Part Dsign

I-DEASt Course Guide
Part Design IMS1128

063000Rev.1
Tasks Covered I-DEAS Modeler
IMS112-8
IDEAS Part Design Course Guide

This Manual is licensed to the user for the period set forth in the applicable license agreement, subject to termination of the license by Structural Dynamics Research Corporation (SDRC) at any time and the Manual at all times remains the property of SDRC or third parties from whom SDRC has obtained a licensing right. The information contained in this Manual including, but not limited to, the ideas, concepts and knowhow, is proprietary, confidential and trade secret to SDRC or such third parties and the information contained therein shall be maintained as proprietary, confidential and trade secret to SDRC or to such third parties. The information contained in this Manual shall not be copied or reproduced in any form whatsoever, nor is any information in this Manual to be disclosed to anyone other than an authorized representative of the user's employer who is contractually obligated not to disclose same, without express prior written consent of SDRC. The user of this Manual and the computer program(s) referred to herein retains full control over and is solely responsible for the mechanical design of the user's equipment, machinery, systems, and products. SDRC makes no warranties of any kind, including the warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose in respect to the equipment, machinery, systems, and products derived or resulting hereunder, and the user assumes all risks and liability for results obtained by the manufacturing, use or implementation of the computer program(s) described herein, whether used singly or in combination with other designs or products. SDRC shall not be liable for any special or consequential damages. SDRC makes no warranty that the equipment, machinery, systems, and products derived or resulting hereunder will not infringe the claims of domestic or foreign patents and further does not warrant against infringement by reason of the user thereof in combination with other designs, products, or materials or in the operation of any process. User shall protect, indemnify and hold harmless SDRC of and from any loss, cost, damage or expense arising from any claim that is in any way associated with the computer program(s) described in this Manual. Data presented in examples do not necessarily reflect actual test results and should not be used as design criteria. By acceptance of this Manual, the user agrees to the above conditions and further agrees that this Manual will not be exported (or reexported from a country of installation), directly or indirectly, separately or as part of a system, without user or user's employer, at its own cost, first obtaining all licenses from the United States Department of Commerce and any other appropriate agency of the United States Government as may be required by law. E Structural Dynamics Research Corporation 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system without permission in writing from SDRC. Federal Acquisitions: Commercial Computer Software Use governed by terms of SDRC's Software License and Service Agreement. SDRC has worked to verify the accuracy of the information contained in this manual as of its publication date; however, such information is subject to change without notice and SDRC is not responsible for any errors that may occur in this document. This software is a Licensed Product of and distributed by SDRC and may only be used according to the terms of that license on the system identified in the License Agreement. SDRC, SDRC IDEAS, and I-DEAS are registered trademarks of Structural Dynamics Research Corporation: The following are trademarks of Structural Dynamics Research Corporation: IDEAS Master Series, IDEAS Artisan Series, Dynamic Navigator, VGX All other trademarks or registered trademarks belong to their respective holders. All questions or requests should be addressed to: Structural Dynamics Research Corporation 2000 Eastman Drive Milford, Ohio 45150 (513) 576-2400
6/30/00 Printed in U.S.A.
Contents
Unit 1. Introducing I-DEAS What is I-DEAS? Concurrent engineering What can I-DEAS do? What will we focus on in this course? Starting I-DEAS Using the I-DEAS Start form Using tutorials to learn about I-DEAS Summarizing key topics youve learned in this unit... Exploring tips and techniques: Executing quick and efficient start-up of the software Getting familiar with the user interface Interacting with the I-DEAS user interface Using the mouse to select entities Making it easier to pick an entity from the graphics window Using the function keys for dynamic viewing Using additional function keys Selecting an icon or icon menu Using the three-step modeling process Creating geometry with the Dynamic Navigator What is a section? 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Unit 2.
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Unit 3.
Unit 4.
Creating a solid from a section Using different view modes Using Undo Part Delete Using the fast track Online tutorial: introducing the I-DEAS interface Online tutorial: quick tips to using I-DEAS Summarizing key topics youve learned in this unit... Quiz Exploring tips and techniques: Using function keys (F6) Customizing your icons Reopening your model file to a previous save Managing your model file What is a project? What is a model file? Naming parts Moving parts quickly between the workbench and the bin How do you manage your parts? Saving your model file Online tutorial: managing parts in model files Summarizing key topics youve learned in this unit... Quiz Exploring tips and techniques: Something to remember when copying parts Sketching and constraining wireframe Where are you in the three-step modeling process? Sketching on a plane Viewing the sketchplane Sketching and sizing How the Dynamic Navigator helps you sketch Controlling geometric constraints Controlling the Dynamic Navigator Adding and deleting constraints Adding constraints Adding dimensions Modifying dimensions Matching dimensions Solving underconstrained geometry Shaping and dragging Shaping and dragging unconstrained geometry
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
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Unit 5.
Unit 6.
Online tutorial: sketching and constraining Online tutorial: building sections Summarizing key topics youve learned in this unit... Quiz Exploring tips and techniques: Using Undo to reverse commands Creating a 2D fillet Changing workplane attributes Extruding and revolving features Where are you in the three-step modeling process? Building a valid section Using Stop at intersections Using extrude options Creating parts with multiple features Using Focus to build associativity Extruding sections Extruding a feature Revolving a part Online tutorial: extruding and revolving features Online tutorial: using 3D VGX options on parts Online tutorial: creating basic machine parts: tie-down strap Online tutorial: creating basic machine parts: shaft bearing Summarizing key topics youve learned in this unit... Quiz Exploring tips and techniques: Options for revolving Deleting a sections underlying curves Working with parts Selecting specific entities Using display filters Using groups Using Hide/Show Listing information about part geometry Changing the appearance of a part Exploring tips and techniques: Measuring linear distances Calculating surface area, volume, and mass Online tutorial: selecting entities Online tutorial: getting a parts geometric information Summarizing key topics youve learned in this unit...
61 62 63 64 65 66 67 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 v
Unit 7.
Unit 8.
