CAD migration to Autodesk Inventor – converting models and drawings from SolidWorks, Catia and Creo

Many companies are currently considering CAD migration to Autodesk Inventor, while also holding large volumes of historical models and drawings from other CAD systems.

How do you convert CAD data from systems such as SOLIDWORKS, Catia, PTC Creo or Siemens NX to Inventor without losing the value of your design data archive?

This is a question many engineering and manufacturing companies face when they want to standardize their design platform, improve integration with PDM and PLM or reduce the complexity of their CAD environment.

In this article, we look at:

• strategies for converting CAD models to Inventor
• how historical drawings should be handled
• how Autodesk AnyCAD can reduce the need for conversion
• how CAD data can be structured in Autodesk Vault

Strategies for migrating CAD models

When migrating CAD data to Autodesk Inventor, there are, in practice, three main strategies for handling 3D models.

Conversion via neutral CAD formats (STEP / IGES)

The most widely used method is to export to neutral CAD formats such as:

• STEP
• IGES
• Parasolid

These formats can be imported directly into Inventor and usually provide good geometric quality.

The drawback is that the models often become so-called “dumb solids”, where:

• feature history is lost
• parameters cannot be edited
• the model is harder to modify

This method is therefore often used for:

• supplier components
• older designs
• archive data

Direct import from other CAD systems

In many cases, Autodesk Inventor can read CAD files directly from other systems.

These include files from:

• SOLIDWORKS
• Catia
• PTC Creo
• Siemens NX

This often produces better results than a straightforward STEP import, but the model's feature history will usually not be fully preserved.

The method can still be effective if the designs are not expected to change significantly in the future.

Collaboration between CAD systems with AnyCAD

An increasingly common strategy is to avoid conversion altogether by using Autodesk AnyCAD.

AnyCAD makes it possible to:

• reference CAD files from other systems directly
• use them in assemblies in Inventor
• update models automatically when the original file changes

This makes it possible to work in Autodesk Inventor while the design data remains in another CAD format.

Benefits include:

• no duplication of CAD data
• easier collaboration between CAD systems
• the option of gradual migration

How to convert models from other CAD systems to Autodesk Inventor

A common migration scenario is moving from, for example, SOLIDWORKS, Catia, PTC Creo or Siemens NX to Autodesk Inventor.

There are several ways to do this.

STEP conversion
Models are exported from the original CAD application as STEP files and imported into Inventor. This is the most universal method.

Direct import
Inventor can open SOLIDWORKS, Catia, PTC Creo or Siemens NX files directly.

AnyCAD references
SOLIDWORKS, Catia, PTC Creo or Siemens NX files can be used as references in Inventor through Autodesk AnyCAD without converting them.

Remodeling
For products still under development, it may be best to rebuild the model in Inventor.

The choice of method depends on how actively the design is being developed and how much it is expected to change in the future.

Handling old drawings during a CAD migration

In many migration projects, drawings prove more challenging to handle than 3D models.

Drawings often serve as:

• a basis for manufacturing
• customer documentation
• regulatory documentation
• a record of traceability in product development

When a model is migrated to a new CAD system, the link to the drawing is often broken.

It is therefore important to have a clear strategy for handling historical drawings.

Archiving drawings as PDF

The most widely used strategy is to archive existing drawings as PDF files.

Benefits include:

• drawings can be opened without CAD software
• documentation is preserved over time
• manufacturing can continue to use the drawings

In many migration projects, all existing drawings are therefore exported to PDF before migration.

This can often be automated through Autodesk Vault or automation tools from coolOrange.

Keeping drawings in their original CAD format

Another strategy is to keep drawings in their original CAD format.

This may be appropriate if:

• the products are still being manufactured
• the drawings are expected to be updated
• the company still has access to the old CAD system

The drawback is that this can create long-term dependence on multiple CAD systems.

Generating new drawings in Inventor

For products still under development, it is often most appropriate to generate new drawings in Autodesk Inventor.

This provides, among other things:

• standardized drawing templates
• consistent dimensioning
• better integration with Autodesk Vault

In many projects, companies therefore choose not to migrate drawings directly, but instead create new drawings as needed.

Data migration and structuring in Vault

Large volumes of CAD data are often migrated alongside the implementation or cleanup of Autodesk Vault.

Tools from coolOrange can support the migration process here.

For example, powerLoad can be used to:

• migrate large volumes of CAD files to Vault
• analyze and validate data before import
• reorganize folder structures
• standardize metadata

After migration, automation tools such as powerJobs can be used for tasks such as:

• automatic generation of PDF or STEP files
• publishing drawings
• automated file processing in Vault

This makes it possible to carry out migration projects with greater control and less manual work.

A realistic migration strategy

In most projects, it is not necessary to convert every CAD file.

A more efficient strategy is to divide the data into three categories.

Active products
Models still under development. These can be converted or remodeled.

Products in maintenance
Imported via STEP or used through Autodesk AnyCAD.

Historical products
Archived as PDF files or in neutral formats.

This approach reduces both risk and migration costs.

Frequently asked questions about CAD migration

Can Autodesk Inventor open SolidWorks files?

Yes. Autodesk Inventor can import SolidWorks files directly or use Autodesk AnyCAD to reference the models without conversion.

Should all CAD models be converted?

Usually not. Many companies choose to convert active products, while historical models are archived as STEP files or retained as references.

What happens to old drawings?

In many migration projects, historical drawings are exported to PDF for archiving, while new drawings are created in Inventor.

Summary

Migrating CAD data to Autodesk Inventor is not just about file conversion.

By combining:

• conversion via neutral CAD formats
• direct import from other CAD systems
• collaboration through Autodesk AnyCAD
• structuring and automation in Autodesk Vault

companies can carry out a cost-effective, controlled CAD migration while preserving the value of historical drawings and design data.