Professional Documents
Culture Documents
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
OF UNIGRAPHICS
STUDENT MANUAL
September 2002
MT10050 - Unigraphics NX
EDS Inc.
Proprietary & Restricted Rights Notices
Copyright
Proprietary right of Unigraphics Solutions Inc., its subcontractors, or its suppliers are included in this
software, in the data, documentation, or firmware related thereto, and in information disclosed
therein. Neither this software, regardless of the form in which it exists, nor such data, information, or
firmware may be used or disclosed to others for any purpose except as specifically authorized in writing
by Unigraphics Solutions Inc. Recipient by accepting this document or utilizing this software agrees
that neither this document nor the information disclosed herein nor any part thereof shall be
reproduced or transferred to other documents or used or disclosed to others for manufacturing or any
other purpose except as specifically authorized in writing by Unigraphics Solutions Inc.
The commercial computer software and related documentation are provided with restricted rights.
Use, duplication or disclosure by the U.S. Government is subject to the protections and restrictions as
set forth in the Unigraphics Solutions Inc. commercial license for the software and/or documentation
as prescribed in DOD FAR 227-7202-3(a), or for Civilian Agencies, in FAR 27.404(b)(2)(i), and any
successor or similar regulation, as applicable. Unigraphics Solutions Inc., 10824 Hope Street, Cypress,
CA 90630.
All warranties and limitations thereof given by Unigraphics Solutions Inc. are set forth in the license
agreement under which the software and/or documentation were provided. Nothing contained within
or implied by the language of this document shall be considered to be a modification of such warranties.
The information and the software that are the subject of this document are subject to change without
notice and should not be considered commitments by Unigraphics Solutions Inc.. Unigraphics
Solutions Inc. assumes no responsibility for any errors that may be contained within this document.
The software discussed within this document is furnished under separate license agreement and is
subject to use only in accordance with the licensing terms and conditions contained therein.
Trademarks
Table of Contents
Course Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -1
Intended Audience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -1
Course Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -1
Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -1
How to Use This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -2
Classroom System Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -2
Class Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -3
About Part File Naming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -3
Class Part File Naming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -4
Expressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -4
Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -5
Seed Part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -5
Definition of Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -6
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Starting Unigraphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Unigraphics Site Specific Startup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Unigraphics Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
The Gateway Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Cue/Status line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Menu bar pull down menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Platform Specific Dialog Box Variance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Shared Features of Windows File Dialog Boxes . . . . . . . . 1-7
Activity 1 - Creating a New Part file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Toolbars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Opening Multiple Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
To Change The Displayed Part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Activity 2 - Open an Existing Part File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Mouse Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-24
Mouse PopĆup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-25
Selection Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-27
Preselection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30
Multiple Selection Candidates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-30
Layer Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-32
Layers and Categories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34
Model Geometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-34
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Rectangular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-22
Activity 2 - Creating Slot Form Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24
Pocket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30
Rectangular Pocket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30
Activity 3 - Creating Pocket Form Features . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31
Boss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-33
Activity 4 - Creating Boss Form Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34
Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-38
Rectangular Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-38
Activity 5 - Creating and Positioning a Pad . . . . . . . . . . . 3-39
Expressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Expressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Understanding Expressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Creating and Editing Expressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Creating Expressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Editing Expressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Using Information"Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Used by . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4
Activity 1 - Getting Familiar with Expressions . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Face Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Face Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Hollow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Wall Thickness Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Activity 1 - Performing a Hollow Operation . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Activity 2 - Hollow and Selection Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Activity 3 - Creating a Hollow Feature with an Offset . . . 5-9
Edge Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
Edge Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Edge Blend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Edge Blends Using Dynamic Input Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Activity 1 - Creating Edge Blends with Dynamic
Input Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6
Chamfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10
Single Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-11
Double Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12
Offset Angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12
Activity 2 - Performing a Chamfer Operation . . . . . . . . . 6-13
Model Construction Query . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1
Visually Inspect the Part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2
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Sketching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-1
What is a sketch? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-2
Why sketch? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-3
When should a sketch be used? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-4
Sketches and the Model Navigator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-7
Sketches and Layers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-8
Creating a New Sketch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-9
The Sketch Plane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-9
Sketch to Define the Base Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-9
Sketch Associative to Existing Base Feature . . . . . . . . . . . 13-10
Defining the Reference Direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-11
Naming a Sketch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-12
The Active Sketch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-13
Sketch Creation Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14
Sketch for a Base Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14
Sketch on an Existing Face or Datum Plane . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14
Activity 1 - Sketch Creation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-15
Sketch Curve Creation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-22
Sketch Curve Tool Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-22
Infer Constraints Setting Dialog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-22
Locking a Constraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-23
Snap Angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-23
The Infer Point Tool Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-23
Alignment Lines While Creating Curves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-24
Profile Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-24
Creating Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-26
Creating Arcs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-27
Creating Circles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-28
Activity 2- Using the Sketch Profile Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-30
Creating Fillets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-39
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Transformations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
Transformations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-2
Transformation Options Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-3
Translate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-6
Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-7
Rotate About a Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-10
Mirror Through a Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-11
Rotate About a Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-12
Using Transformations for Symmetrical Geometry . . . . . . C-13
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GL-1
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IN-1
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Course Overview
Intended Audience
Course Objectives
After successfully completing this course, the student should be able to:
Prerequisites
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The format of the activities is consistent throughout this manual. Steps are
labeled and specify what will be accomplished at any given point in the activity.
Below each step are action boxes which emphasize the individual actions that
must be taken to accomplish the step. As your knowledge of Unigraphics
increases, the action boxes will seem redundant as the step text becomes all that
is needed to accomplish a given task.
Choose Open.
Your instructor will provide you with the following items for working in the
classroom:
Password:
Home Directory:
Parts Directory:
Instructor:
Date:
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Course Overview
Class Standards
The following standards will be used in this class. Standardization allows users
to work with and predict the organization of parts created by others . All work
should be performed in accordance with these standards.
xxx_xxxxxxxxxxxx_xxxx_xxxx•prt
TIP Currently up to 128 characters are valid for file names. A four
character extension (.prt) is automatically added to define the file
type. This means the maximum number of user defined characters for
the file name is actually 124.
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Course Overview
pau_ x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x _ x • p r t
Where the student is requested to save a part file for later use, the initials of
the student's given name, middle name, and surname replace the course
identifier pau" in the new filename with the remainder of the filename
matching the original.
Expressions
The student will notice that there is a standard set of expressions resident in
each of the part files as follows:
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Course Overview
Colors
Seed Part
Seed parts are an effective tool for establishing customer defaults or any
settings that are partĆdependent (saved with the part file). This may include
nonĆgeometric data such as:
Preferences
Commonly used expressions
Layer categories
UserĆdefined views and layouts
Part attributes
Two seed part files are available for use in this course, pau_seedpart_in for inch
parts and pau_seedpart_mm for metric parts. These files incorporate the
standards described above, and include the TFRĆTRI view as the default view.
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Course Overview
Definition of Terms
Explicit Modeling
Explicit modeling is modeling that is not parametric. Objects are created
relative to model space, not each other. Changes to one or more objects do not
necessarily affect other objects or the finished model. Examples of explicit
modeling include creating a line between two existing points, or creating an arc
through three existing points. If one of the existing points were moved, the
line/arc would not change.
Parametric Modeling
A parametric model is one in which the values (parameters) used for the
definition of the model are stored with the model for future editing. Parameters
may reference each other to establish relationships between the various
features of the model. Examples include the diameter and depth of a hole, or
the length, width, and height of a rectangular pad. The designer's intent may be
that the hole is always as deep as the pad is high. Linking these parameters
together may achieve the desired results. This is not easily accomplished with
an explicit model.
ConstraintĆbased Modeling
A constraint-based model is one in which the geometry of the model is driven,
or solved, from a set of design rules applied to the geometry defining the model
as constraints. These constraints might be dimensional constraints (such as
sketch dimensions or positioning dimensions) or geometric constraints (such as
parallelism or tangency). Examples include a line tangent to an arc, where the
designer intends for that tangent condition to be maintained even though the
angle of the line may change, or a perpendicular condition being maintained as
angles are modified.
Hybrid Modeling
Hybrid modeling refers to the selectively combined use of the three types of
modeling described above. Hybrid modelers allow designers to use parametric
modeling where needed, without requiring that the entire model be constrained
before proceeding. Because of this, designers have more flexibility in modeling
techniques. The Unigraphics hybrid modeler supports traditional explicit
geometric modeling along with constraintĆbased sketching and parametric
feature modeling. All tools are integrated so they can be used in combination.
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Getting Started
Start Unigraphics.
Locate the Cue/Status line.
Execute Menu Bar Pull Down Menus.
Create a New Part File.
Dock and Undock Toolbars.
Open a Part File.
Work with Layers
Copy a Part File.
Close a Part File and Exit Unigraphics.
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Select Starbase" to
enable rotatable
shaded images
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Graphics area
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The Menu Bar offers a number of options from which to choose. These options
have pullĆdown menus associated with them that allow access to areas of
functionality. Holding the first mouse button down over a Menu Bar option
causes the pullĆdown menu to display. Arrows to the right of the pullĆdown
listing indicate that further cascading options are available.
Cascade Menu
Menu Bar
PullĆDown
Menu
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Graphics shown in this text are from a Windows workstation, some of the dialog
boxes at your classroom workstation may differ slightly from those shown.
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Getting Started
Choosing anywhere away from the list of the available folders and drives will
dismiss the listing without selecting another folder or drive.
The list in the window below the Look In: box shows the available folders and
files in the currently selected directory. The folder symbol represents a
subĆdirectory, Unigraphics part files have the .prt extension.
The Up One Level button works with the Look in: option menu to
traverse back up through the directory hierarchy.
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ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ The Create New Folder button allows new subĆfolders to be created in
ÉÉÉ
1
ÉÉÉ
the current directory.
The View Menu pulldown button allows the appearance of the listing in
the window to be modified. The default listing is that of a List. Selecting the
Details button will display a more detailed listing of the files and folders
including Name, Size, Type, last Modified date and time, and any Attributes
that may apply to the file. Other options include; Large Icons, Small Icons and
Thumbnails.
Properties can be
accessed by
selected mouse
button three while
in the Details"
view mode
The ? button at the top right of the dialog box changes the cursor to
and allows selection of any of the controls in the dialog box for a short
description of its function.
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Shaded radio"
button indicates
selected option Current
directory path
and file
extension
Step 2 Specify the units of measure for the new part file.
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Getting Started
The creator of a file has read and write access, which means they may modify
the file and save the changes.
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Toolbars ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
The Unigraphics user interface supports the use of Toolbars to allow quick
access to most of the available functionality via logical groupings of common ÉÉÉ
1
ÉÉÉ
functionality displayed as Icons. Each application has a set of toolbars which
support functions within that application. In turn, each application can also
have toolbars and icons displayed which allow access to functions which are
most commonly accessed for the specific application (e.g. Modeling vs.
Drafting)
Toolbars may be in one of two states. The first is undocked where they are free
floating on the screen. The graphic below shows three toolbars in an undocked
state, located randomly by the user on the screen. These toolbars are shown
within the Unigraphics window, but may be located outside the window
depending on screen setup.
Undocked
Toolbars
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ÉÉÉ The second state that Toolbars may be in is docked, where they anchor to the
ÉÉÉ main Unigraphics window, either horizontally or vertically. The graphic below
ÉÉÉ
1
ÉÉÉ
shows several toolbars. The Standard, View and Layer toolbars are docked
horizontally just below the Menu Bar, while some Modeling application
toolbars are docked vertically on the right and left side of the Unigraphics
window. Docked toolbars are always within the Unigraphics window.
Docked
Toolbars
(Horizontal)
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Getting Started
The display of each toolbar, as well as each element of each toolbar, is user
ÉÉÉ
customizable. To turn ON or OFF the display of a toolbar choose
ÉÉÉ
Tools"Customize or click MB3 in the toolbar area and select Customize.
Placing a check in the box next to the toolbar name will instantly display the ÉÉÉ
1
ÉÉÉ
toolbar in the graphics area.
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ÉÉÉ To turn ON or OFF the display of a toolbar element choose the Commands tab.
ÉÉÉ Placing a check in the box next to the toolbar command will instantly display
ÉÉÉ
1
ÉÉÉ
the command in the appropriate toolbar. Removing the check turns off the
display.
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Getting Started
In most cases the displayed part and the work part are the same. There are
times when working in an assembly when it is advantageous that the work part
be other than the displayed part.
Unigraphics allows multiple part files to be open in the same session. These
parts may have been loaded explicitly or implicitly, as a result of being
referenced by a loaded assembly. The Window option works in two ways:
In the first method, an option for More Parts is selected. This displays the
Change Displayed Part dialog box and lists all parts being referenced in the
current session, excluding the current displayed part. This listing will include all
components in an assembly structure as well as any loaded parts not contained
in a loaded assembly.
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ÉÉÉ working environment in the Gateway application for this course as well as how
to load an existing part file into the work session.
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The Customize Dialog box appears and shows the current toolbars which are
ÉÉÉ
displayed.
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
1
ÉÉÉ
The Standard toolbar should be displayed on the screen docked in the upper
left corner under the Menu bar.
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Notice that there are no radio buttons for Inches and Millimeters in the Open
ÉÉÉ
Part File dialog box. The units of the file were determined prior to creation and
ÉÉÉ
may not be changed within an active Unigraphics session. A part file's units can
be converted using a program called ug_convert outside of the active ÉÉÉ
1
ÉÉÉ
Unigraphics session.
Select pau_intro_1 in the file list box and choose OK, which
opens the file (or doubleĆclick on the file name).
Notice the Status Line. It displays useful information as to what the system is
doing while the part file is retrieved, as well as other information pertaining to
the operation being performed.
Options for viewing the contents of the file are available on the menu bar.
The graphics area is now active, showing the model in the condition in
which it was last saved.
The title bar of the Unigraphics window displays the current work part in
brackets [pau_intro_1.prt] and that its status is Read Only, meaning that
changes may not be saved in this file.
It is important to keep in mind that a loaded part file is only a copy of what is
stored on disk. Any new work that you do is not permanent until the part file is
saved on disk.
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The toolbars are displayed on the screen in an Docked state. Remember that
toolbars may be docked horizontally on the top or bottom and vertically on the
left or right. Locate the toolbars.
View
Selection
Utility
Select on the
Handle
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Drag the toolbar onto the graphics window, note that the
ÉÉÉ
ghosted display of the outside of the window changes in size.
ÉÉÉ
Release MB1.
ÉÉÉ
1
ÉÉÉ
Notice the toolbar in an undocked condition displays a header with the name
of the toolbar.
Select Here
Drag the toolbar such that the header portion falls within the
main menu bar as shown below, note that the ghosted display
of the outside of the window changes in size as the cursor
leaves the graphics window.
Locate Here
Release MB1.
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Select Here
Release MB1.
The Utility toolbar remains docked to the Unigraphics window in the proper
position.
Select the View toolbar on the handle and drag the toolbar
such that it is aligned to the right of the Standard toolbar.
Locate Here
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Both buttons
together execute
1 2 3 1 3 the second
mouse button
action
The mouse may be used to perform various actions as shown in this chart.
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NOTE: The View toolbar may also be used to perform many of the
view manipulation functions found in the View Pop-Up Menu.
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ÉÉÉ The following table gives a brief summary of some of the options in the popĆup
ÉÉÉ menu.
ÉÉÉ
1
ÉÉÉ Option Description
Apply Performs operation displayed in the current dialog box.
Back Goes back to a previous dialog box.
Cancel Terminates the current operation.
Refresh Refreshes the entire graphics window. Erases temporary
display entities.
Fit Fits the entire part to the view. Utilizes the fit percentage
found on the Preferences→Visualization→Screen dialog
box. Generally used in a modeling view.
Zoom Changes the view scale via a user specified rectangle.
Zoom In/Out Changes the view scale via specification of a reference
point and dragging the size using the mouse.
Rotate Rotates the model using the XĆY method.
Pan Pans the view in the direction you pull the mouse.
Update Display Performs a Refresh operation as well as redisplaying
silhouette curves of faces and hidden edges of solids.
Restore Restores the original view that was in effect before one of
the following operations was performed: zoom, pan, rotate.
Display Mode Specifies the shading method in which the solid model is
displayed.
Hidden Edges Specifies the method of display of hidden edges in the
graphics window.
Expand Expands a drawing's member view to the full graphics area.
This is a toggle. The affected view becomes the work view
and remains the work view until the expand is turned off.
Orient View Redisplays the current view in a canned view orientation.
The original visualization settings and view modifications
are retained. Active only in a modeling view.
Replace View Replaces the current view with one of the canned views.
Active only in a modeling view.
Undo Reverses the effect of the last single operation performed.
Any operation or edit performed prior to the last one will
not be affected by undo.
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Components
General
Objects Features
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ÉÉÉ Depending on which category the user has selected, the Type Filter may be used
ÉÉÉ to narrow the band of selectable objects.
ÉÉÉ
1
ÉÉÉ
General
Objects
Features
Components
The remaining options of the toolbar may be used to further discriminate in the
selection of objects.
Deselect All
Color
Layer Reset
Class
Selection Select All Name Selection
Once an object has been selected, mouse button 3 (MB3) may be used to select
an available operator for that object.
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Features Operations
NOTE: Options may vary based upon application and object selected.
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ÉÉÉ Preselection
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
1
ÉÉÉ
Preselection allows highlighting of objects that are selectable for various
operations as the selection ball is moved over them. Preselection by default is
ON in Unigraphics. Preselection may be controlled by choosing
Preferences"Selection from the menu bar. The color of the highlighting is
specified in the Color option menu. Preselection also applies to highlighting
objects that are being deselected, usually through use of <Shift> first mouse
button. The state of the Preselection setting is not saved with the part, and lasts
only through the current session.
During the graphics area selection process it is common to have more than one
selectable object contained in the selection ball. QuickPick is a selection
confirmation interface that allows immediate selection of a single object or an
easy method for browsing through multiple selection candidates.
During selection the act of moving the selection ball over a selectable object
causes the object to preĆhighlight in the preselection color. Selecting during this
preĆhighlighting phase causes the highlighted object to be chosen for the action
to be performed.
Should there be more than one selectable object at the selection ball location
and the cursor lingers for a short period of time, the appearance of the cursor
changes to a cross followed by an ellipsis (+...) indicating that there is more
than one selectable object at this position. Selection after the cursor changes
display will result in the presentation of the QuickPick dialog box shown below.
NOTE: The amount of time the cursor must be stationary for the
ellipsis (+...) to appear can be adjusted by choosing
Preferences"Selection and adjusting the Confirmation slider.
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NOTE: When the Quick Pick dialog box is presented upon selection
of an object, Mouse Button 1 can also be used anywhere on the graphics
screen to progress through the multiple candidates. This will also
progress the highlighted number in the Quick Pick dialog box and give
feedback in the Status line displaying the type of object being
highlighted.
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A layer may be thought of as a partition in the part file that objects reside in, or
on for the purpose of organization. There are 256 usable layers in Unigraphics,
one of which is always the Work Layer. Any of the 256 layers can be assigned to
one of four classifications of status:
Work
Selectable
Visible Only
Invisible
The Work Layer is the layer that objects are created on and is always visible
and selectable while it remains the Work Layer. Layer 1 is the default Work
Layer when starting a new part file. When the Work Layer is changed to
another, the previous Work Layer automatically becomes Selectable and could
then be assigned a status of Visible Only or Invisible.
The number of objects on one layer is not limited. Each user has the freedom to
choose which layers they will create objects on and what the status will be.
However, it should be mentioned that the use of company standards in regards
to layers would be beneficial.
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Select a layer from the Layer/Status listing and choose one of the four buttons
below the listing.
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Model Geometry
Drafting Objects
Engineering Disciplines
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Moving Layers
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
In the process of creating a model, there are times when it is necessary to move
an object to a different layer. This option is available using Format→Move to
ÉÉÉ
1
ÉÉÉ
Layer. The objects which need to be moved are then selected using the Class
Selection menu. Once all of the objects to be moved are selected, the Layer
Move dialog box appears.
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Name filter
Filter methods
Area filters
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ÉÉÉ
1
ÉÉÉ
discussed below. The rectangle or polygon is oriented in the current view
plane and may be used in any view. A rectangle may be used by selecting
a cursor location and dragging the cursor to another cursor location. The
Polygon button must be selected prior to specifying the boundary with
rubberĆbanding line segments in the graphics area.
Inside - Objects completely inside the rectangle/polygon are selected.
Outside -Objects completely outside the rectangle/polygon are
selected.
Crossing - Objects crossing the boundary of the rectangle/polygon are
selected.
Inside/Crossing - All objects inside the rectangle/polygon as well as
those crossing the boundary of the rectangle/polygon. This is the
default method.
Outside/Crossing - All objects outside the rectangle/polygon as well
as those crossing the boundary of the rectangle/polygon.
Up One Level allows selection of the next level component or group if
components or groups are enabled for that operation. This is useful in
assemblies work.
Select All selects all objects in the work view by current filter methods
settings.
All but Selected selects all objects in the work view except for those
currently highlighted by selection.
Chain allows the selection of a sequence of contiguous curves or solid
edges.
Polygon allows the selection of objects using a polygon that is specified in
the graphics area. (See Rectangle/Polygon Method above.)
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Enter new
filename
here
In the Save Part File As dialog, use the Save in: option menu
to navigate to the proper directory to save the part file.
(HINT: should be one level up from the parts folder)
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ÉÉÉ Key in ***_intro_1 as the new part file name where ***
ÉÉÉ represent your initials.
ÉÉÉ
1
ÉÉÉ
Type filename
here
Choose OK.
The Status Line states that the part file is being saved. When the save is
complete, the message Part file saved" displays. Work in Unigraphics may be
resumed.
Once again, Unigraphics informs you in the Status Line that it is saving the
part file. When the save is complete, the message Part file saved" is displayed.
TIP You can save your work and exit Unigraphics all at once by choosing
File"Close"Save All and Exit.
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Use File→Close→Selected Parts to close one or more of the loaded parts. Close
All may be used to close all parts loaded in the current session from the Close
Part dialog box.
The Close Part dialog box appears showing a list of all open part files, which
currently are ***_intro_1 and ***_new_1 part files.
***_intro_1
List of open ***_new_1
part files
Since the part was not changed since it was last saved, it is immediately closed.
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ÉÉÉ If the part had been changed, the system displays a warning message letting you
ÉÉÉ know that the part has been modified since it was last saved.
ÉÉÉ
1
ÉÉÉ
***_intro_1
Closing the part file does not save the part, it only clears the part file from the
local memory in the workstation. Changes that have been made to the part file
will be lost if the close operation is continued.
If part file(s) are still open and have been modified, a message displays:
To end Unigraphics, from either Exit message window, you would choose OK.
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Select these
options
A listing with the commands for the Application toolbar is displayed. The
commands displayed on the toolbar are checked in the Commands column.
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Scroll
down
here
Note that the display of the toolbar changes immediately upon selection of
commands.
Locate here
These toolbar settings will be retained for the Gateway application for the rest
of the course.
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Click MB3 in the toolbar area and verify that the Standard,
View, Selection, Utility and Application toolbars are checked
ON. Turn OFF all other toolbars. Other toolbars will be
turned ON throughout the course as they are needed.
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ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
1
ÉÉÉ
SUMMARY
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Introduction to Solid Modeling
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
2
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
PURPOSE This lesson is a fundamental introduction to the Unigraphics
Modeling application. Subsequent lessons will reinforce and extend the
student's understanding.
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Introduction to Solid Modeling
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
2
Start here and go
this direction."
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
There are many coordinate systems in Unigraphics, all are rightĆhand,
Cartesian coordinate systems, made up of a set of X, Y, and Z axes, 90° apart
from each other.
+Z
-X
+Y
-Y +X
-Z Origin
This manual will primarily discuss the following different coordinate system
types used in Unigraphics modeling.
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The Absolute Coordinate System (ABS) is not mobile. It defines a fixed point
and orientation in model space. The Absolute Coordinate System is necessary
to relate location or orientation between any two objects, solid models,
Unigraphics part files, or even a Unigraphics part file to any other CAE
system. An object positioned at Absolute X= 1, Y=1, and Z=1 in one part file
is the exact same absolute position in any other part file.
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In general, there are four ways to manipulate the WCS. They are origin,
rotation, orientation and dynamics. WCS Dynamics will be the focus in this
lesson.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
2
orientation of the WCS by entering values or dragging handles of the WCS in
the graphics screen.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
After choosing WCS Dynamics, the WCS displays with handles. The Point
Constructor icon also appears in the upper left hand corner of the graphics
window.
Handles
Point
Constructor
WCS Dynamics
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Vertex Handle: If the square handle is selected the WCS can be relocated to any
point on the graphics screen (e.g. control point, cursor position, arc center, etc.)
and help indicators will display next to an object to help you predict where the
WCS will relocate to.
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To determine the location of the WCS, Primitives or any other geometry, the
definition of specific points in space is necessary, and is a common function in
any CAE system. Unigraphics offers a standard dialog box that provides
multiple point methods to define location. Using the Point Constructor dialog
box, you can define origin points, start points, endpoints, etc. based on existing
geometry or coordinate values.
ÏÏÏ
Existing Point End Point
Control Point
ÏÏÏ
Cursor Location
2
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ Inferred Point
Intersection Point
Quadrant Point
None
Rectangular
Cylindrical
Restores Base Spherical
Point values Vector
to zero and
Along Curve
Offset to none
Axis Handle: If one of the three axis handles is selected a Dynamic Input Field
appears on the graphics window next to the WCS, which allows input of specific
distances or snap increments. This handle will also allow the coordinate system
to be dragged along its axis.
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Rotation
Handle
Axis
Dynamic
Input Field ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
2
Handle
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Distance/Angle: When the Dynamic Input Field appears next to the WCS the
Distance/Angle fields display the offset distance or rotation that results from a
dragging operation. You can also use these fields to directly enter a distance or
rotation angle.
Snap (Angle/Distance): Using a Rotation handle, you can snap the WCS 45
degrees when you rotate within the Snap (angle) tolerance. The default value
for a tolerance is 45°, but you can change the Snap field to adjust the tolerance.
For example, if the Snap (angle) tolerance is set to 5° and you rotate the WCS
anywhere between 40 and 50° from its original position, it will snap to 45°. The
Angle field will update to the angle moved as the handle is dragged.
Using an Axis handle, you can snap the WCS incremental distances when you
drag the handle. The default value for a Snap (distance) is 0 (zero), but you can
change the Snap field to adjust the tolerance. The Distance field will update to
the distance moved as the handle is dragged.
