Skip to main content
Solved

CAD file export


Hi

I want to export an object in non sequential mode using 'CAD files'.  I want to create a step file of the object.  How is the 0,0 point determined?  I want to put the 0,0 point at a specific location relatve to the object so when I import it, I know exactly where it is placed.

 

thanks

Best answer by Allie

Hi John,

I have updated the name if the forum thread for you!

With respect to your question: The (0,0) location in your STEP file will match the global coordinate origin of the Non-Sequential system. A quick way to see that location in OpticStudio is to place a Source Ray at location (0,0,0) with Ref Object = 0. This means that the source's axis will be aligned perfectly with the global reference which will then indicate the global (0,0) location. 

Here is an example of what I mean. In this file, I have two Rectangular Volume Objects and one Source Ray. Objects 1 and 2 are currently aligned with the global origin:

 

 

When I export these objects as a STEP file, the global coordinates in SolidWorks will match the location of the Source Ray:

 

 

Even when I export Object 4 on its own, the global coordinates remain the same:

 

 

Let me know if you have any other questions about this!

Best,

Allie

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

4 replies

  • Author
  • Infrared
  • 5 replies
  • August 27, 2020

My title should read 'CAD file export' not 'MEMS file export'.

 

thanks

 

John


Allie
Zemax Staff
Forum|alt.badge.img+2
  • Zemax Staff
  • 338 replies
  • Answer
  • August 27, 2020

Hi John,

I have updated the name if the forum thread for you!

With respect to your question: The (0,0) location in your STEP file will match the global coordinate origin of the Non-Sequential system. A quick way to see that location in OpticStudio is to place a Source Ray at location (0,0,0) with Ref Object = 0. This means that the source's axis will be aligned perfectly with the global reference which will then indicate the global (0,0) location. 

Here is an example of what I mean. In this file, I have two Rectangular Volume Objects and one Source Ray. Objects 1 and 2 are currently aligned with the global origin:

 

 

When I export these objects as a STEP file, the global coordinates in SolidWorks will match the location of the Source Ray:

 

 

Even when I export Object 4 on its own, the global coordinates remain the same:

 

 

Let me know if you have any other questions about this!

Best,

Allie


Allie
Zemax Staff
Forum|alt.badge.img+2
  • Zemax Staff
  • 338 replies
  • August 27, 2020

Oh one more quick note:

In my OpticStudio file, you will see that the second Rectangular Volume is +2 in the Y-direction from the origin, yet in the SolidWorks file, it looks like it is +1. That is because the local axis for the Rectangular Volume is located in the center of the left face:

 

 

So the positions in OpticStudio are always updating the location of the object's local axis with respect to the Ref Object. 

Allie


  • Author
  • Infrared
  • 5 replies
  • August 28, 2020

Thanks!  I will try this.

 

Thanks again

 

John


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