Isolate an Extracted Element?

[rgmidway]

I am attempting to re-model a number of automotive stampings in Catia V5 that were originally created in Ideas. The difference in the Shell functions between the two programs is so different that I'm running into material flow problems with the new parts. I've brought a .stp file of the original part into Catia, Extracted the surface i need, Extrapolated to expand the new surface, and then Split my new part with the created surface in order to match the trimline of the original part.

This works except for the fact that I cannot find a way to unassociate the extracted surface from the .stp file part. Does anyone know how I could do this?

And do you think I would be better off modeling in sufaces and thickening, instead of trimming up a bad shell every time?

Thanks a ton in advance.
rg

 

[solid7]

You can isolate geometry in one of two ways:

1) from the creation of the element, using the "create datum" function. In GSD, it's the toolbar icon with the little red lightning bolt. (same toolbar as update button)

2) after the fact, using Copy -> Paste Special -> As Result.

And do you think I would be better off modeling in sufaces and thickening, instead of trimming up a bad shell every time?

That's entirely at your discretion, and does not depend on any one single thing.

I personally would have started with surfaces, but that's just the way I find easier to work. Your results may vary.

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[slcad]

One more thing, the 2nd option from solid7 creates a copy of the element; of course, you still need to replace the old associative extract with its copy...

Many times I "unassociate" (duplicate) geometry by making a non-associative join of the element (of course, solid7´s first option must be activated!). This is more convenient also when working in a product, i.e. you can make a join of one face of a solid from another part to copy that face in your part.

 

[rgmidway]

Thanks solid. The basic Catia training I had didn't touch associations. You saved me from another day of frustration.

I'm going to give surfaces a shot...I'm just so used to cutting away the clay, I followed the same process when I moved into Catia.