Finished Moving: Use the middle mouse button (MB2) to confirm the location
or orientation of the WCS and exit WCS Dynamics.
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Utility Toolbar
The WCS options may also be accessed through the Utility toolbar.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
2
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Display
Orient
WCS WCS
WCS Save
Dynamics WCS
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Orient WCS: Allows the location and the rotation of the WCS to be altered in
one step. The menu shown below contains the various options to accomplish
WCS orientation.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
2
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Before After
XĆaxis
Using the XĆaxis, YĆaxis
option to change origin YĆaxis
and rotation in the same
step.
NOTE: The Orient option is commonly used to move the WCS back
to the Absolute origin and orientation.
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ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
2
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Step 1 Open part file pau_wcs_1 and start the Modeling
Application.
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ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
2
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Select here
(End Pt.)
The vertex is selected by default when entering WCS Dynamics, therefore you
can simply pick points in the graphics window to move the WCS. The relocated
WCS has the same XC, YC, ZC directions as the prior WCS location.
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ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
2
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ Select the Rotation Handle shown below.
Select this
handle
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Introduction to Solid Modeling
Enter -905 in the Angle text entry field and press Enter.
Before After
The image below has be rotated for clarity. Feel free to shade and rotate the
view for better viewing of the part.
Select this
corner
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Introduction to Solid Modeling
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
2
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ Select this
Handle
Arrow should
point in this
direction
Select
here
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Introduction to Solid Modeling
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
2
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Select this
Handle
Arrow should
point in this
direction
Select
here
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Orient WCS
The following menu appears, listing the various ways to specify a new location
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
2
and orientation for the WCS.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Choose OK.
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Introduction to Solid Modeling
Primitives
When a Primitive is created, its type and its size must be specified as well as its
location and orientation in model space. ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
2
The four types of Primitives are: ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Block
Cylinder
Cone
Sphere
This lesson will concentrate on the Block feature. Another type of Primitive will
be discussed later.
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Block
A Primitive block may be created by specifying the size and location of the
block in model space. The orientation will be implied from the orientation of
the WCS.
There are three different methods that may be used to create a block. The
middle portion of the dialog and the Selection Steps change depending on the
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
2
type of block creation method you choose. This manual will discuss the first
method, Origin, Edge Lengths.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ Two Points, Height
Two Diagonal Points
Origin, Edge Lengths
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NOTE: When no solid exists, no selection will place the corner at ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
2
Absolute 0,0,0.
The corner used for the origin is the vertex of the edges used to
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
define the size of the block.
Choose OK or Apply.
Once the block has been created, its size may be changed by editing the values
that were used for edge lengths during creation.
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ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
2 Step 2 Display additional toolbars in the Modeling application.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ Click MB3 in the toolbar area and turn ON the Form
Feature, Feature Operation, Edit Feature and Modeling
Toggles toolbars.
Form Feature
Feature Operation
Edit Feature
Modeling Toggles
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Modeling
Feature Edit Feature Toggles
Operation
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
2
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Form
Feature
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Introduction to Solid Modeling
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Sweep along
Guide
Hollow Separator
Instance Suppress
Separator
Feature Feature
Hole Unsuppress
Offset Face
Feature
Commands Boss Separator Separator
Delay Update
Pocket Unite
on Edit
Pad Subtract Update
Slot Intersect Separator
Feature
Groove
Playback
Separator
Datum Plane
Datum Axis
Datum CSYS
Separator
Block
Cylinder
Choose Close to dismiss the Customize dialog box.
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Introduction to Solid Modeling
Select this
handle
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Introduction to Solid Modeling
Choose MB2.
Notice the WCS rotated back to the absolute orientation but the block stays in
the same orientation. The WCS is only referenced when creating primitives and
is not created associative to it.
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ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
2
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Select this
parameter
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Introduction to Solid Modeling
Defining Vectors
Some of the primitives require a direction vector to define in what direction the
primitive will be created. The direction, reference, and destination vectors may
be defined using the Vector Constructor dialog box shown below.
At Angle Edge/Curve
Vector
Between Two
Points On Curve
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
2
Inferred
Vector
Vector
Face
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Normal
Datum Plane
Normal ZC Axis
Datum Axis
YC Axis
XC Axis
NOTE: The XC, YC, and ZC Axis options are sufficient for the
purpose of this course.
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Cylinder
A Primitive cylinder may be created by specifying the orientation, size and
location of the cylinder. The methods to create cylinders are shown in the next
figure.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
2
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Diameter, Height Method
This method is used to create a cylinder by specifying the diameter and height
values. The location and axis direction vector must also be specified. After
choosing this method:
Define the cylinder axis vector using the Vector Constructor.
Enter the diameter and height.
Define the cylinder origin using the Point Constructor.
In the example below, the direction vector is the ZC Axis. The origin is shown
with the cylinder being created at the specified height in the direction of the
vector.
Direction vector
Origin
ZC
YC
XC
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ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
2
Step 3 Create the Cylinder.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ Choose the Cylinder icon.
Choose OK.
Diameter = 75
Height = 200
Choose OK.
Choose Cancel.
ZC
YC
XC
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Introduction to Solid Modeling
Diameter = 15
Height = 150
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
2
Choose MB2 twice. ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
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Introduction to Solid Modeling
SUMMARY
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
2
In this lesson you:
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Were taught that the Absolute Coordinate
System is a stationary coordinate system that
defines a fixed point in model space.
Were taught that the Work Coordinate
System is a mobile coordinate system that
may be moved and reoriented as necessary
to support other Unigraphics functions.
Relocated, rotated, and reoriented the WCS.
Created a Block. You were also taught that if
using a Primitive feature, it should be the
base feature and that Primitives should be
limited to one in a part file because they
cannot be associatively positioned.
Changed the size of a Primitive after
creation.
Created a Primitive Cylinder.
Edited a Primitive Cylinder
Reviewed the Vector Constructor dialog.
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Form Features
Form Features
Lesson 3
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3-1
Form Features
Form Features
Form features are used to add detail to the model during creation. These
features include holes, slots, bosses, pads, pockets and grooves. Form features
are fully associative to the geometry and parameter values used to create them.
ÏÏÏ All form features require a placement face. For a groove, the placement face
ÏÏÏ must be cylindrical or conical. For all other form features, the placement face
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ
must be planar. This planar placement face defines the XĆY plane of the
coordinate system for the feature being created. Features are created normal to
the placement face.
A datum plane may be used as the planar placement face. The creation and
use of datum planes is covered in a later lesson.
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Form Features
The Horizontal Reference defines the X axis of the feature coordinate system.
Any linear edge, planar face, datum axis, or datum plane that may be projected
onto the planar placement face may be selected to define the horizontal
direction. The Horizontal Reference is required to define the length direction
of form features having a Length parameter (slot, rectangular pocket and pad).
If no edge in a true horizontal direction is available the user can specify a
vertical reference from which the system will infer horizontal as perpendicular
to the selected vertical direction.
X+ Vector
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ
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Form Features
There are nine different positioning methods available on the Positioning dialog
box, as shown below.
Parallel
Vertical Parallel at a
Perpendicular
Distance
Horizontal
Angular
Point Line
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ Point
onto
Line
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Form Features
Positioning Terminology
Fully Specified -The feature is uniquely located by the positioning
dimensions specified.
Underspecified - The feature is not yet uniquely located.
Overspecified - The feature has had more positioning dimensions
applied to it than are necessary.
Target Solid - The solid body that a Boolean operation acts upon. In the
context of a Form Feature it is the solid body that the Hole, Slot, Pocket
or Groove will subtract from, or a Boss or Pad will unite with.
Tool Solid -The solid representation of the feature being defined by the
current operation. In the context of a Form Feature it is the
representation of the Hole, Slot, Pocket, Pad, Boss, or Groove that will be
subtracted from or united with the Target Solid.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ
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Form Features
Positioning Methods
Feature
Coordinate
System
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ Target edge
Horizontal reference
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ Tool edge
(datum plane)
1.50
Horizontal
positioning
dimension
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Form Features
Vertical - Specifies the vertical distance between two points, one point
on the target solid and the other point on the tool solid. Vertical is measured
along the YĆaxis of the feature coordinate system (i.e. perpendicular to the
Horizontal Reference). As edges are selected, the nearest valid point is selected
(midpoints are not selectable).
Vertical
positioning
dimension
1.50 Target edge
(arc center)
Tool edge
(arc center)
Horizontal reference
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Angular - Specifies that a linear edge on the target solid (also datum
planes or axis) and a linear edge on the tool solid must be at a given angle to
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ
each other. The angle is measured in a counterĆclockwise direction (with
respect to the feature coordinate system), from the ends of the edges nearest to
where they are selected.
Feature
Coordinate
System
Tool edge
(center line)
30
Angular
positioning
dimension
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Form Features
Fully Specified by
Horizontal, Vertical and
Angular Positioning
Dimensions
15
.500
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ Fully Specified by
Horizontal and Vertical
Positioning Dimensions
1.00
Tool edge
(arc center)
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Form Features
Parallel - Specifies the shortest distance between two points, one point
on the target solid and the other point on the tool solid. As edges are selected,
the nearest valid point is selected (midpoints are not selectable).
1.375
Parallel
positioning
dimension
Target edge
(arc center)
Tool edge
(arc center)
2.00
In the above example the feature (hole) can be fully specified with two
Perpendicular dimensions. Features with length, such as slot, pocket and pad,
will require an additional positioning dimension to control rotation.
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Form Features
Feature
Coordinate
System
2.00
Parallel
positioning Tool edge
dimension (center line)
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Target edge These two edges are
Horizontal reference constrained parallel
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ Using Parallel at a Distance will solve two of the three degrees of freedom
necessary to fully specify a feature with length, rotational and distance in one
direction. Adding another Parallel at a Distance or Line onto Line dimension
would overspecify the location of the feature. To fully specify the feature in the
above example an additional positioning dimension is required to solve the final
degree of freedom (i.e. Horizontal, Perpendicular, or Point onto Line).
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Form Features
Point onto Point - Specifies that the distance between a point on the target
solid and a point on the tool solid is zero. This is most commonly used to align arc
centers of cylindrical or conical features and fully constrain their location since rotation
is not a degree of freedom for cylindrical or conical features.
Point onto Point is the same as the Parallel positioning dimension only the
ÏÏÏ
value is automatically set to zero. This zero value can be edited to a non-zero
ÏÏÏ
value through the Edit→Feature→Positioning dialog.
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ
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Form Features
Point onto Line - Specifies that the distance between an edge on the target
solid (also datum planes or axis) and a point on the tool solid is zero.
Feature
0 Coordinate
System
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
0
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ
Target edges
(Datum Planes)
Tool edge
(arc center)
Point onto Line is the same as the Perpendicular positioning dimension only the
value is automatically set to zero. This zero value can be edited to a non-zero
value through the Edit→Feature→Positioning dialog.
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Form Features
Line onto Line - Specifies that the distance between a linear edge on the
target solid (also datum planes or axis) and a linear edge on the tool solid is zero and
they are constrained parallel to each other. This is typically used for features with
length (slot, pocket or pad).
Feature
Coordinate
System
0
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Target edge
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ
(Datum Plane)
Tool edge
(center line
of slot)
Using Line onto Line will solve two of the three degrees of freedom necessary
to fully specify a feature of length, rotational and translation in one direction.
Adding another Line onto Line or Parallel at a Distance dimension would
overspecify the location of the feature. To fully specify the feature in the above
example an additional positioning dimension is required to solve the final
degree of freedom (i.e. Horizontal, Perpendicular, or Point onto Line).
Line onto Line is the same as the Parallel at a Distance positioning dimension
only the value is automatically set to zero. This zero value can be edited to a
non-zero value through the Edit→Feature→Positioning dialog.
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Form Features
Hole
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ
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Form Features
Simple
Hole Depth
Hole Diameter
Counterbored
CĆBore Diameter
Hole Depth
ÏÏÏ
CĆBore Depth
ÏÏÏ
Tip Angle
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ
Countersunk
CĆSink
Angle CĆSink Diameter
Hole Depth
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Form Features
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ
Ensure that the Modeling Application is active.
Length (ZC) = 2
Choose MB2.
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Form Features
Select the top face of the block as shown below. Confirm the
selection if necessary.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏÏÏÏÏ
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Form Features
The hole is temporarily represented as a long tool solid that extends beyond the
thru face, as shown in the figure below.
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Form Features
Key in the name of the expression (dim_1) and the value (2)
as shown below.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Choose the Perpendicular icon.
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ
Select the left edge of the top face as shown in the figure
below.
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Form Features
Choose OK.
Since the location of the hole is completely specified, it is moved to the new
position and the Boolean operation is performed. The part now looks like the
ÏÏÏ following figure.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ
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Form Features
Slot
This option allows you to create a slot in a solid body as if cut by a milling
machine tool. In each case, the shape of the imaginary cutting tool corresponds
to the slot type and dimensions.
The slot feature will be created so that the axis of the imaginary cutter tool is
normal to the face or datum plane selected. The path of the slot will be parallel
to the horizontal reference selected.
The system prompts for all necessary slot parameters, depending upon the
specific type of slot feature chosen. The slot types are shown in the dialog box
illustrated below.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ
For all slot types, the Thru slot option extends the slot length along the
placement face in the direction of the horizontal reference through the faces,
specified by the user.
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Form Features
Rectangular
This option allows creation of a slot in an existing solid body using a tool that
has cylindrical end faces and will leave sharp edges along the bottom of the slot.
Rectangular slot parameters are Slot Width, Slot Depth, Slot Length, as shown
below.
ZC
YC XC
Width Length
ÏÏÏ Depth
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ The width of the rectangular slot represents the diameter of the cylindrical
cutting tool.
The depth of the slot is measured in a parallel orientation to the tool axis, from
the origin point of the slot to the bottom of the slot. Depth values must be
positive.
NOTE: The system will not prompt for slot length if the Thru
option has been toggled on. Instead, it prompts for selection of the
two thru faces.
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Form Features
Placement
Face Second Thru face
Centerline
First Thru face
Depth Depth
ÏÏÏ
Ball Diameter Width
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ
BallĆEnd Slot Corner UĆSlot
Radius
Top Width
Top Depth
Bottom Depth Width
Angle
Bottom Width
NOTE: The value of the corner radius of the U-Slot must be less
than 1/2 the width of the slot.
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Form Features
Use the information provided in the figure below for your work.
Rectangular slot
width = 2.00
depth = 0.50
length = 3.00
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ
Choose the Slot icon.
The Cue line prompts you to select the planar placement face.
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Form Features
If the Cue line asks for a selection confirmation, and the top
edges are highlighted, choose the correct number from the
QuickPick dialog box.
If the wrong face is highlighted, select the Back button in the active dialog box.
The Cue line asks for a horizontal reference. The object selected can be a linear
edge, solid face, datum axis, datum plane. Or, a vertical reference could be
specified instead using any of the fore mentioned objects. The horizontal
direction selected will determine the direction in which the slot length will be
placed in the part.
ÏÏÏ
Select this edge
ÏÏÏ
as the horizontal
reference ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ
A conehead displays the direction of the length of the slot.
Width= 2
Depth= .5
Length= 3
Choose OK.
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Form Features
The rectangular slot will appear and be placed at the location of the screen pick
on the top of the block.
ÏÏÏ edge.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ
Key in 2 and choose OK.
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Form Features
The Boolean operation is performed. The finished rectangular slot should now
look like this.
Select Back.
ÏÏÏ
Select the planar placement face as shown.
ÏÏÏ
Select top face here
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ
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Form Features
Top width = .5
Top depth = .5
Bottom depth = .5
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ Choose the Parallel at a Distance icon.
Since thru faces have been defined the slot does not need to be positioned
along its length.
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Form Features
Choose OK.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ
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Form Features
Cylindrical
Rectangular
General
Rectangular Pocket
Positioning
X Length Origin point
Centerlines
Y Length
Corner Radius
Horizontal
Reference Taper Angle
Z Length
Floor
Radius
Pocket features may be positioned from a tool edge, or from the centerlines
provided for this purpose.
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Form Features
ÏÏÏ
Step 2 Create a rectangular pocket.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ
Choose the Pocket icon.
Choose Rectangular.
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Form Features
X Length = 3
Y Length = 1.5
Z Length = 1
Corner Radius = .5
Taper Angle = 0
Choose OK.
The rectangular pocket appears at the location where the planar placement
face was selected.
ÏÏÏ Fully position the pocket using your own methods, and
ÏÏÏ parametric values.
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ Step 3 Use a similar method to create the second pocket shown
at the beginning of the activity.
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Form Features
Boss
The Boss feature allows the addition of a cylindrical shape to a specified height,
having either straight or tapered sides. The parameters of the boss are
diameter, height and taper angle.
Diameter
Height
X
Z
Tapered boss
Y
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
X
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ
Diameter is the distance across the required boss.
Taper angle is the angle at which the cylinder wall of the boss inclines. A
positive or negative value may be entered depending on which way the wall is to
incline. A zero value results in a vertical cylinder wall.
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Form Features
Before
Boss diameter=0.20
Boss height=0.075
After
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ
Step 1 Open the part file.
Choose File→Open.
Select pau_coverplate_1.
NOTE: The dimensions shown are from the outside of the part, be
sure to select the proper edges to dimension from.
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Form Features
Diameter = .2
Height = .075
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Taper Angle = 0
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ
Choose Apply.
The boss is temporarily placed on the face where you selected it. The
Positioning dialog box is displayed.
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Form Features
Select a right side edge on the outside of the part for a target
edge for the perpendicular dimension, as shown below.
Front
Select either of the right
outside edges as the
target edge.
A temporary display appears that shows the distance from the center of the
boss to the target edge.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ
Select a front edge on the outside of the part for the target
edge for the second perpendicular dimension, as shown
below.
Target edge
The boss is moved into the correct location and the Boolean operation is
performed.
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Form Features
Repeat Step 2 and Step 3 for the second boss. Use the same
positioning values, this time use the back, outside edge to
locate the boss.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ
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Form Features
Pad
This option allows a raised pad on a solid body to be created, with or without
taper and corner radii. The parameter values of the pad feature are X, Y, and
Z lengths, corner radius, and taper.
Rectangular
General (Not covered in this course)
Rectangular Pad
The Length, Width, and Height values of the Pad feature relate directly to the
displayed vector indicating the Horizontal direction. Length is measured along
the displayed vector, Width is measured perpendicular to the displayed vector,
ÏÏÏ and Height is measured normal to the Placement face.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ
The Corner Radius specifies the blend radius for the vertical edges of the pad
feature (along the Height). This number may be positive or zero. A zero radius
results in sharp corners on the pad feature.
The Taper Angle is the angle at which the four walls of the pad feature incline
inward, and must be positive or equal to zero. A zero value results in vertical
walls.
Tapered Pad
Positioning
Length Centerlines
Width
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Form Features
Rectangular pad
length 2.9
width 0.1
height 0.0375
ÏÏÏ
Step 2 Create the first rectangular pad.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ
Choose the Pad icon.
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Form Features
Width = .1
Height = .0375
Corner Radius = 0
Taper Angle = 0
Choose OK.
The pad is temporarily positioned at the location selected for the placement
face.
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Form Features
Tool edge
Target edge
Select a tool edge (the small edge at the top end of the pad)
Target edge
Choose OK.
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Form Features
The pad moves into position and the Boolean operation is performed. The part
should look as shown below:
Step 4 Create the second pad and position it in the same way to
the other boss.
When completed the part should look like the figure shown below.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ
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Form Features
Hole
Boss
Pocket
Pad
Slot
ÏÏÏ
Groove
ÏÏÏ
This lesson you: ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ
Identified a Placement Face.
Identified a Horizontal Reference.
Identified Target and Tool Solids
Applied Positioning dimensions to a form
feature.
Created a Hole Form Feature.
Created Slot Form Features.
Created Pocket Form Features.
Created Boss Form Features
Created a Rectangular Pad.
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Form Features
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
3
ÏÏÏ
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Expressions
Expressions
Lesson 4
Create Expressions.
Edit Expressions.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
4
ÏÏÏ
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Expressions
Expressions
a feature is created.
a sketch is dimensioned.
a feature or sketch is positioned.
Understanding Expressions
NOTE: The total number of characters allowed for the name, equal
sign, statement, and comments in an expression is 132.
The name is the portion of the expression on the left side of the equal sign.
Expression names are alphanumeric strings of text that begin with a letter.
Expressions are case sensitive.
The statement is the portion displayed on the right side of the equal sign. The
statement may be a numeral or an algebraic function and may contain
ÏÏÏ
preĆexisting expression names.
ÏÏÏ
4
ÏÏÏ The value is the result of the evaluation of the statement portion of the
equation within the expression.
Example of an Expression
Length=.5+2*cos(60) 1.5
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Expressions
Name
Creation order
Reverse creation
The Name Filter
Expression List
Expressions editor
and calculator
ÏÏÏ
Used By
ÏÏÏ
4
ÏÏÏ
Saving changes to
the expressions
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Expressions
Creating Expressions
There are three methods to create expressions:
System generated expressions (p#).
User defined expressions created during text input (Rad=5.00).
Predefined, user created expressions (Thk=0.60, Thk used as a text entry
in a parameter field).
Procedure:
Click in the expression editor field and key in the entire expression (for
example: rad=1.5).
Press the <Enter> key. The expression is then added to the Expression
List.
Choose Apply or OK to save the expression.
Editing Expressions
Procedure:
Choose the expression to modify from the expression list. It is displayed in
the expression editor field.
In the expression editor field, modify the statement (right side of the
equal sign). If the name (left side of the equal sign) is modified, a new
expression will be created.
Press the <Enter> key.
Choose Apply or OK to save the expression.
ÏÏÏ
4 Many times there is a need to determine what expressions control what features
ÏÏÏ in the model. By choosing Information→Feature, and selecting the feature(s) in
question, a listing window will show information about the selected feature(s).
Used by
The Used by option provides a means of finding out if an expression is
referenced in another expression and what feature(s) use the expression. To use
this option, choose Tools→Expression, select the expression and then choose
the Used by icon.
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Expressions
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
4
ÏÏÏ
The Edit Expression dialog box shown above lists all of the expressions in the
part file. Notice the p0, p1, and p2 expressions. These are default expression
names given to the block.
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Expressions
Choose OK.
The display on the Edit Expression dialog box should be similar to the one
shown below. Notice the expressions Height, Length, and Width. These
expressions were created during the creation of the block.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
4
ÏÏÏ
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Expressions
The graphic shows the listing window with the information about the feature
selected.
Notice that the Height is tied to the numeric value 6/2. This is not the true
intent of the design. The true intent is that the Height grows proportionally
with the Width. This relationship could not be established upon creation as the
Width expression was not in existence.
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Expressions
Place the cursor in the text editor field just to the right of the
numeral 6 in the 6/2 expression field.
The value for the expression Height is now changed to Width/2. Any time that
the Width changes the value will change accordingly.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
4
ÏÏÏ
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Expressions
Choose OK.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
4
ÏÏÏ
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Expressions
a feature is created.
a sketch is dimensioned.
a feature or sketch is positioned.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
4
ÏÏÏ
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Face Operations
Face Operations
Lesson 5
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
5
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
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Face Operations
Face Operations
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
5
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
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Face Operations
Hollow
The Hollow operation creates a cavity inside, or a shell around an existing solid,
based upon a specified thickness. The entire solid body is hollowed during this
operation.
In the figure below, the top face has been selected as the face to be pierced.
Face to be Thickness
pierced
Before After
Positive values will hollow the existing solid so that the wall thickness is
measured inward from the original faces of the solid.
Negative values for the wall thickness will result in a hollow that forms a
shell of the specified value around the original solid.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
5
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
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5-3
Face Operations
Region
Face Body
Pierced Offset
face face
Type
Filter Default
Thickness
Alternate
Thickness
A unique thickness may be assigned for each face with the Offset Face option.
When Offset Face is selected the Alternate Thickness text box becomes active.
Using variable thickness hollows reduces the number of features in the part, as
the offset features are not required, and results in more compact models that
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
are easier to comprehend.
5
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
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Face Operations
Right
Right face
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Step 5 Choose File"Close"All Parts.
5
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
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Face Operations
Front
Select the 5 following faces to pierce: front, back, left, right, ÏÏÏ
5
ÏÏÏ
and bottom.
ÏÏÏ
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Face Operations
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
5
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
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Face Operations
Select the 3
faces that are
NOT shaded.
Choose OK.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
5
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
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Face Operations
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
5
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
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Face Operations
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
5
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
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Edge Operations
Create Blends.
Create Chamfers.
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Edge Operations
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Edge Operations
ÏÏÏ
Edge Blend ÏÏÏ
This option creates cylindrical or conical faces in place of an edge on a solid
ÏÏÏ
6
ÏÏÏ
body. The system adds or subtracts material depending on the topology of the
solid body and shortens the faces intersecting at the edge selected.
Blend
radius
Selected
edge
Blend
radius Shortened faces
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Edge Operations
When you achieve the desired radius value, choose the checkmark in the upper
left corner of the graphics screen.
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Edge Operations
You can also access the full Blend Dialog by choosing the Blend Dialog icon at
ÏÏÏ
the upper left corner of the graphics screen. By choosing the Blend Dialog, you
ÏÏÏ
may make changes to the Blend default settings.
ÏÏÏ
6
ÏÏÏ
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Edge Operations
Choose the edge shown above, click MB3 and choose the
Blend option.
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Edge Operations
Highlight the Dynamic Input Field and enter .75. Watch the
ÏÏÏ
previewed radius to make sure it looks as desired.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
6
ÏÏÏ
.75
Choose the edge shown below , click MB3 and choose the
Blend option.
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Edge Operations
ÏÏÏ Highlight the Dynamic Input Field and enter .5 . Watch the
ÏÏÏ previewed radius to make sure it looks as desired.
ÏÏÏ
6
ÏÏÏ Notice that the tangent edges were automatically selected. That is because the
Add Tangent Edges toggle is on in the Blend dialog.
.5
If you chose OK at this point, only part of the edge would be blended. Instead
you would like to blend the entire left side of the part. To do this, you must
manually select the additional edges.
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Edge Operations
Select the two additional edges at the left side of the part. If
ÏÏÏ
Enable Blend Preview is toggled ON in the dialog, you will
ÏÏÏ
see a preview of each blend as the edge is selected. If Blend
Preview does not display, you can choose the Blend Dialog ÏÏÏ
6
ÏÏÏ
icon in the upper left corner of the graphics screen and
toggle Enable Blend Preview ON.