Quiz Exploring tips and techniques: Measuring between implicit geometry Defining a material Creating customized colors Basic part modification Modifying a single modeling event Showing dimensions to modify Modifying dimension values Modifying feature parameters Modifying wireframe Modifying sections Updating the part Online tutorial: modifying features Summarizing key topics youve learned in this unit... Quiz Using History Access tools to modify parts Modifying a part in I-DEAS Understanding history trees A leaf in a history tree Accessing a parts history Understanding the History Access form Minor operations on the history tree Using the History Access form to see how a part was built Modifying a part in I-DEAS Modifying a part with multiple features Selecting a feature using the mouse Selecting a feature using the History Access form Using the History Access form to select a modification option Suppressing features Inserting a feature using Rollback Additional modification options Updating a part with multiple features Online tutorial: using history access to modify features Summarizing key topics youve learned in this unit... Quiz Exploring tips and techniques: Selecting a feature by label Selecting a feature with the parent/child method Using Complete Update and Incremental Update
99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137
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Unit 9.
Unit 10.
Unit 11.
Troubleshooting Go get help, but first... What is troubleshooting? Notification of errors and warnings Using Info on the workbench How to recover from a deleted surface Recognizing errors and warnings on the history tree Recognizing yellow nodes Common yellow node warnings How to fix an incorrect extrude or revolve Fixing out-of-date sketch edges Removing out-of-date sketch edges What causes red nodes? Online tutorial: modeler troubleshooting Summarizing key topics youve learned in this unit... Exploring tips and techniques: Troubleshooting sketching problems Sketching problems Controlling what gets absorbed into a feature sketchpad Understanding sketchpads in a part Understanding sketchpads in a part Understanding sketchpads in a part Understanding sketchpads in a part Transferring wireframe geometry between sketchpads Extracting wireframe curves Attaching wireframe curves Using equations and wireframe animation Developing a wireframe sketch Relating dimensions Using equations Entering equational constraints Specifying units for variables in an equation Using a constraint network to study 2D behavior Animating dimensions Summarizing key topics youve learned in this unit... Quiz Exploring tips and techniques: Recognizing arithmetic operators Using libraries Where can you store your parts?
139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 177 178 vii
Unit 12.
Unit 13.
Why use a library? Checking a part into a library and sharing parts Assigning versions and revisions Options for checking a part into a library Getting a part from a library Options for getting a part from a library Using Update from Library Using Manage Bins, Library Status Comparing parts Using Compare Some common library scenarios Summarizing key topics youve learned in this unit... Quiz Exploring tips and techniques: Managing the changed history of a part How I-DEAS data gets written, saved, retrieved... Creating reference geometry What is reference geometry? Types of reference geometry Using reference points Creation options for reference points Additional options for creating reference points Using Series to control the position of reference points Using reference lines Creation options for reference lines Using reference planes Creation options for reference planes Additional options for creating reference planes Creating coordinate systems Summarizing reference geometry creation options (methods) Online tutorial: using reference geometry Summarizing key topics youve learned in this unit... Quiz Additional reference geometry techniques Where is reference geometry stored on the history tree? Modifying reference geometry Introducing the Base Orphan Reference Node technique Advantages of the BORN technique Creating a BORN Using reference curves
179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219
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Unit 14.
Unit 15.
Unit 16.
Modifying reference curves Summarizing key topics youve learned in this unit... Quiz Exploring tips and techniques: Options for modifying reference geometry Modifying features that have reference geometry Constructing parts with relations What is a construction operation? Introducing relationships Types of relations Defining relations Using Modify to add and delete relations Online tutorial: adding features with associativity Summarizing key topics youve learned in this unit... Quiz Exploring tips and techniques: Best practices for creating construction relations Creating patterns Using patterns Creating a circular pattern Creating a rectangular pattern Creating a pattern of features Aligning rectangular patterns Patterns with varying parameters Modifying patterns Using a pattern in a construction operation Online tutorial: creating patterns Summarizing key topics youve learned in this unit... Quiz Exploring tips and techniques: Creating a pattern with a replacement Creating pattern fills Creating a pattern with varying depth Saving time with specialized patterning techniques Creating drafted features Extruding with draft Using Extrude with draft radii options Modifying draft angles created with Extrude Understanding draft methods Understanding draft terminology
220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 245 246 247 248 249 250 251 253 254 255 256 257 258 ix
Unit 17.
Unit 18.
Using the basic draft method (with a stationary edge) Using the basic draft method (with a stationary face) Using the split draft method Using the matched draft method Modifying draft angles created with Draft Summarizing key topics youve learned in this unit... Quiz Creating fillet and shell features Filleting edges Fillet capabilities Controlling the shape of a fillet How the history tree stores fillet information Modifying a fillet Troubleshooting fillet problems Filleting guidelines Chamfering edges Shelling your part Limitations for offsetting surfaces with Shell Excluding selected features from the Shell operation Online tutorial: adding fillet, shell, and draft features Summarizing key topics youve learned in this unit... Quiz Exploring tips and techniques: Deleting surfaces before or during Shell Managing your data Accessing the Model Files form Using the Model Files form Using Manage Libraries Using Filter to find items based on specific information Using the Manage Libraries form to view attributes Data management rules Summarizing key topics youve learned in this unit... Quiz Exploring tips and techniques: Data management rules
259 260 261 262 263 264 265 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 289 290 291 292
Unit 1
Introducing I-DEASt
In this unit, youll enter the solid modeling world of I-DEAS. Youll learn: - how the suite of I-DEAS applications is organized - how to start I-DEAS - how to create a team workspace, where youll share information with others - how to create a personal workspace
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What is IDEAS?
Design
Open Data/ PCB
Simulation
Master Model
Management Test
Manufacturing
I-DEAS (Integrated Design, Engineering, and Analysis Software) is a collection of applications that share a master model that is, a solid model that can be associated with various applications. The master model is: - created and documented in Design - analyzed in Simulation - machined in Manufacturing Each application has concurrent access to the master model.
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Concurrent engineering
TOP
ISO
FRONT
RIGHT
When the master model changes, I-DEAS automatically updates: - drawings - finite element models - toolpaths This associativity allows multiple users to work concurrently.
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Introducing IDEAS
What can IDEAS do?

