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Surface Models

Surface Models

Surface Models

(OP)
I am a SW newbie. Most of the files I receive from suppliers are surface models (part models and die cast molds). I need to convert these files to solid so I can work with this geometry in SW. I tried repairing gaps after import but no success. Is there a step by step process you can walk me through to accomplish this task? Any help would be appreciated.

RE: Surface Models

This sort of thing tends to take some time to learn, since you'll likely use several methods of fixing the surfaces you receive (Patch, Fill, Delete and Fill, etc.).

Where are you stuck right now?  Can you knit the surface(s) into a single surface body or is that the sticking point?  Are there irreparable gaps in the body?

Also, what version of SW are you using?  The surfacing capabilities have changed considerably in the last couple of releases.

Jeff Mowry
www.industrialdesignhaus.com
Reason trumps all.  And awe trumps reason.

RE: Surface Models

Also do a search here for "surface".
Here is one thread559-164105

Chris
SolidWorks 06 4.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 10-27-06)

RE: Surface Models

(OP)
I am using SW version 6.0. The native files appear to be Unigraphics. I imported using IGS format. I can try to get parasoild if that would improve the import accuracy. I have been partially sucessfull in knitting the surfaces into a single surface body. For example i knitted the top surfaces of the ejector half of the mold together into a single surface body. I have some gaps. I was able to patch one of the gaps. Basically what I would like to do is grap the surface topography of the ejector half and paste it on a solid block. I'm sure life isn't that simple. I will look at some of the other "surface" threads. Thanks for your suggestions.  

RE: Surface Models

Parasolid is a much more ideal format than IGES--definitely get that if you can.

Jeff Mowry
www.industrialdesignhaus.com
Reason trumps all.  And awe trumps reason.

RE: Surface Models

Make sure you have the options set to try and form a solid otherwise it will com over as surfaces only (knitted).

otherwise like the first post says its going to be up to you to put the files back the way they need to be and the worst part is there is no easy solution for this.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP
www.scottjbaugh.com
FAQ731-376

RE: Surface Models

Welcome to the real world of modelling TJC7376 or at least the bits they don’t tell you about at the demo.

As others have said IGES is not a great transfer format unless you use a particular customer a lot and you can spend a long time sorting out import and export options to match.

If you can get translators AND the data in its native format that is the best and always try and avoid third hand data that has been imported and exported through a few different systems an absolute nightmare.

The first person to really solve this problem will be a very rich person.

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