Generating STL files with 3D mesh (#152 / #1-04-1)
Application
With the 3D mesh function, you generate STL files from 3D models. This allows you to repair defective fixture and tool holder files, for example, or to position STL files generated from the simulation for another machining operation.
Related topics
- Fixture management
- Export the simulated workpiece as an STL file
- Using an STL file as workpiece blank
Requirement
- Software option CAD Model Optimizer (#152 / #1-04-1)
Description of function
When you select the 3D mesh icon, the control changes to 3D mesh mode. The control covers the 3D model displayed in CAD Viewer with a mesh of triangles.
The control simplifies the original model and removes errors, such as small holes in a solid or self-intersections of a surface.
You can save the result and use it for various control functions, for example as a workpiece blank with the BLK FORM FILE function.
- 3D model in 3D mesh mode
The simplified model or parts of it may be smaller or larger than the original model. The result depends on the quality of the original model and the settings selected in 3D mesh mode.
The List View area shows the following information:
Option | Meaning |
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Original triangles | Number of triangles in the original model |
Number of triangles: | Number of triangles with active settings in the simplified model Tip If this option is highlighted in green, the number of triangles is in the optimum range. You can further reduce the number of triangles using the available functions. |
Maximum increase | Maximum increase of the triangle mesh |
Over-limit area | Surface increase in percent compared to the original model |
Maximum decrease | Maximum decrease of the triangle mesh compared to the original model |
Under-limit area | Surface decrease in percent compared to the original model |
Repairs | Indicates whether the original model has been repaired or not If it has been repaired, the control indicates the type of repair (e.g., Hole Int Shells). This indication consists of the following items:
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In order to use STL files for control functions, the saved files must meet the following requirements:
- Max. 20 000 triangles
- Triangular mesh forms a closed shell
The greater the number of triangles in an STL file, the greater the processing power required by the control for simulation.
Functions for the simplified model
In order to reduce the number of triangles, you can define further settings for the simplified model.
CAD Viewer provides the following functions:
Icon | Meaning |
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Allowed simplification Use this function to simplify the output model by the specified tolerance. The higher the value, the more the surfaces may deviate from the original. | |
Remove holes <= diameter Use this function to remove holes and pockets up to the specified diameter from the original model. | |
Only optimized mesh shown The control shows the simplified model only. | |
Original is displayed The control shows the simplified model, superimposed with the original mesh from the original file. You can use this function to evaluate deviations. | |
Save Use this function to save the simplified 3D model with the selected settings as an STL file. |
Positioning the 3D model for rear-face machining
To position an STL file for rear-face machining:
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The resulting file can then be used for rear-face machining with the BLK FORM FILE function.
Defining a workpiece blank with BLK FORM