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CAD Import Options

CAD Import Options

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CAD Import Options

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The CAD readers provide options for processing data during import. Some of these options are available from the Import tab, while other options are accessed from a reader's _reader.ini file.

Scale factor

Defines how to scale the model during import. Some CAD formats store their model data using a set of units that may be different from what you want to use. This value can be used to define the scaling for all entities that are imported.

Cleanup tol

Refer to the CAD Cleanup Tolerance section.

Import hidden (blanked/no show) entities

Specifies whether relevant formats should import entities that are hidden, blanked, or no show. See each format's available import options for details.

Import composite data

Reads Composites Parts Design (CPD) data from CATIA files into HyperMesh. Only available for CATIA format.

Read hidden ply base surfaces

Reads hidden ply base surfaces (default off). Only available when Import composite data is enabled for CATIA format.

Trim ply surfaces

Trims ply base surfaces during import (default off). Only available when Import composite data is enabled for CATIA format.

Ply contour gap tolerance

Specify a ply contour gap tolerance (default 0.3). Only available when Import composite data is enabled for CATIA format.

Do not merge edges

Preserves the original breakdown of edges. By default edges are merged together, when possible, during import as part of the cleanup phase.

Split periodic faces

Enables the option to split periodic faces during CAD import (default). Available for Inspire, JT, Parasolid, SolidWorks and UG native and third-party readers.

Use native reader

Enables a native reader, requiring original CAD software and licenses, to be used. Only available for UG format.

This method of import, along with feature based meshing technology, provides a robust way to create high quality CAE solid tetrahedral mesh models without a lot of geometry cleanup.

Split components by body

Places each body from the original CAD file into a different component. By default, bodies are organized according to the original CAD file structure. Only available for formats: CATIA, Parasolid, ProE, and STEP. With CATIA, this option cannot be used when Import composite data is enabled, or in conjunction with Split components by part.

Import publication data

Creates regions from the geometry referenced in the publication (default off). Only available for CATIA format.

Split components by part

Places each part from the original CAD file into a different component. By default, bodies will be organized according to the original CAD file structure. Only available for CATIA format. This option cannot be used when Import composite data is enabled, or in conjunction with Split components by body.

Global Analysis

Creates landing curves only for stiffener/beam/ER systems, unless the ini option @ImportStiffenerMidSurfaces is "on" in which case both landing curves and stiffener/beam/ER geometry midsurfaces will be created. When disabled, stiffener/beam/ER geometry is created (complete solid or just midsurfaces depending on the ini option), while landing curves are not created.

Default versions of the _reader.ini files are included in the directory [Altair Home]/io/afc_translators/bin/[platform] directory and its children. When a CAD reader is activated, each reader first checks the current working directory for the appropriate _reader.ini file.  If the file is not found, the translators looks in all directories pointed by the HW_CONFIG_PATH environment variable.

As a last resort, the translator uses the default _reader.ini file in the above directory.  In this way the _reader.ini file can have "global" or "local" user scope.  For instance, "local" user changes for a current job can be made by copying and modifying the _reader.ini file in the local current working directory.

Options can take on only one value at a time.  Options can also be commented out (ignored) by placing a # in front of an option, in which case the default value for that option will be used.

The available _reader.ini options are explained in detail within the Import Options sections for each reader.

Many CAD translators also import other relevant information as metadata attached to specific entities (assemblies, components, points, lines, surfaces, solids).  Some metadata is generated by default while other metadata is generated by enabling/disabling certain options in the _reader.ini files.  Metadata is stored in the database and can be used for review or to perform process automation.  For example, you can obtain the tag (name) of a surface from the CAD file and apply certain mesh criteria to that surface inside Engineering Solutions.

Refer to the Import Options topics for each format and the CAD Metadata Naming topic for specific details about metadata.

 

See Also:

Import tab

CAD Metadata Naming

CAD Reader Support