Select File
ImportSketch from the main menu bar to import a sketch from either:
An IGES-format file (.igs files)
An AutoCAD-format file (.dxf files)
An ACIS-format file (.sat files)
A STEP-format file (.stp files)
If you are importing a sketch, the file must contain a two-dimensional planar profile that can be mapped directly to the sketch plane. If the file contains three-dimensional geometry, Abaqus/CAE does the following:
If you are importing an AutoCAD file, Abaqus/CAE creates the sketch using the geometry in the X–Y plane only.
If you are importing an IGES, ACIS, or STEP file, Abaqus/CAE displays an error message and cancels the import procedure.
You can import sketches from files that contain only simple geometry because Abaqus/CAE must be able to translate the geometry to a corresponding Sketcher entity, such as a line, circle, arc, or spline. If Abaqus/CAE finds geometry it cannot translate, it ignores that geometry. For a list of the IGES and AutoCAD entities supported by Abaqus/CAE, see “Imported sketches,” Section 20.3.2.
To import a sketch:
From the main menu bar, select FileImportSketch.
Abaqus/CAE displays the Import Sketch dialog box.
From the File Filter menu at the bottom of the Import Sketch dialog box, select one of the following:
ACIS SAT (*.sat*)
IGES (*.igs*)
STEP (*.stp*)
AutoCAD DXF (*.dxf*)
Select the file containing the sketch to import, and click OK.
Abaqus/CAE converts the profile in the file to a sketch. The sketch now appears in the list of sketches in the model and can be retrieved when you enter the Sketch module. For information on how to use the imported sketch, see “Stand-alone sketches,” Section 20.3.1.
