- If the model to be copied is an exact solid it must be processed using the Force Update option in the Smart Solid mode. This operation must be done on CATIA 418 or higher.
- It is also recommended to run the CATCLN utility on the model to be copied. Again, this operation must be done on CATIA 418 or higher. For more information see Cleaner Version 4.
- Remember to run the specification check on all the V4 models you wish
to copy to CATIA Version 5 as it provides you with the following
invaluable information:
-
identification of the primitives which are converted to datums, indicating loss of canonical information (see the Restrictions section below for the complete list).
This is shown in the Message column of the Check Validity dialog box, for example: 2 primitives checked as geometry only. -
identification of the operations which are not supported in V5R2 and MUST BE DELETED before proceeding with the copy operation (see the Restrictions section below for the complete list). This is shown in the Message column of the Check Validity dialog box, for example: 2 operations not implemented.
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identification of the non-supported primitives (see the Restrictions section below for the complete list).
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For more detailed information, you only have to double-click on the appropriate message in the rightmost column of the Check Validity dialog box. This displays the contents of the model in the form of a specification tree (see Checking CATIA Version 4 Model Data Before Copying It to CATIA Version 5).
- If, in CATIA Version 5, you intend to make only cosmetic changes to a Version 4 solid with no impact on the specification tree you can simply copy the solid's geometry. However, if your modifications are major and will considerably alter the specification tree you would be better advised to copy the solid's specifications (see Copying CATIA Version 4 Model Data to CATIA Version 5).
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Make sure that the Update option in the General tab of the Tools > Options > General > Mechanical Design > Assembly Design, is NOT set to Automatic.
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When updating, make sure that you select the Inactivate option in the Update Diagnosis dialog box to deactivate any troublesome operations or primitives in CATIA Version 4. Do NOT delete them as such data, although not copied, can, once the rest of the model has been successfully copied, be recreated in CATIA Version 5 in a more satisfactory way. In a future version of CATIA Version 5, this requirement will no longer apply.
As mentioned above, certain restrictions apply when copying models from CATIA Version 4 to CATIA Version 5:
The primitives converted to datums are:
- pyramids
- sweep spines, sweeps with a non-close profile, until a sweep
- import primitives (linked to a solid in another model).
The non-supported operations are:
- certain draft types, for example, keep edges with more than two neutrals
- certain fillet types, for example, rolling edges.
The non-supported primitives are:
The elements copied as geometry only i.e. not as history are:
- all elements (including SKD) with the exception of exact and mockup solids.