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Edge Operations
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ Chamfer
ÏÏÏ
6
ÏÏÏ This option bevels the edges of a solid body by defining the desired chamfer
dimensions.
Single Offset
Double Offset
Offset Angle
Freeform Single Offset (Outside scope of class)
Freeform Double Offset (Outside scope of class)
The system adds or subtracts material depending on the topology of the solid
body and shortens the faces intersecting at the edge selected.
Outside Inside
Chamfer Shortened faces Chamfer
Selected
edge
Selected edge
Chamfer
Chamfer
Shortened faces
Removes Material Adds material
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Edge Operations
Offset 1
Selected
edge
Face 2
Offset 2
Face 1
The single offset shown below is measured along the path of the curved face
and is not necessarily a linear distance.
Offset
Selected
edge
Face 2
Chamfer
Face 1
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Edge Operations
Second
offset Selected edge
Face 1
First offset
Chamfer
Face 2
Offset Angle
This option allows an offset value and the chamfer angle to be entered. Note
that the chamfer angle is measured from the second face selected.
Angle
Selected
edge
Face 1
Offset
Chamfer
Face 2
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Edge Operations
Edge 1
Choose OK.
Offset = 1.75
Angle = 30
Choose OK.
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Edge Operations
Choose OK.
Second Offset = .5
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Edge Operations
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
6
ÏÏÏ
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Edge Operations
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ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
6
ÏÏÏ
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Model Construction Query
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
7
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
PURPOSE To demonstrate different methods available to query a part file.
Querying a part file is useful in that a user may gain an understanding of the
part's design intent and how the part was created.
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Model Construction Query
Visual inspection of the solid model may be accomplished by rotating the model
to view the different features. At times this is very beneficial in order to see
clearly what is displayed on the screen. The model may be rotated by using the
middle mouse button or the Rotate icon in the View toolbar. Depending upon
the graphics driver being used, this may be done with the model shaded or
displayed as wireframe. These display modes may also be controlled using the
View toolbar.
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
7
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
Refresh Zoom Rotate Wireframe Wireframe
Fit Zoom Pan Shaded View
In/Out Settings
Settings Orientation
Layers are used to organize a part file. They work like invisible containers to
house the different objects used to create a Unigraphics solid model.
Object Count: Enabling Show Object Count using the checkbox will
change the display in the Layer/Status listing window to a
Layer/Status/Count listing window that shows the number of objects
contained on each layer.
Category Names: Unigraphics offers the ability to name layers or groups
of layers using Categories. The Category Names are listed in the Category
listing window on the Layer Settings dialog box as well as in the
Layer/Status listing window next to assigned layers when Show Category
Names is enabled.
Layer Listing: There is a filtering option menu at the bottom of the dialog
box that allows the Layer/Status listing window to display All Objects,
Layers with Objects, or All Selectable Layers.
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Model Construction Query
Model Navigator
The Model Navigator may be used to identify the different features of the
model. Selecting a feature from the Model Navigator window will highlight the
selected feature in the graphics area and will also highlight the parent and/or
child features of the selected feature in different colors. Conversely, selecting a
feature from the graphics area will highlight the selected feature and its
parents/children in the Model Navigator window.
To access the Model Navigator in UNIX use the Navigator toolbar and to access
the Model Navigator in Windows use the Resource bar. Both, by default, are
located vertically on the right side of the Unigraphics window.
UNIX:
Icon from
Navigator toolbar
Windows:
Icon from
Resource Bar
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Model Construction Query
Information
The Information pull down from the main menu offers a number of options for
obtaining information about the model. Some of the most useful menu options
when trying to interrogate a model are listed below with a brief description of
what they do.
Information→Feature
Information→Feature may be used to identify Parent/Child relationships
between the selected feature and the other features in the model. In addition,
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
7
expressions that control the feature may be displayed in the graphic screen by
toggling Display Dimensions on.
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ TIP When using Information→Feature, the feature may also be selected
in the graphics window. The feature will then be highlighted in the
Feature Browser window. Choose OK or Apply to bring up the
Information window which will display the relative expressions.
Information→Expression→List All
Examining the expressions may reveal associativity that is built between
features or the expressions associated to them.
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Model Construction Query
To use:
Choose Tools→Expressions
Select the expression.
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
7
Choose the Used by icon.
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
An Information window pops up identifying the features that are using the
selected expression.
Identified feature
Used by
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Model Construction Query
Analysis Distance
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
7
the closest point on each object and the delta distances in absolute and work
coordinate systems. The graphics window will indicate the distance measured by
ÉÉÉ
a temporary line.
ÉÉÉ
All data in the Information window is converted to the current units. You can
change the units of measure in the Information window using Analysis→Units,
and then choosing OK. Once the Information window has displayed the results,
you can verify the distance between one of the selected objects and a new
object. Just select a new first object, and then select one of the previously
selected objects. The new distance is then displayed in the Information window.
You can continue verifying distances between one of the selected objects and
any other object as long as you specify the new unselected object first.
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Model Construction Query
Start Points
In cases where multiple closest points exist, you may wish to specify a point to
indicate the region of the selected object in which you'd like the system to
calculate the distance. Use Start Point lets you indicate a start point for a
selected curve or face object.
Use Start Point toggles from No to Yes. When you set the toggle to Yes and
select a curve or face, the system displays the Point Subfunction menu, which
allows you to select the desired start point for the curve or face.
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
7
Use this option to distinguish between multiple points on an object when the
selection of more than one is possible. For example, if there exists more than
one pair of points that are normal to both objects, the system may not produce
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
the desired results unless you indicate a start point to use, as shown below.
Spline B
Specified
start point
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Model Construction Query
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
7
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
Inspect the model. As the part is rotated, try to identify different features and
the possible methods used to create them.
Viewing the layers may help gain an understanding of how complex a model
may be. If there is only 1 object on a solids layer and just a few objects on a
curves layer, the model may be a simple extrusion.
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Model Construction Query
Notice that there is 1 object on a Solids layer, 8 objects on a Sketches layer and
3 objects on a Datums layer.
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Model Construction Query
ÉÉÉ
through all features to see which is which.
ÉÉÉ
7
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ Step 5 Review the model construction using Playback.
Feature Playback
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Model Construction Query
All of the solid features are suppressed except the reference features and the
sketch. The Edit during Update dialog box informs you that the
FIXED_DATUM_PLANE(0) feature has been updated, this is the base feature
of the model.
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
7
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
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Model Construction Query
Note that all of the features in the list, except for two fixed datum axes, become
suppressed. This is due to all of the other features in the model sharing some
sort of associativity with these reference features. To get a better idea about
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
7
direct associativity to features we will change the listing method of the Model
Navigator.
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ Place the cursor over the Feature Name header in the Model
Navigator, select MB3 and choose the Quick Look option
from the drop-down list.
Notice that all of the features in the list, except for the two fixed datum axis,
branch out under the first feature in the list. The Quick Look option shows the
parent/child relationships in a tree structure format.
Before unsuppressing the features we will change the listing method back to
Timestamp Order. This will give us a true creation order listing and will show
what features where created from first to last.
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Model Construction Query
Place the cursor over the Feature Name header in the Model
Navigator, select MB3 and choose the Timestamp Order
option from the drop-down list.
Step 7 Find the values that control the Thickness of the Web
Extrusion.
Since the web feature was generated from the sketch geometry, the obvious
place to look for the expression that controls the hole to hole distance is in the
sketch.
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Model Construction Query
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
7
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
Orient the view back to the Trimetric using the View toolbar.
To find the answer to this question, you will select a feature directly from the
graphics screen rather than from a list, which can take more time when trying to
identify a specific feature.
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Model Construction Query
Choose Information→Feature.
Choose MB2.
The information window pops up. It can be seen that p17 is a parallel
positioning dimension with a value of 0 (zero). The logical assumption can be
made that the hole is located Point to Point relative to the Large Knuckle
extrusion.
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
7
This finding can be further confirmed by the following actions.
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
Close the Information window.
The p17 expression appears at the arc center of the extrusion and hole. If you
don't see the expression, rotate the part.
Choose Tools→Expression.
The information window appears and the expression is identified as one used
on an object A2 in the S21:SKETCH(3) feature.
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Model Construction Query
The child objects of the sketch are listed; notice that A2 is present.
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
7
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
Select ArcĆA2.
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Model Construction Query
Choose Analysis"Distance.
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
7
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
Select the
arc here.
Select the
arc here.
The Information window appears and the 3ĆD and 2ĆD distances should report
a value of 10.625.
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Model Construction Query
ÉÉÉ
query a model to determine creation method
ÉÉÉ
and design intent. These skills are important
7 because of the need to review part files that
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
have been created by other users.
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Introduction to Assemblies
Introduction to Assemblies
Lesson 8
Add Components to an assembly.
Reposition Components in an assembly.
ÏÏÏ
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Introduction to Assemblies
Assembly
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ SubĆAssembly
ÏÏÏ
8
ÏÏÏ A subĆassembly is an assembly used as a component within a higher level
assembly. The figure below shows the subĆassembly of the Integrated Circuit
board for the toy laser gun. A subĆassembly has components of its own.
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Introduction to Assemblies
Component Objects
A component object is the entity that contains the pointer that links the
assembly back to the master component part.
Shown below are component objects of the sub-assembly. Every piece of the
Integrated Circuit board is a separate component object.
Component
Object
Component
Objects
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
8
ÏÏÏ
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Introduction to Assemblies
Component Parts
The term piece part is used to refer to master geometry as it exists outside of an
assembly.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
8
ÏÏÏ
SubĆassembly
This is a
component part of
the top level
assembly.
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Introduction to Assemblies
TopĆDown Modeling
BottomĆUp Modeling (Demonstrated in this manual)
TopĆDown Modeling
As the name suggests, an assembly is created at the top level hierarchy and
parts are filed down the hierarchy, creating subĆassemblies and components.
BottomĆUp Modeling
Designing in Context
The ability to make a component of an assembly the work part while leaving the
assembly itself as the displayed part allows the assembly to be designed in
context. All new geometry that is created is added to the work part. Edits can
be made to the features and expressions residing within the work part.
If a component exists several times in the assembly (i.e. a fastener), any change
to the component while it is the work part will affect all the other occurrences
as well.
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Introduction to Assemblies
Bottom Up Design
In the BottomĆUp approach, component parts are designed separate from the
assembly and later added to the assembly. This approach applies to purchased
parts or existing parts.
locator_pin.prt
ÏÏÏ All assemblies are automatically updated, when opened, to reflect changes
ÏÏÏ made to the component parts. If hole features are added to the solid in a
ÏÏÏ
8
ÏÏÏ
component part they will be seen in all occurrences of the components in the
assembly when it is opened.
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Introduction to Assemblies
When an assembly part file is opened using File→Open, the system must find
and load any component parts that are referenced by that assembly. Load
Options establish how and from where the system loads the component parts.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Controls whether
components are fully
or partially loaded
Controls what to do if
a component is not
ÏÏÏ
8
ÏÏÏ
found
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Introduction to Assemblies
Load Method
The Load Method determines where the system will search for the component
parts when an assembly is opened. There are three possible settings.
The As Saved method looks for each component part in the same
directory it was in when the assembly was last saved.
The From Directory method looks for each component in the same
directory as the assembly part.
The Search Directories method looks for each component in directories
specified in a userĆdefined list.
Load States
The Load Options also controls whether component parts will be fully loaded,
partially loaded, or unloaded when an assembly is opened. These are referred
to as load states.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
8
ÏÏÏ
Fully Loaded
A part is fully loaded if all of its data is loaded into system memory.
All components can be fully loaded by changing the Load Components option
to All Components and toggling Use Partial Loading to off before opening the
assembly.
Partially Loaded
When a part is partially loaded, the system pulls only the data required to
display the part into memory. Components will be partially loaded if Partial
Loading is toggled on when the assembly is opened.
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Introduction to Assemblies
Unloaded
This will drastically reduce the amount of memory required and improve system
performance but no component geometry will be seen. Individual components
or subassemblies may be opened as desired to work on them using File→Open.
Load Failure
The Abort Load on Failure option controls how the system behaves if a
component part is not found based on the current load method.
When toggled On, the system will not load any parts unless all of the
components are found. The first component it is unable to find will be
ÏÏÏ
listed in an Open Error window.
When toggled Off, the system will open the assembly and load any of the
ÏÏÏ
components that it can find. Those components that are not found will be
listed in an Open Warning window and left unloaded. ÏÏÏ
8
ÏÏÏ
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Introduction to Assemblies
Component Editing
A component part may be added to an assembly by choosing the Add Existing
Component icon from the Assemblies toolbar or the Add Existing button in the
Components PullĆDown menu under Assemblies. Turn ON the Assemblies
application to access the Assemblies toolbar or the Components PullĆDown
menu. This toolbar/menu contains most of the functions that affect the
hierarchical structure of the assembly and the relationships between
components. The Assemblies toolbar and the Components PullĆDown menu
will be available as long as the Assemblies application is turned ON.
1
3
4
5
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
8
ÏÏÏ
2
or 2
1
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Introduction to Assemblies
The component part to add is specified in the Select Part dialog box.
ÏÏÏ
There are several ways to identify the part in this dialog box: ÏÏÏ
Select the Choose Part File button to retrieve an unopened part.
ÏÏÏ
8
ÏÏÏ
Select a previously loaded part from the list.
Enter the name of a previously loaded part.
Select an existing component in the graphics window.
Select an existing component in the Assembly Navigator display.
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Introduction to Assemblies
After the part is identified, the Add Existing Part dialog box appears so that it
may be established how the existing part will be added as a component object to
the assembly and what information is stored with it. At this time, the only
change from defaults will be the placement of the part on the Original layers.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ Reference Set Ć Allows you to control the amount of data that is loaded from
ÏÏÏ
8
ÏÏÏ
each component and viewed in the context of an assembly.
Default reference sets are, Empty and Entire Part.
Reference sets may be manually created or automatically created.
Assemblies_ModelReferenceSet: BODY
Layer Options - Defines which layer the objects in the new component will be
added to in the current work part.
Work - Places all objects from the component part on the current work
layer.
Original - Places each object from the component part on the same layer
in which it resides in the component part file.
As Specified - Places all objects from the component on the layer
specified in the Specified Layer entry field.
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Introduction to Assemblies
Selection Toolbar
The selection toolbar may be used anytime the selection of a component for ÏÏÏ
modification or the extraction of data is required. This method of editing uses
ÏÏÏ
an Object/Action approach, where the object needing editing is selected first
from the graphic window and then the necessary action is defined. This lesson
ÏÏÏ
8
ÏÏÏ
will focus on the use of the Select Components option.
Select
Components
Depending on which category the user has selected, the Type Filter may be used
to narrow the band of selectable objects.
Components
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The remaining options of the toolbar may be used to further discriminate in the
selection of objects.
Once an object has been selected from the graphic window, mouse button 3
(MB3) may be used to select an available operator for that object.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
8
ÏÏÏ
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Introduction to Assemblies
Window
Choosing Window→More Parts will activate the Change Displayed Part dialog
box, listing all loaded parts except the one currently displayed.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
8
ÏÏÏ
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Introduction to Assemblies
The part in which geometry is created and edited is termed the Work Part. The
Work Part may be the displayed part or any component part which is contained
in the displayed assembly part.
When a part file is opened, it will initially be both the displayed and the work
part. The displayed part and the work part do not need to be the same. In a
case where the displayed part is not the work part, the work part will be
displayed in color and the other component parts will be deĆemphasized.
Choosing the Make Work Part icon on the Assemblies tool bar.
Choosing Assemblies→Context Control→Set Work Part.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ Using the Assembly Navigator popĆup menu. (not covered in this
ÏÏÏ
8
ÏÏÏ
manual).
Selection Toolbar
Select
Components
Once an object has been selected from the graphic window, mouse button 3
(MB3) may be used to select an available operator for that object.
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Introduction to Assemblies
ÏÏÏ
Make Work Part icon ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
8
ÏÏÏ
Choosing the Make Work Part icon will activate the Set Work Part
dialog box.
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Introduction to Assemblies
Repositioning Components
To access the Reposition Components dialog, the Assemblies application must
first be turned ON. The Reposition Components dialog can be accessed by:
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
8
ÏÏÏ
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Introduction to Assemblies
Rotate Rotate
Translate About A Between
Line Two Axes
Rotate Reposition
Point to About A
Point Point
Rotation
Handle
ÏÏÏ
Vertex
ÏÏÏ
Handle
Axis
Handle
ÏÏÏ
8
ÏÏÏ
Dynamic Repositioning
Coordinate System
Component objects may be repositioned by using the six options at the top of
the dialog window or interactively dragged using the dynamic coordinate
system.
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Introduction to Assemblies
LeftĆRight UpĆDown
After the component object has been selected, it may be dragged left or right
and up or down, simply by placing the cursor any where in the graphic window
and holding MB1 down. If one of the coordinate system's axis or rotation
handles is currently selected, you must first select the vertex handle to deselect
the other handles. To move the component in the third dimension, while the
object is selected, rotate the part using your spaceball or MB3 Rotate (F7), exit
the rotation mode and continue to drag the object.
Snap
Increment
field
Snap Increment
toggle
Keying in a positive or negative value in the distance text field and pressing
return will cause the object to be moved that distance value along the selected
axis. The Snap Increment value acts as a detent, which causes the object to snap
to the incremental value as the object is dragged along the axis. The Snap
Increment option may be toggled off and on as desired.
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Rotation
Handle Angle field
Snap
Increment
field
Snap Increment
toggle
Keying in a positive or negative value in the angle text field and pressing return
ÏÏÏ
will cause the object to be rotated that value about the respective axis. The
Snap Increment value acts as a detent, which causes the object to snap to the
incremental value as the object is dragged about the axis. The Snap Increment ÏÏÏ
option may be toggled off and on as desired. ÏÏÏ
8
ÏÏÏ
Point to Point
First Point
Second Point (arc center)
(arc center)
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Translate
Translate provides a means to move a component a delta value with respect to
the reposition coordinate system. Translated components maintain the original
orientation relative to other parts.
ÏÏÏ
8
ÏÏÏ
axis and passing through a specified reference point, as shown below.
Axis of
Component Rotation
being
repositioned
Reference
Point
ZC
YC
XC Angle = 90 degrees
ZC
YC
XC
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Component being
repositioned
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Defined
vector ÏÏÏ
8
ÏÏÏ
Axis of
Rotation
Angle=90 degrees
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Introduction to Assemblies
After editing, the work part must be saved to keep the modifications. The
File→Save option allows the saving of the work part without saving all of the
parts in the displayed assembly.
If the work part is a piece part (lowest level component), only that part
will be saved.
If the work part is an assembly or subassembly, any modified component
parts below it are also saved. Higher level assemblies will not be saved
even if they were modified.
TIP File"Save All saves all loaded parts in the session that have been
modified regardless of the work part designation.
TIP Open files for which the user does not have write privilege may not be
ÏÏÏ saved.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
8
ÏÏÏ
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Introduction to Assemblies
Choose OK.
ÏÏÏ
Choose the Open icon. ÏÏÏ
From the laser_gun subdirectory, open the part
ÏÏÏ
8
ÏÏÏ
pau_test_assm_1.
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The test stand is the part that the circuit board fits in for assembly and circuitry
testing.
The illustration below shows how the mounting block is to be oriented to the
circuit board. The next step will direct you through the repositioning of the
mounting block.
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Select this
rotation handle.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Change the Snap Increment to 15.
ÏÏÏ
8
ÏÏÏ
Ensure that Snap Increment is toggled ON.
Drag the selected rotation handle with MB1 until the angle
text field indicates -90.
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Second point
ÏÏÏ
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8
ÏÏÏ
First point
Choose OK.
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Select here
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Choose Make Work Part from the Pop-Up menu.
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8
ÏÏÏ
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ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
8
ÏÏÏ
Newly added
component.
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ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
The component moves to the new position.
ÏÏÏ
8
ÏÏÏ
Choose OK.
Choose Cancel.
Since you do not presently have write access to the subassembly you will
perform a saveĆas on it.
The system now prompts you to perform a saveĆas on the top level assembly.
You already own this part file, so this step is not necessary.
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Choose Cancel.
A warning message appears. Currently the load options are set to look for the
component parts in the same directory as the assembly part file. Your assembly
file is saved in your home directory while the component parts are stored in the
course parts directory.
Choose OK.
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Choose OK.
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8
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Set your Load Options.
Added and repositioned a component in an
assembly.
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The Master Model
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9
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The Master Model
The Unigraphics assembly is a file containing stored links to the part files that
are pieces of the assembly. The geometry that defines the piece parts of the
assembly resides in the original part file only, there is no duplication in the
assembly file.
The Master Model Concept is also valuable in protecting the design intent of
the part from inadvertent corruption by a downstream user. The downstream
user will have write privileges to the assembly file, but only read privileges to
the model. The solid model is referenced for the application work, but the
downstream user will not have the ability to change it.
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The Master Model
Drafting Assembly
Master Model
Analysis N/C
Each application uses a separate assembly file. When the Master Model is
revised, the other applications will automatically update with minimal or no
associativity loss.
The design intent of the various design applications can be maintained through
protection of the Master Model.
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9
ÏÏÏ
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The Master Model
abcd1234_mfg.prt
(owned by manufacturing engineer)
abcd1234.prt
ÏÏÏ
(owned by designer)
ÏÏÏ
9
ÏÏÏ
Contains master model geometry
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The Master Model
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The Master Model
Zoom in on section view A-A and note the slot width of .88
and the corner radius of .12. Both dimensions have been
rounded from the model dimensions to two decimal places.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
9
Slot Width
ÏÏÏ
Corner
Radius
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The Master Model
Restore the view and note the drawing name, SH1, at the
lower left corner.
Choose Modeling.
An information window appears showing the assembly file structure for the file
pau_tapedisp_dwg and indicates that there is one component named
pau_tapedisp. This part contains the Master Model definition.
ÏÏÏ
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9
ÏÏÏ
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The Master Model
Choose OK.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
9 Step 7 Retrieve the Master Model file.
ÏÏÏ
Choose Open.
Choose Tools→Expression.
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The Master Model
The opening for the tape roll changes in width to accommodate the modified
dimension.
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The Master Model
Choose OK.
ÏÏÏ
9
ÏÏÏ Step 10 Change Displayed Part to pau_tapedisp_dwg.
Choose Drafting.
Notice the drawing name now shows (OUT-OF-DATE) to remind you the
views are not updated.
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The Master Model
Choose All in the Update Views dialog box and choose OK.
Slot Width
Corner
Radius
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9
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The Master Model
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The Master Model
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The Master Model
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9
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Introduction to Drafting
Introduction to Drafting
Lesson 10
Edit drawings.
Add Views to Drawings.
Modify Preferences.
Create Utility Symbols.
Create Dimensions.
Create Annotations.
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The Drafting application can be used to rapidly create drawings of solid parts.
Views may be added to the drawing just by indicating their location with
the cursor.
As orthographic views are added, they will automatically be aligned with
the parent view.
Every view is fully associated with the solid. If the solid is updated, the
views will also update.
Drafting annotations (dimensions, labels, and symbols with leaders) are
placed directly on the drawing.
Drafting annotations are fully associative to the geometry selected and
will update automatically to changes in the solid part.
Fully associative view boundaries automatically calculated when the
drawing is updated.
Drawing Display
Full color is the default setting. In this mode objects are displayed in the color
that they appear in the modeling application and the background is the color
set by the Preferences"Visualization"Color Pallet"Edit Background dialog.
Editing a Drawing
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10
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The current state of the displayed drawing affects the edit options available.
The following are things to be aware of:
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10
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Choose Drawing"Edit.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Change the values so that Height= 594, Length= 1100.
10
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Choose Apply and notice the drawing size update.
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Enter a new drawing scale in the text fields (1/1) and choose
OK.
The first view added is based on the view orientation selected from the list box
in the upper portion of the Add View dialog.
Once this view is added to the drawing, it determines scale, layer settings, as
well as the orthographic space and alignment of subsequent orthographic views.
It also establishes the part orientation on the drawing.
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10
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ÏÏÏ
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Any modeling view may be used as the first view placed on a drawing.
View direction
ZC
YC
XC
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10
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Viewpoint
Selection
List
View
Specific
Options
ÏÏÏ
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10
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
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Create Centerline
When toggled ON, this option automatically creates linear, cylindrical, and bolt
circle centerlines (with a circular instance set) for views where the hole or pin
axis is perpendicular or parallel to the plane of the drawing view.
You can use the Drawing"Remove View option to remove one or more views
from a drawing.
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10
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Choose Drafting.
Choose OK.
The Top viewpoint is the default view orientation. Any one of the listed
viewpoints could be imported as the first view on the face of the drawing.
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10
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ÏÏÏ
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View
View Center
If there is a need to reposition the view after placement, choose the Move
button from the dialog box, then specify a new view center.
Note that the Top viewpoint of the part as it relates to model space is being
placed on the drawing such that it depicts an orthographic front view of the
part. This flexibility assures that the drawing views necessary to depict the part
may be placed on the drawing independent of the orientation of the part in
model space.
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10
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Orthographic
View
Parent View
The location of the cursor relative to the base view determines the
Orthographic view projection from the parent view.
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10
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The View Display dialog box may be used to define and edit the display of such
things as hidden lines, silhouettes, smooth edges, etc..
View
Selection
Box
View
Option
Buttons
Button
Specific
Options
Global
View
Options
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10
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ÏÏÏ
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The View Display dialog box may be used to preset preferences for subsequent
views added to the drawing, or this dialog box may be used to edit the settings
of existing drawing views. To edit the View Display preferences of an existing
view, select the view(s) from the drawing, or choose the view(s) from the
selection box.
The Button Specific Options area of the dialog box varies to support the
different View Option Buttons available. When each View Option Button is
selected the appropriate choices for the option are displayed in this area.
Hidden Lines
If the Hidden Line option is toggled Off, Hidden Line removal is not performed
and all hidden lines in the view will appear.
If the Hidden Line option is toggled On, the color, font and width of the hidden
line display is determined by the settings in the Color, Font, and Width option
menus.
Hidden Lines=Dashed
Hidden Lines=Invisible
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10
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ÏÏÏ
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Smooth Edges
Smooth edges are those edges that their adjacent faces have the same surface
tangent at the edge where they meet.
If the Smooth Edges option is toggled to the On position, the Color, Font and
Width option menus may be used to determine the appearance of the smooth
edges. The End Gaps option may be used to vary the edge intersection
appearance.
