Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Chapter 14 Model Documentation, Analysis, and File Exchange 389 Solid Model File Exchange Solid Model File Exchange AutoCAD drawing fi les can be converted to fi les that can be used for testing and analysis. Use the ACISOUT or EXPORT command to create a fi le with a .sat extension. These fi les can be imported into AutoCAD with the ACISIN or IMPORT command. Solids can also be exported for use with 3D printing. You can use the 3DPRINTSERVICE or 3DPRINT command to prepare fi les for 3D printing. Importing and Exporting Solid Model Files A solid model is frequently used with analysis and testing software or in the manu- facture of a part. The ACISOUT and EXPORT commands allow you to create a type of fi le that can be used for these purposes. Once the ACISOUT command is initiated, you are prompted to select objects. After selecting objects and pressing [Enter], a standard save dialog box is displayed. Enter a name for the SAT fi le and pick Save. When using the EXPORT command, the standard save dialog box appears fi rst. After entering a fi le name and selecting a fi le type (SAT), you are then prompted to select objects. An SAT fi le can be imported into AutoCAD and automatically converted into a drawing fi le using the ACISIN or IMPORT command. Once either command is initi- ated, a standard open dialog box appears. If you are using the ACISIN command, locate the fi le and pick the Open button. If you are using the IMPORT command, change the fi le type to SAT fi rst and then locate the fi le to open. Additive Manufacturing Additive manufacturing is a process used to build a physical model from 3D model fi le data. Stereolithography (SLA) is an additive manufacturing process that creates various plastic 3D model prototypes using a computer-generated solid model, a laser, and a vat of liquid polymer. This technology is also referred to as rapid prototyping or 3D printing. Some additive manufacturing processes, such as fused-deposition modeling (FDM), add material in “layers” from a fi lament that is extruded through a heated nozzle. Other additive manufacturing processes are selective laser sintering (SLS), 3D printing (3DP), multi-jet modeling (MJM), and electron beam melting (EBM). Using one of these processes, a prototype 3D model can be designed and formed in a short amount of time without using standard subtractive manufacturing processes. ACISOUT Application Menu Export Other Formats Type ACISOUT EXPORT EXP ACISIN Ribbon Insert Import Import Type ACISIN IMPORT IMP A B Areas shaded blue are at the lowest angle specified Top of the model is shaded green Figure 14-50. Draft analysis. A—The original solid model. B—The resulting analysis based on angle values of 4.0 and –4.0. The top of the model is within the draft parameters. Areas along the side and bottom are shaded blue to indicate the draft is at the lowest angle specified.