Working with STEP files | NanoQuote Help

NanoQuote supports STEP files (.step, .stp) in addition to DXF. STEP files are 3D CAD models that NanoQuote flattens into 2D cut profiles for quoting.

How STEP processing works

When you upload a STEP file, NanoQuote:

Parses the 3D geometry - Extracts all solid bodies from the file
Analyzes each solid - Detects dimensions, thickness, and whether the part is flat
Auto-selects the cut view (when possible) - For flat/sheet parts, NanoQuote automatically picks the optimal projection direction
Shows the 3D perspective picker (when needed) - For complex parts where the cut direction isn't obvious, you choose which face to project from

Automatic view detection

NanoQuote can automatically detect the correct projection for flat, sheet-like parts:

Parts where one dimension is much thinner than the others (like sheet metal brackets, plates, or panels)
The system identifies the thin direction and projects perpendicular to it
When auto-detection succeeds, processing continues without user intervention

Auto-detection works best when:

The part has a clear "thickness" dimension (e.g., 3mm thick but 200mm x 150mm in the other directions)
The part is genuinely flat (not a block, cylinder, or complex 3D shape)

The 3D perspective picker

When NanoQuote can't automatically determine the cut direction, you'll see the 3D Perspective Picker:

Features:

Interactive 3D view - Rotate the model to inspect it from any angle
Face highlighting - Hover over faces to see them highlighted; click to select a projection direction
Preset views - Quick buttons for Top, Front, Right, Back, Left, Bottom, and Isometric views
Live 2D preview - See the resulting cut profile before confirming

To select a projection direction:

Rotate the 3D view to see the face you want to cut from
Click on a face, or use a preset view button
Review the 2D preview on the right side
Click Confirm when satisfied

Multi-solid STEP files

STEP files can contain multiple solid bodies. NanoQuote handles each solid separately:

Each solid becomes its own part line item in the quote
Solids are named automatically (Part 1, Part 2, etc.)
Auto-detection is attempted for each solid independently
If any solid needs manual perspective selection, you'll be prompted for that specific solid

Tips for better STEP imports

From your CAD software:

Export only the bodies you need quoted (remove fasteners, reference geometry, etc.)
Use solid bodies, not surfaces or wireframes
Ensure the model is at the correct scale (NanoQuote reads STEP dimensions as millimeters)

Part orientation:

Parts oriented flat in CAD (lying on XY plane) typically auto-detect correctly
If auto-detection fails, the perspective picker makes it easy to choose the right view

Complex assemblies:

Consider exporting individual parts as separate STEP files for cleaner quotes
Or use the multi-solid handling to process all parts in one upload

STEP vs DXF

Feature	STEP	DXF
File type	3D solid model	2D drawing
Auto-detection	Yes (for flat parts)	N/A (already 2D)
Manual selection	3D perspective picker	Layer/source selection
Best for	Parts designed in 3D CAD	2D drawings, profiles

Both formats extract the same cut geometry data: cut length, pierce count, and bounding box dimensions.

Troubleshooting

"Part is not flat enough for auto-detection"

This is normal for 3D parts. Use the perspective picker to select the cut face.

Unexpected cut profile

Try a different projection direction in the perspective picker
Check that you're selecting the correct face of the part

Missing geometry

Ensure the STEP file contains solid bodies (not just surfaces)
Check that the model exported correctly from your CAD software