Macro Output

The data output from Import-STL is presented in the form of a macro file that can be read into Model in order to create the corresponding primitives and associated hierarchy.

Data Structure

When anStandard Triangle Language (STL) file is translated into a MAC file and this is read into AVEVA E3D Design, all geometric parts are converted to primitives which form a single Equipment (EQUI) or Volume (VOLM) per STL file. Import-STL uses the name from the STL file as the EQUI (or VOLM) name.

Geometry Hierarchy

If a BOX, PYRAMID, CYLINDER or EXTRUSION is recognized by Import-STL, then these primitives are added to the EQUI or VOLM element. Negative primitives are added below these primitives.

Any Solid Polyhedron (POLYHE) elements are also created directly under the EQUI or VOLM element.

Any other closed volumes that are not recognized as being any of the above AVEVA E3D Design primitive types are added to the EQUI (or VOLM) element as a SUBEQUIPMENT (or SVOLM). Each face with one or more holes in it is represented as an EXTRUSION with each hole represented by a NEXTRUSION. All remaining faces, with no holes, are represented by AVEVA E3D Design POHEs, each face of a POHE being represented by a single Polygon (POGO) element. The POHEs are added under the SUBEQUIPMENT.

All non-closed volumes are split into non-manifold surfaces. Each non-manifold surface is then treated as a closed volume as detailed previously.