Mechanism Design Harness Design
Assembly Drafting Modeler
Optimization Post Processing Modeler
Open Data
Modeler
Assembly Mechanism Simulation
Beam Sections
Assembly
Design
PCB
Laminates Boundary Conditions Moldflow Meshing TMG Thermal Model Solution Response Analysis Durability ElectroSystem Cooling Vibro Acustics
Open Data/ PCB
Simulation
Master Model
Management Test
Time History Histogram Project Config. Relational Data Manager Material Data System Change Control Model Preparation
Structural Modification Correlation Fatigue
Manufacturing
Signal Processing
Life
Modal
Post Processing
Generative Machining
Modeler
Assemble Setup
I-DEAS is organized into six applications. Each application has several tasks within it. Each task is like a toolbox of commands related to a single function for example, a particular type of modeling, such as assembly design or a part of a process, such as meshing a part for finite element analysis.
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What will we focus on in this course?
Harness Drafting Design
Assembly Modeler
Mechanism Design
Design
In this course, well focus on the Modeler task in the Design application. The Modeler provides a collection of tools to create and modify solid models. If you work in other applications within I-DEAS, youll see that the Modeler also exists in Simulation and Manufacturing.
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Introducing IDEAS
Starting IDEAS
In I-DEAS, work is organized into projects and model files. You can think of storage in I-DEAS as an office workspace, with desks and bookshelves. Think of a project as your team workspace, like your office. Its a collection of related model files. Think of a model file as your own personal workspace, like your desk. Its a container for work in progress, including parts, drawings, and so on. Now lets look at the I-DEAS Start form.
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Using the IDEAS Start form
Design Simulation Test Manufacturing Management Open Data/PCB
3 4
Master Modeler Master Assembly Master Drafting Mechanism Design Harness Design
In the I-DEAS Start form, you must choose: ...where youll be working: 1. 2. Project name your team workspace Model File name your own personal workspace
...and the tools youll need: 3. 4. Application Task
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Introducing IDEAS
Using tutorials to learn about IDEAS

File Options Help Whats New... On Context Design Help Library Home Master Modeler Bookshelf Web Tutorials Quick On/Off Help on Help About I-DEAS
Use the Getting Started with I-DEAS multimedia training, as well as other tutorials in the I-DEAS online Help Library, to learn about I-DEAS with a practical, step-by-step approach.
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Summarizing key topics you've learned in this unit... IDEAS: Integrated Design, Engineering, and Analysis Software
I-DEAS is a suite of applications that links design, analysis, and manufacturing information to a single master model. This promotes concurrent engineering. You must differentiate your personal and team workspace: - the model file is your personal workspace. - the project, which organizes model files, is your team workspace. To learn about I-DEAS with a practical, step-by-step approach, use the Getting Started with I-DEAS multimedia training, as well as other tutorials in the I-DEAS online Help Library.
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Introducing IDEAS
Exploring tips and techniques:

Executing quick and efficient startup of the software I-DEAS allows the following start-up options. To use them, enter: ideas [-option] and/or [-option argument]
-a application -d device -d ? -e commands -g -h -l language -m model file -n name -p project -plot -q -s -t task -u -va Specify the application name. Hardware display device (OGL, X3D). Prompt for hardware display device. Commands to execute after I-DEAS starts. Go directly to the application if all necessary data is specified. Display the start-up option list. Local language. Choose number between 0-8. Specify the model file name. Specify the name with which to register to Orbix daemon. Specify the project name. Start I-DEAS plotting without starting I-DEAS. Skip confirmation of new files. Start I-DEAS online Help Library but dont start I-DEAS. Specify the task name. Ignore user memory parameters and use system memory parameters. Start I-DEAS Variational Analysis in stand-alone mode.
Start-up options -h and -s must be used alone, but all other options can be used in combination, if theyre separated by a space.
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Unit 2
Visible Label Filter... Area Options... Reconsider Deselect All Related To History Access... Use Groups... No Active View All Show Highlight Selection Backup Selection
Getting familiar with the user interface

