CAD

You can import cross-section geometries that are available as contour or centroid layouts in a DXF format, and use them as a basis for your modeling.

Start the import in the File menu under Import → DXF. After selecting the DXF file to be imported, it is necessary to specify further settings in the import dialog box.

Dialog Box "Edit DXF File Model Object"

Creating RSECTION Model

There are three options for creating the cross-section:

• Creating DXF template for further editing
• Creating elements automatically
• Considering the lines of a DXF template as the center lines of elements with assigned thickness

Creating DXF Template for Further Editing

This function is useful for massive cross-sections for which only parts but no elements have to be created. The lines in the DXF file are imported as lines, so they can help you for further modeling.

Creating Elements Automatically

The automatic creation of elements is recommended if the contour lines of the cross-section are available in a DXF file. RSECTION determines the center lines between parallel lines, then it creates the elements including related parts between the intersections. Only elements are generated that do not exceed the maximum thickness defined in the "Max. Thickness" text box.

Considering Lines of DXF Template as Center Lines of Elements with Assigned Thickness

If the cross-section geometry is available as a gravity line model, you can consider the lines of the DXF template as the center lines of the elements. The thickness defined in the "t" text box is assigned to all elements and the corresponding parts.

Material

In the list of already created materials, you can select a material, edit it, or define a new one.

Insert Point and Rotation

You can manually enter the insert point or define it graphically in the work window by using the button. The DXF template can also be rotated. A positive angle α rotates the template clockwise.

Coordinate System Transformation

Select the corresponding check box to swap the Y and Z coordinates or to mirror the Y and Z coordinates.

Options

If the "Length units of DXF template" are not to be automatically adopted from the DXF file, you can select the appropriate unit from the list.