Workflows for Working with Mesh BREP Bodies

There are three typical methods for working with mesh bodies:
  • Workflow #1

    Import a mesh file (*.stl, *.obj, *.ply, *.ply2, or *.3MF) from a 3-D scanner, a mesh-based modeling software application or another CAD product, and convert it into a mesh BREP body.

  • Workflow #2

    Import a mesh file (*.stl, *.obj, *.ply, *.ply2, or *.3MF) and convert it into a SOLIDWORKS graphics mesh body.

    Use the graphics mesh body as a physical or visual reference to design a model. You cannot modify or undo any revisions to a graphics mesh body.
  • Workflow #3

    Select a standard SOLIDWORKS BREP body, or a graphics closed or open body, and convert it to a mesh body. It is recommended that you complete all modifications to the SOLIDWORKS body first and convert it to mesh as the last step in the modeling process.

Working with Mesh

You can manipulate mesh geometry in a similar way as to how you work with SOLIDWORKS geometry and tools such as:
  • Determine mass properties.
  • Create reference planes for mesh BREP bodies (not graphics bodies).
  • Select mesh vertices when sketching. Create sketch relations to a mesh facet vertex of a graphics body or a mesh BREP body.
  • Measure distances between mesh elements, using the Measure tool.
    You cannot create sensors for mesh bodies.
  • Create section views.
  • Trim surfaces.
  • Shell, offset, and thicken mesh elements.
  • Apply appearances and render.
  • Detect interference.

Perform Boolean Operations

To combine, intersect, split, move, copy, and cut surfaces, you need to perform these tasks as Boolean operations; that is, create a solid volume before removing geometry.

You cannot combine or perform other Boolean operations on bodies with different geometry types. If you have standard SOLIDWORKS solid or surface bodies, you must convert them to BREP solid or surface bodies with mesh surfaces before performing Boolean operations with other mesh BREP bodies.