In this unit, youll learn about: - interacting with I-DEAS - using the three-step modeling process - using the Dynamic Navigator - creating a section and a solid
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Interacting with the IDEAS user interface

graphics window icon panel File, Options, Help, Applications, Task
pop-up menus
icon subpanel (right mouse button or MB3)
task-specific icons
application-specific icons
I-DEAS-wide icons IDEAS List region IDEAS Prompt region command line
Youll interact with I-DEAS using these features: - The icon panel has four main areas: pull-down menus, task icons, application icons, and common icons. - Use the graphics window to create, select, and modify graphical entities, and do most of your work. Cascading menus and pop-up menus, when displayed, appear in this window. - The Prompt window displays information that tells you what to do to complete a process or task. You can respond to the prompt by entering data on the command line. - The List window displays important data about your process or the data entities youve created.
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Using the mouse to select entities

Picks icons, menus, and other interface and graphic entities. (referred to as left mouse button or MB1). Accepts the default option of a command, or ends a process. Same as Return (referred to as middle mouse button or MB2). Displays a pop-up menu (referred to as right mouse button or MB3). Press and hold, then drag to the desired option. This enables you to change the default mode of behavior of the activated command.
To pick more than one entity at a time, hold the Shift key while picking, or drag a box around the entities.
Use your mouse to pick modeling entities: - Generally, if you can see it, you can pick it. Just put your pointer on the entity and press the left mouse button. The entity will highlight to show that its selected. - To pick more than one entity at a time, hold the Shift key while picking, or drag a box around several nearby entities. Pick a selected entity to deselect it.
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Making it easier to pick an entity from the graphics window

Pick an edge. Use Reconsider to consider another entity.
Cursor changes to this shape
Occasionally, there might be two or more entities very close together and I-DEAS isnt sure which one you want. In these situations, after you pick an item, the cursor will change to . You can do one of two things... - Accept the currently highlighted entity with the middle mouse button (Done), or... - Use the Reconsider option under the right mouse button to highlight another entity. You can use Reconsider repeatedly.
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Using the function keys for dynamic viewing
Pan
F1
Zoom
F2
Rotate
F3
View Snap
F4
If you cant see something that you want to pick, use dynamic viewing to change your view of the workbench. Frequently, you can simply rotate your view or zoom in or out to see the entity that you want to pick. - To control dynamic viewing, press and hold down a function key and move your mouse, as shown. - Use F3 to do X,Y, or Z rotation. If the cursor is within 80% of the viewport center, the mouse controls X and Y rotation. If the cursor is outside the 80% circle, rotations are performed about the screen Z axis as you move the mouse in a circular motion. - Use F4 to automatically rotate your view to the nearest standard view. For example, if the closest standard view is the front view, picking F4 automatically gives you a front view.
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Using additional function keys
F7 Zoom All
F8 Reconsider
F9 Deselect All
F10
F11 Filter
F12 Redisplay
In addition to the function keys already mentioned, you also can use the function keys shown above. These keys mimic frequently used mouse control actions. In general, theyre particularly handy while a command is active.
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Selecting an icon or icon menu

File, Options, Help, Applications, Task task-specific icons
Polylines Lines
2 1 2 1 3
To select an icon, quickly click left mouse button once.
application-specific icons
Rectangle by 2 Corners Rectangle by 3 Corners Rectangle by Center Polygon Points
To access additional icons, hold down left mouse button, then move the cursor up or down and release the button to select the icon you want.
I-DEAS-wide icons
3 1 2
The I-DEAS icon panel is designed to help you create associative, modifiable features. Thus, similar icons have been placed together for ease of use. - The top menu bar of the icon panel accesses File, Options, Help; Applications; and Task. - The first set of icons on the icon panel is task-specific. When you switch from one task to another, these icons change. - The second set of icons on the icon panel is application-specific. When you switch from one application to another, these icons change. - The final set of icons on the icon panel is I-DEAS-wide and remains constant. - The last command you access typically will remain on top of an icon stack until you access a new command in that stack.
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Using the threestep modeling process

Starting from scratch
1. establish a plane (workplane)
2. sketch and constrain
3. create a part by extruding section
Adding features to a part
1. establish a plane (sketch in place)
3. create a feature by extruding section (cut out)
Whether starting from scratch or adding features to an existing part, youll build parts in I-DEAS using this typical 3-step process: 1. Establish a plane on which to create two-dimensional wireframe. Sketch and constrain your wireframe. To begin, rough-sketch construction lines without worrying about being overly accurate. You can then incorporate design intent by creating additional constraints and dimensions. Create the new part or feature from an operation (extrude, revolve, and so on).
2.
3.
Repeat the process until you fully define the part.
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Creating geometry with the Dynamic Navigator

