This tutorial will teach how to use the Surface tools to generate mesh files. In particular, this tutorial will walk through how to execute this on a multi-material part.

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Understanding the Histogram

The values selected for a mesh extraction can be intuited from the histogram seen in the range map of the data you have selected. It is essential to understand that the data in the range map of the data object you selected will correlate to the threshold you set for the surface extraction.

It is also essential to understand that the peaks you see in a range map correlate to materials. As such, if you are looking to understand a proper threshold to pick, you typically want to select the value 50% of the way between the material you want to select and the background you want to separate it from.

This tool handle is made up of a plastic overmolded to a fiberglass core. Note the material spikes in the range map, and the threshold to provide separation.

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Extracting the polymer

1

First Step

Select the data object (in this example ROI1) from the data panel

Use the range map to find the value between the two leftmost peaks (background and first, least-dense material).

2

Second Step

Select the Mesh tool from the Author toolbar. Set the threshold to match the value from the range map.

3

Third Step

Extract the mesh, and you will receive the mesh of the full part.

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Extracting the fiberglass

1

First Step

Select the data object (in this example ROI1) from the data panel

Use the range map to find the value between the two materials you are separating. The middle peak is plastic, and the rightmost is fiberglass.

2

Second Step

Select the Mesh tool from the Author toolbar. Set the threshold to match the value from the range map.

3

Third Step

Extract the mesh, and you will receive the mesh of the fiberglass core.

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Results Comparison

After performing these actions, you will receive two Mesh objects in your data panel. It can be helpful to rename these such that you can quickly tell them apart.