ImPlant-STL Installation and User Guide

ImPlant - STLInstallation and User Guide AVEVA Solutions Ltd Disclaimer Information of a technical nature, and particulars of the product and its use, is given by AVEVA Solutions Ltd and its subsidiaries without warranty. AVEVA Solutions Ltd and its subsidiaries disclaim any and all warranties and conditions, expressed or implied, to the fullest extent permitted by law. Neither the author nor AVEVA Solutions Ltd, or any of its subsidiaries, shall be liable to any person or entity for any actions, claims, loss or damage arising from the use or possession of any information, particulars, or errors in this publication, or any incorrect use of the product, whatsoever. Copyright Copyright and all other intellectual property rights in this manual and the associated software, and every part of it (including source code, object code, any data contained in it, the manual and any other documentation supplied with it) belongs to AVEVA Solutions Ltd or its subsidiaries. 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ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Contents Page Installation and User Guide Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:1 Input to ImPlant - STL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:1 Output from ImPlant - STL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:1 Compatibility with DESIGN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:2 Solid Polyhedron Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:2 How this Guide is Organised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:2 Installing ImPlant - STL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:1 Basic Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:1 NET Framework Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:1 Flexman License Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:1 Running in a Command Window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:2 Electronic Manuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:2 Testing your ImPlant - STL Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:1 Running and Checking the Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3:1 Controlling the Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:1 Translation Process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:1 Controlling the Quantity of STL Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:2 i 1.3 . . . . . . . 5:8 STL Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Controlling the Quality of STL Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:6 Running the Macro File into DESIGN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:1 System Errors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:1 ImPlant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:6 Batch Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:1 Geometry Hierarchy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:3 Reviewing and Improving the DESIGN Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:4 Interactive Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:1 Data Structure . . . 5:1 More >> Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:1 Parameter Setting Errors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:1 File Access Errors . . . . 9:2 Data Processing Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:1 Licensing Errors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:1 Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .STL User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:4 Using ImPlant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:2 Controlling the DESIGN Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6:1 Units and Scalar Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .STL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10:1 ii 1. . . . . . . . . . . 4:3 Typical STL Files and Resultant Models . . . . . 5:1 Modes of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:1 Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6:1 Mechanical CAD Systems and STL File Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6:2 Macro Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:2 Limitations . . . 9:2 Data Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hence a 100% accurate translation of the source model into PDMS or Outfitting geometry cannot be guaranteed. others do not. The STL files will normally have the extension .STL is a standalone program for translating stereolithography (STL) files.STL The input to ImPlant . you will only be able to use the items that are licensed to you. and the generation of STL files from these systems involves the use of a separate translator program.com). into macro files that can be input to AVEVA PDMS or AVEVA Marine Outfitting. The format of the output file means that the program does not create any databases within DESIGN.STL maps this format onto AVEVA 3D primitives. that have been generated from non-AVEVA Mechanical CAD systems. or on a networked workstation. on your workstation.STL consists of an ASCII format macro file that is suitable for input to DESIGN. with accuracy and level of detail controlled through a tolerance setting. AVEVA software must be able to access the correct Flexman 4. which should be installed on either the Server. 1.3 .STL reads both ASCII and binary STL files. 1.transcendata. The ImPlant . 1.STL program works in read-only mode and the original STL files will not be changed in any way.2 Input to ImPlant . Note: Although the disk may contain several AVEVA products. such as CADfix® from ITI TranscenData (http://www.3 Output from ImPlant . ImPlant . ImPlant .STL is available for the Windows XP platform.STL consists of STL files generated from/by non-AVEVA Mechanical CAD systems. Some non-AVEVA Mechanical CAD systems have an inbuilt facility for generating STL files.ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Introduction 1 Introduction STL format provides an approximation of a curved surface model.stl and can be either ASCII or binary in format.1 license file.STL The output from ImPlant . ImPlant .1 General AVEVA ImPlant . To operate. 1:1 1. Macro Output explains Macro Output.I for more detailed descriptions of all available settings and switches 1. Limitations explains the limitations of ImPlant . and from AVEVA Marine Outfitting Version 12. It allows the use of 'invisible edges'. Using ImPlant .STL 1:2 1. The Solid Polyhedron has the following characteristics: 1. It is more economical to store in DESIGN databases than a corresponding POHE/ POGO arrangement.STL are compatible with all versions of DESIGN from PDMS 11.0. ie all edges of the faces have to have corresponding edges from other faces. Drawings produced using the DRAFT module show the visible edges and any silhouette edges only.4 Compatibility with DESIGN The files generated by ImPlant .5 How this Guide is Organised This guide is divided into chapters as follows: Installing ImPlant . Edges are not displayed in wireline mode in DESIGN. 2.3 and older) 1. This is a facility that: 1.1 Solid Polyhedron Definition The definition of the Solid Polyhedron is a set of faces that have to make a complete solid. In colour-shaded mode in DESIGN the parts are displayed with smooth shading between faces that share invisible edges. STL Installation Controlling the Process explains controlling processes. Reports explains Reports. By default Solid Polyhedron generation is switched on.STL explains how to use Implant . 2. PDMS/Outfitting does not need to be installed on the machine running ImPlant .explains the test procedure to be carried out after installation.STL.STL STL Input explains STL input. See Section 5: Using ImPlant . 3.ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Introduction 1. 4.2 upwards. Error Messages displays a list of errors.4.STL explains the installation procedure. The clash detection is better than POHE/POGO because it can detect parts that are completely inside the polyhedron. 3. Note: If Solid Polyhedra are used (see below) the macro file will not load in a version of DESIGN that is not solid polyhedra enabled (PDMS 11. It is faster to manipulate in the DESIGN module. Testing your ImPlant .3 . then select a product. and then follow the Installer instructions. This can be checked an changed by clicking the Advanced button on the installer. click for Contents.exe. Note: If the installer detects an existing ImPlant .3 Flexman License Manager You must install and set up the Flexman license system before launching the installed software. • Advanced installation Presents you with a list of all available product components from which you can select those to be installed. and this is not always appropriate.NET 2.STL 2 Installing ImPlant . Please see the Flexman 4.htm file. During the installation sequence. This will usually be done only on the server.STL first insert the disk in your Workstation's DVD drive. 2. unless you have good reasons for doing otherwise.NET Framework is installed automatically. select Start > All Programs > AVEVA > AVEVA ImpLANTSTL xxx to reach the program and this documentation.STL 2.STL is supplied on DVD or CD. To install ImPlant . if required. and it is recommended that you carefully read all of the Installation instructions before installing the software. The disk contains the installer. You will be given a choice between two levels of installation: • Standard installation Installs all available product components in the default location.ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Installing ImPlant . Also on the disk is a folder containing the Installation instructions and user documentation. If the disk does not start.NET Framework 2. When the process is complete. and allows you to choose the Installation folder. and an installable version of Microsoft's .0 be installed.1 Basic Installation AVEVA ImPlant .STL installation. it will display a set of options for modifying/repairing/removing these existing files in place of the standard installation options. then the . Note that the default installation disk is the largest disk. follow the on-screen instructions as they appear. click Start > Run. The process needs at least 4Mb of free disk space for a full installation of all options.0.2 NET Framework Installation ImPlant .3 . It is recommended that you use the default settings for folder paths etc. 2.STL requires that Microsoft's .1 2:1 1. and then browse for the Start. If the installer is started from setup. Installing this software will enable you to view and print the ImPlant .STL available as a command in a command window.4 Running in a Command Window In order to make ImPlant . This software is also included on the CD-ROM/DVD.STL Manuals are available on the CD-ROM/DVD as .STL installation folder may be added to the PATH environment variable. 2. the AVEVA ImPlant .ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Installing ImPlant .STL Installation and Configuration Guide. For detailed instructions on how to do this refer to Windows Help.3 . 2:2 1. 2.STL Manuals. In order to display these Manuals you must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader software installed on your PC. News and update information is also available for Flexman on the AVEVA support web-site.pdf files.5 Electronic Manuals Electronic versions of the ImPlant . click on the Create button to start the translation process. the name of the test STL file . If the installation has been successful the following message will appear in the box at the bottom of the form: AVEVA ImPLANT-STL REPORT -----------------------Date of run: Mon Jun 02 23:17:08 2008 Input StereoLithography Binary file: C:\AVEVA\ImPLANTSTLxxx\Test\slide_gate1. using the browser.mac Solid polyhedra are created 3:1 1.stl STEP 3 On the User Interface set the STL Mode field to Binary. This comprises a single .3 . 