Mesh to CAD

The Mesh to CAD functionality is transitioning the optimisation result from an STL-file back into a NURBS CAD-file. Therefore, a surface quad mesh is modelled on the optimisation result geometry and patches for bigger planar surfaces are merged intelligently.

The Retransition should be performed on a non-intersected optimisation result. After the Retransition a boolean intersection with the Design Space can be done to create all functional surfaces and sharp edges. The resulting NURBS CAD-Geometry can be manipulated by MSC Apex (Generative Design) or any CAD software. The Retransition ensures and simplifies the continuing workflow to the FE-Reanalysis, further CAD modification and process simulation.

The workflow to achieve this transition is as follows:

1. Import a non-intersected optimisation result. You can find this file in your project folder: Project → Meshless Generative Design Scenario 1 Step 1.v1 → buildSpace_MC_MainData_Loop_64.stl

2. Create a NURBS CAD geometry with the Facet Body to NURBS Geometry Tool (Geometry Edit Tools)

   1. Let the software determine a suitable Quad-mesh size

   2. Choose your own suitable Quad-mesh size

3. Nurbs not fully generated. Status message: …

   1. Use Geometry Cleanup tools

   2. If necessary use the Filler tool to restore missing NURBS-Patches

4. Boolean Intersection between the NURBS geometry and Design Space either in MSC Apex Generative Design or MSC Apex

You can find a step by step tutorial here.