Setting Face, Edge, and Vertex Names

When you convert a 3D-CAD model to geometry parts, any named entities (faces, edges, or vertices) in the 3D-CAD model appear as the equivalent named entity in geometry parts. This behavior is important when you must identify entities in some way for building the mesh or applying physics.

When you convert a 3D-CAD model to geometry parts, the following conversion applies to entities:
  • Named faces become part surfaces
  • Named edges become part curves
  • Named vertices become part points

By naming a face on the 3D-CAD model, it is defined as a separate surface within the part definition, which makes it easier to specify boundaries within regions. Named edges on the 3D-CAD model are defined as separate curves within the part definition. Named vertices are defined as part points in the part definition and can be used, for example, in setting loads or constraints in FEA applications. All named faces, edges, and vertices are listed in the 3D-CAD feature tree, where you can edit and delete them. Faces and edges that have no given name are labeled as Default. Vertices with no given name are not identifiable in parts.

Assigning face or edge name

To name a face or edge:
  1. Select a face or edge in the 3D-CAD View window. To select multiple items, press and hold the <Shift> key. To toggle items, press and hold the <Ctrl> key.
  2. Right-click the selection and select Rename.

  3. In the Rename and Color Faces/Edges panel, enter the new name for the selection.
  4. In the same panel, select a new face or edge color if required.

  5. To create a new tag, select New Tag from the Tag Options drop-down list and set a Tag Name.

  6. To assign an existing tag to a named face or edge, select a tag from the Tag Options drop-down list.

  7. To select more faces or edges, click in the Select Faces/Edges box then select them in the graphics window.

    The following screenshot shows the Rename and Color Faces panel.



  8. Click OK.
  9. To rename a vertex, right-click the vertex and select Rename.
    A dialog appears in which you can enter the new name for the selection.

Assigning Tags to Body Groups, Bodies, Faces, and Edges

To assign a tag to one or more bodies, faces, or edges:

  1. Select one or more faces, edges bodies, or body groups in the 3D-CAD View window. To select multiple items, press and hold the <Shift> key. To toggle items, press and hold the <Ctrl> key while selecting.
  2. Right-click the selection and select Tags > Set. You have the option to select a pre-existing tag or create a new tag.
  3. To create a new tag, select New... and enter the new tag name in the Input dialog.

    Face and edge tags require that the face or edge be assigned a name before a tag can be assigned. If you tag an un-named face or edge, you are prompted to rename the items before a tag can be assigned.

Assigning the same name to multiple faces/edges/vertices adds them to the same surface/curve/point in the part definition. You can give selected entities the same name in one operation (as described above), or give entities the same name individually.

You are advised to rename entities after you complete the 3D-CAD model. Changes that you make to the model while working on it can affect the name settings. In general, a face name is retained when you modify a face, providing that some of the original face still exists. If the face itself is split across multiple bodies, only one segment of the face retains the name, and the other segments of the face have no name.