How to convert CATIA files for Unity

by | Jun 28, 2021 | Technical | 0 comments

Convert-CATIA-files-for-Unity
We work with many engineering teams that want to re-purpose their CATIA files for training, simulation or marketing applications using real-time technology. But CATpart files first need to be converted to polygonal mesh before they can be used in real-time game engines such as Unity. The big challenge here is that CATpart files are very large and complex, with millions of parts and attributes. And converting CATpart files into polygonal mesh for use in Unity can be a tedious and manual process, while also creating major performance bottlenecks. The good news is that there’s a more efficient way to do convert CATIA files for Unity and we are here to talk about it.
 

Why CATIA conversion is such a pain

A team working with CATIA files first have to convert their files into FBX to be able to work with Unity. However, simply exporting from CATIA into FBX format doesn’t create a perfectly translated file. Tessellating a highly accurate CATpart file into FBX can create many issues, such as broken faces, jagged edges, and of course, an excessive amount of vertices; all of which will significantly reduce the performance of visualization projects in Unity. Most teams will have to clean up the FBX file in a software like 3ds Max. This entails manually adjusting normal settings, removing unnecessary parts, and generating LOD’s, all of which will take a significant amount of time and is prone to human error. Are you scared yet? Don’t worry there is some good news on the way.

 

A fast and accurate CATIA converter

We have developed the fastest and most powerful CATIA converter in the market today. Meshmatic automatically converts CATpart files into polygonal mesh, streamlining the way 3D teams convert and prepare CATIA files for Unity. Meshmatic can read a 50 GB CATIA file and convert it to mesh with 100% accuracy. In a matter of minutes, your file will be converted while maintaining all attributes intact. The FBX file can be easily imported into Unity, without the need for manual clean up.

 

How Meshmatic’s CATIA conversion works

By using proprietary algorithms, Meshmatic accurately tessellates your native CATpart model into polygon mesh while at the same time, automating file clean-up tasks such as:

  • Instancing duplicate parts: this frees up a lot of space in your file and improves real-time performance. Engineering files are filled with repeated parts, Meshmatic detects duplicates and instances them significantly reducing file size.
  • Deleting small parts: these bog down your file and hinder performance. Instead of manually deleting one by one, Meshmatic automates this task. It’s a no-brainer way to improve your project performance.
  • Generating LOD’s and normals: Normals improve the render quality of your project, but they can also quickly increase file size. Meshmatic only generates normal for LOD’s O and 1, to balance render quality with project performance.
  • Attributes preservation: Meshmatic can identify attributes (such as manufacturing info, size, unit price) and preserve it during conversion, so it can be imported into Unity.

 

With Meshmatic, your CATIA file will be ready for Unity in a matter of minutes, and you’ll be able to deliver your visualization project on time and on budget. If want to give Meshmatic a try, download a 7-day free trial here, import your CATIA file, select the Game and Simulation optimization profile, and Meshmatic will take care of the rest. 

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