3DTransVidia is designed to repair 3D models created in different CAD systems. The repair process is automatic and can be applied to most complex 3D models and assemblies. The repair is always performed within the model tolerance maintaining the original model integrity and preventing model deformations. 3DTransVidia supports both native and neutral data formats.

CAD models often lack quality and precision required by the complex engineering processes (CAD -> CAE -> CAM). The geometrical and topological flaws are main obstacles in data translation. Complex CAD operations as model re-scaling, offsetting or Boolean operations are impossible to perform on invalid models. Repairs in native CAD system are in general difficult and time consuming as CAD system are not designed for this purpose.

3DTransVidia offers ultimate solutions to repair existing 3D CAD models to desired quality. Geometry check tools verify model compliance against the automotive industry standards as VDA 4955-2, JAMA and AIAG D-15 or user defined quality criteria.

The repair process includes the following steps:

• data import
• tolerance control
• automatic repair and healing
• diagnostic and error classification
• manual repair
• quality check
• data export

Supported Data Formats

• CATIA V4 (.model, .exp / up to 4.2.4)
• CATIA V5 (.CATPart, CATProduct / up to R20)
• CATIA V5 PMI
• Unigraphics (.prt / up to 18, NX6.0)
• Unigraphics PMI
• Pro/E (up to Wildfire 4)
• Pro/E PMI
• Inventor (up to 12)
• Parasolid (up to 20)
• ACIS
• STEP
• IGES (5.x - 6.x)
• VDA-FS
• AutoForm (.af, .afm)
• STL
• VRML
• 3DTransVidia XML

• CATIA V4 (.model, .exp / 4.2.4)
• CATIA V5 (.CATPart, CATProduct / up to R20)
• Parasolid (up to 20)
• ACIS
• STEP
• IGES (5.x - 6.x)
• VDA-FS
• AutoForm (.af, .afm)
• STL
• VRML
• 3DTransVidia XML

Model Tolerance

3DTransVidia automatically finds the right model tolerance value by verifying the size of all model entities. The user controls the model tolerance by choosing between the following options:

• File tolerance (value stored in the file)
• Estimated tolerance (recommended default value)
• User defined tolerance (choice of the user)

Data Translation, Repair and Healing Workflow

The automatic repair resolves over 70 typical geometry and topology conflicts. The repair is performed within a specified model tolerance without changing or deforming the original model. Even an inexperienced CAD user will complete the repair within very short time

General

Invalid object's formal parameters
Invalid object's dependencies
Invalid camera's view parameters

Topology

Edge
Invalid vertex
Invalid orientation
Not G1(G2)

Loop
Not defined in Model Space
Not defined in Parametric Space
Not synchronized representation (in Model Space and Parametric Space)
Not G0 in Model Space
Not G0 in Parametric Space
Not closed in Model Space
Not closed in Parametric Space
Invalid orientation
Inconsistent curves' orientations
Intersection
Self-intersection
Laying out of surface domain (partially)

Face
Degenerated
Ribbon
Invalid orientation (normal direction)
Not G1(G2) (underlying surface)
Intersection
Self-intersection
Inner loop is missed
Outer loop is wrongly indexed
Outer loop is missed
Not optimal underlying surface definition
Self-touching loop

Geometry

Curve

General
Degenerated
Shared
Irregular parameterization
Not simplified
2D curve is out of surface domain

NURBS curve
Not G1(G2)
Invalid knot vector
Collapsed control points
Not simplified (polyline)
Not simplified (segment)

Polyline
Duplicated points
Linear chains
One segment
Approximation by NURBS curve

Composite curve
Not G0
Invalid sub-curve index
Invalid sub-curve orientation
Duplicated sub-curve
One sub-curve
Nested composite curve

Spline curve
Invalid knot vector

Surface

General
Degenerated
Shared
Wavy parameterization
Insufficient domain
Type conversion

NURBS surface
Not G1(G2)
Invalid knot vector
Collapsed control points

Surface of revolution
Invalid parameterization
Invalid generatrix curve
Surface of revolution self intersection
Not-optimal seam

Diagnostic and Error Classification

3DTransVidia automatically classifies types of errors remaining in the model after automatic repair and suggests a most suitable manual repair workflow.
Problematic places are visible in the project tree and remain there until they are fixed. The repair parts are automatically merged with the rest of the model.

The errors are classified into the following categories:

• Gaps
• Overlaps
• T-connections
• Ledges
• Open contours
• Untrimmed surfaces
• Mesh Gaps
• Mesh Open Edges
• Mesh Open Contours
• Mesh Overlaps

Manual Repair

Manual repair has never been simpler. 3DTransVidia provides a workflow and special tools to easy and fast repair all remaining problems. Faulty places together with their neighbours are automatically isolated from the rest of the model. The user manipulates only on small part of the model instead of the whole model or complex assembly. There are specialized repair functions for fast and easy repair of the most complex problem.

• Gap diagnostics
• Open contour diagnostics
• Surface creation
• Surface recreation
• Surface merging
• Surface trimming
• Surface splitting
• Surface fitting (gaps/overlaps eliminating)