Converting runners from elements to beams

Runner systems must not be modeled with triangular elements. If a model is imported and meshed with runners, the runners must be converted to beam elements. Manually converting the runners to beams will take a significant amount of time. A tool can be used to identify and convert runner sections quickly.

Note: Before performing a conversion process, it is important to ensure that the mesh is free of sharp edges, overlaps and intersections.

1. Click (Geometry tab > Modify panel > Elements to Beams). The Simplify Elements to beams panel appears in the Tools panel.
2. Identify the simple sections of the runner system. Simple sections are straight or gently curved and have no junctions or sharp corners.
3. Repeat the following for all simple sections:
   1. Select any node on the section.
   2. Click Apply. The simple section containing the node is converted into a beam.
4. When all simple sections have been converted, click the Start stage 2 checkbox.
5. Repeat the following for all remaining parts of the runner system (corners and junctions):
   1. Select any node on the section.
   2. Click Apply. The section containing the node is converted into a beam section.
6. Click Close to dismiss the dialog.

Note: The gates will have to be modeled separately. Deleting the existing mesh prior to modeling the gate will cause holes in the mesh that will also need to be repaired.

Note: The beam element properties may need to be redefined for a more accurate runner system. Select the element/s to be redefined, right-click and select Properties, or click (Geometry tab > Properties panel > Edit) to open a dialog where the properties can be altered.