To extract a center line curve from a 3D body

Extract center line curves from imported 3D CAD bodies as the first step in creating beam elements.

1. Import and open the CAD model.
2. Display and select all CAD bodies that requires center line extraction.
3. Click (Geometry tab > Properties panel > Change).
4. Select Channel (3D) from the Change Property Type To dialog.
5. Click (Geometry tab > Create panel > Curves > Center Line) to view the Center Line Tools dialog.
6. Click Apply.

The center lines can now be used to build a beam element cooling system or runner system.

Note:

• Center lines are not extracted from tapered CAD bodies.
• Center lines from non-circular cross-sections are combined on a separate layer.
  • These extracted lines have no properties assigned.
  • Consider a conformal cooling analysis for models with non-circular cooling channels.