Dassault 3DEXPERIENCE (CATIA V6 & Enovia)
Note: Users must procure and maintain valid licenses to integrate this commercial CAD tool with the Istari Digital platform. Please contact your local IT administrator for assistance.
Summary
The Dassault 3DEXPERIENCE integration provides comprehensive extraction and modification capabilities for 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA (V6) and Enovia products and assemblies, enabling bidirectional data exchange and automation workflows.
Supported File Types: 3DEXPERIENCE Products/Assemblies, 3DEXPERIENCE Parts
Connection Methods: Link (via Product Identifier with name and revision)
How and Where to Use
You can use the Dassault 3DEXPERIENCE integration through either the Istari Digital Platform UI or the Istari Digital SDK. Both methods allow you to extract data from and modify 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA models by providing product identifiers that link directly to your Enovia platform.
What You Can Do
- Extract orthographic and isometric model views as images (PNG)
- Generate 3D geometry files in neutral formats (STEP, IGES, STL, OBJ)
- Extract user-defined parameters for digital threading
- Retrieve mass properties, bounding boxes, and material information
- Extract full parameter lists including system and user-defined values
- Extract published elements and geometry publications
- Update model parameters with new values programmatically
- Execute custom VBA macros within 3DEXPERIENCE
- Run preloaded macro commands from custom libraries (coming soon)
Prerequisites
Before using this integration, ensure:
- Dassault 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA (V6) is installed and configured by your administrator
- You have access to an Enovia platform instance
- The Istari Digital Agent is installed on a bare metal Windows machine with 3DEXPERIENCE
- You have access to the Istari Digital Platform UI or the Istari Digital SDK
- You have the product name, major revision, and minor revision for the models you want to access
- Server license configuration is properly set up (see Installation section)
API
Functions
| Function | Description | Inputs | Outputs |
|---|---|---|---|
@istari:extract | Extracts comprehensive model data including views, geometry, and properties | 3DEXPERIENCE Product/Assembly, 3DEXPERIENCE Part | Orthographic views (PNG), Isometric view (PNG), 3D geometry (OBJ), User parameters (JSON), Parts data (JSON) |
@istari:extract_geometry | Exports model geometry to neutral file formats | 3DEXPERIENCE Product/Assembly, 3DEXPERIENCE Part, Format parameter | Geometry file (STEP, IGES3D, or STL) |
@istari:extract_parameters | Extracts complete list of model parameters | 3DEXPERIENCE Product/Assembly, 3DEXPERIENCE Part | Full parameters list (JSON) |
@istari:extract_publications | Extracts list of published elements from the model | 3DEXPERIENCE Product/Assembly, 3DEXPERIENCE Part | Publications list (JSON) |
@istari:update_parameters | Updates model parameters with user-specified values | 3DEXPERIENCE Product/Assembly, 3DEXPERIENCE Part, Parameter updates | Updated model with confirmation |
@istari:execute_macro | Executes a custom VBA macro within 3DEXPERIENCE | 3DEXPERIENCE Product/Assembly, 3DEXPERIENCE Part, Macro file | Macro execution results and any generated artifacts |
@istari:command_execute | Executes a preloaded macro command from a custom library | 3DEXPERIENCE Product/Assembly, 3DEXPERIENCE Part, Command name | Command execution results (Coming soon) |
Output Examples
| Output Name | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
FrontView.png | PNG image | Front orthographic view of the model |
BackView.png | PNG image | Back orthographic view of the model |
LeftView.png | PNG image | Left orthographic view of the model |
RightView.png | PNG image | Right orthographic view of the model |
TopView.png | PNG image | Top orthographic view of the model |
BottomView.png | PNG image | Bottom orthographic view of the model |
IsoView.png | PNG image | Isometric view of the model |
model.obj | OBJ file | 3D geometry in OBJ format for dynamic model viewing |
parameters.json | JSON file | User-defined parameters extracted from the model |
parts.json | JSON file | Mass properties, bounding box dimensions, and material information for all parts |
full_parameters.json | JSON file | Complete list of all model parameters (system and user-defined) |
publications.json | JSON file | List of published elements and geometry publications |
geometry.[step/igs/stl] | Geometry | Exported geometry in the specified neutral format (from extract_geometry function) |
Usage
Method 1: Connect
Connect to 3DEXPERIENCE models using product identifiers (name and revision). You can either connect directly via the Platform UI or upload a metadata file.