3.ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Testing your ImPlant .STL Installation 3.STL program by executing the following: Start>All Programs>AVEVA>ImPLANT-STL xxx>ImPLANT-STL Dialog STEP 2 On the User Interface enter or select.stl Output PDMS macro : C:\AVEVA\ImPLANTSTLxxx\Test\slide_gate1.stl file called slide_gate1. The test material is stored in the subdirectory test.typically: C:\AVEVA\ImPLANT-STLxxx\test\slide_gate1.stl.2 Running and Checking the Test STEP 1 Start up the ImPlant .STL to make sure that the installation is complete and correct.STL Installation 3 Testing your ImPlant . STEP 4 On the User Interface.1 General The following test procedure should be carried out after installing AVEVA ImPlant . if it is not you can choose another output location).ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Testing your ImPlant .3 . 3:2 1.STL Installation Primitives Processed -------------------Number of faces read is 5380 Number of primitives recognised is 40 Number of Solid Shells is 15 Number of Boxes is 2 Number of Extrusions is 14 Number of Cylinders is 9 The smallest hole diameter exported is: 10 This will create a DESIGN macro file called slide_gate1. STEP 5 When the process is complete click on the Exit button.mac in the test directory (if this directory is writable . a cube within a CAD system is defined by its eight vertices.3 . 4:1 1. It is very important that the detail in the source CAD file used to generate the STL file and the amount of detail required in the PDMS/Outfitting Model should be considered very carefully. reducing a shape to triangles increases the quantity of electronic data necessary to define the shape. Data Volume Comparison Taking this analogy a step further. Figure 4:1. The same square in STL format is represented by two triangles. This has two main effects: • Large STL files may take several hours to map into DESIGN. a square drawn in a CAD system is defined by its four corners or vertices. It can therefore be seen that STL files can be very large in terms of data volume or file size. Unfortunately. each triangle having three vertices. each triangle having three vertices. For example.ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Controlling the Process 4 Controlling the Process 4. The surface of the same cube in STL format is represented by 12 triangles. representing a 50% increase in data needed to define the square. • Highly detailed models in PDMS/Outfitting may drag down the performance of the computer and will be slow to manipulate. the triangle being the shape with the minimum number of sides that can be used to represent a three-dimensional object. totalling 36 vertices. totalling six vertices. Shapes within a CAD system more complex than a cube result in even greater data increase factors. This represents a 450% increase in data needed to define the cube. two for each of the six faces of the cube.1 Translation Process Within the STL format all objects are represented by triangles. ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Controlling the Process It is impossible to give any definite instructions as to what should be done as there are too many possible combinations of source CAD systems and PDMS/Outfitting DESIGN model uses to define parameters for. however.3 • Remove all non-essential aspects of the source model. inspect the resultant model. • Remove or disable features in the originating Mechanical CAD System that automatically generate many curved surfaces. It is a good working practice to minimise the amount of data that needs to be translated. • Use an appropriate tolerance setting when exporting to the STL file. export the gearbox casing but not the gearbox internals. the following guidelines may be useful: 4. a less efficient form of handling the data. the 'solid polyhedron' mode is used (see below) and ImPlant . such as fillets and chamfers. These are: • The ability of ImPlant . The looser the tolerance factor setting the less accurate will be the resultant model and vice versa. as necessary. For example.2 • control the quantity of STL data • control the quality of STL data • control the DESIGN model • review and improve the DESIGN model. The fewer the number of POHEs the easier it is to manipulate the data in DESIGN and drafting modules. attempting to recognise groups of triangular facets that equate to particular standard shapes defined in PDMS/Outfitting as primitives (box/cylinder/pyramid/extrusions and negative versions of these).STL will not recognise the resultant triangular facet group as a single primitive and will map the solid inefficiently with POHE primitives. Controlling the Quality of STL Data The integrity of the source model has a direct bearing on the quality of the data produced during an STL export operation.STL processes STL data intelligently. A good indicator of a successful operation using ImPlant . however. There are therefore two factors that directly affect the performance of model manipulation in DESIGN. • The quantity of data to be translated.STL is the quantity of POHE primitives within the resultant model. if a solid in the original model is not properly closed prior to being exported. The most suitable combination of parameters and settings is best determined by trial and error. while the export to STL file operation is in progress.STL recognises a solid then this is more efficient. Some Mechanical CAD