STEP Import Options

Different methods and various import options in importing STEP files are explained below.

  • Method
    • Convert to Parasolid: STEP file is converted to Parasolid file by CAD translator and then the converted Parasolid file is imported into SimLab.
    • Convert to sketch: This option converts given sheet or wire body to sketch. Sketch conversion will take place only if all the bodies are completely sheet or completely wire and the bodies must lie in a same plane.
    • External Reader: This uses Spatial libraries to import STEP files.
    • SimLab Reader: This uses SimLab's STEP reader to import STEP files.
      Note:
      • For Convert to sketch in Linux, motif library (system component) needs to be installed. If using CentOS, then motif library can be installed using the following command: sudo yum install motif. For other Linux distribution, use corresponding standard way to install motif shared library.
  • Body Name

    Body name of the STEP files can be read into SimLab by enabling the Body Name option.

    • Read Part Name: Enabling this option reads the part name instead of body name.
    • For External Reader Method: Earlier, the part names were read by setting the environmental variable SL_STEP_READ_PART_NAME=TRUE.
    • For SimLab Reader Method: Earlier, the part names were read by setting the environmental variable SIMLAB_READ_CATIA_PART_NUMBER=TRUE.
  • Facets

    Selected STEP file can be imported directly as faceted geometry.

  • Groups

    Groups in the STEP file can be imported as SimLab groups using this option and it is only supported for SimLab Reader method.

  • Imprint solid bodies

    Solid bodies can be imprinted to create matching faces/edges between bodies using this option. After importing with "Imprint solid bodies" option, while surface meshing user can turn on "Imprint meshing (Parasolid Assembly)" option, to get matching mesh between bodies. This is supported only through Convert to Parasolid option.

  • Assembly Structure

    The assembly structure in the selected STEP files can be imported by enabling the Assembly Structure toggle. Refer the following link to know more about Assembly Structure.

  • Save geometry in database

    By enabling this option, converted Parasolid geometry information will be stored as a part of SimLab database.