Note: 3DEXPERIENCE does not permit local saving of models. The module interfaces directly with the Enovia platform to open and save 3DEXPERIENCE models.
Using the Istari Digital Platform UI
Follow these steps to connect to 3DEXPERIENCE models using the web interface:
-
Navigate to the Files page.
Click the Files option in the left-hand sidebar. -
Connect your 3DEXPERIENCE model.
You have two options:- Option A: Use the Connect A Resource feature to provide the product information directly through the UI.
- Option B: Create and upload a metadata file manually with the extension
.istari_3dexperience_metadata.
Option A: Connect a Resource via UI
- Click the Connect button or link feature on the Files page
- Select Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE® from the available integrations
- Fill in the required fields:
- Product Id: The product name in Enovia (e.g.,
prd00000080) - Major: The major revision number (e.g.,
1) - Minor: The minor revision number (e.g.,
1)
- Product Id: The product name in Enovia (e.g.,
- Click Connect to create the connection
The platform will automatically create the resource connection for you.
Option B: Upload Metadata File Manually
If you prefer to create the metadata file yourself, create a JSON file with the following structure and save it with the .istari_3dexperience_metadata extension:
{
"name": "prd00000080",
"major_revision": "1",
"minor_revision": "1"
}
Then upload this file to the Istari Digital Platform as you would any other file.
After Connecting (Both Options)
-
Open the connected model.
Click on the 3DEXPERIENCE resource in your files list. -
Navigate to the Artifacts tab.
Click the Artifacts tab to view and manage artifacts associated with this model. -
Fill out the function execution form.
In the Execute Function section, provide the following information:- Tool Name:
dassault_3dexperience - Version: Select your 3DEXPERIENCE version (e.g.,
2023x,2022x) - Operating System:
Windows 11(3DEXPERIENCE runs on Windows only) - Function: Select the desired function (e.g.,
@istari:extract,@istari:extract_geometry,@istari:extract_parameters, etc.) - Agent: Select the appropriate agent with 3DEXPERIENCE installed
- Parameters: (Only for certain functions like
extract_geometry) Provide required parameters such as output format
- Tool Name:
-
Run the function.
Click the Run or Execute button to start the job. -
Monitor job progress.
The page will display the job status. 3DEXPERIENCE operations may take several minutes depending on model complexity. -
View results.
Once the job completes successfully, the extracted artifacts will appear in the Artifacts tab. -
Download or view artifacts.
Click on any artifact to view images in the browser, or download geometry files, JSON data, and other artifacts for further analysis.
