Exporting Ply Data

You can export data of flattened plies in either IGES or DXF format.

Notes: This task is available in Composites Design and Composites Manufacturing Preparation.

  1. Select the required options in the Export Ply Data section.

    Recommendation: To avoid duplicating annotations (from the model and from stacking texts), clear the Annotation check box.

  2. From the Composites Collaboration section of the action bar, click Ply Data Export .
  3. Select one export format.
  4. Check the Export Stacking in XML check box to generate an XML file with stacking information and links to each DXF or IGES file.
    It is stored under the same directory as the DXF or IGES file.
  5. Click ... to select the storage directory.

    File Name Pattern defines the file name.

  6. Select thePly, sequence, plies group or stacking to export.

    • Multiselection of entities is available.
    • in the dialog box that appears gives access to the Stacking Management.

  7. If there is a text positioning error (DXF only):
    1. Select OK to continue the export as is.
    2. Or click Cancel to stop the export and correct the problem.
    3. Select the entity in error, and Entity Preview.
      It opens the same previewer as in Positioning Texts in the Stacking Management.
    4. Correct as required in the previewer.
    5. Click OK in the message for an export with the corrections. Or Cancel for an export without the corrections (they are lost).

    Note:

    Texts are positioned either automatically (Compute text pre-positioning in Preferences), or manually as explained above. Manual positioning has priority over automatic positioning, until you select Reset Flatten Text.

  • The export files are created in the selected directory.
    Notes:
    • Stacking texts are exported according to the general DXF export preferences.
      CategorySemantic is selectedGraphic is selected
      Text or No categoryThe text is exported as annotationThe text is exported as polyline
      Other categoriesThe text is exported as polylineThe text is exported as polyline
  • A report is generated. You can filter the messages:
    • Exported: Lists all successfully exported files.
    • Positioning: Lists the exported files where automatic text positioning failed (the text is not completely inside the flatten shape) and that need to be verified. Be aware that there is no control if the Annotation check box is not selected in the Export ply data options.
    • Surface Error: Lists the files that were not exported or where issues exist.
    • Unfold Assembly: Lists flattens computed with Unfold Assembly.
  • If identical file names are detected, an increment is automatically added to the file name.
  • If you open a .dxf or .ig2 file, a drawing is displayed.
  • If you open an .igs file, a 3D curve is displayed.