Working with meshes

You can import mesh models, or convert surface and solid models to meshes. You can then select and rename meshes, and perform various edits using the Mesh tools tab.

To import a mesh (.stl or .dmt file type):

1. Click File > Import to display the Import File dialog.
2. Select a file and click Open.

To convert surfaces and/or solids to meshes:

1. Select the surface or solid.
2. Click Home tab > Utilities panel > Convert > Surfaces/Solids to Meshes.

You can also convert a surface to a mesh as follows:

1. Select one or more surfaces.
2. Right-click the selection, and select Convert to Mesh from the context menu.

To select a mesh:

• Use selection filters to select meshes in one of the following ways:
  • Click Home tab > Selection panel > All Meshes.
  • Click Home tab > Selection panel > Filter, and use the Select Objects By Filter dialog to specify a mesh selection.
• Use the following mesh context menu options:
  • Select all triangles — Select this option to select all triangles.
  • Invert selection — Select this option to invert the triangle selection.
  • Clear selection — Select this option to clear the triangle selection.
Tip: Select a specific area of a mesh using the Selection panel options on the Mesh Tools tab.

To rename a mesh:

1. Right-click the mesh.
2. Select Rename mesh from the Mesh context menu.

   The Rename Mesh dialog is displayed:

   

3. Enter a new name in the Name box.
4. Click OK to rename the mesh and close the dialog.

To convert meshes to solids:

1. Select the mesh.
2. Click Solid tab > Create panel > From Items > From Surfaces/Meshes.

   A solid is created from the selected mesh.

To convert a mesh to a closed solid:

1. Select a mesh.
2. Right-click the selection to display the Mesh context menu.
3. Select Cap open.

   A capped solid is created from the mesh.