Chapter 37: Using Imported Geometry and Direct Editing Techniques
IN THIS CHAPTER
Understanding how imported geometry works
Examining the traditional role of direct edit tools
Benefiting from direct edit tools
Importing and repairing Solid Geometry tutorial
Geometry imported from other CAD systems is often difficult to deal with, particularly in history-based systems. Imports aren't always clean, meaning they often need repairs. Sometimes, you might want to change it. Imported data is often called “dumb geometry” because it has no features. Imported data can be edited through direct edit tools and techniques.
The direct editing tools in SolidWorks enable you to change a part without having access to the history of features that created the part. Direct editing works on both native and imported geometry either by simply moving faces or by editing the geometry directly rather than indirectly through feature definitions or sketches.
This chapter looks at the import and export tools available in SolidWorks and the direct edit tools that can be used to manipulate imported or native geometry.
Understanding the Basics of Imported Geometry
Geometry that's transferred between CAD packages is called imported geometry. The transfer usually happens through IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification; pronounced eye-jess), STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product), Parasolid, or ACIS (named for the initials of three people and one company who created the standard: Alan, Charles, Ian, ...
