Define the Unit System

You can change the unit system using the Unit System Selector or the Preferences. When importing "discrete mesh" files (.stl, .nas, .fem) with unspecified units, select the model unit in the Import Options dialog.

When you enter a number in a field, the appropriate unit is automatically appended. If you enter a unit after a number, the number is converted to the current unit. For example, entering 10 in inside a field where millimeters are the current units results in 254 mm being displayed.

Units are displayed with mixed capitalization for readability, but you can use any combination of upper- and lowercase letters when you enter them.

Change the Display Units

Change the display units, which are shown in the user interface.

  1. In the lower right corner of the modeling window, click the Unit System Selector.
  2. Select a unit system from the list.

Change the Model Units

Change the model units, which are used for motion analysis calculations and file export.

Model units are used for calculations for Motion analysis. All structural analysis and optimization runs and additive manufacturing analysis runs use MKS units.

  1. On the File menu, click the Preferences button.
  2. Under Inspire, click Units.
  3. Click Model units and select a unit system from the list.
  4. Click OK.
Tip: To run structural analysis or optimization in different units, export the preferred units and run manually.

Select Model Unit For "Discrete Mesh" Files

When importing "discrete mesh" files (.stl, .nas, .fem) with unspecified units, select the model unit in the Import Options dialog.

First, import one or more "discrete mesh" files (.stl, .nas, .fem).

  1. If no units were specified in the files, the Import Options dialog appears.
  2. From the Select Model Unit dropdown menu, select a unit for your files.
    In the modeling window, the dimensions update based on your selection.
  3. When you've selected the desired unit, click Close.