Fix modeling errors

To prevent unexpected or inaccurate results, make sure to fix the modeling errors of your model.

Fix modeling errors

Ideally, export your model from Insight to Autodesk CAD Dr, Autodesk Inventor or Autodesk SimStudio Tools to fix it, then reimport the fixed model. If you are working with CAD format and the defects are minor, you can try to fix the problems within Insight using Modify CAD Surfaces feature.

As you are editing your model, we recommend that you also check for areas where you could simplify the model. While not errors, per se, making the following changes leads to higher-quality meshes, and prevents you spending time fixing the mesh later:

Remove slivers

When importing a CAD model with Autodesk Moldflow Design Link, slivers can be introduced into the mesh. Where CAD NURBS surfaces join, small features may be generated that, although small in size, have a high aspect ratio. These small features can be transferred into the mesh and are called slivers. It is preferable to remove slivers before performing an analysis. Actually many CAD meshing failures are related to slivers. When that happens, you can find in mesh log, the IDs of the faces that failed and repair the CAD accordingly. You don't have to repair all slivers one by one, but it's best to minimize them. There are two options to remove slivers:

1. fix the original model before importing it, or
2. try to re-import the model after selecting Remove slivers in the Autodesk Moldflow Design Link import dialog.

Remove minor features

The other areas you can look at to simplify the model is minor features. You are searching for features that have little or no impact on the viability or functionality of the model. These features might be a company logo, or a minor change in a local thickness that improves the aesthetics of the model, or a small hole in a minor feature. If you have such features, it is better to remove it to simplify the mesh.