STEP objects are accessed and behave exactly like IGES objects in OpticStudio. STEP is newer, and most CAD vendors use bought-in libraries like Step Tools, which means that there may be more uniformity between different CAD packages' implementation of STEP. IGES is the older format, and several CAD vendors use their own export translator, which leads to some variation between vendors. Both works well with OpticStudio, and your choice between these two standards is likely to be based on the quality of your CAD program's export routines. 4įor the OpticStudio user there is little difference between IGES and STEP.
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STEP, the Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data, is a comprehensive ISO standard (ISO 10303) that describes how to represent and exchange digital product information. It is important to note that OpticStudio uses these facets for only one reason: to draw the object on-screen. IGES objects are represented internally as exact, smooth objects, not as a set of facets like STL objects.
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3 It is rendered on-screen using facets, because IGES objects can be extremely complex: Now this object is exported using whatever SolidWorks considers most appropriate (probably NURBS). 1 Each facet in an STL file is defined by the \Objects\CAD Files folder, and are imported by the CAD Part: STEP/IGES/SAT object: Modern Machine Systems gives a useful overview of the STL format. It is based on a tri-mesh representation of the object, in which the surface shape of the object is approximated by a set of triangular facets. STL (Stereolithography Tesselation Language) format is widely used in rapid prototyping and allows easy definition of very general shapes. It’s important to note that although OpticStudio supports genuinely faceted objects, in most cases facets are only used for rendering purposes, and the real surface shape used for ray tracing is exact. Facets are only used to draw these objects on screen, but do not affect the object beyond the aesthetic. Therefore, ray tracing to the continuous, smooth CAD surface is exact (at least to the limit of the accuracy of the CAD model) despite facets being used to draw the object. Of these, only STL uses facets to represent the object the other three model the object as a smooth, continuous surface shape. OpticStudio supports four static CAD formats: STL, IGES, STEP and SAT (in addition to dynamic formats, such as SLDPRT and ZPO, not discussed in this article). CAD objects may be easily included in otherwise sequential optical systems by using hybrid mode non-sequential ray tracing. As a consequence, we use non-sequential ray tracing to describe the interaction of rays with CAD objects.
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Importing CAD objectsīecause CAD objects can be of arbitrary complexity, a ray may interact with it many times. OpticStudio has powerful and flexible CAD import capabilities and supports common CAD exchange formats. It is also important in illumination systems, where light may be directed down a complex-shaped light pipe, for example in automotive dashboard design. The ability to import CAD objects into OpticStudio is very important, particularly when undertaking complex opto-mechanical stray light simulations, where reflections and scattering from mounts is critical. SAT format will be used if your CAD program is based on the ACIS engine. IGES and STEP are CAD exchange standards, and the choice between them will probably be based on the quality of your CAD program's export routines. STL is good for objects that are inherently faceted, or where you will use stereolithography to generate rapid prototypes. The choice of CAD format you use is likely to be based on the CAD program you use. This article describes how to import CAD objects into OpticStudio, using STL, IGES, STEP, and SAT formats.