Solid Edge Utility for Automatic Optimization of Imported CAD Models in Solid Edge

When importing 3D CAD models from other systems into Solid Edge, the geometry is often not optimized. This can lead to complex B-splines, unhealed edges, and blend-like faces that may affect performance and model quality. To ensure optimal performance and maintain high-quality models, it is recommended to optimize the imported geometry.

Manually optimizing these parts using the Optimize command under the Inspect tab can be time-consuming, especially when dealing with assemblies that include hundreds of parts. Each part requires individual attention, making this a repetitive and labor-intensive task.

For more information on why it is crucial to optimize imported models, refer to the Best Practices for Working with Imported CAD Data Knowledge Base Article. This guide provides detailed explanations on handling imported geometry and the importance of optimization for maintaining model integrity and performance.

To streamline the optimization process, we have developed a utility called Optimize_Models. This tool automates the optimization of all parts and sheet metal files within a specified directory, including any sub-directories. The utility runs the Optimize command on each file, then saves and closes the optimized models.

Key Features of Optimize_Models:

1. File Type Selection: Users can specify which file types (parts or sheet metal) should be processed.

2. Directory Options: Choose to process files in a single directory or include all sub-directories.

3. Message Dialogs: Option to show or suppress message dialogs during processing.

4. Visibility and View Settings:

• Control whether Solid Edge is visible during processing.
• Choose whether to fit the view after optimization.
• Log optimization details to a file, if desired.

5. Folder Selection and File List Update: Browse to a specific folder or update the current list of files to be processed.

6. Process Management: Start or exit the optimization process as needed.

7. Status Bar: Monitor the progress of the files being processed.

8. Log File: Specify the name and location of the log file where optimization details are recorded.

Installation and Access:

The utility is included in a 7-Zip archive (Optimize_Models_1_3_0_0.7z) containing the setup executable (setup.exe).

After installation, the utility can be accessed from the Start Menu under the name "Optimize_Models."

Current Version:

Important Note:

This utility was created to address a specific need for optimizing imported CAD models. Please be aware that it is provided "as is" and is unsupported. Siemens Digital Industries Software (DISW) assumes no liability for its use. Users are advised to test the utility in a controlled environment before deploying it in production.

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