Importing a Revit model into Autodesk Inventor can be achieved using specialized tools that facilitate the conversion between the two software platforms. Based on the provided references, a common workflow involves exporting the Revit model to an intermediary file format and then importing that file into Inventor.
The process typically leverages add-ins or plugins designed for this specific data exchange, allowing you to bring detailed BIM (Building Information Modeling) information from Revit into a manufacturing design environment like Inventor.
The BXF Workflow for Revit to Inventor Conversion
According to the references, a practical method for transferring Revit data (RVT and RFA files) into Inventor (IPT and IAM files) utilizes the BXF file format and corresponding exporter/importer tools. This process preserves geometry and other relevant data, enabling collaboration between architectural/construction design and manufacturing/fabrication workflows.
Here is the breakdown of the steps involved:
- Export from Revit: The initial step requires using a specific tool, such as a BXF Exporter for Revit. This tool is designed to read the contents of your Revit project files (.RVT) or family files (.RFA) and translate the data into the BXF file format.
- Transfer the BXF File: The generated .BXF file acts as a bridge, containing the model data in a format that can be understood by the Inventor import tool.
- Import into Inventor: You then use a corresponding tool, like a BIMDeX Importer for Inventor, to read the .BXF file. This importer processes the data within the BXF file and creates native Inventor files – either part files (.IPT) or assembly files (.IAM).
This method ensures that the model is represented accurately within the Inventor environment, often as native Inventor parts and assemblies, which can then be further manipulated or used in fabrication workflows.
File Format Conversion Summary
The data exchange process can be summarized by the file format transformations:
| Source Application | Source File Format(s) | Export Tool | Intermediate File Format | Import Tool | Target Application | Target File Format(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revit | RVT, RFA | BXF Exporter for Revit | BXF | BIMDeX Importer | Inventor | IPT (Parts), IAM (Assemblies) |
Using dedicated exporter and importer tools for the BXF format provides a structured way to move models between these different software platforms while aiming to maintain data integrity and structure.
This specific workflow, highlighted by the references, provides a clear path using the BXF file format as the key intermediary for successful Revit to Inventor model translation.