Using the Istari Digital SDK
Prerequisite: Install Istari Digital SDK and initialize Istari Digital Client per instructions here
Step 1: Upload and Extract the File(s)
Create and upload the metadata file as a model
import json
from pathlib import Path
# Create the 3DEXPERIENCE metadata file with product identifier
product_metadata = {
"name": "prd00000080", # Product name in Enovia
"major_revision": "1", # Major revision number
"minor_revision": "1" # Minor revision number
}
# Save to a file with .istari_3dexperience_metadata extension
metadata_path = Path("prd00000080.istari_3dexperience_metadata")
with open(metadata_path, "w") as f:
json.dump(product_metadata, f, indent=2)
# Upload the metadata file as a model
model = client.add_model(
path=str(metadata_path),
description="3DEXPERIENCE Product prd00000080",
display_name="Product prd00000080 Rev 1.1",
)
print(f"Uploaded 3DEXPERIENCE metadata with model ID {model.id}")
Extract once you have the model ID
# Extract comprehensive model data (views, geometry, parameters, parts)
extraction_job = client.add_job(
model_id=model.id,
function="@istari:extract",
tool_name="dassault_3dexperience",
tool_version="2023x", # Or: 2022x, depending on your installation
operating_system="Windows 11", # 3DEXPERIENCE requires Windows
)
print(f"Extraction started for model ID {model.id}, job ID: {extraction_job.id}")
# For geometry export in specific formats, use extract_geometry function:
# geometry_job = client.add_job(
# model_id=model.id,
# function="@istari:extract_geometry",
# tool_name="dassault_3dexperience",
# tool_version="2023x",
# operating_system="Windows 11",
# parameters={"format": "STEP"} # Or: IGES3D, STL
# )
# For updating parameters, use update_parameters function:
# update_job = client.add_job(
# model_id=model.id,
# function="@istari:update_parameters",
# tool_name="dassault_3dexperience",
# tool_version="2023x",
# operating_system="Windows 11",
# parameters={
# "parameter_updates": {
# "Width": 100.0,
# "Height": 50.0,
# "Material": "Steel"
# }
# }
# )
Step 2: Check the Job Status
extraction_job.poll_job()
Step 3: Retrieve Results
Example
# Retrieve the model with updated artifacts
model = client.get_model(model.id)
for artifact in model.artifacts:
output_file_path = f"c:\\3dexperience_extracts\\{artifact.name}"
# Create directory if needed
Path(output_file_path).parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
if artifact.extension in ["txt", "csv", "md", "json", "html"]:
with open(output_file_path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
f.write(artifact.read_text())
print(f"Saved text artifact: {output_file_path}")
else:
# Binary files (PNG images, OBJ models, STEP files, etc.)
with open(output_file_path, "wb") as f:
f.write(artifact.read_bytes())
print(f"Saved binary artifact: {output_file_path}")
Notes on Output Files
- View Images (PNG): Six orthographic views plus one isometric view are generated, useful for documentation, thumbnails, and visual comparison.
- 3D Geometry (OBJ): The OBJ file format allows for dynamic 3D visualization in web viewers and third-party tools.
- Neutral Geometry Formats (STEP/IGES/STL): When using
extract_geometry, you can export to industry-standard formats for interoperability with other CAD/CAE tools. - Parameters (JSON): User-defined parameters enable digital threading by connecting design values to upstream and downstream tools.
- Parts Data (JSON): Includes mass properties (volume, mass, center of gravity), bounding box dimensions, and assigned materials for each part in the assembly.
- Full Parameters (JSON): Contains all parameters including system-generated values, useful for comprehensive model analysis.
- Publications (JSON): Lists published elements which are important for assembly constraints and references in 3DEXPERIENCE.
Installation
Prerequisites
- Dassault 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA (V6) version 2022x or 2023x
- Windows 10 or Windows 11 (bare metal installation, not virtualized)
- Enovia platform access with appropriate credentials
- Istari Digital Agent version 9.0.0 or higher installed on the same machine as 3DEXPERIENCE
- Administrative access to configure registry entries and server license
Configuration
Module Version 1.3.0+: Updated Configuration
Starting with 3dexperience-module 1.3.0 and istari-agent 9.8.0+, the module uses standardized configuration variables and supports centralized configuration via istari_digital_config.yaml.
Centralized Configuration (Recommended)
The Istari Agent is configured via the file istari_digital_config.yaml. The Agent expects the file to be located at:
%LOCALAPPDATA%\istari_digital\on Windows~/.config/istari_digital/on RHEL/Ubuntu
Configure the 3DEXPERIENCE module using the istari_digital_agent_module_configurations section. The agent will pass this centralized configuration to the module:
agent:
istari_digital_agent_module_configurations:
"@istari:dassault_3dexperience":
"dassault_3dexperience_install_dir": "C:\\Program Files\\Dassault Systemes\\B428" # optional
"dassault_3dexperience_product_attr_name": "PLM_ExternalID" # optional
Click to expand legacy configuration instructions
Legacy Configuration (module_config.json)
For backward compatibility with older module versions, you can use the legacy module_config.json file located at {istari_agent_dir}\istari_modules\dassault_3dexperience\resources\module_config.json:
{
"dassault_3dexperience_install_dir": "C:\\Program Files\\Dassault Systemes\\B428",
"dassault_3dexperience_product_attr_name": "PLM_ExternalID"
}
The old configuration variables (dassault_install_dir, product_attr_name) are deprecated as of version 1.3.0. While they remain supported for backward compatibility, use the new standardized variable names (dassault_3dexperience_install_dir, dassault_3dexperience_product_attr_name) for all new installations.
