Importing Digit Files

You can import one or several digit files describing a cloud of points (scanned or computed) or a mesh either from the database, or from a disk-based file. In that case, the digit files are automatically stored in the data base as attached documents.

Read About Import Files for more information about available formats and related options.

This task shows you how to:

Import using the Dialog Box

You can import one digit file using the Import dialog box. This method provides all import options.

Notes:
  • SmarTeam and DLName are not available.
  • Multi-selection is not supported for disk-based files.
  • Multiselection is supported for database files.

The output is a feature:

  • It is editable and associative: A link is created between the product and the digit file stored in the database. If the digit file is modified or replaced in the database, the import output feature can be updated on demand. Any modification is pointed out by the PLM Impact Graph.
  • A modification of this output is taken into account by any downstream process.

  1. Select Add > Import > Digitization File.
  2. Select the file to import. Refer to in the 3DEXPERIENCE Native Apps:Using the Content Chooser for more information.
  3. Select the Format from the list.
  4. Set the parameters and options (if available).

    The Parameters tab is common to all formats whereas the Options tab varies according to the format selected, provided more options are available for this format.

    • Sampling (%): Determines the percentage of points or scans or grids that are read from the digit file.
    • Scale factor: Determines the scale factor to be applied to the data imported.
    • File unit: Determines in which unit the data are imported.
    • Statistics: Displays information on the data imported.
    Note:
    • The File unit option is not relevant to the Steinbichler format.
    • The Sampling percentage is not relevant to formats related to mesh entities (for example STL format).

  5. If you have selected several files from the database, select the Grouped check box to group the files in one output feature.
  6. Optional: Modify the Parameters and click Apply.
    The display in the work area and the dialog box (including Statistics if selected) are updated accordingly.

One feature Import.x is created for each imported file, unless Grouped is selected.

Note: Even if several files from the database are imported at the same time, they must be edited separately, not as a whole.

Import by Drag and Drop

You can drag digit files to import them. This method is quicker than the import using the dialog box, but offers fewer capabilities.

  • The output is a datum, not a feature.
  • Only meshes and cloud of points are created (neither scans nor grids).
  • The initial files are not stored in the database as attached documents.
  • Multiselection is supported.

  1. Select Me > Preferences.
    1. On the left column, select the app, then the Import tab.
    2. Set the options as required.

      See Import and About Import Files for more information.

  2. Select the digit file you want to import, and drag it into a representation in the work area.

    You can select several files, or drag more files once you have imported one.

    Tip: Check the size of the imported object, and confirm the right unit was used during import.

    • The imported data are displayed in the work area.
    • The Import dialog box is displayed, with the path of the imported files.
    • Whenever you move the cursor over imported data, the Import results box appears, with statistics, for example, number of points, file unit...

  • A datum is created for each imported file.
  • Each datum has the name of the corresponding digit file.
  • The local axis system is taken into consideration.