Skip to main content
Solved

Can I import a .ZPO file on the Professional edition of OpticStudio?

  • February 11, 2019
  • 1 reply
  • 201 views

Allie
Zemax Staff
Forum|alt.badge.img+2
  • Zemax Staff
  • 337 replies

I am currently working on a Professional edition of OpticStudio and wish to import a Zemax Part Designer file (.ZPO) into my optical design. However, I am finding that the option to import an object of type “CAD: Zemax Part Designer” is only available in the Premium edition of OpticStudio. Can I import my .ZPO file or do I have to work on a Premium edition of OpticStudio?

Best answer by Allie

It is true that a Zemax Part Designer file (a ZPO file) cannot be directly imported into the Professional edition of OpticStudio. However, this does not mean that you cannot use the part you designed. Instead, you first have to export your completed part as a CAD file. In order to do this, select The Part Designer Tab…File…Export As (shown below) to save your part as a STEP, IGES, or SAT type:

 

 

Once the file is saved, move back to the NSCE and import using the “CAD Part: STEP/IGES/SAT” object type. This will generate a static link with the designed part. Having a static link means that your part cannot change based on the optimization needs of your system. Only the Premium edition allows for an object’s parameters to be used as variables in an optimization in what’s known as a dynamic link which is only possible with a ZPO or SolidWorks/Creo/AutoDesk Inventor native part.

View original
Did this topic help you find an answer to your question?

1 reply

Allie
Zemax Staff
Forum|alt.badge.img+2
  • Author
  • Zemax Staff
  • 337 replies
  • Answer
  • February 11, 2019

It is true that a Zemax Part Designer file (a ZPO file) cannot be directly imported into the Professional edition of OpticStudio. However, this does not mean that you cannot use the part you designed. Instead, you first have to export your completed part as a CAD file. In order to do this, select The Part Designer Tab…File…Export As (shown below) to save your part as a STEP, IGES, or SAT type:

 

 

Once the file is saved, move back to the NSCE and import using the “CAD Part: STEP/IGES/SAT” object type. This will generate a static link with the designed part. Having a static link means that your part cannot change based on the optimization needs of your system. Only the Premium edition allows for an object’s parameters to be used as variables in an optimization in what’s known as a dynamic link which is only possible with a ZPO or SolidWorks/Creo/AutoDesk Inventor native part.


Reply


Cookie policy

We use cookies to enhance and personalize your experience. If you accept you agree to our full cookie policy. Learn more about our cookies.

 
Cookie settings