The MSC.Laminate Modeler generates laminate materials based on a ply layup. However, under certain circumstances, it is desirable to export or import laminate materials to or from specialized tools used for laminate analysis. The MSC.Laminate Modeler includes and interface to the LAP laminate analysis program developed by Anaglyph Ltd. (www.anaglyph.co.uk).

During preliminary design, the user can define a baseline laminate material within LAP and save this data in a text file. This information can be imported into Patran and referenced by element properties in the normal way. This basic laminate can be optimized for loading and manufacturing criteria using the tools within the MSC.Laminate Modeler.

Following analysis, the user can export laminate material and load information to LAP in order to examine and report stresses.