Exporting a Model from Vertex G4 in STEP Format Without Revealing Trade Secrets

Starting Point

Companies often need to send 3D models of their products to partners and other parties involved in the same project.

The problem is that existing models are usually designed directly for the company’s production and contain a lot of information that is not necessarily intended for external parties. The risk that trade secrets might fall into the “wrong hands” is always present in such cases.
Below is an overview of the actions that can be taken to minimize the risk in this scenario.

Steps

Existing Model

Open the model in Vertex G4 that you want to send.

In this example, the model is a 3D model of a V2 combustion engine. In addition to the outer components, the model contains many internal parts.

Analysis

First, decide which parts of the model should be included in the exported version.

Then proceed to the next step.

Simplified Model Using Appearances

The fastest way to proceed.

You can create a new appearance for the model with visibility settings that determine what is exported from Vertex G4.

1. Create a new appearance.

2. Hide all details (parts and subassemblies) you do not want to send.

3. Update the appearance.

4. Export the model to a STEP file while this appearance is active.

Select the file type (STEP).

In the Revision field, you can choose whether to send the model as a normal model (with parts and subassemblies visible) or as a lightweight model, in which case an assembly model becomes a single part and the file size is reduced.

In the feature tree of a model exported as a lightweight model, there are no separate parts. This ensures the model contains as little information as possible.

Parallel Physically Simplified Model

A safer way to ensure that only the intended version of the model will be sent out in the future.

With appearances, there is a greater risk that the wrong version is sent out, possibly including confidential details.

1. Save a new copy of the original model under a different name.

2. Remove from this copy all parts and subassemblies you do not want to send outside your company.

3. Then export this model to STEP format, either as a normal or lightweight model.