Changing mesh density on surfaces

When defining your surface mesh size, make sure you know your model file format, as different model types allow the use of different functionality in the Define Mesh Density dialog.

For example (*.stp) models are imported as a solid model, whereas (*.iges) models contain separate surfaces and entities and make definition in localized areas more feasible.

The following instructions use an (*.iges) model to illustrate how to change the mesh size. A similar process can be applied to any other type of model.

Tip: To make surfaces more visible once selected, click Application menu then click Options. Select the Default Display tab, and change the Surface/ CAD Face drop-down option to Solid .

1. Open or import an (*.iges) model.
2. Click (Mesh tab > Mesh panel > Density).
3. Click a section of the model. The Explorer view within the Define Mesh Density dialog updates depending on what type of feature you have selected. For example, Loop<x> Curve<x> indicates a curve.
4. You now have two options:
   • To constrain the selected elements to the global mesh size, enter an Edge length in the Global mesh settings section, then click OK.
   • Alternatively, to set specific mesh properties for this selection of entities, click Add >> to move them to a Mesh control group.
5. Confirm that the Apply global mesh settings is deselected, and enter an Edge length for theMesh control group.
6. Click OK to Apply and Close.

Tip: The Edge length of the Global mesh settings section is the same size as seen in the General tab of the Generate Mesh dialog.