C3D B-Shaper

Work with polygonal models using standard CAD tools
in your applications.
C3D B-Shaper converts polygonal models to boundary representation (b-rep) bodies. B-rep is the primary method of representing 3D models in geometric software such as CAD. This approach has proven the best way to accurately describe objects being modeled, in both mechanical and in architectural design. Polygonal models are a typical result from 3D scanners, online libraries, and non-CAD 3D modeling software.

Once polygonal meshes are converted to b-rep models, users can employ standard CAD tools to edit the formerly-inaccessible models, such as applying chamfers and performing Boolean operations, as well as generating additional representations like projections and sections.

Unique Math Algorithm

C3D B-Shaper first segments meshes by dividing sets of polygons into subsets (segments), which become prototypes for probable faces. In the next step, selected areas are recognized as elementary surfaces, such as planes, cylinders, cones, spheres, or tori. Intersection curves are calculated between adjacent segments, and then these curves become the basis for constructing edges of the body’s faces.

Performance Acceleration

For software programs working with many imported polygonal models, C3D B-Shaper accelerates calculations, simplifies visualization, ensures fast and high-quality formation of flat projections, and as a result increases overall program performance.

Operating Accuracy

The operating accuracy of C3D B-Shaper algorithm follows the maximum deviation allowed between the recognized surfaces and the vertices of the underlying polygonal meshes. Users can specify the accuracy they require, or else let C3D B-Shaper determine a default value.
In cases when the deviation of faces from meshes is not known in advance, users can employ a relative accuracy based on the dimensions of the original body. Should the result be unsatisfactory, users are free to change the value of recognition accuracy.

C3D B-Shaper Capabilities

Based on C3D Labs own algorithms, C3D B-Shaper makes polygonal models accessible to a wide range of applications:

  • Reverse engineering parts with 3D scanner files
  • Converting models from online product catalogs
  • Post-processing the output from CAE operations
  • Enhancing polygonal models by smoothing their grids, decimating surfaces, and applying compression algorithms

C3D B-Shaper provides the following methods for software developers:

  • Control surface recognition accuracy through the SetTolerance method
  • Segment polygonal meshes with SegmentMesh
  • Edit segments using UniteSegments, SplitSegment, and other methods
  • Reconstruct segments in certain types of surfaces with FitSurfaceToSegment
  • Generate b-rep models using CreateBRepShell

Through its API, C3D B-Shaper operates in automatic or interactive mode:

  • Automatic mode generates acceptable results for high-quality polygon meshes, which are triangulations of CAD models that mostly contain elementary surfaces.
  • If, however, a polygon mesh is constructed from 3D object scans and so contains general surfaces, then the user will have to be involved in the process.