Will it be possible to import a PARASOLID model w/build history?

StephenG

I see that Onshape (OS) licenses the Parasolid(TM) kernel as the basis for its 3D modeler. Will there be any effort made to import models from other Parasolid based kernels and retain the model's build history?

Right now it appears you only get a surface BREP.

As a test, I exported a OS model to Parasolid and imported it back in and I only got back the BREP.

My question makes the assumption the Parasolid kernel API supports history based modeling. This assumption could wrong. 
   

Jason_S

Parasolid does not have history associated with the file type. It just drops a BREP in the document. Feature recognition seems a likely alternative solution to your underlying problem.

Jake_Rosenfeld

Stephen,

It should be pretty easy to remove holes and other small features.  For a hole, just use the 'Delete face' feature on the bottom face and all the side faces of the hole.  This can also be done for a protrusion.

The direct editing video on this page gives a much better tutorial than I can give over writing:
https://cad.onshape.com/help/Content/deleteface.htm

(The video on that page also makes reference to the `right click -> Create selection...` workflow which is extremely useful for deleting all the faces in a protrusion or a pocket)

Hope this helps!

Jason_S

Parasolid does not have history associated with the file type. It just drops a BREP in the document. Feature recognition seems a likely alternative solution to your underlying problem.

StephenG

Just got done skimming through a product brochure for Parasolid. While there are provisions to include/pass additional information (build history) in the X_T file, it has to be understandable to the receiving end. Parasolid makes no attempt to provide API's to standardize how to pass build history. 

I have seen enough of feature recognition products to know to keep walking when approached by a salesman.

A BREP is sometimes better that trying to unravel/understand a build process and 2D sketch schemas.

PeteYodis

@StephenG You could use our direct edit tools to modify imported geometry if it fits your needs/workflow.  

StephenG

Thanks for the suggestion. I haven't had an opportunity to use the direct editing tools.... no experience in OS, or any other CAD product with direct style surface editing.

How easy it to remove holes and other small feature details? Or is it better to create "bondo" features to fill unwanted voids?

Jake_Rosenfeld

Stephen,

It should be pretty easy to remove holes and other small features.  For a hole, just use the 'Delete face' feature on the bottom face and all the side faces of the hole.  This can also be done for a protrusion.

The direct editing video on this page gives a much better tutorial than I can give over writing:
https://cad.onshape.com/help/Content/deleteface.htm

(The video on that page also makes reference to the `right click -> Create selection...` workflow which is extremely useful for deleting all the faces in a protrusion or a pocket)

Hope this helps!

StephenG

Just tried it.... pretty neat.