Simplification Methods
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Provides options for importing the data.
- None: save as Mesh
— (Default) Stitches the triangles together, performs some minimal processing
to remove duplicate and/or degenerate triangles, and outputs the triangulation
as a mesh element. Mesh elements are an
efficient way of storing faceted geometry.
- None: save as
Shapes — Performs no simplification. Each triangle in the STL file is imported
as a shape element.
- Decimate — Stitches
triangles together, then selectively collapses triangles in a way that
preserves local volume. The resulting triangulation is output as a
mesh element. This method is effective for importing STL files that represent
curved shapes. To increase decimation, key in a larger number of degrees in the
Sharp Edge field.
- Smooth Surfaces —
Stitches triangles together, then merges the triangles into possibly punctured
planar shapes, output as shape, ellipse,
and cell elements. In addition, this method recognizes cylindrical/conical
objects, and outputs them as cone or
surface elements. This method is effective for importing STL files that
represent objects with many flat surfaces. To increase the aggregation of
triangles into larger shapes and surfaces, enter a larger value in the Merge
Tolerance field.
- Decimate, then
Smooth Surfaces — Applies the Decimate method, then the Smooth Surfaces method.
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Merge Tolerance
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(Smooth Surfaces or Decimate, then Smooth Surfaces
methods only) — Controls the aggregation of triangles into larger shapes and
surfaces. Key in a larger value to increase the aggregation of triangles.
Adjacent triangles are considered coplanar if they have normals that span a
radian angle whose square is smaller than this tolerance.
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Sharp Edge
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(Decimate or Decimate then Smooth Surfaces methods
only) — Controls decimation. Key in a larger number of degrees to increase the
decimation. An edge will be preserved if the adjacent triangles' normals span a
larger angle.
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Generate Report
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If on, import statistics are output to the Text
window. These statistics include the following face/triangle reports: raw,
imported, output, and savings. For most simplification methods, various
topological counts are also reported.
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