Smooth Smooth
Edges=On Edges=Off
Smooth Edges=Dashed
Visible Lines
The appearance of visible objects may be determined by using the Color, Font,
and Width option menus.
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10
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
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Virtual Intersections
Virtual Intersections are the theoretical sharp intersections that occur where
blended faces would intersect, where the display of smooth edges may cause
confusion.
If the Virtual Intersections option is toggled to the On position, the Color, Font
and Width option menus may be used to determine the appearance of the
virtual intersection display. The End Gaps option may be used to vary the edge
intersection appearance.
Virtual Intersections
Extracted Edges
Automatic Update
The Automatic Update option may be used to control whether a drawing view
is updated after the model has been changed.
If Automatic Update is turned on, hidden lines, smooth edges, and silhouettes
are updated after changes are made to the model. If Automatic Update is
toggled off, these edges are not updated.
This option does not affect section views, or detail views made from section
views. These views always automatically update after the model is changed.
Step 2 Change the view display preferences for the imported view
added to the drawing.
Choose OK.
The Utility Symbols option creates various centerlines, offset center points,
target points, and intersection symbols. The utility symbol dialog is activated by
choosing Insert→Utility Symbol in the Drafting application.
The Utility Symbols dialog box consists of four distinct areas: symbol icons,
position options, symbol display parameters and preference options.
Symbol
Icons
Point Position
Options
Symbol
Display
Parameters
Preference
ÏÏÏ
Options
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10
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ÏÏÏ
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Automatic Centerline
This option automatically creates centerlines in any existing view(s) where the
hole or pin axis is perpendicular or parallel to the plane of the drawing view. If
a series of holes in a circle (bolt hole circle) are not a circular instance set, then
a linear centerline is created for each hole.
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10
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
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10
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Choose Drafting.
ÏÏÏ
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10
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10
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ÏÏÏ
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Place the cursor over the cylindrical face as shown and select
the face using the first mouse button.
1* *2
This time, the face selection will need to be confirmed, as the system will select
the main, or outside face first. This face will highlight in the view that the face
was selected, as well as in the adjacent view.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
10
Toggle Multiple Centerlines to On. ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
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Select this
face
1* *2
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10
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ÏÏÏ
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Select this
face
Notice how you did not have to select the endpoints for this centerline, this is
because Multiple Centerlines was turned on. The completed centerlines are
shown below.
Choose ***_symbols_1.
Choose OK twice.
Hold the Ctrl key down and select the following views from
the list:
FRONT@16
ORTHO@26
RIGHT@10
SX@25
Choose Apply.
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10
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Creating Dimensions
The various dimensions types may be accessed two different ways. One way is
by choosing Insert→Dimension and then selecting the desired dimension. The
other way is by choosing the dimension from the customizable Dimension
toolbar.
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Dimension Dialog
Second Fold
Name of First selection Location Origin
dimension type selection
Vector definitions
for Angular
dimensions Annotation editor
for appended text
Local
Preferences
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10
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ÏÏÏ
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The Vector Definitions options are only available when creating an angular
dimension. An angle dimension is the measurement between two vectors. The
various options provide a means of defining the vectors
Existing Line
Two Points
Extension Line
Arc Center
Enter Angle
Horizontal Right
Vertical Up
Horizontal Left
Vertical Down
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These options are only available when creating a cylindrical dimension. The
various options provide a means of defining the lines or points that the
dimension measures.
Existing Line
Inferred Point
Control Point
Intersection Point
Arc Center
Tangent Point
Baseline
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The Dimensions dialog box contains options that control the display and
placement of dimensions. These local preference settings may be changed with
each dimension created.
Local
Preferences
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10
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ÏÏÏ
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Text or symbols may be added to dimensions via the Annotation Editor and
toggling on Use Appended Text.
Annotation Editor
ÏÏÏ
Below
Before After Above
ÏÏÏ
10
ÏÏÏ
Enter the desired text for the different positions as required and choose
OK.
ÏÏÏ
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Any text entered in the appended text fields will continue to be added to any
new dimensions created unless the Use Appended Text option is toggled off.
Precision Options
The Precision button activates the Dimension Precision dialog box which is used
to independently control the precision of both dimension values and tolerance
values. Both single (Primary) and dual (Secondary) dimensional precision is
supported.
OR
The display of tolerance values may be controlled using the Tolerance Types
shown below.
Click here
Bilateral
Unilateral+
Unilateral-
Bilateral
No tolerance
+Limit, 2 Lines
+Limit, 1 Line
-Limit, 1 Line
Basic
Reference
Diameter Reference
Not to Scale
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The Tolerance Value fields are active in respect to the units button, Inches or
Millimeters, that has been selected. The units buttons are active depending on
the dual dimension format that has been selected by
Preferences→Annotation→Units.
Use the Tolerance Value fields to enter upper and lower tolerance values for
both Inch and SI units. Any value entered in these fields will be interpreted as
positive unless a negative (-) value is specified.
Tolerance Values
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Some examples of different tolerance values and displays are shown below.
5.50 ".03
Basic
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Placement Options
Auto Placement
When using the Manual Placement, Arrows In or Arrows Out options, the
dimension is placed at the cursor location specified. The leader line placement
is controlled manually using the Leader From option.
Initial Position
Cursor Initial Position Cursor
Movement Movement
ÎÎÎÎÎÎ
Final Position
ÎÎÎÎÎÎ ÎÎÎÎÎÎÎ
cursor Final Position
position
cross hairs ÎÎÎÎÎÎÎ cursor
position
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The display of arrow lines and extension lines for dimensions may be controlled
using the Arrow Line Display and Extension Line Display options shown below.
NOTE: Side 1 refers to the first object selected and Side 2 refers
to the second object selected.
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The dimension leader direction may be controlled by selecting one of the three
leader options. The leader option may be set prior to creating the dimension or
changed during placement of the dimension.
From Right
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6.000
12 Places Right/Bottom Justification
ÏÏÏ
The origin of the dimension may be changed simply by selecting it and dragging
to the new position. The dimension will drag within the constraints that it was
ÏÏÏ
10 created, i.e. if Automatic Placement was used during creation, the dimension
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
will remain centered between the arrows.
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Global
Drafting
Preferences
ÏÏÏ
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10
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Choose Insert"Dimension"Horizontal.
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Notice the extension lines are spaced from the linear centerlines, not the arc
centers.
ÏÏÏ
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10
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ Select this edge
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Choose Insert"Dimension"Radius.
Choose Insert"Dimension"Hole.
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10
Step 8 Choose File"Save, do not close the part. ÏÏÏ
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Annotation Editor
The Annotation Editor is used to place other information on the drawing such
as notes, labels, GD&T symbols, and User Defined Symbols. Any of these
symbols can be placed on the drawing with a leader or as a standalone note
without a leader.
Tool Bar
Text Entry
Window
Preview
Window
Symbol
Display and
Text
Preference
Options
Placement
Options
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Introduction to Drafting
As text and symbols are entered, the text and control characters appear within
the Text Entry Window. In this window the formatting options available within
the Tool Bar may be used to customize the appearance of the text. The preview
window displays the text as it will appear when it is placed on the drawing.
The Tool Bar contains several buttons that allow various text formatting
operations to be performed.
Text
Bold Underline Superscript
Font Justification
TIP To reveal the function of any button, hold the cursor over the icon
until the name of the button appears.
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Introduction to Drafting
Notes and labels may be placed on the drawing either with or without a leader
line, depending on the placement option chosen.
When the Create without Leader option is selected, the Origin Tool dialog box
is displayed. This dialog box allows you to specify the placement and alignment
method for the text.
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Introduction to Drafting
To create text with a leader line, choose the button to display the Create Leader
dialog box. This dialog box allows one or more leaders to be specified as well as
the display characteristics of each leader.
Plain
Plain with All Around
Symbol
Plain with Aligned Arrow
Extension Line
Middle
Bottom
Below Bottom
ÏÏÏ
Below Top
To create a leader, simply select the reference geometry for the leader end
point, indicate up to seven intermediate leader points (if necessary), select the
preferred leader type, leader side placement, and leader/text alignment. Once
all selections are made for the Create Leader dialog box, choosing OK will
proceed to the Place Annotation dialog box discussed earlier.
Drafting objects may be created with more than one leader by selecting the New
Leader button anytime during the leader creation process.
The default placement method is Drag, but the Point Constructor option may
be used to tie the text location to a control point, arc center, or intersection
point. Text may also be aligned either horizontally or vertically with an existing
drafting object using the Align Text option. The Offset Distance option may be
used to indicate an origin position offset from an existing drafting object. A
horizontal and vertical distance is given as multiples of the current character
size when using the Offset Character option.
Editing Text
Text may be edited in a previously created note or label by selecting it from the
drawing. When a note or label is selected, it is captured in the Text Entry
Window so that changes may be made. When editing is completed, simply
choose the Apply button to accept and display the changes on the drawing.
Dimension
Line/Arrow
Lettering
Units
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ Radial
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Introduction to Drafting
In the Utility tool bar, key in 101 for the work layer.
Choose Insert→Annotation.
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Introduction to Drafting
Left Justify
Center Justify
Right Justify
Select this
edge
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Introduction to Drafting
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Datum Plane Reference Features
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Datum Plane Reference Features
In the case where a hole must pierce a cylinder to a certain depth from the
outside of the cylinder, construction tools are necessary. These tools are needed
because the hole feature requires a planar placement face for creation rather
than the cylindrical face of the base solid. The amount of control desired over
placement of a feature sometimes dictates the number of reference features
required. Two examples below show a hole in the side of a cylinder, normal to
the axis of the cylinder. The example on the right requires an additional datum
plane to position the hole perpendicular to the slot.
Plane 3B
Plane 1A Plane 1B
Plane 2A
Plane 2B parameter
Example A Example B
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Datum Plane Reference Features
ÏÏÏ
Datum Plane ÏÏÏ
The datum plane option allows a planar reference feature to be created that
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11
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may be used:
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Datum Plane Reference Features
ÏÏÏ A Single Constraint associates the datum plane to the target solid using either
ÏÏÏ one of the following creation methods:
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11
ÏÏÏ
Offset From Face or Datum Plane (Select a face or Datum Plane)
Through Face Axis (Select cylinder, cone or revolved feature)
Using Dual Constraints means that the constraints must be specified in pairs to
create the datum plane. The possible combinations of selections are shown on
the next page.
The Datum Plane Dialog may be used to create datum planes that are more
specific than those you can create with the Inferred method.
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Datum Plane Reference Features
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Datum Plane Reference Features
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Datum Plane Reference Features
Choose OK.
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Datum Plane Reference Features
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Datum Plane Reference Features
Choose OK twice.
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Datum Plane Reference Features
Datum plane 1
Datum plane 2
Datum plane 3
Select the top face of the block and confirm the selection if
necessary.
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Datum Plane Reference Features
The top face highlights and a direction vector points normal to the face, in this
ÏÏÏ
case, the positive ZC direction. The vector displays the positive offset direction.
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11
ÏÏÏ
Choose OK.
Datum plane
Datum planes have infinite bounds even though they are displayed with visible
boundaries.
The second datum plane will be created diagonally through the block.
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Datum Plane Reference Features
ÏÏÏ Select the first point and confirm any of the edges. Any of
ÏÏÏ the edges are acceptable because they share the end point.
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11
ÏÏÏ
First Point
Third Point
Second Point
Choose OK.
The datum plane is created and positioned through the three selected points.
The relationship of this datum plane through the points will remain if the block
parameters are changed.
Step 5 Create the third datum plane midway between the left
and right faces.
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Datum Plane Reference Features
Right Face
Left Face
Choose OK.
The datum plane is created and located at the center of the part and is parallel
to the faces selected.
Choose Edit→Feature→Parameters.
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Datum Plane Reference Features
X Length = 2
Y Length = 2
Z Length = 5
Choose OK.
The revised values are displayed in the graphics area. Again a dialog box
displays options to edit the feature. The feature may still be modified without
updating the model.
If there were more features that needed to be edited, those features could be
selected at this time. In this case, there are no more edits desired.
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Datum Plane Reference Features
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Datum Plane Reference Features
Creating Features using Datum Planes - Form Features created using datum
planes for the planar placement face are created normal to the datum plane.
These features are positioned in the center of the datum plane as a default if no
positioning dimensions are specified.
When a datum plane is selected for the planar placement face, the system will
display a direction vector showing the side of the datum plane on which the
feature will be created. The side shown can be accepted by selecting the Accept
Default Side option. If it is desired that the feature be created in the opposite
direction of the default vector, the Flip the Default Side option must be
selected.
Select the datum plane, and with the cursor over the selection, click MB3
and choose Edit Parameters.
DoubleĆclick on a datum plane.
Choose Edit→Feature→Parameters and select the datum plane.
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Datum Plane Reference Features
A hole is required through the cylindrical face at the bottom of the part,
centered in the feature. Relative reference features are required to accomplish
this task.
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Datum Plane Reference Features
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Datum Plane Reference Features
Choose OK.
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Datum Plane Reference Features
Choose OK.
Choose Hole.
Choose Simple.
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Datum Plane Reference Features
Choose OK.
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11
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Location
Datum
Placement
Datum
Choose OK.
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Datum Plane Reference Features
ÏÏÏ The newly created hole will remain centered in the part due to its relationship
ÏÏÏ with the datum planes that are constrained to the solid body.
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11
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Datum Plane Reference Features
Create a simple hole that will have its angle parametrically controlled.
Recently Opened Parts allows switching back and forth between parts opened
recently, in the current Unigraphics session or previous sessions. The Recently
Opened Parts list may contain up to ten parts.
Choose Modeling.
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Datum Plane Reference Features
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ Choose Datum Plane.
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11
ÏÏÏ Select the right edge (not the mid point) and confirm the
selection if necessary.
Edge
Face
Choose OK.
A datum plane is created at a 20 degree angle from the top of the block and
passes through the selected edge.
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Datum Plane Reference Features
Choose Hole.
Bottom Face
Choose OK.
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Datum Plane Reference Features
ÏÏÏ Features are initially positioned in the center of the datum plane. If no other
ÏÏÏ positioning dimensions are specified, the hole will stay in this position. In this
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11
ÏÏÏ
case the hole will be positioned to the front and right edge of the model.
Select Edge
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Datum Plane Reference Features
Select edge
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Datum Plane Reference Features
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Datum Plane Reference Features
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ Choose Point and Direction.
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11
ÏÏÏ Select the end point as shown to define a point on the datum
plane.
Select this
end point.
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Datum Plane Reference Features
Select this
end point.
Choose OK twice.
Choose Hole.
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Datum Plane Reference Features
Placement Face
If the hole is not going into the block, choose Reverse Side.
Select the far side of the block as the thru face and choose
OK.
Point to Point
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Datum Plane Reference Features
Select this
end point
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Datum Plane Reference Features
Click on p2=100.000.
Key in 400.
Choose OK twice.
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Datum Plane Reference Features
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Datum Plane Reference Features
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Datum Axis Reference Feature
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12
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
PURPOSE This lesson will define another type of reference feature, the
datum axis.
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Datum Axis Reference Feature
Datum Axis
This option allows a linear reference feature to be created that may be used as
a(n):
ÏÏÏ
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12
Pivot axis for datum planes.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Directional reference.
Dimensional reference for feature position.
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Datum Axis Reference Feature
User Interface
When you first open the Datum Axis option, the Datum Axis static toolbar
displays in the upper left corner of the graphics window. The static toolbar uses
the Inferred method to let you quickly create a datum axis based on your object
and constraint selections.
ÏÏÏ
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12
The main Datum Axis dialog is used to create datum axes that are more
complex than those you can create with the Inferred method. To open the main
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Datum Axis dialog, click its icon on the Datum Axis Static toolbar.
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Datum Axis Reference Feature
The four relative datum axis methods that will be covered in this lesson are:
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Datum Axis Reference Feature
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Datum Axis Reference Feature
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12
Choose OK.
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Datum Axis Reference Feature
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Datum Axis Reference Feature
ÏÏÏ
Choose OK.
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12
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Datum Axis Reference Feature
Select a datum axis, and with the cursor over the selection, click MB3 and
choose Edit Parameters.
Double-click a datum axis in the graphics window.
Use Edit→Feature→Parameters.
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Datum Axis Reference Feature
Design Intent
A 0.5 inch diameter hole is to be located in a block. The origin of the hole will
be on the top face and located from the right face. The hole is to remain
centered in the block along the YC axis. The angle of the hole shall be editable
in a plane parallel to the front face.
ÏÏÏ
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12
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ZC
YC
XC
A/2
Choose Modeling.
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Datum Axis Reference Feature
ZC
YC
XC
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
12
Right Face ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
In the Offset Dynamic Input Field key in -2 and press
Enter.
Choose OK.
ZC Back Face
YC
XC
Front Face
Choose OK.
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Datum Axis Reference Feature
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
12 Top Face
ÏÏÏ
ZC
ÏÏÏ
YC
XC
Datum Plane
Choose OK.
A datum axis is created at the intersection of the top of the block and the
associative datum plane.
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Datum Axis Reference Feature
ZC
YC
XC
ÏÏÏ
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12
Right Face
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Select the Datum Axis.
Choose OK.
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Datum Axis Reference Feature
Choose OK.
ÏÏÏ
Fit the view.
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12
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Choose Hole.
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Datum Axis Reference Feature
Datum Plane
ÏÏÏ
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12
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ZC
YC
XC
Bottom Face
Select the bottom face of the block as the Thru Face, confirm
and choose OK.
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Datum Axis Reference Feature
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12
ZC
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
YC
XC
Select this
Datum Plane
The hole is located. The hole will always remain on the datum axis and stay
centered in the block.
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Datum Axis Reference Feature
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12
ZC ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
YC
XC
Choose OK.
The angle of the hole changes, but the point of entry remains the same.
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Datum Axis Reference Feature
ZC
YC
ÏÏÏ
XC
ÏÏÏ
12
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ZC
YC
XC
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Datum Axis Reference Feature
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Datum Axis Reference Feature
The model contains two identical hole patterns. The central hole in each
pattern is located associatively to the relative datum planes in the part. The
hole pattern on the left in the graphic was created by specifying a point in space
and a vector to revolve the pattern about. The pattern on the right was created
by specifying the relative datum axis to revolve the pattern about.
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12
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
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Datum Axis Reference Feature
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12
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
The model updates to reflect the change. Notice that the hole pattern on the
left does not update as expected. This is due to this hole pattern being created
with a nonĆassociative reference point and direction vector.
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Datum Axis Reference Feature
The left hole pattern maintained its relationship to the objects used to define it,
but the nonĆassociative specified point in space does not change. The hole
pattern on the right that depends on the relative datum axis to define the
rotation point and vector updates as expected.
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12
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
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Datum Axis Reference Feature
ÏÏÏ
is used as an aid in the construction of other
ÏÏÏ
features.
12
In this lesson you: ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Created a Datum Axis.
Positioned features using a Datum Axis.
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Datum Axis Reference Feature
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12
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ÏÏÏ
(This Page Intentionally Left Blank)
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Sketching
Sketching
Lesson 13
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
Create a sketch.
Create sketch curves.
Apply dimensional constraints to sketches.
Apply geometric constraints to sketches.
Identify constraints.
Convert a sketch curve to reference.
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Sketching
What is a sketch?
A profile may contain some, all, or none of the constraints required to fully
capture the design intent. Dimensional and geometric constraints may be used to
establish a design intent as well as provide the ability to perform parameter
driven changes.
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Sketching
Why sketch?
The inherent ability to solve a sketch in real time means that, as rules are
applied, the sketch objects change and move to reflect the effect that the
assigned rule has on the geometry. This gives the user the ability to quickly
change profiles of features created using sketch curves.
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13
ÏÏÏ
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Sketching
The user might also consider sketching when a combination of features used to
create the desired shape makes the shape difficult to edit.
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13
ÏÏÏ
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Sketching
When there is a commonly used shape that varies in size from part to part, a
sketch as part of a user defined feature should be considered.
Sketches may be used as base features of a model if the shape lends itself to
extruded or revolved geometry.
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13
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Sketching
Sketches may be used in a number of different ways. Consider them for guide
paths for swept features, or as section curves for free form features.
The added advantage of being able to quickly and easily change the geometry
based on rules that the designer applies should be a large part of the
determination of when to sketch.
ÏÏÏ
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13
ÏÏÏ
An important aspect of modeling that helps the user decide when to use a
sketch is defining the design intent of the model. The design intent consists of
two items:
As a general rule, the more design considerations and potential areas for
change, the more likely there are benefits from sketching.
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Sketching
Since sketches are features of the solid model, they are listed in the Model
Navigator and any edits supported by the Model Navigator that are germane to
sketches are available.
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13
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Sketching
Organizing part files is a very important part of modeling. The sketcher helps in
this endeavor by automating layer control as sketches are activated and
deactivated. This automated layer management is designed to ensure that the
user does not accidentally construct objects in the active sketch across multiple
layers.
Unigraphics assigns the current work layer at creation to the sketch. As the
user subsequently activates the sketch, the work layer is set to the layer assigned
to the sketch.
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13
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Sketching
The first thing that needs to be defined is the plane that the sketch curves will
be placed on. But, before this can be done you must consider the state of the
model. Since our goal is to develop a parametric model, all of the features need
to be associative. Is the sketch going to define the base feature or has a base
feature already been created?
The tool bar shown below is used to define the sketch plane.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
1 Sketch Plane 5 Datum Plane
2 XC-YC Plane 6 Datum CSYS
3 YC-ZC Plane 7 OK
4 XC-ZC Plane 8 Cancel
If the sketch is going to define the base feature then you may define the plane
of the sketch by choosing one of the following:
XC-YC Plane
ZC-YC Plane
ZC-XC Plane
Datum CSYS
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Sketching
After the plane is chosen the plane is highlighted in the graphic window. You
then chose OK to accept and enter the sketcher function. The sketch
plane is then oriented normal to the graphics screen.
If a base feature already exists, then you will define the sketch plane on a
planar face or a datum plane of the base feature. The datum plane may already
exist or may be created on the fly.
Choose OK.
Define the horizontal or vertical reference
Choose OK.
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Sketching
The reference direction is used to specify the horizontal direction on the sketch
plane. There are times when no linear object is pointing in the desired
horizontal direction. At these times a vertical reference may be defined,
because vertical is by definition ninety degrees from horizontal; the system is
able to interpret where the desired horizontal direction is when using a vertical
reference.
Desired YC
Horizontal
Direction
ZC XC
ÏÏÏ
Vertical Reference
Resultant
Planar Placement Face
Sketch Orientation
ÏÏÏ
The direction of an axis may be changed as follows:
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
To flip the direction of an axis, doubleĆclick on it.
To specify a new direction, select the axis to redirect then select a straight
edge. The straight edge is projected to the sketch plane to define the new
direction.
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Sketching
Naming a Sketch
The system requires a unique name for each sketch, and therefore will select
the next available sketch name in the queue as the default. The system default
from Unigraphics is SKETCH_###" where the pound signs are replaced by
the next available number counting up from 000 (SKETCH_000, SKETCH_001,
etc.). A sketch name may be defined during or after the sketch has been
created by clicking on the default sketch name and then typing in the new
name.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ The sketch can also be renamed by:
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ Choosing Task→Sketch Properties
Using the Model Navigator
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Sketching
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Sketching
Choose OK.
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Sketching
Choose Sketch.
Unigraphics created a fixed Datum Plane on the specified sketch plane and two
fixed Datum Axes along its major axes to support the new sketch.
Notice the WCS. The system has manipulated it so that XC is parallel to the
horizontal direction and YC is vertical.
Choose Finish.
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Sketching
Choose Sketch.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ Horizontal
Reference
The 2D sketch plane indicator appears and the XĆAxis is active (highlighted).
Choose OK.
Choose Line.
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Sketching
Click here . . .
then
Click here.
Choose Finish.
Step 7 Change the orientation of the face that defines the sketch ÏÏÏ
plane.
ÏÏÏ
Choose Tools"Expression. ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
Select the expression, Change_Me=1, and change the value
to 3.5.
Choose OK.
Rotate the part and notice how the line remained associative
to the face.
Choose Sketch.
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Sketching
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ Choose OK.
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ A center datum plane is created.
The 2D sketch plane indicator appears and the XĆAxis is active (highlighted).
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Sketching
Horizontal
Reference
ÏÏÏ
Choose OK.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
Choose Finish.
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Sketching
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ Fit the view (MB3).
Choose Finish.
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Sketching
Choose Sketch.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
Choose Finish.
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Sketching
Sketch curves are created via the Sketch Curve tool bar. As curves are created
geometric constraints are assigned to the curves relative to the Infer Constraint
Settings.
Profile Line
Arc
Circle
Collinear Coincident
Point on
Curve
As you create the curves a symbol will appear near the curve being created to
represent the constraint that will be applied, if any.
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Sketching
Locking a Constraint
When a constraint symbol appears during curve creation you may lock in that
constraint by pressing MB2. For example, you are creating a line and the
parallel symbol appears, you press MB2. Now as you move the cursor, the new
line that is rubber banding, is doing so parallel to the reference curve.
Snap Angle
The snap angle is a global preference set in the Sketch Preferences dialog box
that is applied any time curves are being created. It is used to snap" a line to
horizontal or vertical. When creating lines outside of the sketcher, snap angle is
only applied when using inferred cursor location. The default snap angle is set
to 3° and is user definable between 0° and 20°. This angular tolerance is
defined on either side of horizontal or vertical from the first specified location,
effectively creating a 6° tolerance zone by default.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Snap Angle
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
The Infer Point tool bar is displayed when creating most of the curve types in
the sketcher, so that you have more control over the selection of locations.
When the Infer Point toolbar is active, regardless of the point types turned on,
Cursor Location is always available.
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Sketching
New curve
being created.
Existing
Curve
Alignment
Lines
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
Profile Tool
The Profile tool allows creation of a string of lines and arcs, without having to
specify a start for each curve after the first curve is created. Profile is accessed
The icons at the upper left corner of the graphics screen allow you to switch
between lines and arcs, and allow you to switch between entering X-Y
locations and entering parameters.
Line Arc
XY Parameters
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Sketching
Line creation
X-Y location
Once you have created the first curve (line or arc), the system will revert to
creating a line. You can change this any time you wish.
You can also switch to arc creation by using press-drag-release with MB1.
The circle-X" symbol controls the direction in which the arc will be created.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
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Sketching
If the desired arc is in the wrong direction, re-cross the end of the line (with
the cursor), and exit in a different quadrant of the symbol.
