Multi converter

Tekla Structures
Not version-specific
Tekla Structures
Multi
converter
multi-converter
export a step model
Step Iges converter
STEP
IGES
IFC
OBJ
STL
export
import
Environment
Not environment-specific

Forum discussion

https://forum.tekla.com/index.php?/topic/15762-multi-converter/

Content

Purpose and description
System requirements
Installing Multi converter
Export using Multi converter
Import using Multi converter
Known issues
Hits and tips
 

Purpose and description

This tool exports Tekla Structures objects in multiple file formats: IFC, STEP (AP214 format), IGES, OBJ ,STL, DGN, DWG, DXF, and SKP. Objects can be exported by part mark, assembly mark, phase, object ID or for the selection.

Straight tubes are not faceted.
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With this tool, you can also import different file formats into the shape catalog (see below in this help for more about file formats).

System requirements

Tekla Structures Version: 2020
.NET Framework version: 4.5.1
Environments:  All
 

Installing Multi converter

To install the application:

If Tekla Structures is not running:

    Download the appropriate TSEP (Tekla Structures Extension Package) file from Tekla Warehouse.
    Double-click on the saved .tsep file.
    In the Tekla Structures extension manager, check the version(s) you want to install the extension to.
    Click Import.
    Start Tekla Structures.

If Tekla Structures is running:
 
    Download the appropriate TSEP (Tekla Structures Extension Package) file from Tekla Warehouse.
    Click the menu button in the Applications & components side pane and select Extension manager.
    Click Import..
    Select the .tsep file and click Open.
    Restart Tekla Structures to complete installation.

The tool will appear under the Multi converter group in the Applications & Components side pane.
   
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Export using Multi converter

Note that numbering has to be up-to-date for export by part or assembly mark.
 
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1 - Choose the export type:
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1 file by part mark
1 file by assembly mark
1 file by object (ID number)
1 file by phase (All the model is exported by phase)
1 file for selection (export of selected objects in the model)

If "1 file for selection" is selected, several files will be created in order to avoid too large files.
You can change the maximum number of objects per file. Default: 500 objects.

Filenames comes from Name project in the project properties.

2 - Choose the export format:

 IFC - STEP - IGES - OBJ - STL - DGN - SKP - DWG - DXF
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For IFC format, you can access to IFC Exports saved settings via a dropdown menu.

Based on previous choices, the converter may propose to include the quantity or bolts.
"Include quantity" checked: the filename will be changed by adding "qty-" and the quantity of objects.
"Include bolts" checked: bolts objects will be exported.

NOTE if  "Include bolts" is unchecked, bolts will not be exported, but parts will have holes.
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               "Include bolts" checked                                    "Include bolts" unchecked

3 - Change the path for the export files if necessary
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4 - Add more information in the export file name
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The options are different according to the export types.
 
5 - Select objects in Tekla Structures, click "Convert" and wait for the end of processes.

Process can be interrupted by clicking on the button "Cancel".
 

Import using Multi converter

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Possibility to import different file formats into the shape catalog :
3D - 3DS - 3MF - AC - AC3D - ACC - AMJ - ASE - ASK - B3D - BLEND - BVH - CMS - COB - DAE/Collada -
ENFF - FBX gITF 1.0 - GLB gITF 2.0 - HMB - IFC-STEP - IRR/IRRMESH - LWO - LWS - LXO - MD2 -
MD3 - MD5 - MDC - MDL - MESH/MESH.XML - MOT - MS3D - NDO - NFF - OBJ - OFF - OGEX - PLY -
PMX - PRJ - Q3O - Q3S - RAW - SCN - SIB - SMD - STL - TER - UC - VTA - X - X3D - XGL - ZGL 

Some format are better supported than others (FBX, OBJ, DAE...)
For DXF and STP formats the dll used does not work properly, it is better to use the import already present in Tekla Structures.

Known issues


Exported polybeams doesn't have holes.
Polybeams round tubes are faceted.
Bolt holes are not exported using DXF or DWG format.
 

Hits and tips

  • Be sure that you have the latest version :)
  • Numbering has to be up-to date for export by part mark or assembly mark.
  • Ensure that the Select Assemblies  selection switch is active for the export by assembly mark.
  • Ensure that the Select Component objects selection switch is active for other exports.
  • Avoid special characters for the Name project in the project properties.
  • If export is bad, you can control temporary IFC files and logs by unchecking "Remove temporary files" which are used for conversion.
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  • Tekla Structures IFC options are used for export in IFC format, check that the right options are chosen:
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For example, concrete element export is wrong using export type 'Steel fabrication view'.
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