Hi Team,
I would like to find out if I am making an mistake or if it is just not possible what I am trying to do:
I created a step file suing FreeCAD v1.1.1. The components were created using the Part workbench “Face from Wires”. There are 5 components. They are then selected and exported as step file and imported into PrePoMax v2.5.0.
When I create a compound of the 5 components, the compound is created, but with a orange triangle icon with an exclamation mark inside, indicating there is a problem with the compound. I saw the video of Matej (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUALkdr4f7w) which I thought would have been similar to what I tried, however no success unfortunately.
I attached the FreeCAD, Step and PrePoMax file, with the hopes someone can point me in the right direction. I do have my suspicion the issue lies with the btm (base) plate, and should maybe be split in two, and if needs as such then I will do it that way. Was just wondering if there is another way maybe?
plateModel.zip (146.3 KB)
For compounding to work with shells, you need proper partitioning to get corresponding edges also on the other side: Orthogonal shell mesh model - #6 by FEAnalyst
plateModel_mod.zip (115.6 KB)
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Hi FEAnalyst,
Thanks for the quick feedback and advice, it is greatly apprecaited.
I am curious thou what the difference is between what I attempted and what Matej did in the video I provided the link for. Even thou my model is much more simple than his.
Another way to make these cuts in FreeCAD is using extruded lines. See the attached file. The end result is the same, but it’s less work.
plateModel_rev1_mod_2.zip (43.3 KB)
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His model is included in built-in examples under PrePoMax v2.5.0\Models\Crane.step, so you can import it for a test. It also shows a warning sign after compounding, but Matej’s video includes some partitioning done in PrePoMax with the Split a Face Using Two Points tool. In practice, it’s best to do any partitioning in CAD software before importing the geometry for analysis.
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Great, thanks again FEAnalyst, for the additional information, advice and explanation. I will study the information you shared here and I believe you have put me on a better path I was on before 
Have a good one, until next time.
