When I import a Creo model to Simscape Multibody, some of my reference frames are not being imported. Is there something I need to do in Creo or in Simscape?

I have imported a Creo model via the multibody link to Simscape. When I open the model in Mechanics Explorer, the model itself has been imported correctly, but not all the reference frames are imported (I set reference frames at the desired locations in Creo). I want my reference point at a specific location on my model so that I can measure the position (x, y, z). How can I ensure that all reference frames are imported correctly and set a reference point at a specific location?

Answer 1

[Lorenzo]

Hello,

The File Solid Block in Simscape Multibody can import different file formats (STEP, STL, etc.) but by default only imports the main refernce system of the CAD Part. If you have other reference systems and want to import them to, I would reccomend you to follow a two step approach:

1) Export the location of the coordinate system from CAD to Excel

2) Import the coordinate system from Excel to Simscape Multibody

For the first part, you need to create a macro (maybe with VBA code? Not sure if Creo uses VBA). For the second step you can use only MATLAB code. If you have interested I have this full workflow implemented for SolidWorks.

Best,

Lorenzo

[Shumirai]

Thank you fro your response,could you please share the full workflow for solidworks.

A follow up question : why does the cartesian axis get imported in the wrong manner in simscape compared to the orginal axis in Creo ?

[Lorenzo]

Hello Shumirai,

I have attached my example as a zip file containing a zipped MATLAB project. If you open the project you will find the full description of the workflow to import coordinate systems into Simscape Multibody.

Regarding your second question, Simscape does not import the the cartesian axis wrong. Probably the global orientation of your Simscape Multibody model is not the same as the one used by Creo. Therefore, since the axis are referred with respect to the Global orientation, they look different. Could this be the case?

Best,

Lorenzo