Typically most Simulation tools are not very optimized to import large 3D STEP files - especially with 1000's of solid B-Reps. However there are several suggestions that can help:
1. Check the export option: Output Arcs (when possible) will reduce the data size (especially for PCB designs with many holes and rounded edges).
2. Map output as one file per layer. Allows you to output a single 3D Step file for each layer. Then each layer can be imported (as a group) into the simulation tool and assigned any layer attributes.
3. Crop out critical areas of the design. ACE allows you to easily crop out any critical section of a design, and then output just that area.
Note: The primary issue that slows down every 3D Step conversion tool is the creation of 3D Solid B-reps. ACE gives you options to export other 3D Step entity types (besides Solid B-Reps) that process much faster and give you additional options when importing into your simulation tool: 3D Wire Frames and Mesh B-Reps load much faster into simulation tools - however may require editing inside the simulation tool.
Feel free to try outputting a 3D STEP with those other entity types and try with your simulation software.
Just curious what other import formats are available for import within your simulation software? ACE can convert to a variety of formats, and we're happy to implement any customer suggestions to improve the ACE output (and load quicker into your simulation tools).
Here's our guidelines for converting EDA designs to 3D Step, https://numericalinnovations.freshdesk.com/support/discussions/topics/14000012169
Typically most Simulation tools are not very optimized to import large 3D STEP files - especially with 1000's of solid B-Reps. However there are several suggestions that can help:
1. Check the export option: Output Arcs (when possible) will reduce the data size (especially for PCB designs with many holes and rounded edges).
2. Map output as one file per layer. Allows you to output a single 3D Step file for each layer. Then each layer can be imported (as a group) into the simulation tool and assigned any layer attributes.
3. Crop out critical areas of the design. ACE allows you to easily crop out any critical section of a design, and then output just that area.
Note: The primary issue that slows down every 3D Step conversion tool is the creation of 3D Solid B-reps. ACE gives you options to export other 3D Step entity types (besides Solid B-Reps) that process much faster and give you additional options when importing into your simulation tool: 3D Wire Frames and Mesh B-Reps load much faster into simulation tools - however may require editing inside the simulation tool.
Feel free to try outputting a 3D STEP with those other entity types and try with your simulation software.
Just curious what other import formats are available for import within your simulation software? ACE can convert to a variety of formats, and we're happy to implement any customer suggestions to improve the ACE output (and load quicker into your simulation tools).
Thanks again.
Best regards,
Simon
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