Solid Edge Best Practices for Working with Imported CAD Data

After importing third-party files into Solid Edge, users notice a blue circle "i" symbol on the imported features. The purpose and significance of this symbol are unclear.

The blue circle with an "i" symbol indicates that the imported geometry has not been optimized. To ensure optimal performance and quality, it is recommended to follow best practices when working with imported CAD data in Solid Edge.

Effects of Non-Optimized Geometry:

Non-optimized geometry can lead to several issues, including:

Window Display Performance:

• Slow window updates, such as zoom or fit operations

• Slow and jerky view rotations

• Abnormal display problems, such as missing faces

Modeling Problems:

• Difficulties in adding or removing material (cuts/protrusions)

• Failures in direct modeling operations (unable to move faces)

• Crashes or abnormal termination of commands

Draft Drawing View Creation or Updates:

• Inability to create drawing, section, or detailed views

• Crashes during view creation or updates

• View updates taking an abnormally long time to finish

Optimize Command:

Solid Edge provides the Optimize command to address these issues and improve the precision and quality of imported models. The Optimize command performs the following tasks:

• Simplifies B-Surface Definitions: It simplifies the complex B-spline definitions used in the imported geometry, leading to enhanced precision and performance.

• Heals Edges: The command identifies and heals problematic edges, ensuring the integrity of the model and preventing modeling issues.

• Replaces Blend-like Faces: It identifies and replaces blend-like faces with a PS rolling ball blend, improving the overall quality and appearance of the model.

Best Practices for Working with Imported CAD Data:

To ensure a smooth workflow and optimize the quality of imported CAD data, it is recommended to follow these best practices:

• Run the Optimize Command: After importing third-party files into Solid Edge, always run the Optimize command to optimize the geometry. Even if the model does not appear to have any faults, running the Optimize command is a good practice as it improves precision and complexity in most imported models.

• Regularly Update Imported Models: If you make changes to the imported model or receive updated versions, re-run the Optimize command to maintain optimal performance and quality.

• Review the Optimize Results: After running the Optimize command, review the model to ensure that the blue circle "i" symbol is no longer displayed. This indicates that the geometry has been successfully optimized.
• Run the Geometry Inspector Command: After successfully optimizing the model, always run the Geometry Inspector command.  Geometry Inspector detects flaws in model geometry, and provides information to help you understand and resolve any geometry errors detected.

Note: Siemens DI SW will not address any issues encountered when working with imported unoptimized CAD data. Therefore, it is crucial to run the Optimize command to ensure optimal performance and avoid potential problems.

Conclusion:

Working with imported CAD data in Solid Edge requires optimizing the geometry using the Optimize command. By following best practices, such as running the Optimize command and regularly updating imported models, users can enhance precision, improve performance, and avoid potential issues associated with non-optimized geometry.

For more Solid Edge STEP related articles, please refer to the "Solid Edge STEP FAQs Collection"

Utility for Automatic Optimization of Imported CAD Models in Solid Edge

Solid Edge 2024 Help documentation on "Working with non-CAD data".

Solid Edge 2024 Help documentation on "Optimize command".

Solid Edge 2024 Help documentation on "Using Geometry Inspector".

Solid Edge 2024 Help documentation on "Geometry Inspector command".