As Document
' Reading a CATPart file
Set PartDocument0 = CATIA.Documents.Open ( "E:\tmp\Box.CATPart" )
' Saving the part in a IGES file
PartDocument0.ExportData "E:\tmp\Box2", "igs"
CATIA.Quit
End Sub
Importing a DXF/DWG file into a
CATDrawing
This task lets you quickly see how to import or to insert the geometric data
contained in a DXF file into a CATDrawing document. Once imported, the data
can be handled and edited just as if they had been created in a Drafting session
using 2D geometry creation commands.
Open your session (Open your CATDrawing document if you want to insert a
DXF file.).
1. To import an existing DXF/DWG file, select the File-> Open items.

To insert a DXF/DWG file in an existing CATDrawing document, select the

Tools -> Import External Format.
The File Selection dialog box is displayed:

2. Select
the.dxf/
extension
from the
field
called
Files of
type.
All .dxf
files
contained
in the
selected
directory
are now
displayed.

3. Click
the .dxf
file of
your
choice.
For
example,
click the
draw1.dxf
file.
4. Click
Open.
Note that Version 5 supports DXF/DWG formats version 12,13, 14 and
Autocad2000.
When importing a DXF/DWG file in CATIA, the display of small entities may
depend on zoom factor. In order to see the complete Drawing regardless of
their size you have just to modify in the settings
Tools->Options->General->Display->Performance the values of "Level of
detail/static" to zero if you wish to see all geometries. For more information, see
Performance.
When importing an Autocad2000 DXF or DWG file (this format is automatically
recognized) the "weight"property of each entity is mapped to the nearest
available CATIA line weight. The current CATIA line weights are visible and
customizable through the menu Tools->Options->General->Display->Thickness.

A CATDrawing file is created which contains all the geometry included in the dxf
file. This .CATDrawing file becomes the current document.
You may select the most suitable import unit using the import options :
Tools->Options->General->Compatibility->DXF commands.

If you check:
CATIA dimension + Details: linear dimensions will be preserved, others
will be transformed into details,
Details: dimensions are turned into details,
Exploded geometry: geometry is exploded, check this option to keep the
graphical aspect (this mode increase performance when loading a
model).
 When importing a DXF/DWG file in CATIA, the display of small entities may
depend on zoom factor. In order to see the complete Drawing regardless of
their size you have just to modify in the settings
Tools->Options->General->Display->Performance the values of "Level of
detail/static" to zero if you wish to see all geometries. For more information, see
Performance.

What About The Elements You Import ?

To make sure the elements you need to handle in your session are those you
expected, here is a list presenting the DXF/DWG data supported when imported into a
CATDrawing file.
DXF/DWG 2D elements you can Resulting corresponding elements in the
import CATDrawing file
point point
line line
ray line
xline line
circle circle
arc arc
polyline polyline / geometry + fill area (1)
lightweight polyline polyline / geometry + fill area (1)
mline lines
spline spline
ellipse ellipse
text text
mtext text
dimension geometry + text
leader geometry
hatch fill area
solid fill area
attrib text
block detail (2)
insert detail instance (3)
group structure not supported

(1) CATIA polylines are created if DXF/DWG polylines contain only lines (no arcs) and
have unique line weight, else geometry will be created (with fill area if variable line
weight).
(2) the details are created in a new Detail Sheet named "DXF Details".
(3) if the insertion is defined with different scales, on x-axis and y-axis, you do not
create detail instance but only the geometry is transferred.
The unsupported entities are : 3Dface, 3Dsolid, arc aligned text, image, OLE frame,
region, text, tolerance (GD&T) and viewport.
 Inserting a DXF/DWG file into an Existing
CATDrawing
This task lets you quickly see how to insert a dxf or dwg file into a CATDrawing document. Once imported, the
data can be handled and edited just as if they had been created in a Drafting session using 2D element creation
commands.

Open your session. Open your CATDrawing document

1. Select the Tools-> Import External Format items.

The Import dialog box is displayed:

2. Select the .dxf or .dwg extension

from the field called Files of type.
3. Click the .dxf or .dwg file of your
choice.
4. Click Open.

