Using GE Plastics Archives in Solid Edge

Step1. Unzip the archive(s)

You will find 2 files in each GEPlasticsMarble1 and GEPlasticsSpeckle1 zip file:

• GEPlasticsMarble1.lwa/GEPlasticsSpeckle1.lwa
• speckle_plugin.lwa.

You will find one file in GEPlasticsFlame1.zip

• GEPlasticsFlame1.lwa

Step 2. Install the archive files

Go to the root Solid Edge V17 directory. You should see a sub-directory named Rendering. Put the GEPlasticsMarble1.lwa, GEPlasticsSpeckle1.lwa and/or GEPlasticsFlame1 files in the Rendering directory. This is the resource area for Virtual Studio files. You will notice there is already a file called lwpda.lwa in the rendering directory. This is the Virtual Studio Pre-defined material library that is loaded by default when you start Virtual Studio. Any additional lightworks material archives (*.lwa) you get in the future should go in this directory in order to be loaded.

For GEPlasticsMarble1 and GEPlasticsSpeckle1 archives only

Step 3. Install the plug-in shader

The speckle_plugin.lwa is a new plug-in shader required by the materials defined in the GEPlasticsMarble1.lwa and GEPlasticsSpeckle1.lwa archives. Create a new directory in Rendering called plugins. Place the speckle_plugin.lwa in the new directory. When placed in Rendering/plugins sub-directory this new shader will be automatically detected and loaded by Virtual Studio. This path has to be correct (Solid Edge V17\Rendering\plugins) in order for the shader to be detected.

Things you must do for this to work:

• create a folder called "plugins" in the SolidEdge rendering folder
• the file speckle_plugin.lwa must be placed in this folder for the GEPlastics archives to work
• if you do not have System Privileges to create a folder at this level then you must ask your System Adminstration team to do this for you.

Step 1. Start SolidEdge V17

Step 2. Load the demo

Load in the Solid Edge assembly GEPlastics_demo.asm. The model is has lights, scenery and a perspective view already defined.

Step 3. Enter the Virtual Studio Environment

Select Virtual Studio from the Environment menu. Click on the virtual studio icon to get access to materials and lights. Click the render button.

Step 4. Load the GEPlasticsFlame1 Archive.

Go to the Pre-defined material tab on the edge bar.

Click on the Open Archive button at the top of the pre-defined archives menu tab. Choose GEPlasticsFlame1.lwa from the list of archives. Click the Open button and the archive should appear in the pre-defined archive pane. You will notice that the archive has a small white cross to the bottom left of the icon. This means the archive requires licensing before you can use the materials.

Open GEPlasticsFlame1 archive by clicking on it. There are several nested directories to provide compatability with other content archives provided by LightWork Design. Expand the directory tree by clicking the directories until you get to the materials.

Step 5. Activate the archive license dialog

Select the cylindrical geometry in the displayed part. Click on a material from the GEPlastics archive and either drag and drop the material onto the geometry or RMB and select apply to selected. The License Validation dialog will appear.

Step 1. Get a license key from Lightworks-user.com

Click the Get License Key button. (you need an internet connection to complete the licensing) This will take you to the LightWorks-user website login page. Type in your Username (email address) and the password mailed to you by LightWork design when you registered. Click the Login Now button.

You will be redirected to a page confirming which Archive you are licensing. Click the continue button.

This is a purchase information page. GEPlastics archives are free so the cost should be $0. Click the OK button. The website will redirect you to a page containing the license for this archive.

Step 2. License the archive in Solid Edge

Highlight the licence string shown on the web page and copy and paste it into the license dialog box. If licensing is successful you will now be able to apply these materials to your geometry.

NOTE: An automatically generated email will be sent to the address specified by your log in Username. You can cut and paste the license key from the email instead of from the web page.

Step 1. Apply a GEPlastics material to the demo part

Select the geometry in the main window. Right click one of the GEP materials and apply it to the geometry (RMB/Apply to selected).

Step 2. Render the scene.

Click the render scene button