Circle-X
Symbol
Arc originating
from top quadrant
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
As you are creating curves with the profile tool, the string mode can be broken
by clicking MB2.
Creating Lines
Line creation is accessed by choosing the Line icon on the Sketch Curve
tool bar.
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Sketching
Once in line creation, the icons in the upper left corner of the graphics screen
give you two options: Location (by cursor location or entering an X-Y
location), and entering parameters.
Once you indicate a start location, the system will switch to the Parameters
mode. But you can still give an end location without changing back to XY.
Creating Arcs
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Arc creation is accessed by choosing the Arc icon on the Sketch Curve ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
tool bar.
Once in arc creation, the icons in the upper left corner of the graphics screen
give you two sets of options. The first is creation method, and the second is for
the XY-Location/Parameters choice.
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Sketching
For Arc by Center and End Points: there are also several combinations of
methods for creating the arc:
Locate the center, locate the start point, and locate the end point. (The
start point location determines the radius.)
Locate the center, locate the start point, enter a radius value and press
Enter, locate the end point.
Locate the center, enter radius and sweep angle values and press Enter,
locate the start of the sweep, and locate the direction for the sweep.
Once you indicate a first location, the system will switch to the Enter
Parameters mode. But you can still give a location without changing back to
XY.
Creating Circles
ÏÏÏ Circle creation is accessed by choosing the Circle icon on the Sketch
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ Once in circle creation, the icons in the upper left corner of the graphics screen
give you two sets of options. The first is creation method, and the second is for
the location/parameters choice.
For Circle by Center and Radius: there are several methods for creating
circles:
Locate the center, and then locate a point on the circumference of the
circle.
Locate the center, enter a radius, and press Enter. The circle is created.
You are then in multiple circle creation mode - just indicate another
location for a circle center.
Locate the center, drag the radius until you get the size you want. Press
Enter. The circle is created, and you are in multiple circle creation mode.
Indicate another center.
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Sketching
For Circle by 3 Points: there are also two methods for creating the circle:
Once you indicate a first location, the system will switch to the enter
Parameters mode. But you can still give a location without changing back to
XY.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
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Sketching
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ Step 4 Set the Infer Constraints Setting.
You are going to set the Infer Constraints Setting to make available only the
constraints that you may want to apply during curve creation.
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Sketching
Choose OK.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Step 5 Create a Profile.
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
In this step you will create the sketch curves shown below using the Profile tool.
Choose the Profile tool and then move the cursor into
the graphics window.
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Horizontal Symbol
Now notice that as you move the cursor around the rubberĆbanding line
remains horizontal.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
Next, you are going to create the first arc.
Hold MB1 down and drag the cursor straight up from the
end point of the last line and then release.
Notice the alignment line that aligns the center point and
end points.
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Sketching
Next you will create another arc just like the first one, but you will use a
different method.
Hold MB1 down and drag the cursor up and to the right
from the end point of the last line and then release.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
Key in .5 for the Radius and press Tab 2 times.
Key in 180 for the Sweep Angle and press Enter. Click in the
graphic window to apply.
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Sketching
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
Key in 145 for the Sweep Angle and press Enter. Click in the
graphic window to apply.
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Sketching
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
Key in 90 for the Sweep Angle and press Enter. Click in the
graphic window to apply.
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Sketching
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
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Sketching
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Move the cursor over these lines.
13
ÏÏÏ
Close the profile by selecting the end point of the first line.
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Sketching
Choose Finish.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
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Sketching
Creating Fillets
Fillet creation is accessed by choosing the Fillet icon on the Sketch Curve
tool bar.
Once in fillet creation, there is a single icon in the upper left corner of the
graphics screen. It is for controlling whether or not the original curves are
trimmed.
You can create fillets between lines, arcs or conics. You can also create a fillet
between two parallel lines.
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Sketching
Quick Trim
Quick Trim will trim any curve to the closest curve in the sketch. The
system will preview the results in pre-selection color.
You can also trim multiple curves at one time, by using the crayon" select
ÏÏÏ method. Hold down MB1 and drag across the portion of curves you want to
ÏÏÏ trim away.
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
You can also select a specific curve to trim to, by using ctrl-select to select the
desired boundary curve.
You can also select more than one bounding curve using the ctrl-select
method.
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Sketching
In the example below, both the arc on the left and the spline on the right were
control-selected as boundary curves. With the cursor on the top line, (between
the two boundary curves), the center section is previewed as the portion to be
removed.
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Sketching
Quick Extend
Quick Extend will extend lines, arcs and conics to the closest curve in the
sketch. The system will preview the results in pre-selection color.
The curve being extended must extend to an actual intersection with the
boundary curve.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ You can extend multiple curves at one time, by using the crayon" select
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
method. Hold down MB1 and drag across the ends of curves you want to
extend.
Before After
You can also select specific boundary curves by using the control-select
method.
As with Quick Trim, when you use Quick Extend, appropriate constraints are
automatically created.
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Sketching
You first want to create 4.0 millimeter fillets in the upper left and lower left
corners of the sketch.
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Sketching
Drag the cursor around the screen and notice that you can
select which quadrant you want.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
Step 6 Create a four millimeter fillet using lines L16 and L17,
with a single select, and this time do not trim the lines
being filleted.
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Sketching
The 4.0 Radius value should still be in the text field on the graphics screen.
With MB1 held down, drag across the two lines as below:
(This is another method of selecting the curves to be filleted.
The curves crossed with the crayon" are the curves
selected.)
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
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Step 8 Create another fillet between lines L18 and L20 by using
the crayon", but his time do NOT use a radius value.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ It used the selection location of the curves to determine the radius.
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
Step 9 Create a fillet between lines L18 and L19, and drag the
size and quadrant.
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Sketching
Choose Finish.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Step 10 Close the part file. ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
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Sketching
Step 2 Change the Work Layer to 21 so that the part file will be
compliant with class standards.
Choose Sketch.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
Choose OK to accept the XC-YC Plane.
In this sketch we do not want to apply any constraints at this time, so you will
toggle all constraints off.
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Sketching
Choose OK.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Step 5 Create the sketch curves to define the main profile. ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
Choose Profile.
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Sketching
Choose Fillet.
2 1
3
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ A fillet is created and the lines are trimmed to the tangent points. The system
also displays tangent symbols at the 2 tangent points.
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3
1 2
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The 1 inch radius fillet was created and the lines trimmed to the tangent points.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ 2
Choose OK.
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Sketching
Choose Circle.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
Move the cursor over and along the arc on the left side of the ÏÏÏ
profile, until the arc center symbol (1) appears, then click
and drag to create a circle with a diameter of approximately
0.75.
The system now will infer a constraint of coincident between the arc and the
circle.
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Create the circle for the opposite side using the same
method.
ÏÏÏ The sketch of the profile is now complete. The shape and design intent will be
ÏÏÏ further refined in a later activity with the application of dimensional and
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
geometric constraints.
Choose Finish.
Choose OK.
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Sketching
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Step 2 Trim curves with Quick Trim.
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
DoubleĆclick on one of the sketch curves to activate the
sketch.
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Sketching
ÏÏÏ Hold MB1 down and drag the cursor across the 2 curves as
ÏÏÏ shown below.
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
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Sketching
3
4
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Sketching
The status line informs you that the system cannot extend the curve. This is
because there is no other curve that would intersect with the arc.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
This time notice how the system provides a preview of the extension.
Choose Finish.
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Sketching
Sketch Points
Sketch objects are defined by theoretical points. A line, for instance, is defined
by two points. The sketcher attempts to mathematically solve for the location of
the points by analyzing the constraints (rules) that are placed on objects.
The points that the sketch solver analyzes are referred to as sketch points. By
controlling the locations of these sketch points the line itself may be controlled.
There are various ways to control these points. The sketch points associated
with different types of curves are illustrated in the graphic below.
Line Fillet
Arc
Circle
+
Spline
Point
ÏÏÏ
Ellipse
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
DegreeĆofĆFreedom Arrows (DOF)
Degree of freedom arrows occur at sketch points to indicate that the solver is
unable to fully define where the sketch point exists on the sketch plane. DOF
arrows are only displayed during the creation of dimensions or constraints; they
are yellow, and their base emanates at the sketch point with arrowheads
pointing in both the horizontal or vertical directions (when the sketch point has
no constraints).
An arrow pointing to the right means that the sketch point in question is free to
move in the horizontal direction, both to the right and left. An arrow pointing
up means that the sketch point in question is free to move in the vertical
direction, both up and down. Should there be DOF arrows at a given point in
both directions, the point is free to move in both directions.
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These arrows provide visual feedback to the user while in the process of
constraining the sketch.
(no display)
The system removes DOF arrows as rules are written that define the location of
the sketch points.
Arc - Arcs have sketch points at the center and at either end. These
sketch points as well as the radius of the arc may be defined if the user so
desires.
Circle - Circles may have the center point as well as a radius or diameter
defined.
ÏÏÏ Ellipse -An ellipse may have the location of its center defined; also, the
ÏÏÏ parameters for the size and orientation of the ellipse are stored for future
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
editing.
Fillet - Fillets are a specialized case of arc; by definition a fillet is tangent
to the objects with which it is associated. The system applies this rule as
the fillet is created. Fillets may have the same information defined as
other arcs, and in some cases the tangency that is assigned will define the
endpoints.
Line - Lines may have the sketch points at either end defined.
Point - Points may be defined relative to other objects or at specific
locations in space.
Spline - Degree three splines may have their defining points located.
Slopes of the spline at the defining points may also be defined. Splines
that are of a degree other than three may be added to sketches; however,
since their defining points are not located at their knot points, there is no
way to locate their defining points using constraints.
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Sketching
Constraining Sketches
Design Intent
The power in sketching is derived from the ability to capture design intent. This
is accomplished by setting up rules that dictate how sketch objects will react to
changing input. These rules are called constraints. As many or as few constraints
as necessary may be applied to cause the sketch profile to update in the manner
desired. Unigraphics sketches are not required to be fully constrained. A group
of these rules may be thought of as a constraint set. The constraint set is
comprised of two types of constraints, dimensional and geometric and are
accessed from the Sketch Constraints tool bar.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
Create Constraints
Dimensions
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You can use the dialog to create and edit dimensions, as well as change some of
the preferences.
There are nine icons located near the top of the dialog box. The top leftĆhand
icon is the most useful as it infers the dimension type based on the objects that
are selected and where their dimension text is located. It is also the default
ÏÏÏ icon. The other eight icons are supplied for times when the system is unable to
ÏÏÏ
infer the desired dimension type. These different options are filters" that when
ÏÏÏ
13 selected will only allow a specific dimension type to be created. Because of this,
certain types of geometry may not be selectable if they do not coincide with the
ÏÏÏ dimension type selected.
As dimensional constraints are being created, the dimension, its extension lines,
and arrows are displayed as soon as the geometry has been selected. Drag the
dimension to the desired location and place it by clicking the left mouse button.
During some dimensioning the system infers a dimension type before all of the
geometry has been selected. In these instances continue to select geometry until
the correct dimension type is displayed, or select the icon for the dimension
type desired and reselect the geometry.
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Below the value slider are two option menus for manipulating the appearance
of the dimensional constraint.
ÏÏÏ
The leftĆhand option menu is for defining how the text and arrows of the
ÏÏÏ
dimensional constraint will be displayed. Options are for automatic text
placement where the system decides the appearance, manual text placement ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
with the arrows inside the extension lines, or manual text placement with the
arrows outside the extension lines.
Auto Placement
Manual Placement,
Arrows In
Manual Placement,
Arrows Out
The rightĆhand option menu is for defining whether the dimension's leader is
attached to the right or left of the dimension text.
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Both of these option menus may be used before, during or after dimension
creation.
Text Height
The display height of the dimension text is controlled by the text entry field at
the bottom of the dialog box. This value may be changed any time the
Dimensions dialog box is active.
The default value is .150 inches. There are no limits to values for this field.
Modifying this value changes all the dimensional constraints in the active
sketch.
Inferred - Allows the system to select any of the dimension types listed
ÏÏÏ below, (except perimeter) based on object selection and cursor location. Points,
ÏÏÏ points on sketch curves (including spline knot points), edges, lines, arcs, datum
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
planes, and datum axes are selectable using this method.
YC
ZC XC
.500 4.000
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YC
2.000
ZC XC
.500
1.23 .500
Line endpoints
selected for
.500 dimension
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.8502
.6302
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Radius - Used to filter the system to specify a radial size constraint for an
arc or circle. Only arcs and circles may be selected with this method.
R p4=0.250
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
p1=2.568
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
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To edit the value, simply double click on the dimension and edit the value
in the text box and press Enter.
To edit the position, simply drag a dimension's location.
Additional editing that may be done with the Dimensions dialog as listed below:
Name - Enter a new name in the text entry field.
Value - Enter a new value in the text entry field or use the slider.
Position - Click and hold the left mouse button to drag the dimension to
its new position.
Text placement method - Select a different option from the option menu.
Leader side - Select a different option from the option menu.
Text height - Enter a new text size in the text entry field.
At times it is advantageous not to have the geometry change until all of the
dimensional constraints have been modified. The Delay Evaluation is a toggle
on the Sketch tool bar that controls this condition.
Evaluate Sketch
The Evaluate Sketch button is provided so that the user may control sketch
evaluation when the Delay Evaluation toggle is on. Sketches are evaluated
automatically when the Constraints dialog box is exited.
Update Model
The Update Model icon located on the Sketch tool bar may be used to force the
model to update without leaving the sketch function.
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Sketching
ÏÏÏ
activates the process of creating constraints. ÏÏÏ
The Create Constraints icon
There is no dialog. ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
Constraints are created by selecting the geometry, and then choosing the
desired constraint icon from the upper left corner of the graphics screen. Only
icons for constraints that are possible for the selected curves will be displayed.
If you wish to assign multiple constraints at one time, you can control-select
the objects. Then the icons for constraints will remain on the screen after you
choose the first constraint. You can use MB2 to cancel creation of constraints .
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Listed below are all the possible constraints and their respective icon.
Collinear Concentric
Horizontal Tangent
Parallel Coincident
The Show All Constraints icon will display the symbols for all the
constraints in the active sketch.
Sometimes, when the curves are very small on the screen (the view is zoomed
out), the symbols may not be displayed. You may need to zoom in to see them.
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Equal Length - Defines two or more lines as being the same length.
Equal Radius - Defines two or more arcs as having the same radius.
NOTE: For the Midpoint of Curve constraint, select the curve anywhere
other than at its end points.
Mirror - Defines two objects as being mirror images of each other. This
constraint is automatically created when the mirror function is used. It cannot
be created manually.
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Parallel - Defines two or more linear objects as being parallel to each other.
ÏÏÏ Scale, Uniform - A spline will scale proportionally in both the horizontal and
ÏÏÏ
vertical when the horizontal length changes.
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ A Scale constraint may not be mixed with fixing of an internal spline point
as the uses of the two different constraint types are mutually exclusive.
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Sketching
Show/Remove Constraints
Determines which
objects will have
their constraints
listed.
Determines what
type of
constraints will be
listed.
Determines if the
filtered constraint
will be included
ÏÏÏ
or excluded in
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
the list.
13
Determines what
category of
ÏÏÏ
constraints will be
listed.
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Sketching
Constraint Interrogation
One way to determine what geometric constraints are present is to pass the
selection ball over a sketch object. If the object has a constraint associated with
it, the sketch object will be preĆhighlighted as well as other sketch objects that
share the constraint and the constraint marker will appear next to the sketch
objects. If the selection ball passes over an object which has no constraints
associated with it, preĆhighlighting does not occur. The constraint types and
their markers are shown in the figure below.
Fix Perpendicular
Concentric Tangent
Coincident Equal Length
Colinear Equal Radius
Point on Curve Constant Length
Point on String Constant Angle
Midpoint on Curve Mirror
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Vertical Scale, Uniform
13
ÏÏÏ
Parallel Scale, NonĆUniform
Constraint Categories
There are two major categories of geometric constraints, Explicit and Inferred.
Explicit constraints are constraints that the user has created by assignment
using the constraints dialog or by virtue of the creation method. Inferred
constraints are the Coincident constraints that the system has inferred and
assigned. The user has the option to list only the Explicit, or Inferred
constraints, or both may be listed at the same time.
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Sketching
Constraint Listing
All in Active Sketch List all the constraints of the active sketch, depending on
the selected constraint category.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Listing Box
Any time there are constraints listed in the list box they may be browsed by ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
selecting the constraint to highlight it. When the constraint is highlighted in the
list box, the sketch object(s) that is associated with it is also highlighted in the
graphics area. The Step Up the List and Step Down the List buttons allow easy
navigation through the various constraints. The Up and Down arrows on most
keyboards will mimic this behavior.
Removing Constraints
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Sketching
Undo
The user may access undo from the edit pulldown on the main menu, the third
mouse button popĆup menu, or the accelerator keys. Undo takes the creation
procedure back one step at a time.
Dragging Geometry
Selection
When in the Sketcher Task Environment, the selection toolbar changes. It has
two icons that are only available in the Sketcher.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ Select Sketch Objects allows selection of all objects in the sketch -
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
curves and dimensions.
Constraint Conditions
When the Constraints dialog box is active, the status line lists the constraint
condition for the active sketch. A sketch may be fully constrained, under
constrained, or over constrained. When the sketch is under constrained the status
line will indicate the number of constraints needed.
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Sketching
A sketch is evaluated each time a constraint is placed upon the sketch. Each
time a sketch is evaluated, the system attempts to solve the set of constraints
that describe how the geometric objects are positioned and their relationships
with each other.
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Sketching
Constraining Example
Lines constrained
to be horizontal
LINE A
Lines constrained
to be vertical
In the profile above, some elements are partially constrained due to system
applied constraints, such as the 3 degree snap angle default for horizontal and
vertical lines.
Line A has a system applied vertical geometric constraint. The bottom point of
ÏÏÏ line A has a fixed geometric constraint applied by the user. The
ÏÏÏ degreeĆofĆfreedom arrow at the top of line A now points in the Y axis direction.
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
This indicates the point is constrained in the X axis direction but not in the Y
axis direction.
Degree of freedom arrows may assist in the constraining process; however, until
the location of at least one object is defined, no degree of freedom arrows will
be removed. Defining the location of an object may be accomplished in a
number of ways.
Sketch objects may be located relative to edges of a solid model, datum planes,
or to datum axes using geometric constraints, dimensional constraints, or
positioning dimensions.
Fixing the location of a point fully defines the location of that point to the
solver. It is important to remember that there is no numeric input in fixing an
object. An object must be created in the proper location or be otherwise located
prior to fixing in order for the fix constraint to be properly applied.
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Sketching
The system highlights in yellow the geometry and dimensional constraints that
are causing the over constrained condition in order to prompt for the over
constrained situation to be corrected.
An unwanted constraint must be removed before the system will change the
geometric configuration.
Dimensional constraints that are not related to the over constrained condition
are displayed in green. Geometry that is not related to the over constrained
condition is displayed in cyan.
At times the system displays all geometry in gray and all dimensional constraints
in pink. This indicates that the constraint set that has been supplied is not
ÏÏÏ
solvable with the geometry in its current configuration. Constraints may need to
ÏÏÏ
be added or removed in order for the sketcher to be able to solve the constraint
set. ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
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Sketching
Design Intent
The width of the slot at the bottom of the angled lines is controlled by the
radius at the bottom of the slot.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
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Sketching
Choose the radio button in the List Constraints For: area for
All In Active Sketch.
The system created constraints are now displayed in the list box. The dialog box
should look similar to the graphic shown at right.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
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Sketching
The object referred to in the list is highlighted in the graphics area. There
should be one horizontal line highlighted in the graphics window. Let the
instructor know if this is not the case.
Notice that there are degree of freedom arrows at each of the sketch points.
Even though most of the objects in the sketch have constraints associated with
them, the sketch points are free to move in all directions. This is because the
system cannot locate any of the points relative to model space.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
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Sketching
The geometry now changes to follow the constraint. The point at the bottom of
the left vertical line is now constrained in the horizontal direction.
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Sketching
The geometry now changes to follow the new constraint. The shared sketch
point at the bottom of the left vertical line is now constrained in both the
horizontal and vertical directions. The degree of freedom arrows go away at this
point, and, due to the horizontal and vertical constraints on the lines that share
the sketch point, one of the arrows on the opposite end of those lines has
disappeared.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ Step 6 Move the datum planes and axes to layer 61.
The datums have served their purpose of locating the sketch. You will now
move them to ease selection of objects and clean up the screen display.
Choose Finish.
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Sketching
Hold the Ctrl key down and select the two horizontal lines at
the top of the profile.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
Choose Deselect All.
Select the arc at the bottom of the slot taking note on which
side you choose. Select the end of the short vertical line on
the same side of the arc.
Choose Tangent.
Hold the Ctrl key down and select the bottom horizontal line
and the lower endpoint of the line originating from the arc
center.
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Choose Midpoint.
Select the line between the midpoint and the arc center.
Choose Vertical.
Now vertical
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
Adding dimensional constraints to satisfy the controlling portions of the design
intent will allow the profile to be changed by modifying the numerical values.
Select the left vertical line and place the dimension for it.
Change the value to 3.75.
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Sketching
Select the top left horizontal line and place the dimension.
Change its value to .5.
Select the lower end (over half way, not endpoint) of the left
angled line. Select the right end of the top left horizontal
line, avoiding its control points. Place the angular dimension
and change its value to 45°.
Select here
second
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Select the left end of the top right horizontal line, avoiding ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
its control points. Select the bottom end of the right angled
line. Place this angular dimension and change its value to the
'p' number assigned to the other angular dimension.
Select the arc at the bottom of the slot. Place the radius
dimension and change its value to .25.
Select the line connecting the arc center and the midpoint
and place this vertical dimension. Change its value to 1.5 and
choose OK.
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Sketching
The Status line now informs you that the sketch is fully constrained. Remember
that there is no need to fully constrain the profile if it is updating in the manner
desired.
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
Notice that the depth of the notch is unchanged as a result of this change.
Should that have not been our intent, we would have to constrain the sketch in
a different manner.
Choose Finish.
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Sketching
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
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Sketching
Use the steps on the following pages to constrain the profile as shown below.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
Step 4 Review the existing constraints.
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Sketching
ÏÏÏ
In the Show/Remove Constraints dialog, ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
choose Selected Objects.
Select the circle on the other side and notice how the system
indicates an arc to which it is coincident.
Choose Cancel.
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Sketching
The circle and arc that share that point of incidence are highlighted.
Notice the Degree Of Freedom markers associated with the sketch points,
remember that these are supplied to give feedback on the constraint condition
of the sketch. These markers will be removed from the display as the sketch
points are explicitly located.
Select the center circle and the bottom arc, avoiding control
points along the way.
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Sketching
Choose Concentric.
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Select the arc center of the center circle again and the
vertical datum axis.
Note that the degree of freedom markers at the large arc center have been
removed, this point is now explicitly located.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
The design intent is that the arc center of all three circles lie on the same
horizontal centerline.
Select the arc center of the left circle and the horizontal
datum axis.
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Sketching
Note how the profile changes shape to obey the constraints as they are applied.
Also note that the Degree Of Freedom markers at the selected points have
been removed in the vertical direction. These points has been constrained in
the vertical direction but are still free to move in the horizontal direction.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Step 8 Applying equal radius design intent.
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
The upper and lower center arcs are intended to be the same radius. The circles
on either end are intended to be the same size as shown by the dimension.
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Sketching
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Step 9 Apply dimensional constraints to define the size of the
profile.
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ Choose the Dimensions icon.
Use the Inferred dimension type to create all of the dimensions shown below.
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Sketching
The status line indicates that the sketch needs 5 constraints in order to be fully
constrained.
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Select the center circle and the upper arc, avoiding control
points.
Choose Concentric.
The status line now states that the Sketch is fully constrained.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
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Sketching
Notice that the profile updates and the tangent condition is maintained.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Choose Finish. ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
Step 11 Choose File"Close"Save and Close.
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Sketching
At times it is nice to be able to see what the effects of a change are numerically,
but adding a dimensional constraint to do this causes the sketch to be over
constrained. Additionally, sketch curves may need to be associated to other
sketch curves that are not intended to represent a portion of the swept feature.
To support these needs, Unigraphics allows Reference objects within sketches.
These reference objects may be either curves or dimensional constraints. The
Convert To/From Reference icon is located in the sketch management area of
the Sketch Tools dialog box.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
To change the status of the objects, set the radio button to the status desired,
select the object(s) and choose OK or Apply. An option menu is provided to
filter for All (the default), Curve, or Dimension.
Reference curves are displayed in gray color and phantom line font. Reference
curves are ignored during sweep operations.
Reference dimensional constraints are shown in white color and only the value
portion of the expression is shown, regardless of the preference setting. The
value for this reference dimension will be updated as the sketch is changed, but
it does not control the sketch geometry with which it is associated.
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Sketching
Design Intent
Apply constraints to control the length and width of the sketch. The shape of
the sketch should remain rectangular.
Width
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
Length
Choose Sketch.
Choose OK.
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Choose Cancel.
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
Highlight the top constraint in the list and use the down
arrow button to browse through the constraints.
Choose Cancel.
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Sketching
Choose Finish.
p2=4.500
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Sketching
Select the left hand vertical line and place the dimension.
Change the value to 2.75.
Choose OK.
Design Change
Modify the sketch so that it can be controlled by the angle and length of a
diagonal line.
ÏÏÏ p5=5.274
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
p4=31.430
Select the lower left endpoint and the upper right endpoint
to define the line.
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Sketching
Select the right end of the lower horizontal line and the right
end of the diagonal line, and indicate a location for the
angular dimension.
The angle will be applied to the ends of the lines closest to the cursor position
in a counter clockwise manner.
At this point the system has more information than is required. The sketch is
over constrained.
The system changes the color of the sketch objects that have constraints applied ÏÏÏ
to them that are associated to the over constrained condition.
ÏÏÏ
In this case all of the active sketch curves and dimensional constraints are
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
displayed in yellow. To correct the over constrained condition, one or more of
the offending constraints must by removed.
Remember, the new design intent is to drive the sketch with angular and
diagonal length dimensions.
Notice that the sketch configuration does not change when the value is
modified. The system leaves the geometry in its last solved state until the over
constrained condition is resolved.
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Sketching
Choose Cancel.
p5=6.500
p3=2.750
p4=35.000
p2=4.500
Choose Finish.
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Sketching
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Sketching
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
13
ÏÏÏ
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Swept Features and Boolean Operations
Extrude a body.
Extrude a body with offsets.
Create a Body of Revolution.