2
1 2
As you create geometry, the Dynamic Navigator helps you align the wireframe to logical engineering positions relative to previously sketched wireframe.
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What is a section?
A section is the softwares method of grouping wireframe curves into a single unit that can be used to define the shape of a solid. To define a section: 1. 2. 3. Pick Build Section. Pick the curves you want to make a section from. Press the middle mouse button to accept the curves.
Once youve defined a section, you can use it to create a solid. A section is an additional piece of geometry that lies on top of the underlying wireframe.
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Creating a solid from a section
Extrude transforms two-dimensional planar wireframe curves or sections into a three-dimensional solid model by extruding them along a linear path at a specified distance. If a planar section doesnt exist, Extrude will automatically prompt you to build one from the existing wireframe.
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Using different view modes
Line
Shaded Hardware Shaded Line
Hidden Hardware
Shaded Software
You have many view modes to choose from: - Line displays a wireframe representation of geometry, although the shape is still a solid. - Hidden Hardware displays surfaces and edges based on the users perspective. - Shaded Hardware gives you dynamic viewing capabilities while using the shaded mode. - Shaded Software displays your part as a shaded image, but you cant use dynamic viewing.
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Using Undo Part Delete

Undo
If you accidentally delete your part, you can undo the operation by selecting Undo, as long as you dont access any function other than dynamic viewing. If you select another command, you cant use Undo and youll lose the part permanently. Make sure you activate Undo rather than Modify, by holding down the icon stack. When you select your part to delete, I-DEAS will ask you to confirm your intent on a warning form.
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Using the fast track
Whats New... On Context Help Library Web Quick On/Off Help on Help About I-DEAS...
For immediate help, try: - Quick On/Off, which displays a one-line description of the icons as you run the cursor over them. Look for this below the graphics region. - On Context, which returns instant context-sensitive help on almost any icon, form, or menu.
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Online tutorial: introducing the IDEAS interface
Polylines Lines
2 1
Rectangle by 2 Corners Rectangle by 3 Corners Rectangle Center Polygon Points by
3 1 2
Complete the online tutorial Introducing the I-DEAS Interface. In this tutorial, youll learn about: - windows - mouse buttons - applications and tasks - menus - icons - using the online tutorials
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Online tutorial: quick tips to using IDEAS
Complete the online tutorial Quick Tips to Using I-DEAS. In this tutorial, youll learn about: - part modeling - viewing - selecting - data management
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Summarizing key topics you've learned in this unit...

Reviewing the user interface: - Mouse: Use MB1 (left mouse button) to select entities. Use MB2 (middle mouse button) to accept (pick defaults or end processes). Use MB3 (right mouse button) to choose options (from pop-up menus). - Reconsider allows you to select a different entity. - The icon on top of an icon stack is the last command used. - Function keys: F1: Pan F2: Zoom F3: Rotate F4: View Snap
- The Dynamic Navigator provides automatic constraint definition. - Create solid models by sketching wireframe, building a section, and then extruding the section into a solid. - Help, On Context is the fastest way to get help on a specific command.
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Quiz
1. Match each of the following labels with the appropriate section of the I-DEAS icon panel: 1. A. applicationspecific icons B. IDEASwide icons 2. C. taskspecific icons D. File, Options, Help 3.
4.
2.
Which mouse button is used to confirm a pick or end a process? To pick an entity or menu choice? What is the purpose of the Prompt window? Where is it located? If you delete a part, can you undo that operation? When creating parts in I-DEAS, its important to pay attention to all the interface clues. What does the software do to let you know that it needs input from you? In general, the fastest way to track down an online Help Library article is to do what?
3.
4. 5.
6.
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Using function keys (F6)
Using OGL/PEX graphics driver 1 F1 Pan F1 Rotate About X only F1 Clip Pan F2 Zoom F2 Rotate About Y only F2 Clip Zoom F3 XYZ Rotate F3 Z Clip F3 Clip Rotate F4 XYZ View Snap F4 Depth Cueing F4 Clip On/Off F5 View Reset F5 View Reset F5 Clip Reset 2 1 F6 FK Toggle F6 FK Toggle F6 FK 3 Toggle
Using X3D graphics driver 1 F1 Pan F1 Rotate About X only F1 Partial Display +/ F2 Zoom F2 Rotate About Y only F2 Show Partial F3 XYZ Rotate F4 XYZ Rotate Triad only F5 View 1 F6 FK Reset F5 View Reset F5 View Reset 3 2 Toggle F6 FK Toggle F6 FK Toggle
Using the F6 function key allows you to toggle between function keys on different levels. Level 1 includes dynamic viewing, as well as three-dimensional rotation of axis. (This speeds up the display.) Level 2 includes rotation options limited to independent x and y rotation. Level 3 includes partial display options for X3D devices or clipping control for OGL and PEX.
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Customizing your icons
U
user subpanel
You can keep a particular icon at the top of your icon stack by holding down the control key while picking the icon. (This will keep the icon in place for that session.) You can also load frequently used icons on the user subpanel: 1. 2. 3. 4. Access the user panel. Hold down your control key (for steps 3 and 4). Pick an icon position on the user panel. Pick the icon you want to place on the user panel.
The user panel configuration is part of your parameter file and remains set.
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Reopening your model file to a previous save Save makes your work permanent on the disk drive. If you build a part, saving ensures a record of your work in case of power failure. Its a good idea to save after every accomplishment. If you create a part and save the model file, then accidentally erase the part, how do you get it back? Since you saved earlier: 1. 2. Pick File, Open... The system will prompt: Do you want to save? Pick No. Return to the same model file (should be the default). Pick OK.
Open... Save Save As.. Delete... Manage... Export... Import... Program Files Picture Files... Print... Movie... Exit Ctrl+E Ctrl+O Ctrl+S
3.
Or you can press Control-Z to open the previous Save.
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Notes...
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Unit 3
Managing your model file

