There are three typical methods for working with mesh bodies:
- Workflow #1
Import a mesh file
(*.stl, *.obj,
*.ply, *.ply2, or
*.3MF) from a 3D scanner, a mesh-based modeling
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. 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.
- Add coordinate axes, reference axes, and reference
planes.
- Select mesh vertices when sketching and add sketch
relations.
- 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.