Articles Download Safety & Security Forum myUR Go to Main Site

Universal Robots A/S
Energivej 51
DK-5260 Odense S

T: +45 8993 8989
sales@universal-robots.com

 
  • Articles
  • Download
  • Safety & Security
  • Forum
  • myUR
  • Go to Main Site
  • Support
  • Articles
  • ActiNav - Creating a Simplified Part Model using Solidworks

ActiNav - Creating a Simplified Part Model using Solidworks

Optimizing part matching performance

Last modified on Feb 24, 2022

Introduction

STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product Data) is an ISO standard exchange format for 3D information.  Many CAD systems can create STEP files, and it is one of the supported formats for ActiNav part and tool models.

ActiNav uses the part STEP information to find parts to pick, by matching the STEP information to the point cloud generated by the 3D sensor.  Since the 3D sensor can only see the outside of the part, the STEP file need only supply the visible data about the part.  Most STEP files, however, contain a complete part model, including invisible internal surfaces and components.  ActiNav’s speed and match confidence can be optimized by reducing the complexity of the part STEP file to include only the visible information.

Prerequisites

  • A part model in STEP format (.stp, .step)
  • Licensed Solidworks software

Solidworks Procedure

1. Open the part STEP file in an Assembly in Solidworks.

2. Right Click and select “Dissolve Feature”. This warning will pop up. Select “Yes, break the link”.

3. Now select File > Save As.  Save the Assembly as a Solidworks part file.  Below File Type, select “Exterior Faces” and “Preserve Geometry Reference”.

4. Re-Open the part file you just saved. Notice there should be no solid bodies and you should only have surfaces.

5. To double check if the surface model was successful you can look at the cross section of the part.  Drag the cross section plane through your part.  You should only see external surfaces of the part.

6. After you have confirmed you can save this surface model as a STEP file. You can import this part model in to ActiNav.

 

 

Related articles

Updating ActiNav to the latest version
ActiNav - Re-grip logic and Sample Progam
Palletizing with ActiNav
ActiNav Rescan - Sample Program
Sample ActiNav Program
logo

Product

  • UR3e Robot
  • UR5e Robot
  • UR10e Robot
  • UR16e Robot
  • UR20 Robot
  • UR+ Products

Company

  • About us
  • Contact us
  • Careers We're hiring
  • UR merchandise

Training / Resources

  • Academy
  • Technical Resources
  • Articles
  • FAQ

Insights

  • Blog
  • Case stories
  • Content library
  • News centre
  • Podcast
  • Webinars & Events

Get in touch

  • Ask an Expert
  • Schedule a no-cost assessment
  • Find a distributor
  • Customer support

Connect with us

  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Universal Robots A/S
  • Energivej 51
  • DK-5260 Odense S
  • T: +45 89 93 89 89
  • sales@universal-robots.com
  • US Corporate Office
  • 27-43 Wormwood St.
  • 02210 Boston, MA.
  • +1-844-GO-COBOT
  • ur.na@universal-robots.com
  • Copyright @ Universal Robots 2025
  • Cookie policy
  • Privacy policy
  • Universal Robots A/S
  • Energivej 51
  • DK-5260 Odense S
  • T: +45 89 93 89 89
  • sales@universal-robots.com
  • US Corporate Office
  • 27-43 Wormwood St.
  • 02210 Boston, MA.
  • +1-844-GO-COBOT
  • ur.na@universal-robots.com

Copyright © Universal Robots 2025

Cookie policy
Privacy policy