new feature in 2018.2 > "centerline"

[timotheusruf]

the new feature in 2018.2 to create lines out of cylindrical surfaces is very nice

but why is it only for 3d modells and only for surfaces with attribute "channel"?

why not keep it general for all mesh types and without attributes?

i have centerlines in fusion models as well. and i have surfaces from hot runner surfaces and need the center line.

now i have to import the surface in a extra 3d model, then change the property to channel. import the the new generated lines in my model and change the property.

quit a long way.

pleas add the missing ability to create lines for conical surface is

regards

timotheus

[raalteh]

Hi Timo,

I just tested the centerline extraction for Dual Domain (part) models and that works fine (but I expect that's not what you were talking about).

The center line extraction in 2018.2 is very strongly dependent on 'feature recognition' in our CAD kernel, executed on the CAD model (of the cooling channel). It will look for all components that are 'Channel (3D)' and tries to identify them as 'extruded circles'. The center line can then be extracted along the extrusion path. The centerlines are then connected up.

As far as I know we don't have feature recognition for surfaces or surface meshed surfaces; the feature recognition is done in the CAD kernel. But there is the 'elements to Beams' feature that has been there for quite a while (link). This works on a surface mesh and works reasonably well, but you may have to connect the beam sections it creates.

The attribution of Channel 3D is currently required because we still have some limitations; it currently does not handle non-circular crossectionally shaped geometries or tapers/conical shapes (which would be big problem for runners obviouls). We intend to build this out further, but there is more work to be done. Once we have a good solution for this, you should expect this to be available for runners too.

I hope this provides some context.