Objective:
Learn how to extract parts from imported CAD for use in workflows.
Applies to:
- CAD Parts
- CAD Assemblies
- nTop 3.30+
Procedure:
CAD assemblies are now not flattened with our latest version of the Import Part block. To preserve the assembly hierarchy on import, we added a type called Component that you will find under any Part objects.
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Component contains instance, placement, and template.
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Instance is a Part type object representing the CAD component in the assembly structure. You will find all bodies and curves of each assembly component under this.
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Placement is a Transform object required for transforming the Template into the Instance.
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Template is a Part type object representing the original part-level design.
Note: The examples below utilize our "CAD View" feature that was implemented in nTop 4.21. This feature is just for convenience and is not a necessity. If you are on an older version of nTop, skip Step 2.
Extraction by Properties (Single Part):
1. Open up the Properties Panel for the imported part
2. Use the "CAD View" checkbox to isolate the CAD bodies list
3. Use the drop-down arrow next to the bodies list to show the items in the list.
4. Drag out the single body property chip
Extraction by Properties (Assembly):
1. Open up the Properties Panel for the imported assembly
2. Use the "CAD View" checkbox to isolate the CAD components
3. Use the drop-down arrows next to the component you want to extract to find the single body
4. Drag out the single body property chip
Common Mistake: Using the CAD Body List
We commonly see users experiencing issues downstream in their workflow where they can't insert a variable into an input. This is usually due to the variable being a list. Please ensure that the original CAD body that you extracted is a single body and not a list.
Extraction by manual selection on screen:
To extract CAD Faces:
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- Single: Click on the face you want to extract
- Multiple: Hold SHIFT or CTRL and click on the faces you want to select
- R-click and choose the option "Create CAD Face Variable" or "Create CAD Face List Variable" if multiple selected
To extract CAD edges or vertices:
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- Single: Click on the edge or vertex you want to extract
- Multiple: Hold SHIFT or CTRL and click on the edges or vertices you want to select
- R-click and choose the option "Create CAD Vertex Variable" or "Create CAD Edge Variable."
To create an Implicit Body or CAD Body:
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- Single: Double click on the body (or just select a face on the same body if converting to Implicit)
- Multiple: Hold SHIFT or CTRL and double-click on the bodies you want (or choose just a face on the same body if converting to Implicit)
- Implicit: Right-click and choose "Convert CAD Body to Implicit Body" or "Convert CAD Bodies to Implicit Bodies."
- CAD: Right-click and select the option "Create CAD Body Variable" or "Create CAD Body List Variable."
And that's it! You've successfully extracted parts from your imported CAD Body for other workflows.
Are you still having issues? Contact the support team, and we'll be happy to help!