All the element included in the dxf or dwg file is now included in the CATDrawing file.
All the settings of the imported dxf or dwg file are taken into account.
Using the import options, Tools->Options->General->Compatibility->DXF, you can define:
that you import a file either in the working or the background views,
the dimensions import settings:

If you check:
CATIA dimension + Details: linear dimensions will be preserved, others will be transformed into details,
Details: dimensions are turned into details,
Exploded geometry: geometry is exploded, check this option to keep the graphical aspect (this mode
increase performance when loading a model).

All that was explained in Importing a DXF/DWG File into a CATDrawing is also true for Inserting for a DXF/DWG
File into an existing CATDrawing. For more information, see the Table about the imported entities.
Exporting a CATDrawing Document's Data into a
DXF or DWG File
This task quickly shows you how to export the data contained in a CATDrawing document into a DXF file.

Drawing Interchange Format (DXF) files enable the interchange of drawings between Generative Drafting
Version 5 and Version 4 or with other programs.
DXF files correspond to ASCII format and DWG to binary format.
Version 5 provides a simple method to export the data contained in a CATDrawing document either in a
DXF file or in a DWG file.

Open a CATDrawing document.

1. Select the File, Save As item.

The Save As dialog box is
displayed:

2. Change the Format type into DXF

type.
3. Enter the file name.

4. Press SAVE.
 The same method applies to DWG file export.
In the case of a multi-sheet drawing, customize the export options according to your needs. The option
"Only current sheet" exports the data to a file with the name entered in the Save as dialog box. The option
"All sheets" exports the data to several files. The name of each file is made of the name entered in the
Save as dialog box and the name of the sheet (Drawing1_sheet_1.dxf, Drawing_sheet_2.dxf, ...).

Note that when working with CATIA Version 4, if you open a DXF or DWG file created in Version 5, you
need to set the curve tolerance to 0.0001 (0.1 as default).

Note that the resulting file corresponds to versions 12, 13 and 14 DXF/DWG format and Autocad2000.

The unit of the output file is always the millimeter.

When exporting a CATIA Drawing with Autocad2000 format (See DXF Import / Export Format) the current
line weight of each element is mapped to the nearest DXF available line weight. The current CATIA line
weightsare visible and customizable through the menu Tools->Options->General->Display->Thickness.

What About the Elements You Export?

The table below sets the mapping between the CATDrawing file elements and the resulting DXF 2D elements.
Drafting elements included in the Resulting corresponding elements
CATDrawing file in the DXF/DWG file
point point
line line
circle circle
arc arc
ellipse ellipse
spline polyline
conic polyline
geometry (all the elements mentioned
text
above)
dimensions geometry
balloon geometry
datum feature geometry
leader geometry
GD&T geometry
arrow geometry
title-block geometry
area fill geometry
 Exporting a CGM File
This task lets you quickly see how to export the data contained in a
CATDrawing document into a CGM file.
Open the CATDrawing document to be exported into a CGM file.

1. Select
the File ->
Save As
item.
The Save
As dialog
box is
displayed:

2. Change
the Save
as type
into CGM
type.
3. Enter
the file
name.
4. Press
Save.
 Inserting a CGM file into a CATDrawing
This task will show you how to insert a cgm file into a CATDrawing document.

Open your session. Open your CATDrawing document

1. Select the Tools-> Import External Format item.

The Import dialog box is displayed:

2. Select the .cgm extension from the field called Files of type.

3. Click the .cgm file of your choice.

4. Click Open.

If you use the command File -> Open (you must select the .cgm extension from the field called Files of type), you
only browse the cgm file.
Exporting CATPart Data to an STL
File
This task shows you how to save your part as an STL (stereolithography)
document (.stl).
1. Select the File -> Save As... command.

2. In the Save As dialog box, select the location of the document to be saved.

3. Click the Save as type: list.

4. Select the stl type from the list displayed.

5. Click Save to confirm the operation and quit the command.

Exporting 3D Documents to VRML
This task shows you how to save a 3D document in VRML (Virtual Reality
Modeling Language) format.
1. Open the 3D document to be saved in VRML format.

2. When the document is open, select the File -> Save As... command.
The Save As dialog box is displayed:
3. Specify the name you want to give to the 3D document in the File name: field.

