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Common and Automatic import options

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Common Import Options

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Importing ACIS, STEP, Catia and Pro/ENGINEER Files

Importing IGES Files

Importing 3D Studio Files

Importing AutoCAD DXF Files

Importing Raw Triangle and Stereolithography Files

Importing Wavefront OBJ Files

Importing VRML 2.0 Files

 

When importing formats, options are available that can be accessed by selecting the "Import Options" in the bottom right corner of the file open dialog. The common Environment options are available with formats that support properties of the 3D scene.  These options include:

  • Use Lights.  Select this option to import light sources with the part.  The imported part retains identical lighting to that in the original application.  

  • Use Camera.  Select this option to import the camera’s viewpoint with the part for inclusion in the 3D scene.  The part is   displayed in the scene from the same angle as in the source application.  

  • Use Background. Select this option to import the graphic image or color that formed the scene background in the source application.

The Smoothing options allow you to smooth the edges of the imported part.  These options include:

  • Use Smoothing.  Select this option to smooth the edges of the part.

  • Smoothing Angle.  In this field, enter an angle value for smoothing.  If the angle between two polygons is less than that  specified, the edge between the polygons is smoothed.

 

Finally, the powerful Import options allow you to bring in the imported part in one piece or as separate objects.  The Import drop-down list has two options:

  • Single Model.  Select this option to bring in all the objects in the imported file as a single facet part.

  • Split by Proximity.   Select this option to split the imported part into separate objects.  Discontinuous objects in the original file are separated and imported as individual parts.

 

Automatic Import Options

In addition to user-selectable options, some import formats automatically bring in surface textures and perform other functions.  When you import a part using one of these formats, you can get:

  • Textures.  Any surface textures that were on the original part are imported.  

  • Consistent Units of Measurement.  When you import the part, it is sized using the current units of measurement in the scene.  For example, you might select inches as the current units before importing.  If the imported part is three units long in the original application, it will be three inches long when you import it into the scene.

  • Automatic Division into Separate Parts.  If the part contains two or more discontinuous pieces, they are automatically   imported as separate parts.