Objective:

Convert a Topology Optimized part into a CAD format and export it to a CAD program. 

Note:

nTop Platform is capable of exporting Implicit or Mesh parts to STEP or Parasolid formats. This ability enables you to integrate nTop Platform’s robust geometry kernel into CAD workflows. Topology optimization workflows produce the most useful results, but the same process applies to more complex geometry. Keep in mind that exceedingly faceted geometry and periodic structures are challenging for traditional CAD programs. Read this article to learn more about the limitations. 

Procedure:

1. Convert to a Mesh: Convert your topology optimized part to a mesh. 

2. Refine Mesh: Refine your mesh by using Remesh Surface, Simplify by Threshold, Simplify by Amount, or other simplification methods. This step allows for easier conversion to a quad mesh. 

3. Quad Mesh: Convert the refined Mesh to a quad mesh by using the Quadrangulate Mesh block. The quad mesh allows for easier and faster conversion to a CAD Body format. 

• • A quad mesh is not just a step for converting, but also a very useful model itself. The mesh can be exported into other systems by using the Export Mesh block. 
  • If you encounter errors when converting to a Quad Mesh, check out this article. 

4. Optional: Use a Refine Mesh block to refine the Quad Mesh and capture further details and reduce the amount of rounding near sharp edges.

5. Convert to CAD: Convert the refined (or un-refined), quad mesh, into a CAD Body using the CAD Body from Mesh block.

6. Export: Add an Export Part block and choose your save location and file type, either STEP or Parasolid. If you are exporting to Solidworks or Siemens NX, we recommend using the Parasolid format so that no translations are needed. 

Once your part is exported, you have the freedom to import into any program that accepts STEP or Parasolid inputs. The part can have further operations applied to it, be added back to a larger assembly, and more. 

And that’s it! You’ve successfully exported your part in CAD format. 

Are you still having issues? Contact the support team, and we’ll be happy to help!

Download the Example file:

• Example file

More on this topic:

• nTop Live: Integrate SOLIDWORKS with nTop Platform
• Exporting a CAD part
• What are the limitations of exporting lattice structures to CAD?
• Quadrangulate Mesh fails when meshing my Lattice