Create a solid by sweeping a profile along a guide
curve.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
14
ÏÏÏ
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Direction
A Body of Revolution is one that has been rotated around a specified axis.
Section string
Axis
Resulting
feature
A Sweep Along Guide body is one that has been swept along a guide string.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
14
ÏÏÏ
Section string
Resulting
feature
Guide string
The features/bodies that are created will be associated with both the section
string and the guide string.
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Swept Features and Boolean Operations
When sweeping a sketch you may or may not want to sweep all of the sketch
curves. By default the system selects the entire sketch when any sketch curve is
selected. When using a sketch to define the section string do one of the
following:
To select all the curves in a sketch - select any one curve belonging to the
sketch.
To select individual curves within a sketch - choose the Curve or Chain
Curves option, and then select the desired curves.
Sweeping a partial sketch is a technique that is used when one sketch may
define multiple features.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
14
ÏÏÏ
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Extrude
Extrusion Options
Direction & Distance option allows specification of the extrusion direction and
the start and end distances of the extrusion relative to the plane of the selected
section string. The extrusion does not need to start at the plane of the section
string.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
14 Trim to Face/Plane option allows the end distance of an extrusion to be
ÏÏÏ associated to an existing solid face or datum plane. The extrusion starts at, and
is normal to, the plane of the section string.
Trim Between Two Faces/Plane option allows the start and end of the extrusion
to be associated with specified faces or planes of the same body regardless of
the location of the section string geometry. The extrusion will be normal to the
plane of the section string.
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Swept Features and Boolean Operations
Choose Extrude.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Start Distance . 0
14
ÏÏÏ
End Distance . 152.5
First Offset . . . . 0
Second Offset . 0
Taper Angle . . . 0
Choose OK.
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Swept Features and Boolean Operations
Boolean Operations
Boolean operations are used to create a single solid body out of two or more
existing solid bodies. Unigraphics senses when a solid already exists in a file
and another is being created, the following menu appears for the Boolean
Operation.
The new solid may be created as a separate solid using Create, or a Boolean
operation (Unite, Subtract, or Intersect) may be performed on the two solids
during creation to make one resultant solid.
The Boolean Operations may also be created as a separate feature using the
Insert"Feature Operation options shown in the menu below. When using these
operations, a Target Solid and a Tool Solid need to be specified to perform the
boolean operation.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
14
ÏÏÏ
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ÏÏÏ
Defining Target and Tool Solids ÏÏÏ
14
ÏÏÏ
The Target solid is the solid body on which operations are executed. In the
figure below, to unite the two cylinders to the block, the block is chosen as the
target solid.
The Tool solid is the solid body that operates upon the target solid.
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Target solid
Tool solids
Unite
This option allows two or more solid bodies to be combined into one.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
14
ÏÏÏ Tool solids
Before After
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Subtract
This option allows material to be removed from a solid body (Target Body) by
using another solid body as the Tool Solid, leaving empty space where the Tool
body existed.
Tool solid
Target solid
Intersect
This Boolean allows a new solid to be created from two solids. The resultant
solid will be that portion which is common to both of the selected solids.
Target solid
Tool solid
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If you attempt to unite a tool solid within a target solid and there is no change
in topology, the system would warn you with the following message.
If you attempt to unite, subtract, or intersect a tool solid with a target solid and
the two solids do not touch, the system would warn you with the following
message.
If you attempt to subtract a tool solid from a target solid and the operation
would produce a zero thickness, the system would warn you with the following
message.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
14
ÏÏÏ Generator
Curves
Zero thickness
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Swept Features and Boolean Operations
The Taper Start radio buttons determine if the taper starts At Defining
String or At Start Distance when a taper is specified.
A positive taper angle creates an inward taper.
A negative angle creates an outward taper.
If the section string included interior holes, the holes would be tapered in
the opposite direction to the outside objects.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
14
ÏÏÏ
Plane of selected objects
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Once an extrusion method has been specified, arrows are displayed in the
graphics area to relay information. The arrow displayed in solid font is the
Extrusion Direction arrow, indicating the direction that positive values will be
extruded. The arrow displayed in dashed font is the Offset Direction arrow,
indicating the direction that positive offset values will be applied. The extrusion
values as well as the offset values may be entered in the Parameters menu.
Positive
Extrusion
Direction
Positive Offset YC
Direction
ZC XC
Using positive values in the First Offset or Second Offset field will offset the
extrusion in the direction of the arrow. Using negative values in the First Offset
or Second Offset field will offset the extrusion in the opposite direction of the
dashed arrow.
Offset Examples
Offset
ÏÏÏ
Section
Geometry
ÏÏÏ
14
ÏÏÏ Offset on arrow side
(Positive)
Section
Geometry
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Choose Extrude.
Select the inside, large circle as the section geometry.
Choose OK.
Choose Direction Distance.
Choose OK to accept the default direction (vector pointing
ÏÏÏ
up).
ÏÏÏ
14
Enter the following values:
ÏÏÏ
Start Distance = 0
End Distance = 2.5
First Offset = 0
Second Offset = .25
Taper Angle = 0
If the offset vector is pointing away from the center of the part, use a negative
value for the Second Offset. If it is pointing to the center use a positive value
for the Second Offset.
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Press Enter.
Choose Create.
Choose OK.
The selected curve is extruded from its origin, normal to its creation plane as
was indicated by the solid arrow, to a distance 2.5 units from the start distance.
The solid feature created to this length is also defined as being .25 units thick
inside the generator curve. This thickness was defined by the value entered in
the Second Offset field due to the direction of the dashed arrow.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
14
ÏÏÏ
Choose Extrude.
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Choose OK.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
14
ÏÏÏ
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Key in:
Start Distance = 0
End Distance = .25
First Offset = 0
Second Offset = .25
Taper Angle = 0
Choose OK.
Choose Create.
Select the feature that was just created as the tool body.
Choose OK.
The selected edge is extruded from its origin, normal to its creation plane as
was indicated by the solid arrow, to a distance .25 units from the start distance.
The solid feature created to this length is also defined as being .25 units thick
outside the generator edge. This thickness was defined by the values entered in
the First and Second Offset fields relative to dashed arrow.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
14
ÏÏÏ
Choose Extrude.
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Choose OK.
The edge must be extruded with the offsets in the proper direction to create the
groove shown below.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
14
ÏÏÏ
Key in:
Start Distance = 0
End Distance = .075
First Offset = .15
Second Offset = .275
Taper Angle = 0
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Swept Features and Boolean Operations
Choose OK.
Choose Subtract.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
14
ÏÏÏ
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ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
14
ÏÏÏ
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Swept Features and Boolean Operations
When using Sweep along Guide where the guide string contains sharp corners,
it is recommended that the section string be placed away from a sharp corner.
The section string also needs to be located on an end point of one of the guide
string objects.
Guide string
Two separate
line entities
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
14
ÏÏÏ Solid body
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The curves are displayed in two colors. Sweep the section string along the guide
string to create a shape that could be used as a base or platform.
Guide string
Section string
Choose OK.
ÏÏÏ
The cue prompts to Select guide string.
ÏÏÏ
14
Select the yellow guide string and confirm the selections as
necessary.
ÏÏÏ
Choose OK.
The cue prompts to Specify Sweep offsets and a dialog box displays for First
Offset and Second Offset. Offsets work the same way as for extrusions, but they
will not be used here.
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Swept Features and Boolean Operations
Ensure that the First and Second Offsets are set to 0 (zero).
The base is created. Shade the display if desired to better view the model. The
open section string was swept along the full length of the guide string and the
system automatically caps the open ends to produce a solid body.
The Sweep along Guide function may be used to sweep any section string along
a guide string.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
14
ÏÏÏ
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Swept Features and Boolean Operations
The system will prompt you to define a region when the selected generator
geometry is made up of one of the following:
Example of
noncontiguous
curves.
Noncontiguous
closed loop made
up of 4 curves.
Region 1
ÏÏÏ
Region 2
ÏÏÏ
14
ÏÏÏ
Selecting these six curves
produces two possible
sweep regions.
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Make layer 42 the work layer and all other layers invisible.
Generator
geometry.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
14
ÏÏÏ
Feature to be
created.
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Swept Features and Boolean Operations
First Offset . . . . 0
Second Offset . 0
Choose OK.
ÏÏÏ
Choose Create. ÏÏÏ
14
Choose Insert"Feature Operation"Unite. ÏÏÏ
Select the first body created as the target body.
Select the IĆBeam body as the tool body.
Choose OK.
Fit the view.
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Swept Features and Boolean Operations
Revolve
Just like with extruded section strings, a solid or sheet body is created based on
the closure condition of the curves and current Body Type setting found under
Preferences→Modeling. Exceptions apply as follows:
Revolving open section strings will cause the system to automatically cap
the end faces to produce a solid body however, the rotation must be a full
360° and the Modeling Preferences Body Type switch must be set to Solid.
The Right Hand rule determines direction of swept.
Axis & Angle - This option allows creation of a single feature by revolving the
section curves about a specified axis.
ÏÏÏ
14 Entering a Start Angle which is greater than the End Angle causes the
ÏÏÏ
system to sweep in the direction of negative rotation. First Offset and
Second Offset function in the same manner as the offsets discussed in
extruded bodies.
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Swept Features and Boolean Operations
Choose Revolve.
The Chain Curves option is an easy way to select a group of contiguous curves.
Choose Chain Curves from the dialog box.
If the loop is closed, pick any one curve and choose OK, the entire string is then
selected.
If the loop is open as below, the start of the chain must be defined as well as the
chain direction. The cue line will prompt you to Select Start Curve of Chain.
Care must be taken to select the first object such that the system may chain
toward the last object.
Select the curves as shown below.
Chain Direction
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
14
Choose OK twice.
Choose Axis Angle.
ÏÏÏ
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The cue prompts you to Enter Direction - Select object or enter I,J,K values to
define vector
A dialog box displays fields for the Start Angle, End Angle, and Offsets.
Start Angle . . . 0
End Angle . . . . 360
First Offset . . . . 0
Second Offset . 0
Choose OK.
A solid revolved body has been created from an open section string.
Remember, if a solid body is desired through a sweep of less than 360° the
section string must be closed, or an open section string may be revolved with
offsets to form a solid shell using any angle values.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
14
ÏÏÏ Shade the part to check the shape of the solid body.
Now use the same section string as before to create a new revolved body using
an offset and an angle to form a shell.
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Swept Features and Boolean Operations
Choose Revolve.
Start Angle . . . 0
End Angle . . . . 180
First Offset . . . . 0
Second Offset . .25
Choose OK.
Plane of curves
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
14
ÏÏÏ
Notice that the revolution starts at the plane of the curves and revolves in a
CCW direction with respect to the positive axis of rotation. (Datum Axis). The
Right Hand Rule for Positive Rotation applies.
Now close one end of the solid without creating any new section string
geometry by revolving an existing face.
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Swept Features and Boolean Operations
Choose OK twice.
Select this
face
Select the far end point of the edge, as shown below, as the
rotation point.
Select left
end of the
top linear
edge of the
selected
ÏÏÏ face
ÏÏÏ
14
ÏÏÏ
Key in the following:
Start Angle . . . 0
End Angle . . . . -90
First Offset . . . . 0
Second Offset . 0
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Swept Features and Boolean Operations
Choose OK.
The cue line prompts to Choose boolean operation from the dialog box that is to
be performed with the revolved feature.
Choose Create.
Target solid
Tool solid
Choose OK.
The model should now appear as shown with one end enclosed.
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ÏÏÏ
Generator
geometry.
ÏÏÏ
14
ÏÏÏ
Feature to
be created.
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Swept Features and Boolean Operations
Section String
Start Angle . . . 0
End Angle . . . . 360
First Offset . . . . 0
Second Offset . 0
Choose OK.
ÏÏÏ
Choose Create. ÏÏÏ
14
ÏÏÏ
Choose OK.
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Swept Features and Boolean Operations
When using the Trim to Face/Plane or Trim Between Two Faces/Plane options,
the following dialog will appear. This dialog controls how the trimming
face/plane will interact with the cross section string.
Do not Extend Trim Face option will only allow the operation to succeed if the
cross section geometry or a portion of the cross section geometry intersects the
trimming face/plane. If only a portion of the cross section geometry intersects
the trimming face/plane, it must be the portion that the boolean operation
effects.
ÏÏÏ
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14
ÏÏÏ
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Swept Features and Boolean Operations
Choose Revolve.
For the first part of the section string, select the front top ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
edge of the solid and, if necessary, confirm the selection. 14
ÏÏÏ
Select
this edge.
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Select these
two edges.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
14
ÏÏÏ
Choose OK to confirm that all objects have been selected for
the section string.
The Cue line prompts to Define Region Point for Cut Section. The region (area)
to be revolved must be specified.
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Select region
Now the defined region may be revolved and trimmed to a specified face.
Filter for Solid Face and choose the solid face as shown,
choose OK.
Select face
ÏÏÏ
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14
ÏÏÏ
A datum axis has been created to use as the axis of rotation.
Ensure that the both Offset values are set to 0 and choose
OK on the Revolved Body dialog box to create the revolution
without offsets.
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The Cue prompts to Choose boolean operation from the dialog box (Unite,
Subtract,Intersect).
ÏÏÏ
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14
ÏÏÏ
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Generator
geometry.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
14
ÏÏÏ
Choose Extrude.
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Swept Features and Boolean Operations
Section String
Select
this face.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
14
ÏÏÏ Choose OK.
First Offset . . . . 0
Second Offset . 0
aper Angle . . . . 0
Choose OK.
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Swept Features and Boolean Operations
Choose Subtract.
Choose Cancel.
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Editing the Model
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Editing the Model
The Edit pullĆdown menu offers common choices that relate to changing
existing solid bodies and features. Some of the Edit options are outside the
scope of this class. Those that are within the scope are documented here.
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All icons not shown
15
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Editing the Model
When enabled, the Delayed Update on Edit option allows the user to
control when the system performs the display updates based on the edits
performed. This option is a toggle between ON and OFF.
Delayed Update
on Edit
If Delayed Update on Edit is OFF, the part is updated after the completion of
each edit function. Off is the default setting.
If Delayed Update on Edit is ON, feature updates are delayed while edits are
made. For example, a feature move, followed by an edit to another feature may
be accomplished without updating the model until after both edits are
complete. This saves time on complex models with many features.
Update
This option allows the user to control when the solid model is recalculated and
the display updated with the edits previously made when Delayed Update on
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15
Edit is enabled. ÉÉÉ
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Editing the Model
To view the effects of edits on the model, choose the Update icon in the
Edit Feature toolbar or Edit"Update in the Menu bar and the feature updates
are performed. The Status Line tracks and reports the update activity.
NOTE: The system will automatically update the model when the
part file is saved.
Update
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Editing the Model
Editing Features
Using the Edit Feature toolbar or the Edit→Feature option allows existing solid
bodies and features to be altered and manipulated while maintaining any
implied or predefined associativity.
Edit Parameters
Edit Unsuppress
Move Playback
Positioning Feature Suppress
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Suppress
The Suppress Feature option simulates the temporary removal of one or more
features from the solid body and its display.
Suppressed features still actually exist within the math model, but are
temporarily removed from the model and display. Since the suppressed features
still exist, their display may be restored using Unsuppress Feature.
Unsuppress
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Editing the Model
Move
When you select the Move Feature icon , the Move Feature dialog box
will appear. Once you select a feature, a second Move Feature dialog box will
present four methods available to move the feature:
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Editing the Model
Delta X, Y, Z
This option allows the feature to be moved by specifying a distance and
direction using rectangular coordinates, based upon the Work Coordinate
System.
(Delta XC, Delta YC, and Delta ZC)
To a Point
This option allows the selected feature to be moved by rotating that feature
from a reference axis to a destination axis.
The figure below is an example of this, where the negative X axis is the
Reference axis and the negative Y axis is the Destination axis.
Reference ZC
axis
YC
XC
Destination axis
Before After
CSYS to CSYS
ÉÉÉ
This option allows the selected feature to be repositioned from its current
coordinate system to the desired coordinate system. The current or Reference
ÉÉÉ
15 Coordinate System must be defined as well as the desired or Destination
ÉÉÉ
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Coordinate System using the Coordinate System Subfunction dialog.
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Editing the Model
The newly relocated feature will maintain the same relative position to the
Destination Coordinate System as it had with the Reference Coordinate System.
Deleting Features
Selecting the Features button within the Class Selection dialog box option
allows the selection of features of a solid model to be deleted.
When a feature is deleted from a body, the space it occupied or voided is filled
in exactly as it was before the feature was created.
ÉÉÉ
NOTE: Any features whose placement, not position, is dependent
on the deleted feature will also be deleted. For example, if a hole has
been created using a datum plane for its placement face, and the ÉÉÉ
15
datum plane is deleted, the hole will also be deleted. ÉÉÉ
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Editing the Model
Playback
Playback allows the creation of the model to be reviewed feature by feature.
The model may also be edited as it is reviewed.
When the Playback Feature icon is chosen, the Edit during Update
dialog appears and starts with the first feature created.
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
update.
The Message window shows any applicable error or warning messages, as well
15
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
as whether the current feature updated successfully or failed.
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Editing the Model
Show Failure Area temporarily displays failed geometry. This option is available
only if an object involved in the failure, such as a tool body, is available for
display.
Show Current Model displays the part of the model that has been successfully
rebuilt.
NOTE: Most options outside the Edit During Update dialog are
disabled while the model is being reviewed or edited.
The Post Recovery Update Status options specify what should happen when the
icon option chosen is completed.
Continue restarts the automatic update process from where it left off.
Pause lets the user choose other Edit during Update options, rather than
automatically resuming update.
The Edit during Update dialog also contains icons for the review and edit
options that are available for the model. The first row of icons always appear,
but are grayed out if not applicable. The remaining icons may or may not
appear depending on the circumstances.
Update Tool
Should the model fail to update after an edit, the Edit during Update dialog
will be presented.
Undo undoes the last modification made to the model before updating
began.
Step Back allows backward navigation through the model one feature at
a time.
Continue triggers the update process, which continues until the model is
completely rebuilt or until a feature fails. If Continue is chosen when a failure
occurs, that feature is skipped.
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15
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
Suppress suppresses the feature currently being updated.
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Editing the Model
Review the model allows investigation, but not editing, of the rebuilt
model with options from the menu bar or the third mouse button popĆup menu.
(The options available are the same as those in the Gateway application.)
Review the model cannot be used to review features that failed during update or that
have not yet been rebuilt.
Edit allows you to change the parameters of the feature currently being
updated. A subĆmenu will display with the Edit Parameters, Remove Unused
References and Edit Position options.
Removed Unused
References
Edit Parameters Edit Position
If a failure occurs, the options that allow advance through the model (Step,
Step To, and Continue) are grayed out until the failure is resolved and the
feature successfully updates.
When Playback is chosen, all of the solids in the model that will be updated
disappear from the graphic window. If Step is chosen to reĆcreate the model
one feature at a time, the display updates each time a feature is rebuilt.
The display does not update if other options such as Step Back To, Step Back,
Go To, or Continue are chosen. If these options are being used, and it is
desirable to see what the model looks like at this stage of its rebuilding, choose
Show Current Model.
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Editing the Model
Selection Toolbar
The selection toolbar may be used anytime the selection of a feature for
modification or the extraction of data is required. This method of editing uses
an Object/Action approach, where the object needing editing is selected first
from the graphic window and then the necessary action is defined. This lesson
will focus on the use of the Select Features option.
Select
Features
Depending on which category the user has selected, the Type Filter may be used
to narrow the band of selectable objects.
Features
The remaining options of the toolbar may be used to further discriminate in the
selection of objects.
Once an object has been selected, mouse button 3 (MB3) may be used to select
an available operator for that object.
Sketch options
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Editing the Model
All of the solid features are suppressed except the base solid feature which is
BLOCK(2).
The next set of actions will demonstrate how a feature may be examined to see
how it was constructed.
Examine the dialog box window and the graphic window to see that the edge of
the BLOCK(2) feature, where the arrows begin, was extruded with an offset
value to create this feature.
The defining parameters of the feature could also have been redefined using
this option.
Try to Fit the view using the Fit icon in the View
toolbar.
Most options outside the Edit During Update dialog are disabled while the
model is being reviewed or edited. The next action will allow the graphic
window to be refreshed.
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Editing the Model
Review the model allows view options to be accessed during the review/edit
process.
Choose OK.
The pad illustrated below is a form feature that was not located with
positioning dimensions. The pad will be moved using the Move Feature
function.
Non-Positioned
Pad
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ÉÉÉ Y
Z
X
15
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Editing the Model
The dialog box window shows a partial list of the features of the model.
BLOCK(2) is the base solid on which all of the other features are constructed.
All of the other features of the model are located associatively to the model
using positioning dimensions and therefore not eligible for the Move Feature
option, and not listed.
Choose RECTANGULAR_PAD(12).
Choose OK.
DXC = .75
DYC = -.5
DZC = 0
Choose OK.
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Editing the Model
Choose RECTANGULAR_PAD(12).
Choose OK.
Z
X
Y
Mid Point
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Editing the Model
The RECTANGULAR_PAD is rotated 90° about the specified point from the
XC axis toward the YC axis.
Choose RECTANGULAR_PAD(12).
Choose OK.
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Editing the Model
Select X-Axis
Here
Z
X
Y
Select Y-Axis
Here
Choose OK.
Choose OK.
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
The RECTANGULAR_PAD is moved such that its relationship to the
Reference coordinate system is maintained relative to the Destination
15
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coordinate system
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Editing the Model
Select
Features
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Editing the Model
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Editing the Model
Parameters
This option allows the redefinition of the parameter values of any parametric
feature and causes the model to update to reflect the new values.
NOTE: The Select Features option in the Selection toolbar may also
used to select features from the graphic window and edit
parameters using MB3.
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Editing the Model
Positioning
Once the feature to edit has been selected, the system will offer the following
option choices based upon the positioning status of the selected feature.
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
NOTE: The Select Features option in the Selection toolbar may also
used to select features from the graphic window and edit positioning
15
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
using MB3.
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Editing the Model
Add Dimension
This option may be used to add a positioning dimension to a feature.
Select feature to be
positioned
The intersection curve is a child product of the tool and target solid's face, it is
defined by the boolean operation associated with the feature type being
created. The boolean operation does not occur until after the position of the
feature has been defined. Therefore, the intersection curve is not a valid
selection to specify location.
ÉÉÉ
Target solid
Valid target edges for positioning purposes must belong to features existing in ÉÉÉ
15
the feature creation list of the model before the feature being positioned. ÉÉÉ
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Editing the Model
For example, in the figure below the features are numbered in the order in
which they were created. Feature #2 may not be positioned using any face or
edge from feature #3.
2
3
Select the dimension to edit (if there is only one positioning dimension, it
is selected automatically).
Enter the new value.
Continue editing as many dimension values as desired. Once all the desired
dimension values have been edited, choose OK.
Delete Dimension
Use this option to delete a positioning dimension from a feature. The feature
will then remain in its current location as its position is no longer associated to
the model.
Error Messages
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
If the new location of the feature causes it to miss the target solid, the Edit
during Update dialog box will be presented, this dialog box provides several
15
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
options for dealing with the failed update as discussed in the Playback section.
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Editing the Model
Choose BLOCK(2).
Choose OK.
The parametric values for the block are displayed on the graphic window. A
parameter may be chosen by selecting an expression in the graphic screen or by
choosing Feature Dialog.
Also, note the expression that controls the width, p8=3.120; this will be used in
the next few steps.
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Editing the Model
Notice that after the part updated, the pad on the bottom is no longer in the
center. Assume that the design intent is that the pad should always remain in
the center of the part.
Z Z
X X
Y Y
Before After
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15
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The positioning dimensions for the feature are displayed in the graphic window.
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Editing the Model
To see the pad feature and expressions better, the view may
need to be rotated and updated (MB3).
Since the pad should always stay in the center of the part,
entering a simple equation will capture this aspect of the
design intent.
Enter p8/2.
The part should update and the pad is now located in the center of the block.
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Editing the Model
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Choose the Fit icon.
15
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Notice that the pad feature remained in the center of the block.
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Editing the Model
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Editing the Model
The feature that has caused the failure to occur is shown in the graphic window.
The reason for the failure may now be clearly seen; the hole falls outside the
bounds of the body.
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
Choose the Edit Position icon.
15
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
Choose Edit Dimension Value.
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Editing the Model
The hole now falls within the solid model, correcting the failure. The model
updates correctly.
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Editing the Model
Model Navigator
The Model Navigator is a special window that allows investigation of, as well as
actions to be performed on a feature. Holding down the third mouse button on
a feature causes a feature specific popĆup menu to be displayed offering
pertinent editing options.
To access the Model Navigator in UNIX use the Navigator toolbar and to access
the Model Navigator in Windows use the Resource bar. Both, by default, are
located vertically on the right side of the Unigraphics window.
UNIX:
Icon from
Navigator toolbar
Windows:
Icon from
Resource Bar
The options on the popĆup menu may vary depending on what feature is
selected, and what operation may be pending at the time. Also, most of the
options are not available if the Modeling application is not active.
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Editing the Model
The following options appear on this popĆup menu for Feature nodes:
Display Dimensions
Show/Hide
Select
Make Current Feature
Edit Parameters
Edit Positioning
Suppress/Unsuppress
Reorder Before
Reorder After
Group
Replace
Rename
Delete
Object Dependency Browser
Information
Properties
The following options appear on the popĆup menu for Work Part nodes:
Work Part nodes are not discussed in this text. For more information about
these topics consult the technical documentation.
Display Dimensions
Show/Hide
Allows the body or parents for the selected feature to be hidden or displayed.
This function blanks/unblanks the object(s) and their display can be brought
back by using the Show/Hide options or by using the blanking functions found
under the Edit"Blank options in the Menu bar.
The Hide Body option blanks" the solid body that the feature is applied to.
The Hide Parents option is more applicable to swept features. If the Hide
Parents option is used on a swept feature, the system will hide (blank) the
parent curves which generated the swept feature. If the swept feature is derived
by a solid edge(s) then the Hide Parents option will hide (blank) the parent
solid body. This option is not effective in showing or hiding "resulting curves,"
which are produced directly from a curve feature operation, such as with Offset
Curve.
Select
Provides a quick and easy method for inserting features into a part. This option
may be used to make an existing feature the current feature of the solid body,
and then add more features at that point in the model hierarchy. If this option
is used on a feature whose time stamp positions it in the middle of the build
hierarchy, making it the current feature, all of the features after it are marked
inactive. As new features are created they are inserted into the build hierarchy
before the inactive features.
