To export results into a CAD file

Export surface points and geometric items for use in modelling applications.

You can export to the following formats:

Export to a CAD file.

  1. Click File tab > Export > Export as CAD.
  2. Click Browse.
  3. Enter the details of the file you want to export to:
    1. Select the folder in which you want to save the file.
    2. Enter a File name.
    3. Select an export format in the Save as type list.
    4. Click Save.
  4. In the Option area:
    1. Select the check boxes of the attributes you want to export; clear the check boxes of the attributes you want to exclude from the file.

      For example, to export feature information, such as a circle, select the Main entity check box; to export item attributes, such as a circle axis, select Auxiliary entities.

    2. In each Level box, enter the number you want to use to classify the attribute. Levels enable you to group attributes by type.

      Use them to quickly differentiate and select each type of attribute. You can assign the same number to attributes if you do not want to differentiate between them.

    3. In each Colour box, enter a number to specify the colour you want to associate with the attribute.

      PowerInspect selects the colour associated with each number at random. You can assign the same number to several attributes if you do not want to differentiate between attributes.

  5. To differentiate between attributes from different groups, PowerInspect increments the specified Level values by 10 for each group you export from the inspection sequence.

    Enter a new number in the Level increment box to change the increment value; enter 0 in the box if you do not want to differentiate between groups.

  6. Select the Export surface as NURBS check box to export the data in NURBS format; clear the check box to export 3D items in Surface of Revolution format, and 2D items as points or Ruled Surfaces.

    NURBS (Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline) is a mathematical model for generating and representing curves and surfaces. It provides a flexible and precise method of describing shapes.

  7. Select the Export curves as polylines check box to export curves as a series of straight lines connecting the measured points; clear the check box to export curves in NURBS format.
  8. Select the Include points removed from fitting check box to include all probed points, even if they are not used in the fitting of an item.
  9. In the Coordinate system area, select CAD to export the measurements in CAD coordinates, or select CMM to export the measurements in machine coordinates.
  10. In the Selection area of the dialog, select the check boxes of the groups whose contents you want to export.

    Click Select All to select all the groups in the current document; click clear All to clear all the groups.