4. Set the .wrl extension in the Save as type field.

5. Click the Save button to confirm the operation.

Opening a Document from STRIM or
STYLER
This task shows you how to import into a CATPart document the contents of a document
created in STRIM or STYLER applications.
CATIA V5 provides a direct interface from STRIM or STYLER to CATIA, which operates
on STRIM and STYLER native format files.
With STRIM/STYLER to CATIA Interface you can retrieve an existing STYLER or STRIM
design in CATIA and proceed to further transformations in CATIA mechanical solutions,
NC Manufacturing solutions and Shape Design and Styling solutions,.
STYLER or STRIM files are opened as CATParts in interactive mode.
The suffix of the STRIM or STYLER models to process must be either .tdg or .TDG.
CATIA V5 accepts any STRIM or STYLER model generated on any platform supporting
STRIM or STYLER (UNIX or NT).
CATIA V5 running on UNIX accepts models from any STRIM or STYLER version,
whereas CATIA running on NT accepts only models from STRIM version 4.2.1 and
higher.
1. Select the File/Open... menu. Enter the path and the name of the tdg model in the file
selection box and click Open.
2. The model is loaded in a new window as a CATIA document, with a CATPart format.
The geometrical entities enclosed in the file are converted to CATIA elements.
3. If necessary, refer to the transfer log file in the CATREPORT location.
4. The geometry can now be processed as any CATPart geometry: elements can be
picked and processed as any CATPart element, the document can be saved as a
CATPart document.
How STRIM/STYLER elements are
imported to CATIA V5R6 and higher
The geometry of STRIM and STYLER models retrieved in CATIA is the following:
Wireframe: points, curves,
Surfaces: planes, patches and trimmed faces converted into single surfaces,
Topology: skins (open shells) are converted into multi-surfaces,
Construction elements: planes, coordinate systems.

Please note some specific translation characteristics:

No approximation of the geometry representation is involved during the
conversion of the models:
CATIA applications retrieve the exact original geometry,
Geometrical entities of any degree are converted to CATIA without approximation,
Extremely "small" curves, small edges, "thin" patches and small faces may exist in
some STRIM/STYLER models. They are ignored according to the tolerance
parameters used. However, this does not affect the consistency of the model
retrieved in CATIA. Such entities are accounted as degenerated in the transfer log
synthesis. Please note that in standard cases such curves are even below the
original STRIM/STYLER tolerances and are useless even for the geometrical
consistency of Euclid STYLER/STRIM models.
Curves and surfaces with especially high degree are not split,
Original topological structures are preserved with a one-to-one mapping.
The tolerance used is the default tolerance defined in the Part Design session.
Original model display services such as:
Layers
Color
Hide/show

are retrieved in the resulting CATPart.

Attributes are processed as follows:
Original colors are retrieved exactly,
Original layers are transferred,
Show/No Show attributes are taken into account,
Other attributes are not taken into account, and CATIA session attributes prevail.
 Transfer Log
The import operation generates a report file (name_of_saved_file.rpt). This file is created
in a location referenced by the USERPROFILE variable on NT and by the HOME
variable on UNIX. The default location is the folder
C:Winnt\Profiles\username\CATReport on Windows NT (where "username" is your logon
id) or the CATReport directory in your home directory on UNIX. It accounts following
information:
Elapsed time,
Number of Euclid STYLER entities of each type transferred,
Transfer Success indication.
If some entities were too small with respect to the CATIA tolerance set in the session,
they are marked as degenerated (this means they are not transferred to CATIA).

STRIM/STYLER elements imported to

CATIA V5R6 and higher
Exists in STRIM Exists in STYLER Converted in Catia
Does not exist in STRIM Does not exist in STYLER Not processed
STRIM or STYLER entities Existing in STRIM Existing in STYLER CATIA output element Comments

3D modeling applications entities: Master Model

Point Geometrical Yes Yes Point

Curve Geometrical Yes Yes Curve

Patch Geometrical Yes Yes Surface

Shell made of one single face Yes Yes Surface

Shell made of several faces Geometrical Yes Yes Surface

STRIM solid (not created in

Geometrical Yes Yes Not processed
STYLER)
3D curve - Patch/Face
Logical Yes Yes Not processed No equivalent in CATIA
relation
Contour (group of curves) Logical Yes Yes Not processed No equivalent in CATIA
Surface (group of patches) Logical Yes Yes Not processed No equivalent in CATIA
Group Logical Yes Yes Not processed