In this unit, well discuss part management basics. Youll learn how to: - name parts in your model files - store, organize, and manage parts in your model file
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What is a project?
A project: - is a collection of related model files - is a team workspace - allows a group of people working on the same design to share information, much the way you would share office space with people working in your design group
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What is a model file?

Model File
Parts
Drawings
Analysis
NC Toolpaths
Think of a model file as your personal workspace, like your desk, where you store work-in-progress, including: - parts - drawings - assemblies - analysis data - NC toolpaths Within your model file, work-in-progress is always stored in one of two places: - the workbench (a graphic window for work-in-progress, like the desktop in your office) - one of your model file bins (off-screen storage areas, like the drawers in your desk)
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Naming parts
Library
Main
bushing
B-1234
Model File 2 Model File 1
XXX
Once youve created a part on the workbench, you must give it a unique name/number combination.
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Moving parts quickly between the workbench and the bin
Model File 1
Smith decides to work on another part. Smith picks Get and chooses the Name of the part from the Get form. The part moves from the bin onto the workbench.
The Get and Put icons are shortcuts for moving parts between the workbench and the bin. In addition, you have these special options: - Put away, MB3, All allows you to put away all parts at once. - Get allows you to select multiple parts by picking a part, then holding down MB1 and dragging your cursor to highlight the parts you want to retrieve.
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How do you manage your parts?
Use Manage Bins when you want to: - browse the current model file bins to see items stored there - rename, copy, move (from bin to bin), and delete parts and assemblies - rename, copy, and delete drawings and FEMs - create, rename, and delete bins - move items from bin to workbench (Get) - move items from workbench to bin (Put) - display or modify details about any item in a bin (such as the change history) - update parts, assemblies, and drawings from a library
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Saving your model file

Open... Save Save As.. Delete... Manage... Export... Import... Program Files Picture Files... Print... Movie... Exit Ctrl+E Ctrl+O Ctrl+S
scratch files (.sf1, .sf2)
model files (.mf1, .mf2)
I-DEAS uses scratch files to temporarily store your sessions. For example, when you create a part, name it, and put it away (into a bin), the software only updates the scratch files. When you select File, Save, your scratch file changes become permanent. Only Save makes your work permanent. Physically, a model file consists of two operating system files (.mf1 and .mf2) usually found in your log-in directory.
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Online tutorial: managing parts in model files
Complete the online tutorial Managing Parts in Model Files. Youll learn how to: - create and name bins - name and manage parts - make copies of parts - get information about parts - delete a bin
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Model files hold any entities you create, including: - parts - drawings - assemblies - analysis - NC toolpaths Within a model file, your work-in-progress is either in a bin or on your workbench. Your parts will remain inside your model file until deleted or transferred to a different container (a library or catalog, discussed in Unit 11 and Appendix A, respectively). Your I-DEAS sessions are temporarily recorded to scratch files. Scratch file changes are lost unless made permanent by using File, Save.
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Quiz
1. If you delete your part from the workbench, can you recover with a copy from the bin? If you create a part and put it away (into a bin), then exit I-DEAS, will the part still be in the model file the next day? Can two parts with different part numbers have the same name?
2.
3.
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Something to remember when copying parts If you copy a part using the Manage Bins form, youll have a duplicate of the original part, which you can modify and manage independently. If the original part changes, the copy is unaffected.
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Notes...
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Unit 4
Sketching and constraining wireframe

In this unit, youll learn how to: - sketch wireframe using the Dynamic Navigator - create constraints - create dimensions - modify dimension values and appearance
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Where are you in the threestep modeling process?

1. establish a plane (workplane)
Remember, when you build a part in I-DEAS, you use this three-step process: 1. Establish a plane to sketch on, to create two-dimensional wireframe. (When starting from scratch, you usually sketch on the workplane.) Sketch and constrain wireframe. Rough-sketch construction lines at first without worrying about being overly accurate. You can then incorporate design intent by creating additional constraints and dimensions. Create the new part or feature from an operation (extrude, revolve, and so on).
2.
3.
Repeat the process until you fully define the part. In this unit, well focus on the first two steps of the process: establishing a sketchplane, and sketching and constraining.
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Sketching on a plane
sketch in place
sketch on workplane
Its important to understand that sketching is always done on a plane. The plane is different depending on which of these icons you use: - Sketch in place on the face of the part on a reference plane associated with the part on a coordinate system associated with the part - Sketch on Workplane usually only used for creating a new part
E 2000 SDRC Sketching and constraining wireframe
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Viewing the sketchplane
. .
After selecting the plane to sketch on using Sketch in place, use the View Workplane command to align the view normal to the current workplane. This will make it easier to sketch your wireframe. You may need to rotate the screen about the planes z-axis using F3 to get the view you want. Make sure the pointer is near the outside portion of the graphics display before pressing F3.
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Sketching and sizing
sketch
constrain/dimension
modify dimensions
Follow these guidelines when you sketch: - Sketch as you would on a napkin to make conceptual design easy. - Make sure angles are generally acute or obtuse to capture the overall shape of the part. - Sketch the general shape of your cross section. (Proportionality is more important than exact size.) - Add constraints and dimensions, and drag the wireframe as needed, to drive the section into its final shape and size. - Watch the feedback from the Dynamic Navigator to aid you in the sketching process.
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How the Dynamic Navigator helps you sketch

