Converting Surface Data to Solid Models¶

Use the Surface to Solid Converter and the procedure below to create solid models from open surface Vericut or STL model files. This converter is particularly useful to create casting/forging stock models from design surface data.

Note: Surface data can also be converted to solid models via batch processing.

To convert surface data to a solid model file:

Access the Surface to Solid Converter window: in Vericut select File tab > Convert dropdown menu > Surface to Solid.

You can also run this converter outside of Vericut via the "sur2stk" command file located in the Vericut "commands" directory, under the directory representing your computer type.

Type the /path /filename in the text field, or use the Browse button and use the file selection window that displays to select the Input File containing the IGES data to convert.

Type the /path /filename in the text field, or use the Browse button and use the file selection window that displays to select the Output File to receive converted geometry.

Choose the Input File Type appropriate for the surface model being converted to a solid.

Choose the Output File Type and Output Format Type in which to write the solid model geometry.

Enter the Tolerance for offsetting and projecting the surface to create the solid.

Enter any Offset amount to apply to the surface, for example to add stock for machining on the converted solid model.

Enter the Base Location - Z value of the plane to project the surface to.

To expand the surface edges to create a rectangular base, click Project Rectangle.

To transform the solid model, enter 9 values separated by spaces in the Transformation Matrix field. Format: dx,dy,dz,Ivx,Jvx,Kvx,Ivy,Jvy,Kvy where "dx,dy,dz" specify the distance to the local coordinate system origin, and "Ivx,Jvx,Kvx, Ivy,Jvy,Kvy" specify the orientation of the local coordinate system X and Y axis vectors with respect to the surface model coordinate system.

Tip: Matrix values correspond to MSYS record values that appear in a NX CLS file.

Click Process.

Error and informational messages from the process are sent to the Surface to Solid Converter window message area.