CAD Import without Simulink Addon

Just statrted with MAtlab. My understanding when purchasing this was that CAD models could be imported

and used for simulation when using either stl or possibly step format. have had no luck in getting this to work.

Now, after going through the documentation it appears that the only way for the stl files to be used, they would have to

be converted to xml format. Is this correct? I'm using TurboCad, which will save in .stl, .step, igs, and vrml.

Is there a known good stl to xml converter?

Answer 1

[Steve Miller]

Hi Brad,

You can use CAD files directly from many formats, including STL, STEP, IGES. You do not need to convert them to XML. The File Solid block will take the file name as a parameter and interpret it directly, enabling you to add the parts directly to your model.

The plug-in that we offer for some CAD systems will convert an entire assembly into a set of files that Simscape Multibody can connect into a complete dynamic model (parts and joints). TurboCad is not one of the products for which we have a plug in, but the format of the XML file is open, so if you know the TurboCad scripting language you might be able to write code that will let you convert an entire assembly to a dynamic model in Simscape Multibody.

--Steve