Copying 3D from CATIA V4 to 3DEXPERIENCE

This task shows you how to copy the specifications or geometry of a CATIA Version 4 model to 3DEXPERIENCE.

Before you begin: The following data can be copied from CATIA Version 4 to 3DEXPERIENCE:
surfaces (both polynomial and BSpline faces
volumes skins and exact solids
surfaces (both polynomial and BSpline mockup solids (see remarks regarding copy/pasting mockup solids below)
polyhedral surfaces and solids circles
ellipses points
lines planes
clouds of points edges
parabolas hyperbolas
curves (both polynomial and BSpline) CCVs
NURBs (curves and surfaces) PIP elements (Tubing)
GPR elements (AEC Primitive) STR elements (planar structures, linear structures)

You can also select the geometric elements listed above and insert them into an already existing Representation.

  1. Open a model. You should have already completed the task Using the Interactive Checker. You may want to customize certain settings before proceeding with this task. For more information, see V4 Data Reading.
  2. Open a new 3DEXPERIENCE 3D Shape.

    For more information, see 3D Modeling Apps | 3DEXPERIENCE Platform | Working on Objects | Creating Objects | Creating New Objects | Creating New Objects.

  3. In the specification tree or geometry area where the Version 4 model is displayed, select the geometrical element or elements you wish to convert.
  4. If you intend to copy the geometry you can either:
    • drag and drop the element(s) onto the appropriate location in the 3DEXPERIENCE. The cursor changes slightly i.e. the symbol appears indicating where a drop is allowed. If the cursor changes to the symbol , the drop is not allowed in that location.

    • or:

      • Put the element(s) you have selected in the clipboard by clicking Copy , select Edit > Copy or right-click the element(s) and select .
      • In the specification tree of the Representation, select the appropriate item.

      • Click Paste or select Edit > Paste Special or right-click the item and select Special. This operation recovers the specifications previously put in the clipboard.

        The Paste Special dialog box opens.

    • Select CATIA_SPEC and click OK. This operation recovers the specifications previously put in the clipboard.

  5. To view the copied data, you will need to update your Representation, by clicking Update , only if this object in which you paste V4 data, is not up to date. Otherwise, if the Representation is up to date, it will be automatically updated after the copy / paste operation, but only if there is no migration error.
  6. You may want to click Fit All In to fit all data in the window.

    Note that the toolbars change depending on whether a CATIA Version 4 model or a 3DEXPERIENCE Representation is selected. If you copied the geometry the result should look something like this (using Window > Tile Vertically):



    If you copied the specifications the result should look something like this (using Window > Tile Vertically):



  7. Bear in mind the following when /pasting:
    • Select CATIA_SPEC and click OK. This operation recovers the specifications previously put in the clipboard: in C:\Documents and Settings\username\Local Settings\Application Data\DassaultSystemes\CATReport

    • The migration of V4 model data to a 3DEXPERIENCE representation generates a report (.rpt) file named after the model migrated:

    Important:
    • If you used the CATIA_SPEC option mentioned above note that only the paste operation is included in the report i.e. the actual update of the 3D Shape is not taken into account.
    • If you want to manipulate the data in this Product, you will not be able to Copy/Paste features belonging to different V4 Models (within the Product) in the same transaction, at the same time, otherwise a Warning appears. For instance: 

      Error Pasting Data

      Paste is forbidden: You cannot paste from features belonging to different V4 models in the same transaction.

    When Copying / pasting mockup solids:

    If the solid has a history then the 3DEXPERIENCE specifications are created. However, if the solid has no history or if the CATIA_RESULT option is selected (using the ... command) then a cgr file is generated containing the visualization information of the solid. The name of this file is "mymodel_SOLMxxx" and is located in the same directory as the V4 CATIA model. This file can be visualized separately or inserted into the Product Structure application. When copying / pasting sets of surfaces: If you want to get a unique surface in 3DEXPERIENCE, it is more efficient to perform the join in V4 before the transfer than in 3DEXPERIENCE on the resulting surfaces.

    When copying / pasting the *MASTER of a Model in a 3D Shape, the Model's comment is taken into account. The Model's comment will be added to the properties of the destination 3D Shape.