Systems allow these features to be disabled temporarily. It is therefore strongly 4:2 1. then ImPlant . Facet data that cannot be mapped to any of these primitives is dealt with by creating the facets as POHE (polyhedron) primitives. Controlling the Quantity of STL Data AVEVA ImPlant .3 . and re-import all or part of the model at a tighter tolerance setting. It is impossible to stipulate an exact tolerance setting since this depends very much upon your requirements for the DESIGN model. Most Mechanical CAD Systems have a healing facility that will process the model and check it for inconsistencies such as solids that are not properly closed. eg in the case of a gearbox. this can be done by applying the following guidelines: 4. The recommended approach is to start with a loose tolerance setting.STL to recognise and map triangular facet groups to PDMS primitives. If. Alternatively.5 Reviewing and Improving the DESIGN Model The extent to which the resultant imported model may require to be modified depends entirely upon your end requirements. if the intention is to actively work on and manipulate the imported data. In this case check that the source model has been healed prior to export.STL cannot remove the holes in a part because in doing so it would invalidate the part.STL with a loose tolerance setting. 4. 4:3 1. You can then use a higher value than this to remove these holes and re-run the export operation through ImPlant . then an efficient and compact data structure is of paramount importance. 4.ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Controlling the Process recommended that source models are healed in their originating Mechanical CAD System prior to the data being exported in STL format. eg where holes are located close to the edge of a solid. increasing the amount of data that has to be transferred. another application such as CADfix may be used to provide the healing function and to carry out the export to STL format.STL to review the changes this makes to the model. A crude representation may be sufficient for space management or clash checking purposes. If the Wrapper option is used when this is not the case. For example.STL to recognise and map more parts to primitives.3 . however. then there may be faults with the source model. Identified problem areas can then be re-exported at a higher tolerance setting. The STL format is an approximation of a curved surface model. Where the Mechanical CAD System does not have this facility. then the resultant model may be too difficult to manipulate.STL report. Whatever the intention it is best to review the DESIGN model. The review can range from a superficial visual check to a detailed scrutiny of the graphics and database hierarchy. making it easier to manipulate the model. There may be occasions. you may choose to remove bolt-holes. • Too low a tolerance setting may result in the STL translation operation failing. whereas a highly detailed model is required for realistic visualisation.4 • Too great a tolerance setting may result in errors in the STL file. the accuracy and level of detail of which may be controlled through tolerance setting. A balance must be struck between too great and too low tolerance settings. Reviewing the model allows you to: • verify that the level of detail in the model is sufficient for your purposes • identify areas where the data structure could be improved • identify any problem areas If the model is generated through ImPlant . If this does not correct the errors or there is geometry missing from the model. The Wrapper option should be used only when you are sure that most or all solid parts are inside other parts and can therefore be removed without affecting the appearance of the model. when ImPlant . the model needs to be checked visually to locate errors due to failings in the STL export process. This may enable ImPlant . This can be done by reviewing and where necessary improving the model created. Controlling the DESIGN Model If you are aware that holes below a certain diameter need not be transferred to the model then the option to remove these holes should be selected. This is due to the fact that Wrapping prevents any primitive recognition. You can obtain the value of the minimum hole size that has been exported by viewing the ImPlant . 3 . Original Model as Triangles Figure 4:3.STL. Viewing the model in wireline mode will effectively display areas that are densely packed with POHE primitives.ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Controlling the Process If the model is visually acceptable but is slow to manipulate it should be checked to see if there are any areas where geometry can be remodelled more efficiently using fewer primitives. Figures 4-2 to 4-5 are examples of a model generated from a Pro/ENGINEER source file.STL to generate a more efficient representation based on primitives. 4. ie areas where it has not been possible for ImPlant . Solid Model with All Holes Translated 4:4 1.6 Typical STL Files and Resultant Models The following Figures are examples of typical STL files and the models resulting from their import into PDMS/Outfitting with various option changes in ImPlant . Figure 4:2. Solid Model with All Holes Removed Figures 4-6 to 4-8 are examples of a Model generated from a CATIA source file. 4:5 1.ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Controlling the Process Figure 4:4. Solid Model with Holes Smaller than 40 mm Diameter Removed Figure 4:5.3 . Original Model as Triangles Figure 4:7. Solid Model with All Holes Translated 4:6 1.ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Controlling the Process Figure 4:6.3 . Solid Model with All Holes Removed 4:7 1.3 .ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Controlling the Process Figure 4:8. 