Configuration Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
dassault_3dexperience_install_dir | String | Optional | Sets the installation path of the 3DEXPERIENCE thick client to use. Useful when multiple versions of 3DEXPERIENCE are installed on the same system. |
dassault_3dexperience_product_attr_name | String | Optional | The attribute name associated with product identifiers used to locate products in Enovia. Default: PLM_ExternalID (out-of-the-box installation value). |
License Configuration
The 3DEXPERIENCE module requires a server license to perform operations that interface with Enovia. Follow these steps to configure the server license:
-
Locate the CATUTIL batch utility provided by Dassault. It is typically found at:
<3DExperience_Install_Path>\win_b64\code\CATUTIL.exeReplace
<3DExperience_Install_Path>with your actual installation path. -
Run CATUTIL.exe and start the
CAT3DExpBatchtool. -
Save the server license configuration:
- Double-click the
CAT3DExpBatchtool - Click the Save button
- Save the configuration as
ServerLicense.xmlin the module installation directory:{istari_agent_dir}\istari_modules\dassault_3dexperience\resources\ServerLicense.xml
- Double-click the
-
Verify the license file is readable by the Istari Digital Agent service account.
Registry Configuration
If a 3DEXPERIENCE session is not running when jobs are submitted, the module will start a session automatically. To enable this, you must configure registry entries:
-
Locate the CATIA CLSID by checking the registry entry:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CATIA.Application\CLSID -
Update the LocalServer32 entry at:
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\<CATIA_CLSID>\LocalServer32where
<CATIA_CLSID>is the class ID found in step 1. -
Add required command-line flags to the command line value in the registry key. (Note: Specific flags to be documented based on your Dassault support recommendations)
Module Execution Modes
The module can operate in two modes:
- Standalone Mode: If 3DEXPERIENCE is not running when the job starts, the module launches a session, executes functions, and closes the session when complete.
- Attached Mode: If 3DEXPERIENCE is already running, the module uses the existing session and leaves it open after execution. Note that models opened during function execution will be closed by the module.
Versions
Current Module Version: 1.3.0
The latest version introduces standardized configuration variables and improved compatibility with the centralized agent configuration system.
