In this Article:

VDA Import Options

File > Import > Set VDA Options

Use this form to perform various tasks while importing VDA files.

1. Complete the form as desired.
2. Pick OK to accept the current selections as the new defaults or Reset to return all selections to their previous defaults.

General

• Auto sew geometry
  Closed surface volumes will be sewed (joined) at their mating edges to form a solid once they have been imported into VX.  This option requires that the imported edges fall within tolerance of each other.
  
  If importing directly into an existing object or one that is currently active, the default tolerance displayed in the Part Settings Form is used.  If importing into a new object (created during the import), the default system tolerance (0.1mm) is used.
  
  
• Auto activate part
  The imported file will be automatically activated for editing (i.e., it will become the active part).
  
  
• Rename layer collisions
  If the VDA file is being merged into the active part and it contains references to layer names that already exist, the VDA file layer name references are renamed.  If this option is not checked, then the contents of the layers are merged with the existing layers.
  
  
• Remove duplicate surfaces
  If there are duplicate trimmed surfaces, the duplicate is thrown away if this option is selected; otherwise, the duplicates goes to a layer named ’DUPLICAT’.
  
  
• Reduce data
  Imported entities are recalculated to within the tolerance specified below and refitted with a lesser number of control points thus reducing and simplifying the data.
  
  
• Trim surface
  Trim surfaces will be imported.

Tolerance

These tolerance settings govern the accuracy of resulting imported curves and surfaces. The tolerance values are a factor of the Units value currently set in the Part Settings Form (i.e., Value * Units = Tolerance in Units).

• UV curve
  The UV Curve tolerance factor for the resulting imported data. This tolerance applies specifically to the UV space of resulting surfaces and will affect the trim loop boundaries of a trimmed surfaces.
  
  
• Curve
  The Curve tolerance factor for the resulting imported curves.
  
  
• Surface
  The Surface tolerance factor for the resulting imported surfaces.

Default Directory

This sets the default directory for locating files to import of the specified type. Pick the folder icon to select a path from the Directory Browser. The path will be added to the Default Directory Field. The Default directory field only applies to the active session while VX is running unless it is permanently saved using the Save Settings button on the Import Form.

More about the Default Directory

All import/export translators have their own default-directory on their options form.  If the default-directory is set, then the Directory Browser will always come up in that directory.  If the default-directory is not set, then the file browser will come up in the "last visited" directory.

1. General Import Options - CATIA 4,5 /SAT / NX / Inventor / Pro-e / SolidWorks
2. AutoCAD Import Options - DWG / DXF
3. General Import Options - Parasolid / PS2 / PS3 / STEP / VX Neutral / STL / SAT
4. General Import Options - Pro/E
5. Import
6. General Import Options
7. Split STL File
8. TM Import Options - CATIA 4, 5, Pro/E and Unigraphics
9. Import Tips & Techniques
10. Import Objects Filter
11. Import Configuration
12. IGES Import Options
13. Image Import Options