Import IFC files to IRONCAD 2023

What is IFC and how is it used in CAD?

The IFC(Industry Foundation Classes) format is somewhat similar to the "CAD-neutral" STEP format for 3D CAD systems. IFC files are mainly used between different BIM systems (e.g. Revit or Tekla etc) to transfer geometry, but mainly "metadata". However, it is a somewhat erratic file format as different systems write slightly different things to it, also a bit like a STEP file which is sometimes great and sometimes downright "rubbish". To IRONCAD 2023 you can import the two variants IFC2x3 and IFC4 if you have the add-on program TRANSLATOR.

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How do I import an IFC file to IRONCAD?

Start by going to the Home tab followed by Import Geometry

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Then select All parts which allows you to see all file formats. Then select your IFC file and press Menu followed by Import Settings.

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Tick Import Graphical Representation... Followed by OK.

Then the file will be imported!

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If you do not have TRANSLATOR Add-on to IRONCAD

TIPS. If you don't have the TRANSLATOR extension for IRONCAD , you can use a free software called IFC Convert. IFC Convert runs via the command prompt, which requires some knowledge of how it works. But it's not that complicated really.

Here's how you can set it up:

• Create a new folder under C:\ called "IFC"
• Place your file here (with a short filename, easiest way)
• Then run "byt folder /change directory" via the function: cd c:\ifs
• Then you run the program and the conversion via the function: ifcconvert c:\ifc\filename.ifc filename.stp

Here you can download IFC Convert: https://blenderbim.org/docs-python/ifcconvert/installation.html