Replacing a model’s faulty ACIS geometry with a DAE file
Imported Model Geometry Errors (ACIS Errors)
When importing models from other CAD programs, it’s common to encounter situations where the imported model’s geometry contains errors.
Vertex G4 notifies you of this during the import process and changes the model name to red after import. When the same model is then inserted into another assembly, the program will again report these errors and also highlight the assembly name in red.
This red error indicator is an intentional Vertex G4 feature meant to alert the designer to take action — to repair, replace, or remove the faulty model from the structure.
There are multiple ways to fix a faulty model inside G4, such as healing, surface editing, or removing features. You can also remodel the faulty model using the faulty geometry as a reference in two ways:
Traditionally extruding a solid model
Copying surfaces from the model
Below is an alternative method.
Replacing a faulty model with a DAE file
One very quick way to remove this issue is to replace the faulty model with a copy of the same model in DAE format.
Steps:
1. Save the faulty model as a DAE file
Save the model using File → Export → Save to another format
Select DAE as the format
2. Open the DAE file in Vertex G4
Load the model’s DAE file
Import it as an assembly and select Add outlines so the model appears correctly in the drawing view
Display the planes from the model
Double-click the first plane and adjust its size — the planes should now be visible normally
Note: A model imported as a DAE can only be constrained in G4 using planes and auxiliary planes — not other types of constraints!
Tip – Adding attachment points:
You can add your own auxiliary geometry to a DAE model to make constraining easier in the assembly if working only with planes feels cumbersome.
Example: A local part (jig, skeleton, etc.) with a cylinder was added to a power connector. In the assembly, this geometry can be hidden in the appearance after setting constraints.
3. Save the model with a new name
Use File → Save As → Save As New
4. Replace the faulty model with the DAE model
In the assembly, right-click the faulty model in the feature tree and choose Replace
Select the correct model from the list
Use Replace all identical if multiple copies of the same model are in the assembly
After this, the assembly will no longer report geometry errors, and the assembly file size will also be reduced somewhat.
5. Cutting a DAE model in a drawing
In drawing views, DAE models cannot be cut in section views. Keep this in mind when using this method.
If you need the model to appear cut in sectional views, this approach should not be used — instead, remodel the part by extruding it again.
The only way to cut a DAE surface model is by using the Crop from model function on the Projections tab:
Select the projection to crop and perform the cut using 3D cropping.
Note: Section hatching from a DAE surface model is not possible. Dimensioning also does not work with a DAE model.