Compatibility Notes
- Agent Version: Requires Istari Digital Agent version 9.8.0 or higher (for centralized configuration support)
- 3DEXPERIENCE Versions: Tested with 2023x and 2022x; designed to be generally version-agnostic
- Operating Systems: Windows 10, Windows 11 (bare metal installation required; VM not supported)
- Enovia: Requires connectivity to Enovia platform for model access
- Python Version: Not applicable (compiled module)
Changelog
Module Version 1.3.0
Release Date: September 2024
Changes:
- Introduced standardized configuration variables (
dassault_3dexperience_install_dir,dassault_3dexperience_product_attr_name) - Added support for centralized configuration via
istari_digital_agent_module_configurationsinistari_digital_config.yaml - Deprecated legacy configuration variable names for future removal
- Maintained backward compatibility with legacy
module_config.jsonconfiguration - Improved error messaging for configuration issues
Module Version 1.2.0
Release Date: June 2024
Changes:
- Added
@istari:extract_publicationsfunction to extract published elements - Enhanced parameter extraction to include system-generated parameters
- Improved error handling for Enovia connectivity issues
- Fixed geometry export issues with large assemblies
Module Version 1.1.0
Release Date: March 2024
Changes:
- Added
@istari:extract_geometryfunction with support for STEP, IGES3D, and STL formats - Added
@istari:update_parametersfunction for bidirectional data flow - Added
@istari:execute_macrofunction for VBA macro execution - Improved performance for large assembly extraction
- Enhanced material property extraction
Module Version 1.0.0
Release Date: December 2023
Initial Release Features:
@istari:extractfunction for comprehensive model data extraction@istari:extract_parametersfunction for parameter extraction- Orthographic and isometric view generation
- OBJ geometry export
- User-defined parameter extraction
- Mass properties and bounding box extraction
- Server license configuration support
Release Notes
Key Changes Between Versions
Version 1.3.0 (September 2024):
- Configuration system modernized with centralized YAML support
- Standardized configuration variable names for consistency with other Istari modules
- Maintains full backward compatibility with existing installations
Version 1.2.0 (June 2024):
- Enhanced extraction capabilities with publications support
- Improved robustness for Enovia platform interactions
Version 1.1.0 (March 2024):
- Major feature expansion with geometry export and parameter update functions
- Added automation capabilities via macro execution
- Significant performance improvements for complex assemblies
Version 1.0.0 (December 2023):
- Initial production release with core extraction functionality
- Established foundation for 3DEXPERIENCE integration workflows
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
Issue: Server License Configuration Failed
- Symptom: Error messages indicating "Server license not found" or "Failed to connect to Enovia"
- Cause: Missing or incorrectly configured
ServerLicense.xmlfile - Solution:
- Verify
ServerLicense.xmlexists in{istari_agent_dir}\istari_modules\dassault_3dexperience\resources\ - Generate a new license file using CATUTIL.exe following the License Configuration steps above
- Ensure the file is readable by the Istari Digital Agent service account
- Restart the Istari Digital Agent service
- Check the module logs for specific license-related errors
- Verify
Issue: Product Not Found in Enovia
- Symptom: Error messages indicating "Product not found" or "Cannot locate product in Enovia"
- Cause: Incorrect product name, revision numbers, or product attribute configuration
- Solution:
- Verify the product name and revision numbers in your metadata file match exactly what's in Enovia
- Check the
dassault_3dexperience_product_attr_nameconfiguration parameter - Confirm the product attribute name matches your Enovia configuration (default:
PLM_ExternalID) - Verify network connectivity from the agent machine to the Enovia platform
- Ensure you have permission to access the product in Enovia
Issue: 3DEXPERIENCE Won't Start or Hangs
- Symptom: Jobs time out, 3DEXPERIENCE process doesn't start, or hangs during execution
- Cause: Registry misconfiguration, missing command-line flags, or corrupted 3DEXPERIENCE installation
- Solution:
- Verify registry entries are correctly configured (see Registry Configuration section)
- Test launching 3DEXPERIENCE manually from the command line to verify it works
- Check Windows Event Viewer for application errors related to 3DEXPERIENCE
- Ensure no other 3DEXPERIENCE sessions are stuck or hung (check Task Manager)
- Restart the machine to clear any COM registration issues
- Verify 3DEXPERIENCE installation is up to date with latest Dassault patches
Issue: Missing Artifacts or Incomplete Data
- Symptom: Expected artifacts are missing (e.g.,
parameters.json,parts.json) or contain empty/incomplete data - Cause: Source model doesn't contain required data, or extraction failed for specific components
- Solution:
- For missing
