How to use tsElements commands

1. Import Surface

The import surface command lets you import a tspline or subdivision surface mesh into SolidWorks.

These models need to be created in T-Splines for Rhino or a subdivision surface modeler like modo or Maya. Currently, there is no way to create a T-Splines model inside SolidWorks. You need to import it.

When you import your model, it will come in as a solid or a surface body. You can then run any appropriate SolidWorks commands on the model. For instance, if your model is a surface, you can Thicken it to turn it into a Solid.

2. Edit Feature

The second main command in tsElements for SolidWorks is Edit Feature on your imported model. When you click Edit Feature, you can select geometry to push and pull to change the shape of the model. Smoothness and continuity will be preserved.

There are a number of different ways to push and pull the model. You can use faces, edges, and vertices. There are also three different triads: translate, rotate and scale.

By pushing and pulling the model, you can explore different design iterations.

When you accept the changes in the feature, then the other features in the feature tree will attempt to rebuild.

tsElements options

tsElements Import/Export Options

Import

• Import geometry into current part
• Import to a new part
• Prompt if file has no units.
  If your imported model does not have units specified, then it will default to the Alternative units. If this box is checked, it will alert you that there are no units specified, and will let you determine what the units should be. Alternative units. If your imported model does not have units specified, then it will default to the Alternative units.
• Weld on import.
  Some .obj files contain stacked vertices or multiple mesh surfaces that are not welded together. If this box is checked, it will weld all vertices together that are within a certain tolerance.

Export

• Use document units.
  When exporting the T-spline model, global document units will be used.
• Use custom units.
  When exporting the T-spline model, these custom units will be used.

General Options

• Allow mixed selection.
  Lets you select vertices, edges, and faces at the same time.
• Help make T-Splines better by automatically sending usage and crash statistics.
  This will report to T-Splines, Inc. how often various commands are run or crashes occur. No files or CAD data are sent.
• Automatically check for updates.
  This notifies you when there is a new version of tsElements for SolidWorks available for download.