2
When youre sketching on the workplane, the Dynamic Navigator can help you: - navigate to logical engineering positions relative to previously sketched wireframe - add constraints - add dimensions The Dynamic Navigator is your assistant. If its not providing the kind of feedback you want or the types of constraint assignments youre looking for, you can modify its behavior using the right mouse button.
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Controlling geometric constraints

2
Focus Intersect Align Offset... Options... Navigator... View Backup Cancel
alignment lines
To control the creation of geometric constraints, use: - Focus to constrain to a different geometry item than the one the software is currently using. - Intersect to create intersection points or curves that you can dimension or constrain in defining section constraints. - Align to turn the alignment indicator on and off. - Options... to specify x, y, and radius values. - Navigator... to turn the individual constraint assignments on and off. - The Control key to disable all constraint assignments.
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Controlling the Dynamic Navigator

Focus Intersect Align Offset Options... Navigator... View Backup Cancel
To disable the Dynamic Navigator, hold down the Control key to temporarily suspend it. Or, to disable automatic creation of constraints: 1. 2. 3. Pick a sketching icon, such as Polylines. Hold down the right mouse button and pick Navigator. Turn off all the constraint buttons on the Navigator Controls form.
Once you turn these off, theyll remain off until you repeat the process to turn them back on.
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Adding and deleting constraints
parallel tangent linear dimension
perpendicular coincident points anchor auto constrain
Undo
show free
Add or remove constraints to ensure your design intent, so that your wireframe behaves predictably. If wireframe is not fully constrained, its still free to move. You should anchor your wireframe and add constraints and dimensions until your wireframe is fully constrained. If your wireframe behaves unexpectedly after youve modified a dimension value or added a constraint, pick Undo immediately. (For more information about actions that can be undone, refer to the table on p. 65 at the end of this unit.)
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Adding constraints
Before
Constraint
After
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Adding dimensions
As you create the initial shape, the Dynamic Navigator may automatically add linear, angular, and diametral dimensions. Once youve created the initial shape, you may want to add more dimensions to control the parts size. To add a dimension: 1. 2. 3. Pick Dimension. Pick the geometry to dimension. Pick the desired location for the dimension text.
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Modifying dimensions
Visible Label Filter... Area Options... Reconsider Deselect All Related To History Access... Use Groups... No active View All Show Highlight Selection Backup Selection
You can change dimension values or labels using Modify. To modify a single dimension: 1. 2. 3. Pick Modify. Pick the dimension you want to change. Enter the new value on the form.
To modify multiple dimensions: 1. Select the dimensions you want to change, using the shift key. (Or, to pick all dimensions, pick one dimension, hold down MB3, and pick All.) Pick Modify. Enter the new values on the form.
2. 3.
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Matching dimensions
Match Reference Constant Measure
To match one dimension to another: 1. Pick the dimension you want to change from the Dimensions form. Pick the button and choose Match from the list.
2. 3.
Pick the dimension you want to match it to from the graphics window.
To match multiple dimensions: 1. Pick the dimensions you want to match from the Dimensions form, using the shift/control keys or MB3, All. Pick the button and choose Match from the list.
2. 3.
Pick the dimensions you want to match them to from the graphics window.
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Solving underconstrained geometry
Pick Show Free to discover which lines or curves havent been fully constrained. After you select partially constrained wireframe, then pick Done, the software animates the wireframe in the direction of its degrees of freedom. As you constrain or dimension, the software color-codes your wireframe: - Blue indicates fully constrained geometry. - Yellow indicates partially constrained geometry. - Green indicates unconstrained geometry. - Arrows indicate the direction of freedom.
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Shaping and dragging

