Equipment User Guide
Equipment : Mechanical Equipment Interface : Export Model
Export Model
The Mechanical Equipment Interface Export utility can be used to export 3D geometric models from a DESIGN database into the STEP AP203 format.
To export a 3D geometric model into a STEP AP203 file the user must use the Export utility from within a MODEL module. To load the Export driver refer to Command Window.
Note:
Much of the non-geometric information is lost. It is not recommended that users export and re-import, although this works for the geometry only.
Target Directory
Exported design data is written as a hierarchy of files to a given target directory. The created directory hierarchy replicates the database structure of the exported models.
To specify the name of the target directory, use the command:
EXPORT FILE directoryName
For example,
EXPORT FILE /c:\ExportedModels\Block1025
To query the name of the current target directory, use the command:
Q EXPORT FILE
Set the Representation
The Export command was designed as a what-the user-see-is-what-the user-get system, where the visibility and representation settings in Design control is what is exported. The user can select certain elements of the DESIGN database for export and choose an appropriate level of detail for their needs.
If the user is operating in a graphical mode, and working with a relatively small volume of data this is ideal. When exporting large models the close integration with the graphical display can result in slow performance.
In this case the user can speed up the export significantly by running a Design module without graphics. It is then very important to make sure that the visual representation is set to what they require, as the Design module’s default settings are different when running without graphics.
In case of difficulty, AVEVA suggests that the user does the following:
1.
Read Element Representation, which discusses the options available.
2.
Using AVEVA E3D™ with graphics enabled, set the representation, using either the menus or commands.
3.
On the Home tab, in the Windows group, click Command Window.
4.
Type the command: Q REPR
5.
Note the results.
6.
Leave the Model module, and re-enter, but without graphics (by typing dev tty to MONITOR).
7.
Type Q REPR again, and note any differences.
8.
Either include all of these representation commands in the macro file, or select those needed using the MODEL Reference Manual as a guide.
Command Window
To export models into files the user must be in one of the Design modules.
If the models being exported are large, then it is a lot quicker to output the files with the device tty mode rather than the graphics mode of the MODEL module. The EXPORT commands can be stored in a macro file.
For example, use the following commands to export the equipment and the pipes in STEP format:
repre level 6
Set drawing representation level
repre level pipe 6
Set drawing representation level for pipes
repre level nozz 6
Set drawing representation level for nozzles.
repre level stru 6
Set drawing representation level for structures.
export system /explantmcad
Load the export driver.
export file /c:\ExportedModels
Specify the target directory for the exported files.
export /EQUIP
Select names of the elements that are to be exported.
export /PIPES
Select names of the elements that are to be exported.
export finish
Do the export of the selected elements
To export to a single STEP file, the user must specify a full filename instead of a directory name:
For example:
export file /c:\AVEVA\Export\piperack001.stp
The naming of the exported items are unique.
Note:
It is not possible to create a multi-levelled assembly hierarchy within a single STEP file.
Refer to Copying Model Data from AVEVA E3D™ to Review for further information on powerful element selection techniques.
Limitations
The following limitations affect the transfer of information from a MODEL module to a STEP AP203 format.
1.
The interface translates 3D geometric elements only.
2.
BOUN and DRAW elements are not translated.
3.
Element names are not translated.
4.
Element attributes are not translated.
5.
Primitives are translated in millimetre units only.
6.
Hull items that are modelled (drawn) by generic primitives, are exported as faceted primitives. For example, curved plate parts are currently exported as faceted solids.
A general cylinder (Extrusion) that intersects or touches itself is not exported. For example, some types of flanges in holes.
Error Messages
When an error occurs the program outputs a message to the standard error stream (usually the screen).
A more detailed error message may often be found in the log file.
Less serious problems cause a warning to be output to the log file.
The following message is output by the Design module if there is a problem with the software licence for the Export utility. If this problem occurs the user may need to contact AVEVA Customer Support for assistance.
***** FATAL SITEFILE ERROR *****
The following error messages may be output during translation:
Failed to create a directory
Failed to export some of the models
Invalid file name
<option> is not a valid option
Please specify IGES, STEP or SAT as the export format
Unknown error from export driver
Unsupported export format
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