Import
File
Use this command to import non-VX files types such as IGES, STEP, DWG, etc. into VX as parts, sketches, or drawing sheets. Use the Import Form to select the file type to import. You can also use this form to save (i.e., make active) import settings including filters and format specific options.
Saving the settings will make them available to the Open File command or drag and drop functionality if you choose to open a non-VX file. For the Open File command, set the File Browser to the required file extension type. See below for more about the Import Form.
Select the file type to export to.
Set the filter and format specific settings as desired. See below for the forms that are used for each file type.
Save the settings if desired.
Pick OK to begin the export, Reset or Cancel as desired.
This list contains the import file types supported by VX. Those listed on the VX Tab are included with each VX license. Those listed on the TM Tab (TransMagic) and the CCE Tab (cadcam-e) require third-party translator passwords to be installed. Ask your VX sales representative about these options.
The selections are VX level dependent. That is, only the file types compatible with the active VX level (i.e., part, sketch, drawing sheet) as well as the selected Target (see below) are available for selection. Select from the list of file types to import.
Part, Sheet, Sketch
This option allows you to select the target object type to create. If no VX file is active (i.e., you're at the file level), a VX file and object are created using the same name as the import file.
If a VX file is active but no object is active (i.e., you're at the object level), an object is created using the same name as the import file and then activated. If an object is active (i.e., part, sketch or Drawing sheet), this option is not active. It is assumed that the target will be an object type compatible with the active object. When active, select from part, sketch or sheet.
See CAD Tips & Techniques about Importing Geometry with Dimensions into a Sketch.
Set Filter
Displays the Import Objects Filter Form. Set the import filters as desired.
Set Options
Displays the import options form specific to the file Type selected. Some file types have no additional options available while others are grouped together on the same form. Refer to the list below.
General Import Options Form - CATIA / Parasolid / Pro/E / PS2 / PS3 / Unigraphics / VX Neutral / STL
AutoCAD Import Options Form - DWG / DXF
Save Settings
Saves the active settings in the Import Objects Filter Form (SetFilter button) and Import Options Form (Set Options button) for the file type being imported. The default settings for each file type (e.g., .igs, .stp etc.) are saved independently. These settings will be used every time VX is loaded. They will also be used by the Open File command if you choose to open to a non-VX file format.
History
Use this option to specify how the import will be handled within the active part's history. Select from the following options:
Sub-Part
- The imported geometry is converted to a sub-part.
A sub-part
is a component that does not show up in the Assembly
Manager or in the active file's root object list.
It is automatically
deleted when the parent part is deleted, and may be flagged with Auto
Regen on or off. Sub-parts
are merged with their parent parts automatically. The
import is NOT repeated during a History Replay.
Backup
- The imported geometry is converted to a Backup Feature.
This speeds
up history regeneration functions (see History Manager).
All data
generated from the Import is backed up with the feature.
Encapsulate - The imported geometry is converted to an Encapsulate History feature. Encapsulating is similar to a Backup Feature, but the encapsulated geometry looses its parametric history. In the case of imported geometry, it has no history anyway. The import is NOT repeated during a History Replay.
Import - The imported geometry is handled as an Import Feature. The import IS repeated during a History Replay so make sure the import file remains in it's current location.
OK
Accepts the current settings and begins importing the file. For all formats except Parasolid, the status will be displayed in the Translator Progress Window. For the Parasolid format, the Parasolid Import Form is displayed. Export will begin and the status displayed when you select OK from this form. Refer also to the description section of this topic for more information about exporting to the Parasolid format.
Reset
Reset all filters and options to their previous defaults.
Cancel
Keep the current settings but close this form without importing.
If you select Parasolid as the format type and then pick the OK button, additional Parasolid options are available from the Parasolid Import Form after the file is selected from the File Browser.
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Supported file types and extensions Refer to Import/Export Formats for file extensions and additional information about each file type. |
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For CATIA, Pro/E and Unigraphics, you are prompted for a required password if your translator license has expired. Contact your VX dealer to obtain new passwords. |
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You can select multiple files during one import session. If you are IN a Part, Sketch or Drawing Sheet, ALL files will be combined into that Part, Sketch or Drawing Sheet. If you are NOT in a Part, but you have "Auto activate" (refer to the Import Options Form for each format) enabled, then ALL files will be combined into a Part of the first file's name. If you are not in a Part and auto activate is not enabled, then each file will be created in its own part. |
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An imported STL object can be selected as input for the Face from Point Cloud command. It is important to note that this is not a general purpose STL to NURBS conversion and/or translation tool. It can be used to that effect, however, for certain supported cases.
The supported cases include those that the Surface from Point Cloud command supports. Base faces can still be used, including ones with seam edges. You will need to provide a base face in cases where the STL data cannot be projected to a common plane adequately. See Finite Element Method (FEM) for Surface Creation section for more information. |
Imported STL data is stored in the VX Part as a 3D block entity. It can be selected by setting the Pick Filter to Block.