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
NOTE: If feature creation is not currently applicable, such as
from the Gateway application, the Make Current Feature option is
15
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
unavailable.
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Editing the Model
NOTE: When a pre-V16 part file is loaded, the last feature in that
part is the current feature.
Edit Parameters
Edit Positioning
Reorder Before/After
Nodes may also be dragged and dropped in the Model Navigator window to
perform a feature reorder. Multiple features may be selected by holding the
Ctrl key down during selection.
Group
This option lets you group features into a special collection called a Feature Set.
Members of a Feature Set can be controlled together during suppress, delete
and move feature operations. Choosing Group causes the Sets of Features
dialog box to appear. The features included in the Feature Set can also be
hidden so they do not show in the Model Navigator and can only be accessed
under the Feature Set Name.
NOTE: If you delete a Feature Set, all of its member features are also
deleted. To delete a Feature Set without deleting its members, first
remove its members.
Replace
Rename
Features are named by the system on creation, such as BLOCK(1). The rename
option allows userĆdefined names to be assigned in place of the system assigned
names.
Delete
The Object Dependency Browser allows the parent and child relationships of a
feature to be interrogated.
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
Information
15
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
Provides information about the selected feature in the Information window.
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Editing the Model
Properties
The properties option provides access to General and Attribute information for
the feature selected. General properties include the feature name, which can be
edited similarly to the Rename function. Attributes can be added to any feature
to include information which could be called out in a specified column of the
Model Navigator. For more information on feature attributes and Model
Navigator columns see the technical documentation.
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Editing the Model
The block feature is suppressed as well as all of the other features. This is
because the subsequent features possess a child relationship to the block.
This should afford a better understanding of how the part was constructed.
The hollow feature is reordered after the extruded feature and the graphic
window reflects the edit.
Since the feature has been identified, it can now be renamed with a description
that is more meaningful to the user.
Place the cursor over the node name BLEND(4), use the
third mouse button popĆup menu to choose Rename.
The new name is reflected in the Model Navigator. Notice that the time stamp
[(4)] was added.
Reattaching a Feature
One of the feature parameters available for editing under Edit Parameters is
Reattach. Reattach allows the feature references of the feature to be redefined.
A feature reference may be an attachment face, a thru face, an edge, etc. Objects
that may have their references redefined include most features (holes, pockets,
grooves, pads, slots, and bosses), and linear instance sets of these features, trim
faces of extruded and revolved features, and userĆdefined features (UDFs).
In the figure below, a slot feature is reattached from the original placement
face to a new face.
The Reattach Menu dialog box only enables the options pertaining to
redefining the selected feature. For example, the model must include a thru
feature for either of the Specify Thru Face options to be enabled, or include a
UDF for the Specify Tool Placement Face option to be enabled.
ÉÉÉ
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Editing the Model
When an option icon is chosen, the system highlights the existing references of
the type in question. For example, if the Specify First Thru Face icon is chosen,
the system highlights the current thru face for the selected feature.
Current
positioning
dimensions
Reference
direction type
Use to change
direction of the
normal direction
Use to change
reference direction Specify location
of feature
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Editing the Model
In addition, while using any of these redefine feature options, the following
options on the Reattach Menu dialog box are available:
Filter allows filtering of selectable object types. The default is All Types. The
following object types are available:
All Types
Face
Datum Plane
Edge
Datum Axis
The above list of filter options is dependent on the specific Reattach option
ÉÉÉ
icon chosen. For example, for Specify Target Placement Face, Specify First Thru
Face, Specify Second Thru Face, and Specify Tool Placement Face, only faces
ÉÉÉ
15 and datum planes are selectable. For Specify Horizontal Reference, faces,
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
edges, datum planes, and datum axes are selectable.
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Editing the Model
The Direction Reference options, Horizontal and Vertical, allow the definition
of a new horizontal or vertical feature reference. The default is always set for
the existing reference type.
ÉÉÉ
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Editing the Model
Step 1 Open the part file pau_reattach_1 and start the Modeling
application.
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Editing the Model
Also, notice that the current placement face for the Rectangular Pad feature is
highlighted in the graphic window.
The Cue Line prompts to select a Target face to define the new placement face
for the feature.
Select the right face of the solid, and accept the selection.
Now the second icon, Specify Reference Direction highlights, the current
horizontal reference vector is displayed in the graphic window, and the cue
prompts you for selection of a new horizontal reference.
Target Face
Horizontal
Reference
Now the third icon, Redefine Positioning Dimensions, highlights and the Cue
Line prompts you to select a Dimension to Redefine.
Choose the lower front edge of the solid as the target object
as shown below.
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Editing the Model
Select the bottom outside edge of the pad feature as the tool
edge.
Tool edge
Target object
Select the right vertical edge of the solid as the Target Object
as shown below.
Select the right outside edge of the pad feature as the tool
edge.
Tool edge
Target Object
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Editing the Model
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Editing the Model
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Instance Arrays
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Instance Arrays
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ Instance
ÏÏÏ
16
ÏÏÏ Using Insert"Feature Operation"Instance from the main menu bar,
duplicates existing features, eliminating repetitive efforts in the creation of
models.
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Instance Arrays
Instance ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
This option allows Instance arrays from an existing feature to be created. An
instance is a shape linked feature, similar to a copy. The Instance not only
ÏÏÏ
16
ÏÏÏ
duplicates the feature but preserves the parameters of the feature.
Since all instances of a feature are associated, the parameters of the feature
may be edited and those changes are reflected in every instance of the feature.
The instance itself is also a parametric feature; that is, the parameters of the
Instance Array itself may be edited.
Rectangular
Circular
Mirror Body (Not covered in this course)
Mirror Feature (Not covered in this course)
Pattern Face (Not covered in this course)
General
Simple
Identical
In most cases the General method is the best practice. However, in very
complex models, system performance may be affected. In these cases, using the
Simple method may increase performance and in a worst case scenario the
Identical method may be required.
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Instance Arrays
The position of the rectangular array will remain relative to the location of the
feature that the array is based on. If the feature position is edited, the array
position will also update.
The Offset values can be either positive or negative. The direction will be
relative to the current orientation of the WCS.
The total Number of Instances for both the XC and YC must be a whole
number greater than zero.
Parameter Settings:
Number Along XC = 3
XC Offset = .75 1.00
Number Along YC =4
YC Offset = 1
Hole selected for
Instance
.75
Solid block
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Instance Arrays
Once the feature is selected and the parameters specified, a rotation axis must
be selected. The plane in which the circular instance array will be created will
be normal to this rotation axis, regardless of WCS orientation.
Using Point & Direction, after specifying the rotation axis, the following
information must be entered:
Reference Point: Defines the location that the instanced feature will be
rotated about, relative to the rotation axis.
Reference
point 45
Y
Parameter Settings:
Number =ĄĄĄ8
Angle =Ą45
Z X
Rotation Axis =Ą+ZC
Reference Point = arc center
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Instance Arrays
Before
After
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Instance Arrays
Select the
outside face as
the Planar
Placement Face.
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Instance Arrays
The WCS must be in the proper orientation in order to create the instance
array.
Choose WCS→Orient.
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Instance Arrays
X-Axis
Y-Axis
Choose OK.
Choose Instance.
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Instance Arrays
Method General
Number Along XC 2
XC Offset 1.25
Number Along YC 3
YC Offset .687
Choose OK.
A temporary display of the instance array will appear in the graphics area.
Choosing Yes will create the instance as it is shown in the graphics area.
Choosing No will return to the Enter Parameters dialog box.
Choose Yes.
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Instance Arrays
Before
After
Choose Instance.
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Instance Arrays
EXTRUDED(5)
BOSS(6)
BOSS(7)
EXTRUDED(9)
SIMPLE_HOLE(13)
Method General.
Number 3
Angle 120
Choose OK.
The axis of rotation must be selected. Using a Datum Axis maintains positional
associativity.
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Instance Arrays
Select this
Datum Axis
To speed up the display process, only the first feature selected will be
previewed.
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Instance Arrays
ÏÏÏ Notice that there is a choice to apply the chamfer only to the selected feature or
ÏÏÏ to apply it to all instances.
ÏÏÏ
16
ÏÏÏ
Choose Edit→Feature→Parameters.
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Instance Arrays
All options available for editing the selected feature are displayed in the dialog
ÏÏÏ
box that appears. The options in the dialog box may vary depending on which
ÏÏÏ
feature is selected.
ÏÏÏ
16
ÏÏÏ
Total Number = 4
Angle = 360/4
Radius = 75
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Instance Arrays
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
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ÏÏÏ
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Instance Arrays
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
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ÏÏÏ
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Additional Projects
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This appendix describes the various Point Constructor methods that may be
used.
The Point Constructor dialog box provides a standard way to specify points
throughout Unigraphics. It allows the creation of point objects as well as the
determination of locations in threeĆdimensional space.
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
B
ÉÉÉ
Points may be specified in one of two ways: either choose one of the provided,
icons at the top of the dialog box, or directly enter the X-Y-Z coordinates in
the fields provided.
When you use the Point Constructor in any other option, you are only
specifying temporary locations. These locations are displayed as asterisks (*).
Choose Refresh to remove the asterisks.
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B-1
Point Constructor Options
Points have many uses in Unigraphics. Points may be used to locate other
objects, such as the title block on a drawing. Points may also be used to
construct curves or surfaces.
Locating positions with the Point Constructor dialog box is also valuable. For
example, the end of a line or the center of a circle may be specified to locate
objects in model space. The positions of the control points of a curve may also
be specified.
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
B
Icon Methods To Specify a Point
ÉÉÉ The top of the Point Constructor dialog box displays icons representing various
methods for specifying a point. As the cursor is passed over these icons, the
icon block displays the name of the method.
Inferred Point
Depending on where you select when using this option, one of the following
single selection options will be used: cursor location, existing point, end point,
mid point or arc center. This option does not require a selection of the
particular point type for each selection.
Cursor Location
Use this option to construct points anywhere on the screen by positioning the
cross hairs and indicating a location. The location defined lies on the WCS
Work plane.
To locate points quickly and precisely, use a grid (see Preferences→Work Plane
"Show Grid). When Snap to Grid is on, points snap to the nearest grid
position. The grid spacing may be set as desired. The spacing in the
X-direction does not need to be the same as the spacing in the Y-direction.
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
B
For example, if the smallest increment on the part is in eighths of an inch
(.125), then the grid spacing would be set to .125. A point at exactly one inch in
ÉÉÉ
X and two inches in Y could be created by counting over eight grid points in X
and up sixteen in Y and indicating a screen position.
Existing Point
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Point Constructor Options
End Point
Use this option to specify locations at the end points of existing lines, arcs,
conics, and splines.
Lines
Conics
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
B
Arcs
ÉÉÉ Splines
When selecting geometry, place the selection ball near the end point you wish
to select. The point is located at the end of the curve nearest to where it was
selected (see below). Closed curves, such as complete circles, have only one
endpoint because the two ends are at the same coordinate location.
Selection
Position
Control Point
Use this option to locate points at the control points of geometric objects. The
control points, which vary for each object type, include: Existing points, End
points of conics, End points and Mid points of open arcs, Center points of
circles or arcs, Mid points and End points of lines, and End points or Knot
points of splines.
Use the cursor to select objects. Since some objects have more than one control
point, place the cross hairs near the control point desired. The system locates
the control point nearest the position where the curve is selected. ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
B
Open Arcs
ÉÉÉ
Lines
Conics
Circles
Splines
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Point Constructor Options
Intersection Point
Use this option to locate a position at the intersection of two curves or at the
intersection of a curve and a surface or plane. If the curves intersect more than
once, the system creates the point nearest to where the second curve was
selected.
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
B
Select second curve
nearest the intersection
ÉÉÉ
2 you want
When the two selected curves are not coplanar with the XC-YC plane, an
apparent intersection occurs and the system creates the point on the first curve
selected. The system calculates an apparent intersection by projecting the curve
parallel to the ZC axis, and the point will be defined on the first object selected
(see below). Projections are always done along the ZC-axis.
Second Curve
ZC
YC
Point
XC
First Curve
Implied intersection
of two lines
Arc/Ellipse/Sphere Center
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
B
ÉÉÉ
In the example below, selecting with the circumference of the large circle within
the selection ball defines the center point of the large circle.
Selection Point
Center
Point
Selecting near the center of the large circle (see below) will not select the
center of the large circle since the selection ball touches the circumference of
the small circle.
Center
Selection
Point
Point
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Point Constructor Options
Angle on Arc/Ellipse
Position on
105°
Arc
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
B
ÉÉÉ
The angle value is entered in degrees. The angle is referenced from the positive
XC axis and is measured counterclockwise in the WCS. The angular position on
the arc or ellipse may also be defined on the unconstructed portion (or
extension) of an arc or ellipse (see below).
Position on 225°
Arc
Quadrant Point
Use this option to locate positions at the quarter points of an arc or an ellipse.
Select Here
Select Here
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Point Constructor Options
ÉÉÉ
Offset
ÉÉÉ
B
ÉÉÉ This option allows the specification of a position in model space offset from a
reference position in model space. The offset location may be specified relative
to the reference position using either the absolute or the work coordinate
system.
Once an offset method has been specified, it remains in effect until another
offset method is selected. The default setting is None (no offset).
In the example below, the need is to specify a quick row of points, offset in the
X direction and Y direction. The first point could be specified, the offset would
be set to rectangular and the values entered, OK could then be chosen a
number of times (7) to offset the remaining points from each previous point.
Each alternating OK specifies the next base position, then the next offset
position based on the values.
Offset 4
Offset 3
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
B
First Point
Offset 2
ÉÉÉ
Offset 1
Exiting the Point Constructor menu when using an offset requires the return of
the offset setting to NONE. This may be accomplished by choosing the RESET
button, or by manually changing the offset type back. If The NONE setting is
not reset, the Point Constructor continues to offset positions from the last
specified position.
Reset
Use the Reset button to quickly set the X-Y-Z coordinate fields to 0.0, and to
set the Offset option to None.
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Point Constructor Options
Rectangular Offset
This option allows a position to be offset by entering values that represent the
X, Y, and Z directions relative to the coordinate system specified from a
reference point (see below).
The direction of the offset is determined by the coordinate system selected and
the orientation of that coordinate system.
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
B
The origin of the coordinate system has no effect on the offset.
ÉÉÉ Offset
X = 2.0
Offset
Point
Y = 0.5
Z = 1.5
Reference
Point
X
Coordinate System
Cylindrical Offset
The offset values for Radius, Angle, and DeltaĆZC are defined relative to the
specified coordinate system and applied as illustrated below. The radius and
the angle always lie in the XĆY plane of the coordinate system specified.
A cylindrical offset may reference either the absolute coordinate system or the
work coordinate system. ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
B
Offset
ÉÉÉ
Radius Radius Offset Point
Angle
Delta-ZC
Distance Along
ZC-axis (Delta - ZC)
ZC
YC
XC
Angle
Reference Point
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Point Constructor Options
Spherical Offset
Angle 1 always lies in the X-Y plane, and Angle 2 defines the elevation of the
offset point from the X-Y plane. The radius defines the distance between the
base point and the offset point. A spherical offset may reference either the
work coordinate system or the absolute coordinate system.
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
B Offset
ÉÉÉ
Offset Point
Radius
Angle 1 Radius Angle 2
Angle 2
Z
Y
Reference Angle 1
X Point
Vector Offset
Offset Point
Entered
Distance
Direction of Offset
Z
Y
Reference
Point Line Selected Here
X
Line Selected to Define Vector
Direction of Offset
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
B
Reference Point
Direction of Offset
Reference Point
ÉÉÉ
How the curve is selected determines the direction in which the offset will
occur. Select the curve away from the reference position on the side of the
curve you want to specify the position (see below).
Select Here . . .
Reference
Point
Select Here . . .
For this Offset Direction
For this Offset Direction
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Point Constructor Options
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
B
ÉÉÉ
(This Page Intentionally Left Blank)
Transformations
Appendix C
Transformation procedure
Terminology
Translate
Scale
Rotate about a point
Mirror through a line
Rotate about a line
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
There are no activities. C
ÉÉÉ
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Transformations
Transformations
Transformation Procedure
Choose Edit→Transform.
Select the objects for transformation. The Class Selection Subfunction
dialog box may be used to select the objects.
Choose a transformation type from the dialog box shown below.
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
C
ÉÉÉ
Complete the additional selections and choices from dialog boxes. Then
complete the choices on the dialog box shown below, and choose OK.
Original object
Transformed Object
Trace Curves
Before After
Trace Status may be used with Translate, Scale, Rotate, Mirror, or Reposition
to create closed wireframe shapes. Trace Status is not applicable to solid
bodies, surfaces, or boundary objects. Trace curves are independent of the
Destination Layer setting, and are always created on the current Work layer.
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Transformations
After the number of subdivisions has been entered, the Transform Type dialog
box redisplays. Multiple Copies may be selected to enter a desired number of
copies.
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
C
ÉÉÉ
When a solid body is moved, its positioning features and their associated
dimensions are moved. All associated datum planes and axes are also moved
with their solid body. All sketch features (when sketched on a face or datum
plane) are moved with the solid body as well.
When a solid body containing swept features is moved, the sweep outlines, or
paths, move as well. Other features or solid bodies sharing those sweep outlines
are also moved.
Undo Last cancels any immediately preceding transform operation. Use Undo
Last after a transformation via Move, Copy, or Multiple Copies. Undo Last
remains available until you choose Reselect Objects.
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
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Transformations
Translate
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
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C
ÉÉÉ
Scale
This option affects the size of an object and the distance between the object
and its reference point. A nonĆuniform scale method may be specified with the
values relative to the WCS..
Reference
Point
Reference
Point
Scale Factor=1/2
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Transformations
ZC ZC
ÉÉÉ YC YC
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
Scale Factors
C XC XC
If you wish to nonĆuniform scale a solid body containing analytic surfaces, first
convert those sheet bodies into bĆsurfaces using the Convert function, then sew
them together into a new solid body valid for nonĆuniform scaling.
With the NonĆUniform Scale method, Undo Last is available even if the
rescaled object had been converted to a different kind of object.
Arc Spline
ÉÉÉÉÉÉ ÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉÉÉÉ ÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ
YC
ÉÉÉÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉÉÉÉ
YC ÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉ
ZC XC Scale Factors XC
ZC
Before After
XC Scale = 1.35
YC Scale = 1.02
ZC Scale = 1.00
When an object is transformed into a different type, some or all of the original
object data may be lost (for example, attributes, view modifications, drafting
objects, dimensions, tool paths, and offset sheet bodies). Subdivisions may not
be used in NonĆUniform Scale.
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Transformations
Use this option to move objects around a line parallel to the ZC axis, and
passing through a specified reference point. A positive rotation direction is
counterclockwise. After the reference point for rotation has been selected, a
rotation and angle dialog box displays.
The figure below illustrates Rotation About a Point, with multiple copies.
ÉÉÉ
Rotation Angle: 270
ÉÉÉ
C
ÉÉÉ
ZC
YC
XC
Line Parallel To ZC
Transformed Object
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
YC
ZC XC
ÉÉÉ
C
ÉÉÉ
Original Object Reference Line
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Transformations
This option allows objects to be moved around a reference line which is not
necessarily parallel to the ZC axis. Three options are available for line
selection: Two Points, Existing Line, and Point and Vector.
The figure below illustrates an example of Rotate About a Line, multiple copies.
Original Hole
Reference
Point
ÉÉÉ Z
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
Y
C
ÉÉÉ
Number Of Copies: 7
Rotation Angle: 315
Reference Point: Arc Center X
For swept solids using explicit curves that have common geometrical subsets,
the use of Mirror Through a Line and Mirror Through a Plane can save users
considerable creation time.
Consider the example below, which shows a combination of Offset Curves and
curves Mirrored Through a Line:
Associative Offset
Curves
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
No Associativity ÉÉÉ
C
ÉÉÉ
Parent Curves Mirrored Curves
(Not Mirrored)
TIP Careful consideration of the curves used as parents for the Offset
Curves is necessary. Remember, except for the offset distance, editing
of the Offset Curves is accomplished only by editing the parents. The
Offset Curves are handled as a complete set. Also, note that the circle
and arc at the bottom were not mirrored, but the lines at the top
were.
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Transformations
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Curve Creation
Appendix D
Create Lines
Create Arcs
Create Circles
Create Fillets
Trim Curves
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D
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Curve Creation
Explicit Curves
The intent of this appendix is to teach 2D generator and guide geometry for the
purposes of sweeping through space to create solid bodies.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
D
ÏÏÏ
The Work Coordinate System
When creating curves, the orientation or direction can be based on the WCS.
The term horizontal appearing in any dialog box or Cue line is meant as
parallel to the XCĆaxis, vertical is parallel to the YCĆaxis, and normal is parallel
to the ZCĆaxis, regardless of the work view or perspective on the screen. Any
2D curve, except the 2 curve fillet, will be created on the XC-YC plane or a
plane parallel to it.
Basic Curves
When the Basic Curves icon is chosen, the Basic Curves dialog box is displayed.
The icons on this dialog box are displayed below.
Circle
Fillet
Edit Curve
Parameters
Line
Arc Trim
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
The portion of the Basic Curves dialog box below the icons is different for each
of the options selected. D
ÏÏÏ
The Basic Curves dialog box is used to create lines, arcs, circles, and fillets.
While creating these curves, there is also quick access to the Trim Curve and
Edit Curve Parameters functions.
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Curve Creation
The Dialog Bar is a series of text fields that appear at the bottom of the
graphics window when in the Basic Curves function. The text fields in the
Dialog Bar will vary depending on which type of curve is being created and
which options have been selected. For example, the Dialog Bar below is what
will appear when creating lines.
Location fields - XC, YC, and ZC. These fields track the location of the
cursor, or they can be used to input a coordinate location in the WCS.
Parameter fields - These fields control parameters of the curve, such as
length of a line, or radius of an arc.
To give a text field focus, the <Tab> key may be used or click the first mouse
button in the fields desired. Select once in the field to insert text in the existing
string, or select twice for overstrike mode.
When the XC, YC, or ZC field has focus, and <Enter> is pressed, the
location specified is accepted and an asterisk will appear in the graphics
area indicating that point.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
When a parameter field (such as length, radius, etc. - any field other
than the three mentioned above) has focus and <Enter> is pressed, the
ÏÏÏ
D values in all parameter fields are accepted and applied to the curve being
ÏÏÏ constructed.
As soon as a line, arc, or circle is finished being created, new values may
be entered in the parameter text fields and the newlyĆcreated object will
be updated accordingly (unless String Mode is turned on.).
PreĆSelection Highlighting
When the Basic Curves dialog box is active, and the Point Method is Infer, an
object on which the Selection Ball is placed will always be preĆhighlighted,
regardless of the setting of the Preselection option in the Selection Preferences
dialog box. This includes all Control points (see below) of the highlighted
objects. The preselection color is determined by the setting in the Selection
Preferences dialog window.
Control Points
Each type of curve has its own unique set of control points (endpoints and
midpoints). This table shows the control points for some common curve types.
Arc Endpoints,
midpoint
TIP The endpoints of a circle are at 0Ăand 360 degrees, at the 3 0'clock ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
position. There are 2 endpoints at the same exact location.
ÏÏÏ
D
ÏÏÏ
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Curve Creation
In line and arc creation, the position of the cursor or Selection Ball as geometry
is selected is very important.
When the Infer point method is being used, the system infers the following:
Cursor Location (when a control point, arc center, or object is not in the
Selection Ball)
Control points (when inside the Selection Ball)
An entire curve (when an object is selected where a control point is not
encircled)
While Basic Curves are being created, valuable feedback will be given in the
Status line. It will tell what kind of point or object is highlighted. It will also
display the type of line or arc being created, as well as other useful information.
ÏÏÏ
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Curve Creation
Point Method
The Point Method option menu, shown below, allows points to be specified
relative to existing geometry by specifying a cursor location or by using the
Point Subfunction. The options on this menu (other than Inferred Point and
Select Face) work similarly to those in the Point Constructor dialog box.
Inferred Point
Cursor Location
Existing Point
End Point
Control Point
Intersection Point
Arc/Ellipse/Sphere Center
Quadrant Point
Select Face
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Point Constructor
(See page Appendix B for more information)
ÏÏÏ
D
ÏÏÏ When using a point method other than Infer, several things change:
The cursor location is no longer tracked in the Dialog Bar.
PreĆselection highlighting reverts to the Selection Preferences dialog box
status.
Control points are no longer highlighted.
The Select Face option allows the selection of a face for use as the limiting
object for a line. When in any other curve creation mode (arc, circle, spline,
etc.) this option is not available. This option can also be used to create a line
normal to a face.
If the Point Constructor method is chosen, the Point Constructor dialog box is
displayed. When Back is chosen from that dialog box, the Basic Curve dialog
box returns.
Inferred Point
Angle on Arc/Ellipse
None
Rectangular
Cylindrical
Restores Base
Point values Spherical
to zero and Vector
Offset to none
Along Curve
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
String Mode ÏÏÏ
D
When this option is ON, the end of one object becomes the beginning of the
ÏÏÏ
next. To stop string mode, turn the button OFF. To stop string mode and start it
again with the next object created, choose Break String or press the middle
mouse button.
NOTE: When String Mode is turned on, the entering of new values
in the parameter text fields as soon as a line or arc is finished being
created will not update the previously created curve.
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Curve Creation
Simply define the two points (see below). The points may be a combination of
screen positions and control points selected in the graphics area, or values
established by entering numbers in the XC, YC, and ZC fields in the Dialog Bar
and pressing <Enter>.
YC Second point
ZC XC
First point
When the second point of a line is defined using a screen position, and this
selection defines a line that is within the Snap Angle of being vertical or
horizontal from the first point, the line will snap to vertical or horizontal. (The
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Snap Angle is controlled in the Sketch Preferences dialog box.) Snap Angle is
only applicable when using the Inferred point method.
ÏÏÏ
D
ÏÏÏ YC
Snap angle is set to 3
ZC XC
Second point
3° 3°
First point 3°
3°
Second point
First point
YC
ZC XC
Cursor location
Start location
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Curve Creation
Move the cursor around. Depending on where the cursor is, the parallel,
perpendicular, or angled line (see below) may be previewed. The Status line
shows which mode is being previewed.
