Function

When you import and export CAD files, you can choose between the following options:

• CAD (rough)
• CAD (fine)
• Boxes
• Parts

Instructions

Depending on the option you choose, you will either see a simplified version of your CAD model or you will get a boxed object that approximates your model, which you can then modify and evolve.

Note that CAD imports where you want to preserve the model require more processing power, and too many or too large models can mean degradation of your VR experience (long loading times, judder, long saving). See where you need this information and where a representation from boxes is enough for you.

Tip: Objects such as pillars, doors, fences, shelves or garbage cans can often be represented well by boxes and have the advantage that you can change them afterwards.

You can either convert your model using the box import or take your model as a template and rebuild it yourself. To do this, you can turn off the collision for your CAD imports in VR in the settings menu.

CAD (rough):

• Representation of the CAD model
• Outer dimensions as interfering edge
• Not decomposable, expandable or scalable
• Movable, rotatable and colorable
• Default: Touchable in Halocline Performance

Use Case: Use this option if you need the details of your model for visualization and the outer dimensions of your model are sufficient for collisions in planning. For example for machines, robot cells, etc.

CAD (fine):

• Representation of the CAD model

• Interference edges approximated to geometry

• Not decomposable, expandable or scalable

• Movable, rotatable and colorable

• Default: Touchable in Halocline Performance

Use Case: Use this option if you need more accurate approximation than just the outer dimensions of the object. For example for product parts.

Boxes:

• CAD model not visible

• Interference edges approximated to hierarchy

• Decomposable, expandable or scalable

• Movable, rotatable and colorable

• Default: Immovable boxes (in Halocline Performance)

Use Case: Use this option if you need your model as a basis and want to develop it further during your planning. For example, for work tables, shelves, assembly trolleys.

Often you can quickly refine your model by erasing a larger box from the model, as this can hide smaller structures underneath.

Parts:

• CAD model not visible

• Interfering edges approximated to geometry

• Not demountable, expandable or scalable

• Movable, rotatable and colorable

• Default: Touchable in Halocline Performance

Use Case: Use this option if your CAD model lacks a suitable hierarchy or doesn't have one at all. This way, you can ensure that the box import delivers the desired result.

Both options without a visible CAD model (Boxes & Parts) give you boxes, but the way they are created differs:

• For the "Boxes" option, it depends on how your CAD model was constructed. One box is created per part in the design.

• With the option "Parts" the hierarchy of the CAD model is not considered, here the geometry of the model is approximated with as few boxes as possible.

Tip:
If you want to import only parts of a CAD model into Halocline Layout, use Halocline Assembly to select parts.