3D modeling application entities: construction and diagnostics

Plane Geometrical Yes Yes Plane
Transformation Geometrical Yes Yes Not processed

Coordinate system (direct

Geometrical Yes Yes Coordinate System
trihedron)
Bezier polygon Geometrical Yes Yes Not processed

Bezier polyhedron Geometrical Yes Yes Not processed

Curve by points (unsmoothed

Geometrical Yes Yes Not processed
list of points)
Series of curve points (for
Geometrical Yes Yes Points
curve by smoothing)
Bitangent curve Logical Yes No Not processed

Bitangent contour Logical Yes No Not processed

Display services
Graphic context (current view
Yes Yes Not processed
point)
Visibility list (Show/No Show
Yes Yes Show/No Show Hidden elements
list)
Elements inherit their
Entities layer Yes Yes Layer
original layer number
Layer filter Yes Yes Not processed

Drafting application
2D Drafting Yes No Not processed

Meshing application
Mesh elements Yes No Not processed

Mesh nodes Yes No Not processed

Mesh attributes Yes No Not processed

Mesh points Yes No Not processed

Machining application
Milling point Yes No Not processed

APT file Yes No Not processed

CL-File Yes No Not processed

Machining command file Yes No Not processed

Machining instruction file Yes No Not processed

Interactive journal Yes No Not processed

Rendering application
Textures No Yes Not processed
 Customizing
This section describes the different types of setting customization you can perform
using the Tools -> Options command.

DXF Import/Export Format

Customizing IGES Settings
Customizing STEP Settings
 DXF Import/Export Format
As you import/export a CATDrawing from/into a DXF/DWG file, you may customize units, destination and/or format.

1. Select Tools -> Options... .

2. Click Drafting in the list of objects to the left of the Options dialog box.
3. Click the DXF tab.

Import with unit and/or scale factor

You can apply a scale factor between the imported file and what you want to get from the original Drawing.
Imported file destination, either working view or background sheet.
Import Space Configuration:

This functionality allows you to choose which drawing space you want to import : Model Space or Paper
Space or Both.

Import line type mapping:

A default mapping is available, but you can use this option to customize the mapping of the line types used
by DXF and by CATIA.
To map a new DXF line type, enter its name in the input field, select the corresponding CATIA line type in the
next combo box and click Add.
To modify the mapping of an existing DXF line type, double-click this type in the list, select the new CATIA
line type and click Add.
For better performances, do not hesitate to remove useless types from the mapping list using the Remove
button.

DXF Dimensions Import Configuration:

CATIA dimension + Details: linear dimensions will be preserved, others will be transformed into details,
Details: dimensions are turned into details,
Exploded geometry: geometry is exploded, check this option to keep the graphical aspect (this mode
increase performance when loading a model).

Export all sheets in distinct files: export either all sheets or only current sheet of a multi-sheet drawing.

You can export either all sheets or only current sheet of a multi-sheet drawing.

DXF/DRW export files format

Note that Version 5 supports DXF/DWG formats version 12, 13, 14 and Autocad2000.

4. Click OK to confirm the operation and quit the dialog box.

 Customizing IGES Settings
This task shows you how to customize IGES settings.

1. Select the Tools->Options... command.

2. Select the General category, then the Compatibility category, then click the IGES tab.

In the EXPORT section you can choose from several options:

