Question:

• What is the maximum size of a lattice that will export to CAD?
• Can I export a lattice structure to CAD?

Applies to:

• nTop
• SolidWorks, CATIA, Siemens NX, PTC Creo, STEP, Parasolid

Answer:

There isn't a definite answer to the maximum lattice size we can export to CAD. Generally, this isn't a function of lattice size. The constraint relates to the resulting number of faces. Most CAD software reaches the upper limits of performance somewhere in the range of 10,000 faces. With lattice structures, it's easy to reach 10,000 faces very quickly.  This screenshot shows a single 10 X 10 X 10 unit cell with 1 mm thick beams - it's already 452 faces.

More on this topic:

• How to Export a CAD Part (STEP or Parasolid)
• Quadrangulate Mesh fails when meshing my Lattice
• What file types can nTopology import and export?