3 .ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Controlling the Process 4:8 1. The normal mode of operation is the interactive mode. 5.bat) file.STL program via a batch (.STL 5 Using ImPlant .STL User Interface .2 ImPlant .STL has two modes of operation: • interactive mode • batch mode In the interactive mode you input your requirements to the ImPlant .STL dialog box is shown in Figure 5-1 and comprises the following sections/fields and buttons: 5:1 1. In the batch mode you input your requirements to the ImPlant .1 Modes of Operation ImPlant .STL User Interface Figure 5:1.Basic Dialog Box The default ImPlant .ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Using ImPlant .STL program via the user interface. ImPlant .STL 5.3 . this section has separate location/file sections and is used to select where ImPlant . 5:2 1. The Input File. the Location and Filename. This may be a simpler way to specify a particular location and filename where the full path and filename is a complex string. Note the when this option is checked. Where the program finds holes in objects in the STL file. where the program finds holes in objects in the STL file. Off when this option is selected.ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Using ImPlant . Destination Section PDMS Macro File This field is split into two sections. the locations of the macro file and the Report File will automatically be set to being at the same location as the input STL File. ASCII is the default value of this field. PDMS Macro File and Report File sections also contain browser buttons ( ). If a location is not a valid the last valid location will automatically replace the location that was entered.STL Default locations checkbox If checked. Default filenames checkbox If checked. the filenames of the Macro file and the Report file will automatically become the same as the input STL file but with . ASCII or Binary.mac and .3 . (This macro file is compatible with outfitting. these are all ignored and no holes are generated in the MAC file.log extensions. the user is no longer allowed to select or modify Locations for either the Macro or Report files manually.STL should create its' log file and the name of the file. The options are: On the default value for this field. the user is no longer allowed to select or modify Filenames for either the Macro or Report files manually. This is to enable you to browse and select file locations and names. Input File Section Select STL file this field is used to specify the full path and filename of the STL file to be translated. STL Mode this field is used to specify the format of the STL file. Note the when this option is checked.STL program deals with holes. PDMS Model Section Holes this field is used to set how the ImPlant . as well as PDMS) Report File Again. corresponding negative primitives (holes) are generated in the MAC file. respectively. the Scale factor field can be used to scale up or down the resultant MAC file objects to suit the DESIGN project units.STL program. The default value for this field is 1.0. from which the STL file was generated. 5:3 1. Output Summary This is the area to the right of the setup window and is used for displaying messages and status reports when translating a file Hide Output Summary Use this button to show/hide the Output Summary display More >> clicking on this button calls up additional 'advanced' parameter options. shown in Figure 5-2. If the units used in the originating program. During the translation process the ImPlant .STL program maintains the physical relationships of objects in the STL file. resultant primitives in the MAC file are therefore of the same relative size.STL program. these are ignored and corresponding holes are not generated in the MAC file. Where the program finds holes in objects in the STL file with a diameter smaller than the value entered.STL program there is no concept of units. corresponding holes are generated in the MAC file. Note: Within the ImPlant .STL <Diameter> Scale factor when this option is selected. Create button Clicking on this button initiates the translation process within the ImPlant . Exit button Clicking on this button closes the user interface and terminates the ImPlant .3 . you are able to specify the maximum size of hole that is to be translated as a hole. this field is used to specify an enlargement or reduction factor that the ImPLANT?STL program is to apply. Where the program finds holes in objects in the STL file with a diameter equal to or greater than the value entered.ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Using ImPlant . are known. STL program is to deal with coplanar faces. The program determines that an object is a cylinder by inference. Compressed Geometry this field is used to set how the ImPlant . ImPlant . 5:4 1.2.STL 5. sides per cylinder this field is used to specify the minimum number of sides required in order for the program to recognise and map a cylinder.3 . it actually detects a cylinder as an extrusion having a circular profile. additional fields become available to the user in the PDMS Model section: Min. and the value set in this field represents the minimum number of intersecting vertices that the program is required to use to map a circular profile. This option produces the smallest resultant MAC file. It also maps geometric solids into PDMS primitives.STL User Interface-Advanced Dialog Box When More >> is selected. With this option selected the program combines coplanar faces with shared edges into bigger faces. The circular profile is mapped by intersecting vertices. The options are: On the default value for this field.ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Using ImPlant .1 More >> Options Figure 5:2. Off the default value for this field. Angle > With this option selected you can set an angle by which the program computes if an edge will become visible or invisible. Off With this option selected the program sets all edges to be invisible. Wrapper this field is used to set how the program is to treat objects with internal parts.3 . The options are: On The default value for this field. Internal features created by solid parts overlapping are also removed from the MAC file. This option is useful if the STL file contains parts that have lots of internal parts that can be recognised by ImPlant . Solid polyhedron This field is used to set how the program is to map solid parts to PDMS/Outfitting.STL Off when off.ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Using ImPlant . With this option selected the program does not perform the wrapping operation. If the angle is greater than the angle between the normals of the two faces that share an edge then the edge becomes invisible otherwise it will become visible.STL as solids. This is the default value Off With this option selected the program does not create solid polyhedra but maps these parts to POHE/POGO. With this option selected the program sets all edges to be visible. It will then remove from the MAC file any parts that are wholly inside other parts. The default value is set to 60 degrees. Create VOLM element This option allows the output primitives in the Macro file to be created under a VOLM element rather than an EQUI The options are: On Create output primitives under a VOLM element 5:5 1. the program does not combine coplanar faces with shared edges into bigger faces and does not map geometric solids into primitives. The options are: On With this option selected the program creates solid polyhedra for solid parts that can not be mapped onto Boxes. The options are: On with this option selected the program creates a wrapper around all solid parts. Edge visibility This field is used to set the mode by which the program can set edges to be visible or invisible. This option produces a much larger MAC file than the when Compressed Geometry is switched on. Cylinders and other PDMS primitives. The format of the batch file is shown below: ImPLANT-STL. 5.allowing multiple STL files to be translated into macro files in the background. Click the Exit button to terminate the ImPlant . This is the default. there will be also be a report file (log) created for each translation file operation. 5:6 1. with the extension of . STEP 5 Repeat STEPS 2 to 4 for each STL file that is to be translated. with the extension of . Each of the macro files will by default have the same root name as the associated originating STL file. STEP 4 Click on the Create button to start the translation process.STL program and also the options to apply to the program.STL program by executing the following: Start>All Programs>AVEVA>AVEVA ImPLANT-STL xxx>ImPLANT-S Dialog STEP 2 Enter or select.STL 5.STL from a batch file it is first necessary to create a batch (. The options available are described in more detail in ImPlant .STL may be run from a command window.STL program prior to the translation operation starting.STL program. Interactive Mode The following procedure represents the minimum interaction that is required in order to generate a macro file from an STL file. STEP 1 Start up the ImPlant . << Less clicking on this button removed the 'advanced' options from the display. You can rename the macro files and report files using Windows Explorer.mac. Each of the report files will by default have the same root name as the associated originating STL file. STEP 3 Specify whether the STL file is in ASCII or binary format. or from a batch file . In addition.3 . All file names are validated by the ImPlant . In order to run ImPlant .exe <stl_filename> [-b] [-o <output_filename>] -r <report_filename>] [-w] [-t] [-h holes_diameter>] [-c <cylinder_sides>] [-s <scale_factor>] [-spoff] [-i <invisibility_angle>] [-volm] [-?] where: <stl_filename> is the filename of the input STL file.4 Batch Mode ImPlant . using the browser. the name of the STL file to be translated.bat) file containing the instructions to initiate the ImPlant . The above procedure will create one or more macro files suitable for input to DESIGN.3 Off Create output primitives under an EQUI element.log.STL User Interface.ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Using ImPlant . log.3 .mac. If this switch is not used the program uses the default value. -? Help 5:7 1. where: -b indicates that the input STL file is a binary file.ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Using ImPlant . If this switch is not used the program will use the default value. Compressed. -s <scale_factor> indicates that the following <scale_factor> is to be applied during the translation in order to enlarge or reduce the resultant model in the MAC file. -o <output_filename> indicates that the following filename is to be used for the output MAC file. This is now obsolete as solid polyhedra are created by default -d <directory_path> this option can be used to translate every stl file in a specified directory <directory_path>. If the angle given is greater than the angle between the normals of the two faces that share the edge then the edge becomes invisible. -t indicates that the Geometry option is to be set to Uncompressed. -volm indicates that all elements in the macro file should be created under VOLM elements instead of EQUI -dpdms113 indicates that solid polyhedra are to be created. ie holes with a diameter of less than the value specified will be ignored. If this switch is not used the program does not apply the Wrapper. -spoff indicates that solid polyhedra should not be created -i <invisibility_angle> indicates