Import Geometry
Supported formats, CAD preparation, and geometry healing in Dr.Q.
If you only have 2 minutes
Only STEP files (.stp / .step) in AP214 format are accepted. Prepare your geometry as a single, closed solid body before exporting.
Why STEP only?
- IGES lacks reliable solid definitions, causing open edges and gaps
- STL is purely triangulated surface data — no topology for FEM meshing
- Native CAD formats require proprietary licensed kernels
Preparing the geometry
Before exporting, create a clean, coherent solid body without unnecessary details:
- Merge all parts into one continuous volume
- Remove superfluous surfaces, sketches, and construction geometry
- Avoid overlapping bodies and tapered zero-thickness surfaces
- Remove small details that aren't relevant to the analysis (fillets < mesh size, small holes)
- Verify units are set to millimetres
CAD-specific export steps
| CAD system | How to merge before export | | --- | --- | | Autodesk Inventor | Use "Simplify" to merge assemblies | | SolidWorks | "Combine" feature with "Add" operation | | CATIA | Boolean operations + Part Cleanup | | Siemens NX | Combine Bodies → Unite | | Fusion 360 | Modify → Combine | | PTC Creo | Boolean → Merge | | Onshape | Boolean → Union |
Automatic healing
Dr.Q automatically detects and repairs minor geometry issues such as open edges, missing surfaces, and small overlaps. Significant problems trigger a warning — in that case, go back to your CAD system and repair the geometry there.
Common pitfalls
- Wrong units (geometry exported in metres instead of millimetres)
- Non-STEP format used
- Assembly exported without merging parts
- Construction geometry included in export
- Features too fine for the intended mesh size