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Get Started
New to Inspire PolyFoam? Learn the basics here.
Get Started with Inspire PolyFoam
Learn the basics of the Inspire PolyFoam user interface.
File Import and Export
Learn how to import geometry and export results.
Importing CAD
Learn how to import CAD, configure the import reader for various file formats, clean up CAD on import, and repair invalid parts.
Configuring the CAD Import Reader
Configure the CAD reader to import various file formats such as CATIA and STEP.

Welcome
What's New
Discover new features and enhancements.
Get Started
New to Inspire PolyFoam? Learn the basics here.
- What Is Inspire PolyFoam?
  Inspire PolyFoam is an essential toolset to simulate and validate the part design and physical processes that are required to create a polyurethane foam part.
- The Five Steps
  Five basic steps are required to define and run a foaming analysis.
- Get Started with Inspire PolyFoam
  Learn the basics of the Inspire PolyFoam user interface.
  - Licensing Features
    Some ribbon tabs are associated with license features. Depending upon the tab you have invoked, additional units may be drawn. These features will be checked out for the duration of the session.
  - Workspace
    The Inspire PolyFoam workspace includes the ribbon, modeling window, legend, and status bar.
  - Find and Search for Tools
    Quickly find and open the tools that are available on the ribbons.
  - File Import and Export
    Learn how to import geometry and export results.
    - Create, Open, Save, or Revert a Model
      Create, open, save, or revert a model using standard keyboard shortcuts, the Files icon, or the File menu.
    - Importing CAD
      Learn how to import CAD, configure the import reader for various file formats, clean up CAD on import, and repair invalid parts.
      - How to Import CAD
        Importing CAD occurs in three steps: (1) preprocessing, (2) conversion from a third-party format to Parasolid where applicable, and (3) postprocessing of the Parasolid model.
      - Configuring the CAD Import Reader
        Configure the CAD reader to import various file formats such as CATIA and STEP.
      - Cleaning Up CAD on Import
        Run a diagnostic test on an imported CAD model to review and fix issues with parts.
      - Repairing Invalid CAD Parts
        Use the Repair parts tool to heal invalid CAD parts after import.
    - Importing and Merging Geometry
      Use File > Import to import and merge a saved model with the current model.
    - Exporting Geometry and Results
      Export Inspire geometry and simulation results for use in another application.
    - Supported File Formats
      View a list of supported file formats for import and export.
  - Select and Edit
    Review techniques for selecting and editing objects.
  - Adjust the View
    Change the view in the modeling window using the mouse or view controls.
  - Move and Snap
    Translate, rotate, and align parts and other objects using the Move tool and snaps.
  - Systems
    The Systems tool is useful for aligning loads to a local coordinate system rather than the global coordinate system. Keep in mind that results are only shown in the global coordinate system.
  - Screen Capture
    Record a video or take a snapshot of the screen.
  - Units and Measurement
    Change the default unit system, create custom units, and measure geometry features.
  - The Model Browser
    Use the Model Browser to organize your model, organize analysis and optomization objects, and access objects that aren't currently shown in the modeling window.
  - Help and User Assistance
    Learn about the forms of help and user assistance available from the product.
  - Preferences
    Modify the workspace display, default keyboard shortcuts, and other settings.
  - Inspire System Requirements
    A list of supported operating systems and minimum requirements for hardware and memory.
  - Keyboard Shortcuts and Mouse Controls
    Learn keyboard shortcuts and mouse controls for common operations.
- Systems
  Use the Systems tool to create and apply user-defined coordinate systems to loads, supports, and displacements.
- Variables
  Create and assign variables to parametrize a model. This allows you to quickly iterate and compare design concepts by tweaking the values of the variables.
- Glossary
  View a list of glossary terms and definitions.
- Keyboard Shortcuts and Mouse Controls
  Learn keyboard shortcuts and mouse controls for common operations.
Tutorials
Start using Inspire PolyFoam with our interactive tutorials.
Parametric Modeling
Create 2D sketches, surfaces, and solids with construction history and variables.
Model Setup - Foaming Ribbon
Set up your foam part, nozzles, materials, tooling and process parameters prior to analysis.
Model Setup - Dispensing Ribbon
Set up your part, nozzles, materials, tooling and process parameters prior to analysis.
PolyFoam Analysis
Run an analysis to minimize defects and prevent manufacturing problems for a foam part design.
Dispensing Analysis
Run an analysis to minimize defects and prevent manufacturing problems for a fluid part design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? We have answers!

Configuring the CAD Import Reader

Configure the CAD reader to import various file formats such as CATIA and STEP.

On the File menu, click the Preferences button. Under Category, go to Inspire > CAD Import Translator.

CAD Import Translator

Choose between a CT or Spatial reader.

By default, CATIA and STEP models use the Spatial reader because those file formats generally work best with Spatial. However, the quality of the translation is model-dependent. If you find your model is not reading cleanly into Inspire, please switch the translator in the preferences and reimport the model.


Preference	Description
ACIS (.sab, .sat)	The default reader is CT.
CATIA V4 (.model)	The default reader is Spatial.
CATIA V5 (.CATPart, .CATProduct)	The default reader is Spatial.
IGES (.iges, .igs)	The default reader is CT.
Inventor (.ipt, .iam)	The default reader is CT.
PTC Creo (.asm, .prt)	The default reader is CT.
UG NX (Unigraphics) (.prt)	The default reader is CT.
SolidWorks (.sldprt, .sldasm)	The default reader is CT.
STEP (.step, .stp)	The default reader is Spatial.