Line at an angle
Parallel line
Defined point
Perpendicular line
Selected line
Parallel at Distance From - This option affects line creation when a series of
parallel lines are being created. When this option is set to Original, each new
line is created at the specified distance from the line that was originally
selected. When it is set to New, each new line is created at the specified
distance from the last line created.
Offset
distance
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
New line
ÏÏÏ
D
If Apply is continually chosen, additional parallel lines will be created. The ÏÏÏ
Offset Distance value may be changed at any time.
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Curve Creation
NOTE: The curve may be selected first, then the point may be
defined, if a tangent line is being created. If a perpendicular line is
being created, the point must be defined first.
There are times that the rubberĆbanding line is on the wrong side of
the curve. Move the cursor inside, then outside the curve until the
line snaps to the other side.
The example below shows two examples of creating a line through a point and
tangent or perpendicular to an arc or circle. (Notice that the dashed line shows
the line that would be created with the dashed cursor in that position, or by
selecting the object in that position.) The same is true for the solid line and
cursor.
Defined point
(the endpoint of the arc)
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ Tangent line
ÏÏÏ
D
ÏÏÏ
Tangent line
Perpendicular line
Defined point
Perpendicular line
Select the second curve, again being careful not to select one of its control
points.
When the desired line is displayed, select the highlighted geometry.
The illustration below shows the creation of 2 lines; one is tangent to a circle
and the other is perpendicular to a circle.
Tangent line
Second curve
Perpendicular line
First curve
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ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
D
ÏÏÏ
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Curve Creation
Second
object
First object
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Select the curve and line as
D shown
ÏÏÏ
The parallel, perpendicular, and angled lines will
appear individually as the cursor is moved
around
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Curve Creation
The snap angle is set to the default of 3°. Therefore, when cursor locations are
specified within 3° of vertical or horizontal, the line will snap to a truly vertical
or horizontal orientation.
TIP If a start position was erroneously selected, choosing the icon again
will reset the line creation process. There is no need to cancel out of
the Basic Curve dialog box.
Select here
Select here
Tab to the Angle text box on the Dialog Bar, enter 45, and
press Enter.
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Curve Creation
Select this
line here
Select this
line here
Before After
Select this
line here
Select this
line here
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Before After
ÏÏÏ
D
ÏÏÏ Step 6 Create a Line Through a Point and Parallel to Another
Line.
Select the bottom diagonal line with the cross hairs on the
endpoint as shown below. The endpoint highlights before
selection.
A line appears rubberĆbanding from the first point at 90° angles from the base
line, relative to the cursor position.
Select this
endpoint
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
D
ÏÏÏ
Step 7 Create a Line Parallel to an Existing Line at a Distance.
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Curve Creation
Notice that the line was created on the side of the base line that the selection
ball was on at the time of line selection.
In the YC text box, key in 0 (zero) and press the Tab key.
Double click in the Angle text box of the Dialog Bar, type
200, and press the Tab key to lock in that value.
Position the cursor in the lower left to display the 200° line.
200°
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Curve Creation
To create a line at a specific angle from a base line and tangent to an existing
curve, both objects must be coplanar.
Select the last line created avoiding its control points. This
defines the base line.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ In the Dialog Bar, double click in the Angle text box and key
ÏÏÏ
D in 20. Press Tab to lock in the angle value.
Move the selection ball around until the status line reads
Angle, then use the middle mouse button to select Lock
Mode.
A line is created tangent to the arc, at an angle of 20° from the base curve and
trimmed to the horizontal line.
20°
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
D
ÏÏÏ
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Curve Creation
Arcs and circles are created with different icons and minor differences in
functionality. Both provide immediate display feedback and rely on the simple
definition of arc center, size, and start and end points.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
D
ÏÏÏ
Creating Arcs
Arcs have four control points: two endpoints, a midpoint, and the arc
center.
If an arc is chosen such that one of its four control points lies within the
Selection Ball, its control point will be selected.
If an arc is chosen with none of its control points within the Selection Ball,
the arc itself will be selected, inferring tangency or a trim location.
Creation Method
With this method, an arc may be created that passes through three points,
or which passes through two points and is tangent to a selected object.
With this method, the center point, then the start and endpoints of the
arc are defined, which can be adjusted by entering angle values in the
Dialog Bar.
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Curve Creation
Creating Circles
Circle creation simply requires the definition of a center location and a size.
That information can be defined by numerical entry or selections from the
screen.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Second point First point
ÏÏÏ
D
ÏÏÏ
Three points will be used to create an arc. The arc will start at the first point,
end at the second, and pass through the third.
Second selection
(for end point)
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Curve Creation
Third selection
(for arc size)
First selection
(for start point)
Second selection
(for end point)
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ Choose the Center, Start, End method.
ÏÏÏ
D
ÏÏÏ Double click in the XC text box on the Dialog Bar and enter
0, press Tab, in the YC text box enter 0, press Enter
First selection
(for start point)
Second selection
(for end point)
Choose Fit.
The arc is created starting at the diagonal line endpoint and ending at a point
that is in line with the arc center and the end of the horizontal line endpoint.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
D
ÏÏÏ
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Curve Creation
ÏÏÏ
1
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
D
ÏÏÏ Circle center, tangent object
2
Define point
Select tangent object
1
Fillets
Fillets are arcs that have tangent relationships with one or more curves. They
are editable as fillets, meaning the tangent relationships will be maintained as
the fillet radius or arc center is changed.
When the Fillet icon is chosen on the Basic Curves dialog box, the Curve Fillet
dialog box is displayed, as shown below:
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
D
ÏÏÏ
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Curve Creation
Procedure
Choose the type of fillet desired.
Indicate the desired trim methods for the objects (two and three curve
only).
Enter the radius of the fillet.
Select the objects.
Specify the approximate center of the fillet (two and three curve only).
When creating 2 and 3ĆCurve Fillets, trim options for each of the selected
curves may be specified. If no trimming options are selected, none of the curves
are trimmed. Select from the following trim options:
The Delete Second Curve and Trim Third Curve options are applicable to the
3ĆCurve Fillet only.
When creating 2 and 3ĆCurve Fillets the approximate center must be indicated;
this is accomplished by using the cursor or the Point Constructor. Using the
cursor location method in Point Constructor selects a position in the XĆY plane
of the WCS.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
If a fillet is created other than desired, Undo may be selected to delete the fillet
and restore the selected curves.
ÏÏÏ
D
ÏÏÏ
Simple Fillet
Simple Fillet creates a fillet between two coplanar nonĆparallel lines. The size
of the fillet is determined by entering a value for the radius first. The lines are
automatically trimmed to the points of tangency.
NOTE: The trim options and Point Constructor are not available.
The fillet that is created is directly related to where the lines were selected. The
Selection Ball must be positioned in such a manner as to include both lines. If
the Selection Ball contains only one line, an error message displays.
Crosshairs
L1 L1
Selected quadrant
L2 L2
BEFORE AFTER
As both lines are selected, the crosshairs determine which fillet is created; it
indicates the center of the arc. Position the crosshairs in the quadrant formed
by the lines to define the desired fillet center. Each line extends or trims to
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
theĂarc. ÏÏÏ
D
ÏÏÏ
Before
After
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Curve Creation
2 Curve Fillet
The 2 Curve Fillet constructs a fillet between two curves, including points, lines,
circles, conics or splines. A two curve fillet is generated in the counterclockwise
direction from the first curve to the second.
Curve 1 Curve 2
Approximate fillet
center
Curve 2 Curve 1
If the two selected curves are in different planes, the fillet plane is the plane
containing the tangent of the first curve. The plane is normal to the vectors that
are normal to both tangents and is totally independent of the WCS.
(See below.)
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Fillet
ÏÏÏ
D
ÏÏÏ
Vectors
normal to
both
tangents
Curve 2
3 Curve Fillet
This option creates a fillet between three curves, which can be any combination
of points, lines, arcs, conics, and splines. The Radius entry box is not available
because it is determined by the geometry selected.
Curve 1 Curve 3
Curve 2
Before After
The system trims curves, based on the selected options, to the tangent point of
the fillet.
If any one of the curves selected is an arc, the system prompts for additional
information to create the fillet:
Tangent Outside
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
D
Fillet Within Circle
Circle Within Fillet.
ÏÏÏ
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Curve Creation
Curve 1
Curve 1
Before After Fillet
Curve 2
Curve 3
Curve 3
Tangent Outside
Curve 1
Curve 1
Fillet
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ Curve 2
ÏÏÏ
D Curve 3 Curve 3
Curve 1 Curve 1
Curve 2 Fillet
Curve 3
Curve 3
Before After
The Point Constructor selections may be used to create a cliff edge fillet, where
the fillet is contiguous with a selected curve, but not tangent to it.
1
2
1
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
2
ÏÏÏ
D
ÏÏÏ
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Curve Creation
2
1
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
This concludes discussion of the creation functions found on the Basic Curves
dialog box.
ÏÏÏ
D
ÏÏÏ
In Area #1, select the fillet lines in each of the four corners
as shown below. Keep both lines inside the Selection Ball
when selecting. Cursor placement is critical.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
D
ÏÏÏ
Before After
To restore the lines to their original state, choose Undo (using the third mouse
button).
For this step create a fillet with two curves, but trim just one of the curves.
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Curve Creation
Define which object will be trimmed. In this case trim the line but not the arc.
(See below.)
Choose the Trim Second Curve button to turn the option off.
In area #2, select the yellow line (first object), then select
the arc (second object).
Select second
Indicate here
Select first
Before After
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
D Step 3 Create a 2 Curve Fillet (and Use a Point for One of the
ÏÏÏ Curves).
Notice that the fillet process is modal, that more fillets may be created without
reselecting any icons.
Indicate here
Select point
Select first
Before After
Trim the first and third curves and delete the second.
Select second
Select third
Indicate here
Before After
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Curve Creation
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
D
ÏÏÏ
Editing Curves
The options on the Edit Curve option allows the modifications of existing
curves. To display the dialog box, choose Insert→Curve→Basic Curves to
display the Basic Curves dialog box, then choose the Edit Curve Parameters
icon.
Edit
Curve
Parameters
Trim
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
D
ÏÏÏ
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Curve Creation
When this icon is active and a curve is selected, the edit mode for that type of
curve appears.
Editing a Line
Editing an Arc or Circle
Editing a Line
A line may be edited by changing its endpoints or its parameters (length and
angle).
Select the line end to be modified. The line now rubberĆbands from the
fixed end.
Specify a new position using any of the Point Method options on the
dialog box.
The two methods used to edit an arc or circle are Parameters and Dragging.
The arc's or circle's parameters may be changed by entering new values in the
Dialog Bar, or changing them by dragging to a new location.
An arc or circle may be moved to a new location, regardless of the editing mode
that is active, as follows:
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Curve Creation
There are two ways to change an arc or circle using Dragging mode:
To change the radius of the arc or circle, select it, avoiding its control
points, and drag it. When it is the size desired, press the first mouse
button.
Other geometry may also be selected to control the size of the arc. For example,
a line may be selected to make the arc tangent to it, or the endpoint of another
arc may be selected to make the selected arc pass through it.
To change the start or end angle of the arc or circle, select it at the
desired endpoint and drag it. When the angle is correct, press the first
mouse button.
Other geometry may also be selected to control the start and/or end angles of
the arc. A line may be selected to stop the arc at its intersection with the line, or
an endpoint of another object may be selected, and that endpoint will be
projected onto the arc to determine its start angle.
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
D
ÏÏÏ
Trim
Caution must be taken when selecting the curve to trim. The portion of the
curve being trimmed determines which end is trimmed. The segment of the
object that is selected is always removed or extended (see below). If there are
multiple intersection points, select near the desired intersection, the system will
prompt for the selection of the desired intersection point to be used as the
bounding point.
Intersection Intersection
Point Point
One bounding object must be specified, and not more than two, when trimming
a curve. Once the bounding objects have been specified, multiple curves may be
specified and they will all be trimmed to the bounding objects.
Procedure ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
Select the bounding objects. ÏÏÏ
D
Define the type of trim to perform. ÏÏÏ
Select the curve to trim.
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D-49
Curve Creation
LINE1
LINE2
Select the arc as the bounding object
LINE3
ÏÏÏ
D Select LINE1 as shown below as the curve to trim.
ÏÏÏ LINE1
Select the first line
to be trimmed
LINE2
LINE3
LINE1
LINE2
LINE3
LINE1
LINE2
LINE3
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
The system will trim LINE3 by the combination of the side of the midpoint of
LINE3 and the side of the bounding curve. D
ÏÏÏ
Step 3 Close the part.
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D-51
Curve Creation
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
ÏÏÏ
D
ÏÏÏ
WCS Options
Appendix E
WCS Origin: Allows the location of the WCS to be altered using the Point
Constructor, while the rotation of the axes remains unchanged.
To determine the location of the WCS, Primitives or any other geometry, the
definition of specific points in space is necessary, and is a common function in
any CAE system. Unigraphics offers a standard dialog box that provides
multiple point methods to define location. Using the Point Constructor dialog
box, you can define origin points, start points, endpoints, etc. based on existing
geometry or coordinate values.
Intersection Point
Inferred Point
Quadrant Point
None
Rectangular
Cylindrical
Restores Base Spherical
Point values Vector
to zero and
Along Curve
ÉÉÉ
Offset to none
ÉÉÉ
E
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
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E-1
WCS Options
Endpoint selected as
new WCS origin
Before After
Rotate WCS: Allows the rotation of the WCS to be altered, while the location
of the axes remains unchanged. The top line of the following menu could be
read Rotate about ZC, XC to YC".
Before After
About the ZC axis,
from the XC axis
toward the YC axis 90
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
E
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
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E-2 Unigraphics Student Manual All Rights Reserved
Hot Keys
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F-1
Hot Keys
Glossary
active view - One of up to 49 views per layout in which you can directly work.
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
GL
aspect ratio - The ratio of length to height which represents the change in size
of a symbol from its original.
EDS
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GL-1
Glossary
block font - A Unigraphics character font which is the default font used for
creating text in drafting objects and dimensions.
body - Class of objects containing sheets and solids (see solid body and sheet
body).
circle - A complete and closed arc, sometimes used interchangeably with the
term arc."
cone direction - Defines the cone direction using the Vector Subfunction.
cone origin - Defines the base origin using the Point Subfunction.
half angle - The half vertex angle defines the angle formed by the axis of the
cone and its side.
constraints - Refer to the methods you can use to refine and limit your sketch.
The methods of constraining a sketch are geometric and dimensional.
current layout - The layout currently displayed on the screen. Layout data is
kept in an intermediate storage area until it is saved.
EDS
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GL-3
Glossary
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
GL
edit in place - See design in context.
ÉÉÉ emphasize work part - A color coding option which helps distinguish geometry
in the work part from geometry in other parts within the same assembly.
file - A group or unit of logically related data which is labeled or named" and
associated with a specified space. In Unigraphics, parts, and patterns are a few
types of files.
font box - A rectangle or box" composed of dashed line objects. The font box
defines the size, width and spacing of characters belonging to a particular font.
font, line - Various styles of lines and curves, such as solid, dashed, etc.
free form feature - A body of zero thickness. (see body and sheet body)
generator curve - A contiguous set of curves, either open or closed, that can be
swept or revolved to create a body.
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GL-5
Glossary
loaded part - Any part currently opened and in memory. Parts are loaded
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
GL
explicitly using the File→Open option and implicitly when they are used in an
assembly being opened.
ÉÉÉ menu - A list of options from which the user makes a selection.
model space - The coordinate system of a newly created part. This is also
referred to as the absolute coordinate system." Any other coordinate system
may be thought of as a rotation and/or translation of the absolute coordinate
system.
partially loaded part - A component part which, for performance reasons, has
not been fully loaded. Only those portions of the component part necessary to
render the higher level assembly are initially loaded (the reference set).
Refresh - A function which causes the system to refresh the display list on the
viewing screen. This removes temporary display items and fills in holes left by
Blank or Delete.
rightĆhand rule for rotation - The rightĆhand rule for rotation is used to
associate vectors with directions of rotation. When the thumb is extended and
aligned with a given vector, the curled fingers determine the associated
direction of rotation. Conversely, when the curled fingers are held so as to
indicate a given direction of rotation, the extended thumb determines the
associated vector.
screen cursor (cursor) - A marker on the screen which the user moves around
using some position indicator device. Used for indicating positions, selecting
objects, etc. Takes the form of a fullĆscreen cross.
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GL-7
Glossary
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
GL
spline - A smooth freeĆform curve.
string - A contiguous series of lines and/or arcs connected at their end points.
temporary part - An empty part which is optionally created for any component
parts which cannot be found in the process of opening an assembly.
units - The unit of measure in which you may work when constructing in
Unigraphics. Upon log on, you may define the unit of measure as inches or
millimeters.
version - A term which identifies the state of a part with respect to a series of
modifications that have been made to the part since its creation.
ÉÉÉ
ÉÉÉ
GL
view dependent edit - A mode in which the user can edit a part in the current
work view only.
WCS, work plane - The WCS (Work Coordinate System) is the coordinate
system singled out by the user for use in construction, verification, etc. The
coordinates of the WCS are called work coordinates and are denoted by XC,
YC, ZC. The XCĆYC plane is called the work plane.
work layer - The layer on which geometry is being constructed. You may create
objects on only one layer at a time.
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GL-9
Glossary
work part - The part in which you create and edit geometry. The work part can
be your displayed part or any component part which is contained in your
displayed assembly part. When displaying a piece part, the work part is always
the same as the displayed part.
work view - The view in which work is being performed. When the creation
mode is view dependent, any construction and view dependent editing that is
performed will occur only in the current work view.
Index
A Body, GL-2
Boolean Operations, 14-6
ABS, 2-3, GL-1 Intersect, 14-9
Absolute Coordinate System, GL-1 Subtract, 14-9
Unite, 14-8
Active View, GL-1
Boss, 3-33
Activities
Blend Solid Edges, 9-6, 9-12 Bottom-Up Modeling, GL-2
Chamfer Edges, 6-13 Bottom-Up modeling, 8-5
Circular Array, 16-11 Boundary, GL-2
Datum Plane - Dual Constraints, 11-27
Exit Unigraphics, 1-41 Break String, during curve creation, D-9
Form Feature Boss Creation, 3-34
Hollow Solid, 5-5, 5-7
Manipulating the Work Coordinate System, 2-10 C
Opening an Existing Part File, 1-16
Save Part As, 1-39 Cartesian, 2-2
ÉÉÉ
Creating Utility Symbols, 10-19
Double Offset Chamfer, 6-12
ÉÉÉ
IN Current Layout, GL-3
Drafting Application, uses of, 10-2
ÉÉÉ
Cursor, GL-7 Drawing Operations
Curve, GL-3 modifying a drawing, 10-3
edit, D-45 removing drawing views , 10-10
trim, D-49 Drawings
Curve parameters, edit, curve, D-46 adding a view, 10-7
setting the view display preferences, 10-14
Curves, basic, D-3 automatic update, 10-17
Cylinder, 2-27 hidden line removal, 10-15
silhouettes, 10-17
smooth edges, 10-16, 10-17
D uses of the drafting application, 10-2
Dual Constraints, 12-4
Datum Axis, 12-2
Datum Plane, 11-3
Dual Constraints, 12-4 E
Defaults, GL-3 Edge Blends, 6-4
Defining Points, 2-4, GL-3 Edit
DegreeĆofĆfreedom Arrows, 13-59, GL-3 Expressions, 4-3
Feature, 15-2, 15-5
Delayed Update, 15-3 transform, C-2
Delete, Feature, 15-9 Edit - Undo, 1-26
Delete positioning dimension, 15-30 Edit curve, line, D-46
Design in Context, GL-3 Edit curve parameters, curve, D-46
Practical Applications of
IN-2 Unigraphics Student Manual EDS
Unigraphics NX
All Rights Reserved
Index
ÉÉÉ
Half Angle, GL-2
Cylinder, 2-27
ÉÉÉ
Hidden Line Removal, 10-15
Datum Axis, 12-2
ÉÉÉ
Hole, 3-14
Hole, 3-14 IN
Hollow Solid, 5-3
ÉÉÉ
Hollow Feature, 5-3
Instance, 16-3 Wall Thickness, 5-3
Pad, 3-38
Pocket, 3-30
Primitives, 2-17 I
Slot, 3-21
Subtract, 14-9 Implementation of Design Standards, class
Unite, 14-8 standards, -3
Implied intersection point, B-6
Features, GL-4
Edit, 15-2, 15-5 Infer, point method, D-6
Hole, 3-14 Inflection, GL-5
Intersect, 14-9 Instance, 16-2, 16-3
unsuppress, 15-6 Circular Array, 16-5
File, GL-4 Rectangular Array, 16-4
close, 1-41 Intersect, 14-9
Close Part, 1-41
New, 1-9 Intersection point
apparent, B-6
Open, 1-17
implied, B-6
Quit, 1-42
Save Part As, 1-39 Introduction, -1
terminology, -6
Fillet
create, two curve fillet, D-36
feature, create
simple fillet, D-35
K
three curve fillet, D-37 Knot Points, GL-5
L rectangular, B-12
spherical, B-14
Layer, GL-5 vector, B-14
Offset Angle, Chamfer, 6-12
Layout, GL-5, GL-6
Offset Surface, GL-6
List information, Model Navigation Tool, 15-43
Open, Part File, 1-17
Listing Window, GL-6 Origin, Cone, GL-2
Loaded Part, GL-6
Locking a Constraint, 13-23 P
Pad, 3-38
M Parametric Design, GL-6
Part, GL-6, GL-7
MB1, 1-24 Partially Loaded Part, GL-7
MB2, 1-24 Parts
fully loaded, 8-8
MB3, 1-24
partially loaded, 8-8
Menu, GL-6 unloaded, 8-9
Message, Part File Saved, 1-40 Pocket, 3-30
Rectangular, 3-30, 3-38
Millimeters, 1-9
Point Set, GL-7
Mirror through a line, transform, C-11
Point Subfunction, GL-7
ÉÉÉ
Model, GL-7 Point subfunction
ÉÉÉ Model Navigation Tool, popĆup menu options, List angle on arc/ellipse, B-8
ÉÉÉ
Information, 15-43 arc/ellipse center, B-7
IN control point, B-5
ÉÉÉ
Model Space, 2-2, GL-6
copying a point to work layer, B-3
Modeling Operations, 5-2, 6-2 cursor location, B-2, B-3
Modifying a Drawing, 10-3 end point, B-4
existing point, B-3
Move intersection point, B-6
Feature, 15-7 offset, B-10
transform, C-4 along curve, B-15
Multiple copies, transform, C-4 cylindrical, B-13
rectangular, B-12
spherical, B-14
vector, B-14
N quadrant point, B-9
reset, B-11
NonĆuniform scale, transform, C-8 using screen position with a grid, B-3
Notes and Labels Pre-selection highlighting, during basic curve
editing text, 10-52 creation, D-5
placing the text, 10-50 Primitives, 15-1
creating text with a leader, 10-51
Procedures
Body of Revolution, Trim to Face, 14-37
Toolbox-Curve, Fillets, D-41
O Toolbox-Curve, Line, D-10
Toolbox-Curve, Trim Curve, D-50
Object, GL-6
Offset
along curve, B-15
Q
cylindrical, B-13 Quit Unigraphics, 1-42
Practical Applications of
IN-4 Unigraphics Student Manual EDS
Unigraphics NX
All Rights Reserved
Index
ÉÉÉ
Rotate about a line
reposition, 8-23 T
transform, C-12
ÉÉÉ
Rotate about a point
reposition, 8-22
Target Solid, 14-7
Temporary Part, GL-8 ÉÉÉ
IN
ÉÉÉ
transform, C-10 TfrĆISO, GL-5
Rotation, GL-7 TfrĆTri, GL-8
Three curve fillet, create, D-37
ÉÉÉ
IN
ÉÉÉ V
YCĆAxis, GL-10
Practical Applications of
IN-6 Unigraphics Student Manual EDS
Unigraphics NX
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Reference Chart Tear Outs
These tear out reference charts are provided for your convenience.
Name Date
Employer
U.S. citizen? Yes / No
When is your planned departure time?________________am/pm
Please answer the following questions as honestly as you can. We are concerned about providing training that
meets your needs. If you have any additional comments please write them on the back of this form.
1. Job title:
2. Current responsibilities:
3. How long have you held these responsibilities? Years ______ Months ______
4. How long have you been working with CAD/CAM/CAE systems? Years ______
5. What other CAD/CAM/CAE systems are you familiar with?
6. Are you currently using Unigraphics? _______ Version _______ Hours per week?
7. What is the function of your CAD/CAM/CAE system (documentation, modeling, analysis,
translation interface, etc.)?
8. What do you model in your Unigraphics part files (castings, assemblies, floor plans, etc.)?
9. Please list other completed CAD/CAM/CAE courses and the provider including Unigraphics CBT
and CAST:
Course Provider
10. Please check the box that best describes your current skill level in the various Unigraphics
disciplines listed below.
Afternoon
Lesson 3. Form Features
Lesson 4. Expressions
Lesson 5. Face Operations
Lesson 6. Edge Operations
Workbook Section 1 Project Description & Rear Differential Modeling
Afternoon
Lesson 10. Intro to Drafting
Workbook Section 3 Rear Differential Drafting
Afternoon
Lesson 13. Sketching
Afternoon
Workbook Section 6 Left Pinion Modeling, Assembly, and Drafting
Workbook Section 7 Rear Drive Gear Modeling
Afternoon
Workbook Section 9 Rear Drive Gear Completion
Workbook Section 10 Assembly Completion
The following layer and category standards will be followed in this class.
Model Geometry
Drafting Objects
Engineering Disciplines
Line Creation
Note: When numbered picks are shown, this is
usually not the only way the line may be created.
2
Line tangent to a curve and Select two curves
parallel or perpendicular to 1 Select limiting point/object
a line
Please give your honest opinion about the training you have received during this class. Provide additional
comments on the reverse side of this evaluation form.
Please check the box if you would like your comments, regarding the training you just received, featured in our
training publications. We will contact you if more information is needed.
1. Were the course objectives clearly defined and were they met? Yes No
Please explain:
2. Were concepts effectively communicated so that you understand how to apply the software? Yes
No Please explain:
3. How well prepared do you now feel to use the functions covered in this course in your day to day
activities? Please explain:
over
6. What additional topics related to parametric design would you like to see covered in this course?
Please explain:
7. Do you have any other suggestions on how the course could be improved? Yes No
Please explain:
8. In order to continually improve our courseware a post class survey is conducted; would you be
willing to participate in this survey. (If you checked this box, make sure that your name is on this sheet.)