OpenBuildings - Elements missing or disorganized when exported to STEP (.stp) using OBD

Product(s):	OpenBuildings Designer
Version(s):	2023
Area:	Export
Subarea:	STEP

Problem:

Whenever I export to STEP file (.stp) from DGN (.dgn) file using OpenBuildings Designer, many elements in the STEP file are either found to be disorganized or missing. What should I do to resolve this issue?

Solution:

Solids Working Area or SWA of the DGN file plays a major role when it comes to exporting elements to STEP file (.stp). The elements in the DGN file that are placed outside the SWA are often found to be disorganized or missing when exported to STEP.

Hence, it is highly recommended to place the elements inside the SWA while creating any model.

The SWA can be viewed by toggling it on from Building Design > View > Solids Working Area > Toggle SWA Display. Then the solid modeling can be done inside it.

If there is any file where the modeling has already been done and there are elements existing outside the SWA which cannot be modified now, then in that case the SWA can be extended to cover all the elements before exporting to STEP file.

Below mentioned steps can be followed to do so:

Step 1- Open the file and go to the 3D model that you want to export.

Step 2- Go to File > Settings > File > Design File Settings > Working units.

Step 3- Click on the Edit button under the Advanced Settings. Then click Ok in the Alert dialog box.

Step 4- Change the Solids value to 100 and click Ok.

Step 5- Then click Ok and Ok again to the alert window.

Thus the SWA is increased which is most likely to take the elements inside.

Step 6- Come back to the model, select the elements that you want to export, and then export them to STEP. Refer the link attached at the end section of this KB article for getting more information on exporting to STEP file.

Step 7- After exporting is done, again go to File > Settings > File > Design File Settings > Working units and change the Solids value back to its default value.

Note: Please keep in mind that changing SWA is not generally recommended as it reduces the accuracy as well. Here in this case, as the modeling is already been done and only exporting is required, this method of increasing the SWA is being suggested. Changing the SWA while performing solid modeling is not recommended at all.