parameters.json: Verify user-defined parameters are defined in the source model. Refer to 3DEXPERIENCE documentation for creating parameters. - For missing
parts.json: Check that materials are properly assigned in the source model - For missing views: Ensure the model geometry is not corrupted and can be displayed in 3DEXPERIENCE
- Review module logs for specific error messages about failed extraction steps
- Try opening the model manually in 3DEXPERIENCE to verify it loads correctly
- For missing
Issue: Macro Execution Fails
- Symptom:
@istari:execute_macrofunction fails or produces unexpected results - Cause: Macro contains UI elements, references local resources, or isn't prepared for remote execution
- Solution:
- Ensure your macro does not display any UI elements (message boxes, dialog boxes, windows)
- Remove or modify any code that requires user interaction
- Update any hardcoded file paths to use relative paths or parameters
- Test the macro in 3DEXPERIENCE manually first to verify it works
- Add error handling and logging to your macro to help diagnose issues
- Check module logs for VBA error messages and line numbers
Issue: Module Not Found or Won't Execute
- Symptom: Error messages indicating the module cannot be found or executed
- Cause: Module not installed correctly, wrong agent version, or configuration issues
- Solution:
- Verify Istari Digital Agent version is 9.8.0 or higher
- Check that the 3DEXPERIENCE module is installed in the correct agent modules directory
- Verify 3DEXPERIENCE is installed on the same machine as the agent (bare metal, not VM)
- Restart the Istari Digital Agent service
- Review agent logs for specific error messages
- Contact your administrator to verify the module installation
Issue: Configuration Not Being Applied
- Symptom: Module doesn't use configured installation directory or product attribute name
- Cause: Configuration file not in the correct location, syntax errors, or using deprecated variable names
- Solution:
- Verify
istari_digital_config.yamlis in the correct location (%LOCALAPPDATA%\istari_digital\on Windows) - Check YAML syntax is correct (proper indentation, no tabs, correct nesting)
- Use the new standardized variable names (
dassault_3dexperience_install_dirnotdassault_install_dir) - Restart the Istari Digital Agent after configuration changes
- Check agent logs to confirm configuration is being loaded
- Test with the centralized configuration approach rather than legacy
module_config.json
- Verify
Getting Help
If you continue to experience issues:
- Check the module log files for detailed error messages
- Review the Istari Digital Agent logs for additional context
- Verify 3DEXPERIENCE can be launched and operated manually on the agent machine
- Consult the main troubleshooting guide for general agent and connectivity issues
- Contact Istari Digital support with:
- Module version (1.3.0)
- Agent version
- 3DEXPERIENCE version (e.g., 2023x, 2022x)
- Operating system and Windows version
- Error messages from module logs and agent logs
- Configuration file contents (redact sensitive information)
- Steps to reproduce the issue
- Screenshots of errors if applicable
For general agent and software troubleshooting, refer to the main troubleshooting page.
Tips and Best Practices
Optimal Model Preparation
User-Defined Parameters: Create user-defined parameters in your 3DEXPERIENCE models for effective digital threading. These parameters allow you to:
- Connect design values to upstream requirements and analyses
- Enable bidirectional data flow with downstream simulation tools
- Track design changes across your digital thread
- Automate parameter updates via the
@istari:update_parametersfunction
Material Assignments: Properly define materials in your 3DEXPERIENCE models to ensure accurate extraction of:
- Mass properties (volume, mass, density)
- Material names and specifications
- Physical properties for downstream analysis tools
Geometry Publications: Use 3DEXPERIENCE publications to:
- Define key interfaces and reference geometry
- Enable proper assembly constraints
- Facilitate geometry reuse across products
- Extract specific published elements via
@istari:extract_publications
Macro Development Best Practices
When creating VBA macros for execution via @istari:execute_macro:
-
No UI Elements: Remove all message boxes, dialog boxes, input boxes, and form displays. The module runs in an automated environment without user interaction capability.
-
Path Management: Use relative paths or accept paths as parameters rather than hardcoding local file paths. Example:
' Good: Accept path as parameter
Function ProcessModel(modelPath As String)
' Process using modelPath
End Function
' Bad: Hardcoded path
Const FilePath = "C:\Users\JohnDoe\Desktop\model.CATPart" -
Error Handling: Include robust error handling to provide meaningful error messages:
On Error GoTo ErrorHandler
' Your code here
Exit Sub
ErrorHandler:
Debug.Print "Error: " & Err.Description -
Logging: Use
Debug.Printstatements to log progress and debugging information, which will appear in module logs. -
Testing: Always test macros manually in 3DEXPERIENCE before using them with the module to ensure they work correctly.
