Import

File

Use the Import File command to import a component model created in 3rd-party software.

Depending on the source program, an imported component model can contain parts that are never visible outside the component model. For example, the component model of a machine can be very detailed also on the inside, whereas all that is needed for designing the floor layout is the outer appearance of the machine. Getting rid of these invisible parts can make the component model lighter and reduce the possibility of Plant Modeller slowing down because of too detailed equipment models. Therefore, after the import, the program runs the Delete Interior command to inspect whether the imported geometric primitives contain removable, invisible parts.

Unless there is a reason to see for example machine internals in a cut-away view, you should accept the invisible parts to be deleted. If you are not sure what those parts are, you can import the model as is, use the Delete Visible command to delete the outer parts, and then re-import the model to restore its outer parts and remove the inner parts.

Note: The only way to restore the deleted interior or exterior of a component model is to re-load the model from the original source file.

STEP files

You can use the Import File command to import component models from STEP (.stp) files that use the STEP application protocol 214 (AP214). The 3D-Import Options dialog opens for defining the import parameters:

Preserve original origin of the import – Select this option to keep the imported origin of the component model. If not selected, the program computes a new origin.
Tessellation – See Tessellation tab.
Simplification – See Simplification tab.

JT files

You can use the Import File command to import component models from JT files. The JT import parameters dialog opens for defining the import parameters.

JT Geometry – Specify how object geometry is generated in JT import. This can be set to one of the LOD levels in the JT file, or you can choose to tessellate the XT brep geometry present in the JT file.
Preserve original origin of the import – Select this option to keep the imported origin of the component model. If not selected, the program computes a new origin.

To use the following options, your environment must have the separately installed CADMATIC Simplifier tool and the "3D Import Geometry Simplification" license.

Enable simplification – Select this option to enable simplification.

Simplification level – Select the simplification level.

Show/hide details

Level 1, least simplification	Level 2, moderate simplification	Level 3, most simplification

Try to replace objects with cylinders – Select this option to replace approximately cylindrical bodies with a cylinder.

Turning this off can slightly decrease the processing time.
Try to replace objects with boxes – Select this option to replace approximately box-shaped bodies with a box.

Turning this off can increase the processing time and the workload of the other tools.
Remove small objects – Select this option to remove bodies whose bounding box is small.
Remove small holes – Select this option to remove holes whose entry/exit size is less than the threshold value, regardless of cross section or form.

Maximum size for a removed hole – Specify the threshold value for removing small holes.

Other files

You can use the Import File command to import component models from 3DC, 3DD, 3DDX, 3DP, CDI, DWG, and IFC files. The Import parameters dialog opens for defining the import parameters.

Preserve original origin of the import – Select this option to keep the imported origin of the component model. If not selected, the program computes a new origin.

GDL

Use the Import GDL command to import an existing GDL object (Standard Component, Structural Component or Equipment) to the current component model.

If the imported GDL has parameters, you are requested to provide their values (they can be GDL expressions).

After the initial import, you can translate and/or rotate the imported primitives.