that <invisibility_angle> is to be applied to decide if an edge is visible or invisible when a Solid Polyhedron is created. If this switch is not used the program uses the default value which is the same root as the input STL file with the extension . otherwise it will become visible. The default value is 6. -c <cylinder_sides> indicates the minimum number <cylinder_sides> of sides to be used to recognise and map cylinders or negative cylinders.0 then all holes will be ignored. in this case ASCII. -r <report_filename> indicates that <report_filename> is to be used for the report or log file. If <holes_diameter> is set to -1. -w indicates that the Wrapper option is to be used.STL The options to be applied are included in the batch file in the form of command line switches. If this switch is not used the program uses the default value which is the same root as the input STL file with the extension . -h <holes_diameter> indicates that holes are to be translated and that <holes_diameter> is to be applied as the minimum size of hole that is to be translated. This is done using the following procedure: STEP 1 Start up DESIGN and make sure that the database is at the appropriate ZONE level. especially with large files. STEP 2 Read in each MAC file as: $m <filename> Large MAC files should be read into DESIGN by entering DESIGN in 'dev tty' mode and entering the command 'trace off' before the read command.ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Using ImPlant . Reading in the macro may take some time.3 . or use the -d option. 5:8 1.STL is a macro file. ready to be read into the DESIGN mode of PDMS or Outfitting.STL commands.5 Running the Macro File into DESIGN The output from ImPlant . 5.STL Several STL input files may be processed at once if you create a batch file with a series of ImPlant . One such Translator Program is CADfix from ITI TranscenData. such as Microstation. where the model can be manipulated more easily in the DESIGN module and drawings can be produced via the DRAFT module. STEP AP203/ AP214. 6:1 1. Translator programs are available which can read these other export file formats and generate STL files. may be imported into DESIGN using product specific translators. Most of these Mechanical CAD Systems have the capability to export files in the STL format direct or some other standard format or CAD native format such as IGES.3 .1 Mechanical CAD Systems and STL File Production ImPlant .STL addresses the problem of transferring 3D model data from Mechanical CAD Systems to PDMS. The output files from some other popular Mechanical CAD Systems.ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide STL Input 6 STL Input 6. etc. The possible routes to generating STL files are shown in below. Popular Mechanical CAD Systems include: CATIA Pro/ENGINEER I-DEAS SolidWorks ACIS based systems Parasolid based systems Unigraphics Solid Edge CADAM ROBCAD CADDS5 AutoCAD. The translation operation maintains the physical size of parts as they were in the originating program. are not needed in PDMS and these also should be excluded from the transfer.STL. • All parts of the model that are not essential should be excluded from the transfer. Applying the following factors will help to reduce the volume of data: 6. The size of the parts as they appear in PDMS/Outfitting can be adjusted by applying a scale factor to the STL file within ImPlant . STL File Input to ImPlant . 6:2 1. • Many features. All STL translator programs offer an approximation/tolerance factor to achieve this. It is very important to control the number of triangles produced. such as chamfers. in particular any internal parts that will not be used in PDMS.3 . keeping these to the minimum to produce an acceptable model in DESIGN.STL generates macro files with no reference to any units.STL The method of production of the STL files is an important factor in minimising the volume of data that needs to be transferred. Units and Scalar Factors Within STL there is no concept of units and therefore ImPlant .ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide STL Input Figure 6:1.2 • All curved parts are approximated as planar faces (triangles) in the process of being exported to the STL file. Each non-manifold surface is then treated as a closed volume as detailed previously. with no holes. then these primitives are added to the EQUIPMENT or VOLM element.ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Macro Output 7 Macro Output 7. The POHEs are added under the SUBEQUIPMENT.1 General The data output from ImPlant . 7. ImPlant . all geometric parts are converted to primitives which form a single EQUIPMENT or VOLUME (VOLM) per STL file. 7.1 Geometry Hierarchy If a BOX. CYLINDER or EXTRUSION is recognised by ImPlant . each face of a POHE being represented by a single POGO (polygon) element. Any other closed volumes that are not recognised as being any of the above PDMS primitive types are added to the EQUIPMENT (or VOLM) element as a SUBEQUIPMENT (or SVOLM). PYRAMID. The geometry hierarchy is as shown in Figure 7-1.2 Data Structure When an STL file is translated into a MAC file and this is read into PDMS/Outfitting.2.STL uses the name from the MAC file as the EQUIPMENT (or VOLM) name. All non-closed volumes are split into non-manifold surfaces.3 . Each face with one or more holes in it is represented as an EXTRUSION with each hole represented by a NEXTRUSION. are represented by PDMS POHEs. All remaining faces. Negative primitives are added below these primitives.STL is presented in the form of a macro file that can be read into DESIGN in order to create the corresponding primitives and associated hierarchy. 7:1 1.STL. Any Solid Polyhedron (POLYHE) elements are also created directly under the EQUIPMENT or VOLM element. ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Macro Output Figure 7:1. PDMS Geometry Hierarchy 7:2 1.3 . stl Output PDMS Design macro file: C:\AVEVA\ImPLANTSTLxxx.STL following a translation operation provides the following information: • a count of the primitives found and translated • a list of errors or warnings An example of a report is given below: AVEVA ImPLANT-STL REPORT -----------------------Date of run: Wed May 14 10:18:37 2008 Input StereoLithography file: C:\AVEVA\ImPLANTSTLxxx.0\Macros\slide_gate1.3 .ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Reports 8 Reports The standard report or log generated by ImPlant .0\test\slide_gate1.mac Solid polyhedra are created Primitives Processed -------------------Number of faces read is 5380 Number of primitives recognised is 40 Number of Solid Shells is 15 Number of Boxes is 2 Number of Extrusions is 14 Number of Cylinders is 9 The smallest hole diameter exported is: 10 8:1 1. 3 .ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Reports 8:2 1. STL program installation.3 . error = ** Warning **: PDMS ImPlant . or all your licenses are in use.ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Error Messages 9 Error Messages 9.STL user interface . In the first instance try re-installing the program.0 Scalar factor must be a value >0.STL license expires in %d days 9.2 Licensing Errors Either you do not have a valid license for the product. Process cannot be initialised .0 Number of cylinder sides must be an integer >=3 The following errors may appear when operating ImPlant .STL in Interactive Mode: Must provide a file name for STL file input Must provide a file name for PDMS Macro output You have not provided a report filename Output file has same name as STL file input Report file has same name as STL file input Diameter must be a value >0. ***** FATAL SITEFILE ERROR ***** Please contact your AVEVA Support representative Cannot get license for this version.check installation Cannot find process for ImPlant .3 Parameter Setting Errors The following errors may appear when operating ImPlant .check installation 9.1 System Errors These errors indicate that there is something wrong with the ImPlant .STL in batch mode: **Warning**: No scale factor for -s argument **Warning**: Invalid scale factor for -s argument: <value> **Warning**: No argument for output file name **Warning**: Invalid name for -o argument: <name> 9:1 1. **Warning**: Cannot open input STL file <name> **Warning**: Cannot open output PDMS macro file <name> 9.6 Data Processing Errors **Warning**: Wrapper failed **Warning**: The wrapper model did not create a solid model **Warning**: Object <n> has not been recognised as solid **Warning**: No holes have been removed from primitive <n> because too many faces were to be removed 9:2 1.3 .4 File Access Errors Either you have not provided a filename where it is needed.5 Data Errors **Error**: Unexpected end of file <name> **Error**: This file does not start with 'solid': It may not be an STL ASCII file **Error**: Non-triangular facet(s) detected **Error**: This File is incomplete (or not a binary file) 9. or the file cannot be found. or does not have the correct access rights set.ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Error Messages **Warning**: No argument for report file name **Warning**: Invalid name for -r argument: <name> **Warning**: No number for holes diameter argument **Warning**: Invalid number for -h argument: <value> **Warning**: No argument for sides in a cylinder **Warning**: Invalid number for -c argument: <value> **Warning**: Invalid number for -i argument: <value> **Warning**: Unexpected argument: <text> **Warning**: No Input File Name Supplied 9. 3 .STL may fail when attempting to translate surfaces that overlap or are duplicated for open skin surfaces.STL is not capable of mapping all PDMS/Outfitting primitives. 10:1 1. In particular it cannot map to Surfaces of Revolution.STL does not recognise solid parts.ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Limitations 10 Limitations • ImPlant . • Occasionally ImPlant . • ImPlant . 3 .ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Limitations 10:2 1. . . . . . 2:2 Compatibility with DESIGN . . . . 4:3 reviewing and improving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:2 file access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . STL input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:1 translation . . . .3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide Index C M Command Window running in . . 1:2 Mode batch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:1 Installation basic . . . 4:4 Running Macro File . . . . . . . . . 9:1 parameter setting . . . . 2:1 S I Solid Polyhedron definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:2 licensing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Controlling the quantity . . . . . . . . 2:1 NET Framework . .STL using . . . . 5:8 Flexman License Manager . . 7:1 P E Error Message data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:1 R F Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:6 Modes of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . STL Data Controlling the quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:1 D O DESIGN Model Controlling . . . . ImPlant . . . . . 8:1 Resultant Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:3 Output Macro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:6 interactive . . . . . . 9:1 Process controlling . . . . . . . . . . 9:1 system . 3:1 Index page 1 1:2 6:1 4:2 4:2 1. . . . . . . 2:1 test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ImPLANT-STL Installation and User Guide T Test runnning and checking . . 3:1 Index page 2 1. . .3 .