ANF
ANF (ACIS Neutral Format) is used for exchanging 3D data with ACIS-based CAD systems. LinkCAD exports 2D layout data as extruded 3D geometry in ANF format.
Format Summary
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Extensions | .anf |
| Encoding | ASCII |
| Import | — |
| Export | ✓ |
| License | 3D Modeler |
Export Options
| Option | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
| Extrusion height | Z-height for extruding 2D polygons to 3D | 1.0 |
| Units | Output coordinate units | Micron |
How It Works
LinkCAD takes each 2D polygon in the layout and extrudes it along the Z-axis by the specified height, producing a 3D solid representation. Each layer can be assigned a different extrusion height.
Common Workflows
GDSII → ANF
Convert IC mask layout to 3D geometry for mechanical integration or visualization.
Technical Notes
- ANF is export-only in LinkCAD
- The 3D Modeler license bundle is required
- Output can be imported into any ACIS-based CAD system
- A second variant, ANSOFT ANF V4 (also
.anf), is available as a separate export format targeting Ansoft tools such as HFSS; it uses the same 3D Modeler license
CLI / Command-File Options
These option keys can be used on the command line or in command files.
ANF Export
| Key | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
AnfOutUnits | int | Output units (see Units) |
AnfOutModelType | int | ANSYS model type |
AnfOutMerge | flag | Merge overlapping areas |
AnfOutExplodeArcs | flag | Explode arcs into line segments |
AnfOutCmdTitle | string | Model title |
AnfOutCmdStitle | string | Model subtitle |
AnfOutCmdFilname | string | Output filename in ANSYS command |
AnfOutCmdFacet | string | Facet command |
AnfOutCmdAadd | flag | Use AADD command |
AnfOutCmdAglue | flag | Use AGLUE command |
AnfOutCmdNummrg | flag | Use NUMMRG command |
AnfOutCmdNummrgToler | float | NUMMRG tolerance |
TetGen Export
| Key | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
TetinOutUnits | int | Output units (see Units) |
TetinOutModelType | int | Model type |
TetinOutExplodeArcs | flag | Explode arcs into line segments |
TetinOutTriangToler | float | Triangulation tolerance |
TetinOutCmdStitle | string | Surface title |
TetinOutCmdFacet | string | Facet mode |
TetinOutCmdAadd | flag | Add command |
TetinOutCmdAglue | flag | Glue command |
TetinOutCmdNummrg | flag | Numeric merge |
TetinOutCmdNummrgToler | float | Merge tolerance |