Converting DWG file to a STEP file 
Why does Batchforce online cnc service not accept .DWG , DXF or other file formats and why is only a .STEP file accepted?
A STEP file is a commonly used file format to exchange a product or design between different 3D programs.
The name is an abbreviation of “STandard for the Exchange of Product model data” .
But the most important reason why we prefer to work with .STEP files is the fact that the structure of the STEP file is laid down in ISO 10303-21.
So we can be sure that the file meets strict requirements and prevent nasty surprises.
Many manufacturers and suppliers who make their items available in a 3D file choose STEP files.
The most commonly used engineering drawing programs can export 3D models to a STEP (.stp or .step) file.
They can also import a .stp or .step file and convert it to their own desired file format.
Programs that can create and view a STEP file:
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Autodesk Inventor from Autodesk
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CATIA by Dassault Systèmes
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Cobalt from Ashlar-Vellum
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CoCreate from Parametric Technology Corporation
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FreeCAD by Juergen Riegel
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Form-Z from AutoDesSys, Inc.
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HiCAD from ISD Group
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MicroStation from Bentley Systems
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NX from Siemens PLM Software
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Pro/ENGINEER from Parametric Technology Corporation
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SALOME
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S.FEM from HPESoft
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Solid Edge from Siemens PLMSoftware
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SolidWorks from SolidWorks Corp.
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SpaceClaim Engineer from SpaceClaim Corp.
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Tekla Structures from Tekla
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TopSolid by Missler Software
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TransMagic
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VariCAD from VariCAD
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VisualARQ from Asuni CAD S.A.
So you can open a DWG or other 3d file in any of the above 3D design Softwares and then you can easily convert your existing design to a .STEP file.
So converting the file is really no more than opening your existing file and exporting it to your desired .STEP file in any of the 3D design software packages.
How to convert a dwg to step if you do not have the softwares above on your PC?
Generally this is an easy conversion provided of course you have the software.
If you don’t have any of the software packages you can always try a trial version that you purchase on a trial basis.
You can then convert your files and cancel your account before the payment period starts.
Convert file from DWG to STEP file
Now if you really find all this too difficult or you just don’t feel like it, outsourcing this task is the best option. There are plenty of freelancer sites where engineers convert your file to your desired format for a pittance. Below are a few freelancer sites where you can get files converted from DWG to .STEP format.
3D Design and Engineering Forums
- CNCZone.co.uk (here you will find many 3D Designers who will be happy to convert a file for you)
Finding the right freelancer
Finding the right freelancer for your .DWG to .STEP file conversion is actually not that difficult at all. All freelancer sites mentioned above have a rating system through which all freelancers are rated. So it is easy to search for the right freelancer by searching for:
- someone with a lot of experience
- someone with good reviews
- someone who speaks your language or english
- Someone with the right education
should you want to know even more about .step files and what the benefits are check out the engineersrule.com website for a complete article.