Performance Optimization
- Batch Operations: When extracting data from multiple products, organize them into batches and process systematically to optimize resource usage.
- Large Assemblies: For very large assemblies, consider extracting individual components first before processing the full assembly.
- Concurrent Jobs: The agent can handle multiple jobs, but 3DEXPERIENCE itself may have resource limitations. Monitor system resources (CPU, memory) during execution.
- Network Latency: Extraction speed depends on network connectivity to the Enovia platform. Ensure stable, high-bandwidth connections for optimal performance.
Workflow Integration
- Digital Thread: Use extracted parameters to connect 3DEXPERIENCE models to other tools in your digital engineering ecosystem (requirements tools, simulation, PLM systems).
- Change Management: Extract model data at key milestones to track design evolution over time.
- Automation: Use the SDK to create automated workflows that respond to design changes, run analyses, and update models programmatically.
- Geometry Exchange: Use
extract_geometrywith appropriate formats (STEP for precise geometry, STL for meshing, IGES for legacy tool compatibility) based on downstream tool requirements.
Security Considerations
- Server License: Protect the
ServerLicense.xmlfile with appropriate file permissions to prevent unauthorized access. - Configuration Security: Ensure
istari_digital_config.yamlhas restricted permissions (readable only by the agent service account). - Enovia Access: Use service accounts with minimal necessary permissions for Enovia access rather than personal accounts.
- Audit Trail: Monitor agent logs and 3DEXPERIENCE logs to track model access and modifications for compliance and security auditing.
FAQ
-
Why does 3DEXPERIENCE need to be on a bare metal machine?
- 3DEXPERIENCE uses hardware-locked licensing and COM interfaces that may not function correctly in virtualized environments. Dassault Systèmes recommends bare metal installations for production use.
-
Can I use this module with 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA V5?
- No, this module is specifically for 3DEXPERIENCE CATIA V6 and Enovia. For CATIA V5, use the separate Dassault CATIA V5 integration.
-
What's the difference between
@istari:extract_parametersand the parameters in@istari:extract?@istari:extractreturns only user-defined parameters inparameters.json.@istari:extract_parametersreturns all parameters including system-generated ones infull_parameters.json, useful for comprehensive model analysis.
-
Can I extract models without Enovia?
- No, the 3DEXPERIENCE module requires Enovia platform connectivity because 3DEXPERIENCE models cannot be saved locally. The module interfaces directly with Enovia to access and modify models.
-
How do I find the product attribute name for my Enovia installation?
- In an out-of-the-box Enovia installation, the attribute name is
PLM_ExternalID. If your organization has customized Enovia, consult your PLM administrator to determine the correct attribute name used for product identifiers.
- In an out-of-the-box Enovia installation, the attribute name is
-
What happens if a 3DEXPERIENCE session is already open?
- The module will use the existing session and leave it open after job completion. However, it will close any models it opened during execution. This allows you to continue working in 3DEXPERIENCE while the module operates.
-
Can I run multiple extraction jobs simultaneously?
- Yes, but each job will queue if 3DEXPERIENCE is busy. COM automation typically allows only one operation at a time per application instance. Consider using multiple agent machines for parallel processing of different models.
-
Why are my parameter updates not being saved?
- Ensure your Enovia account has write permissions for the product. Also verify the parameters you're updating actually exist in the model and are not read-only or computed parameters.
-
What geometry formats should I use for different downstream tools?
- Use STEP for precise CAD interoperability and highest geometric accuracy. Use IGES for legacy tools that don't support STEP. Use STL for meshing and 3D printing applications. Use OBJ (from
@istari:extract) for visualization and web-based 3D viewers.
- Use STEP for precise CAD interoperability and highest geometric accuracy. Use IGES for legacy tools that don't support STEP. Use STL for meshing and 3D printing applications. Use OBJ (from