Creating a 2D Mesh

You can create a 2D mesh from a cloud of points or regenerate an existing mesh. This meshing method is suitable for simple objects, that is, objects that can be projected onto a single plane (smooth shapes).

This task deals with 2D meshes; for information on 3D meshes, see Creating a 3D Mesh.

Before you begin:
  • Meshing requires a complex computation. The computation time increases according to the size and complexity of your model. Filter large clouds before starting the meshing.
  • This command is available in 3D Printing Preparation, not in 3D Printing.
  • Mesh Regeneration is allowed on meshes only, that is, objects whose partially or totally active cells are meshes.
  1. Select 2D Mesher.
    The initial dialog box is replaced with that of the 2D Mesher.
  2. Select the plane that is the computation reference for the meshing.

    Notes:
    • The quality of the 2D mesh depends on the computation direction.
    • The plane can be:
      • Either one main plane
      • Or one defined with the Robot
      • Or the plane proposed by default.
    • You can see a handle on the plane. Right-click it to edit it or keep the point.

  3. Click Apply.
    The 2D mesh is computed.
    Note: A Neighborhood parameter is proposed in compliance with the model, to let you fill holes or leave some areas unmeshed.
    • Its value represents the maximal edge length of the triangles displayed. It is an approximation.
    • Its relevance depends on the distribution of the points in the cloud.
    • It is visualized by a sphere. You can change the position of this sphere by a simple mouse click.
    • Increase or decrease Neighborhood according to your needs.
  4. Optional: Select the Constrained check box to obtain a boundary continuity with contiguousmeshes.
  5. Optional: Select the display options.
    • Triangles: Displays only the 2D mesh.
    • Shading: Simulates the surface of the object:
      • Flat sends the light on the triangles along their normal.
      • Smooth smooths the light over the triangles, giving a better image of the quality of the surface.

    Notes:
    • These display options are applied inside 2D Mesher only. Once you have validated the result with OK, the result is displayed in the default mode defined in the Me > Preferences, even if the input element or the computed 2D mesh were displayed in another mode.
    • Seams may appear on the 2D mesh with the Smooth option:
      • They indicate that the normals to the facets have different directions at this place.
      • In 2D and 3D mode, some triangles may overlap and 2D meshneeds be corrected.
      • In Constrained mode, they show the common boundaries of meshes.
    Tip: To mesh large quantities of points, use the following options:
    • Sag=0mm
    • Triangles not activated
    • Shading activated, with the Smooth option.

  6. Click OK to create the 2D mesh and exit the dialog box.
    Mesh Creation.x is created.
    Notes: Colors (if any) from the original entity are transferred to the new or regenerated 2D mesh, but you cannot see the color unless you have selected the Optimized mode option in Display Modes.

    For information about connecting meshes, see Connecting Several Meshes.