The default Standard option and the BSpline option allow you to select which curve and surface types you
want to be generated. If you leave the default Standard option selected the curve and surface types
created in the Part are kept as is. If you select the BSpline option all curves and surfaces are converted
into B-splines.
The default Surface option and the Wireframe option allow you to select the Representation mode. If you
select Surface solid decomposition will be identical in both the original model and the resulting file. Only the
surfacic decomposition of the original model is stored. Wireframe is a new option in Version 5 and should
be used if you want 3D visualization of solid edges to be identical in both the original model and the
resulting file. Only the wireframe decomposition of the original model is stored. This may be useful in cases
where curves are the only form of input accepted.
You may wish to round digits up or down to 7, 8, 9 or 10 digits. If so, check the Round up/down real
number option and use the Number of digits list provided.
The option Show/NoShow allows you to save only shown entities.
If you are happy with the settings you have selected and do not want the Save as igs dialog box to appear
the next time you save (for more information about "Exporting CATPart Data to an IGES File" refer to the
CATIA - Data Exchange Interfaces User's Guide), check the Do not show dialog box option.
In the IMPORT section you have the possibility to join the surfaces of the model :
If you want to join the surfaces of your IGES model into a shell. You can select the Join option in the
Settings : Tools -> Options -> General -> Compatibility -> IGES -> Import : Join. If this option is active, the
software will try to knit the surfaces from an importable file into a shell.
If you select the option : join surfaces of each group. The software try to knit the surfaces of each group
into one shell per group. This option is useful if you intend to work with IGES models which enclose
separate parts, and recover separate shells into CATIA.
You can select the tolerance which is used to join the surfaces of each group: If you know the tolerance
of the system which has created the IGES file, you can use it. Otherwise, it is better to begin with a small
tolerance.
To see the boundaries of the created shell, you can select : Tools -> Options -> General -> Display ->
Visualization -> Colors : Surfaces' boundaries. For more information refer to Customizing Visualization Settings.

If you select the join option, while importing IGES files to CATIA, make sure that model is constituted of one part.
In case you used to handle several parts in one single IGES Model, make sure that each part corresponds to an
associativity instance (402).
The import operation generates a report file (filename.rpt) and an error file (filename.err). These files are created
in a location referenced by the USERPROFILE variable on NT and by the HOME variable on UNIX. The default
location is the folder Profiles\user\Local Settings\Application Data\Dassault Systemes\CATReport on Windows NT
(where "user" is your logon id) or the CATReport directory in your home directory on UNIX.
3. Click OK.
 Customizing STEP Settings
This task shows you how to customize STEP settings.

1. Select the Tools->Options... command.

2. Select the General category, then the Compatibility category, then click the STEP tab.

Export : Application Protocol (AP)

When you Save a document AS STEP, this option panel appears and you have the choice of the Export Mode:
AP203
AP214
The data contained in a CATPart or CATProduct document will be saved in STEP AP203 or AP214 formats. For
more information about STEP AP203 and STEP AP214, refer to Exporting CATPart or CATProduct Data to a
STEP AP203 / AP214 File in CATIA - Data Exchange Interfaces User's Guide.
Export : Assemblies
This option allows you to select the export mode. The External References functionality is available only with
AP214. External References have an impact on Parts only, that is to say on Assembly sheets. A STEP file cannot
refer to a STEP assembly file.

Structure and Geometry in one file: one STEP file only containing the structure and geometry of the
components. This is the option by default.
External References: The STEP file names, for each component, have the same name as the CATPart's.
Structure only: a STEP file containing structure and entities
PRODUCT_DEFINITION_WITH_ASSOCIATED_DOCUMENT which have a link with CATPart files.
This summary table shows you all the possible combinations within the first two frames, Export : Application
Protocol and Export : Assemblies.
With the ST1 or SI1 license or both:
Frame Export AP
--------- 203 (1) 214 (2)
Frame Export Assemblies
Structure and Geometry in
YES YES
one file (3)
External References (4) NO (inactive button) YES
Structure only (5) YES YES

(1) = reference of the Application Protocol Config Control Design (AP203)

(2) = reference of the Application Protocol Core Data for Automotive Machanical Design Processes (AP214)
(3) = Export of the Structure and Geometry of a CATProduct into one file only
(4) = Export of the Structure and Geometry of a CATProduct into different files
(5) = Export of the Structure only of a CAProduct

If you have no license, you can choose either AP203 or AP214, but the following buttons remain inactive:
Structure and Geometry in one file
External References
Export : Units
mm (millimeter)
Inch
The purpose is to export a CATPart or a CATProduct in STEP format and in Inch or millimeter independently of
the CATIA Session unit, by selecting either mm or Inch.

3. Click OK.