Mesh from Element

Used to construct a set of planar shapes from a 3D element, such as a surface or solid. Shapes can be saved either as individual polygons or as a single mesh element. Tolerance settings control the accuracy of the shapes/mesh compared to the original surface or solid.

You can access this tool from the following:

Ribbon: Modeling > Mesh > Create
Toolbox: Create Meshes

Where the existing element is a mesh, the Mesh from Element tool can be used only if the Max Num Edges setting is set to 3. It then will triangulate the mesh, if it is not already triangulated.

Setting	Description
Output	Lets you select the type of element to be constructed: Mesh Element — The constructed element is placed in the design as a single mesh element. Shapes — The constructed element is placed in the design as polygons in a graphic group.
Chord	If on, lets you define the maximum allowable distance from a constructed polygon to the original (curved) element it approximates.
Angle	If on, lets you define the maximum angle allowed between adjacent facets on a smooth surface.
Max. Length	If on, lets you define the maximum allowable edge length for any facet in the constructed element.
Max. Num	If on, lets you define the maximum number of edges for any facet in the constructed element.
Hide Smooth Edges	If on, smooth edges (interior edges between adjacent facets) in mesh element are not displayed.
Normals	If on, normal direction for facets is included in mesh element.
Parameters	If on, UV parameter at vertices are included in mesh element.
Smooth Triangulation	If on, meshes created from B-spline surface, planar shapes, complex shapes are triangulated smoothly.
Keep Original	If on, the original element is retained.

Key-in: FACET CREATE