Drag text 100 30 30 30 30 30 30 100 200 100 30 30 30 30 30 30
Pick text, then move it to a new location. This is the same as the Move command.
30
30 30 30
30
30 100 60
Pick either dimension arrowhead, then move it. In this example, moving right decreases the value and moving left increases the value. The odometer dynamically displays the new value.
Pick a witness line, then reconnect it to a new location. I-DEAS creates the new dimension automatically.
Use Drag to simultaneously move and size wireframe geometry and its dimensions. To dynamically move and size lines, arcs, and circles, and change the values of wireframe dimensions: 1. 2. Pick Drag. Pick a curve, point, or dimension. Dragging dimensions depends upon the biasing of the pick (as illustrated above). Move the cursor to move and resize the geometry or dimension. Press the left mouse button to accept the new shape, or the middle mouse button to cancel.
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3.
4.
Shaping and dragging unconstrained geometry
You can use Drag to size unconstrained wireframe. The Dynamic Navigator will locate midpoints of wireframe geometry for you, and will create other constraints as well. Drag wont override constraints on your wireframe, but it might add them.
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Online tutorial: sketching and constraining
Complete the online tutorial Sketching and Constraining. Youll learn how to: - sketch using the Dynamic Navigator - create constraints
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Online tutorial: building sections
Complete the online tutorial Building Sections. Youll learn how to: - work with sections
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You reviewed the typical part creation process: 1. Select the plane (Workplane for a new part or Sketch in place for a feature). Sketch and constrain the wireframe. Extrude, revolve, and so on, to create a part or feature.
2. 3.
Sketching and constraining, the second step in the part creation process, was the focus of this unit. To sketch and constrain, you: 1. 2. Rough-sketch wireframe. Add constraints and dimensions as necessary. (The I-DEAS graphic screen displays fully constrained wireframe as blue.) Modify dimensions to exact values.
3.
The Dynamic Navigator automatically references existing geometry to constrain new geometry. You can also add or remove constraints on your own. Constraints assist you in locking in your design intent, and make future modification easier. If the Dynamic Navigator doesnt work the way you want it to, you can modify the way it works or override it entirely by holding down the Control key. Use Sketch in place to create features on the surface of a part. This new geometry is owned by the part.
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Quiz
1. You should never override the Dynamic Navigator.
- True - False 2. What are the three basic ways that the Dynamic Navigator assists in building a part? When would you want to use the Focus command? What does it mean if the software colors your wireframe yellow when youre dimensioning or constraining?
3. 4.
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Using Undo to reverse commands Listed below are commands that can be reversed using the Undo command.
Command Dimensions Application Creating or modifying individually on wire frame. Creating individually Results You can repeat Undo for all dimensions created in this manner. You can repeat Undo for all constraints created in this manner. You can repeat Undo for all fillets.
Constraints
Fillets (solids) Chamfer Cut, Join, and Intersect Reflect
Creating using any method, e.g., edges or vertices Creating Applying Reflect Only & Keep Both Creating Applying
You can repeat Undo for all construction operations. You can repeat Undo for all sequential operations. Removes the shell. You can repeat Undo for all sequential operations. You can repeat Undo after each orient only. Use MB3 to reverse Undo or reselect entities. You can repeat Undo for all sequential operations. You can repeat Undo for all sequential operations. Removes the last pattern created. You can repeat Undo for all sequential operations. You can repeat Undo for all sequential operations.
Shell Cross Section and Plane Cut Orientation in the Modeling & Assembly tasks Draft Partition Pattern Offset Surface Views
Applying
Applying Applying Applying Applying Applying
65

Creating a 2D fillet
15
15 15
15 15 15 Visible Label Section
15
When you create a 2D fillet, by default I-DEAS assigns a tangent constraint on both ends, trims and extends as needed, and adds a radial dimension. You may want to turn the Trim/Extend option off so that you can dimension to the theoretical vertex. If you want to fillet every vertex in your wireframe, use MB3 under Section to build a section and fillet it in one step.
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Changing workplane attributes
Use Workplane Appearance to modify the attributes of the workplane: - Display Border, Origin, Axes makes the entity visible or invisible Display Border also controls the visibility of the workplanes direction indicator - X Y Min. Max. sets the border size in current units - Autoscale Border enlarges the border to encompass the geometry - Color, Line Style sets the color and line style for all workplane entities - Coordinates sets workplanes coordinate system choose Cartesian, cylindrical, or spherical - Grid makes grid invisible (default) or visible
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Notes...
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Unit 5
Extruding and revolving features

In this unit, youll learn how to: - group wireframe into valid sections - use different extrude and revolve options - create parts with multiple features - extrude and revolve sections to create features
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69
Where are you in the threestep modeling process?

1. establish a plane (workplane) Adding features to a part
1. establish a plane (sketch in place)
3. create a feature by extruding section (cut out)
In the last unit, we focused on sketching and constraining. Now well focus on the next step: grouping wireframe into a section and performing an operation (Extrude, Revolve, and so on) to create a part or feature. Remember, feature-based modeling has three key steps: 1. Establish a plane to sketch on (workplane or sketch-in-place plane). Sketch and constrain wireframe. Use Build Section and Extrude or Revolve to create a part or feature.
2. 3.
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Building a valid section
Valid
Invalid
When grouping the wireframe into a section, you must ensure that the section you build is valid. A valid section can: - be a closed loop of curves - consist of multiple domains - use untrimmed curves - be planar or non-planar An invalid section consists of self-intersecting curves.
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Extruding and revolving features 71
Using Stop at intersections
Untrimmed with Stop at intersections turned on
Visible Label Section Options...
Trimmed Approach
Using Stop at intersections helps you avoid trimming. Its a section option that allows you to pick only the wireframe you wish to include in the solid. Using this method: - provides flexibility to maintain design intent - encourages engineering content over drafting technique
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Using extrude options

Distance
Distance Thicken
Thicken
When you sketch geometry on the workplane to create new parts, you have two options to choose from when extruding the section: - Distance extrudes a section in one direction only. - Thicken extrudes a section equally in two directions. With either option, the overall extruded distance is equal.
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Creating parts with multiple features

1. Pick sketch-in-place plane.
2. Sketch and constrain wireframe geometry.
3. Extrude section to create feature.
Once youve created a part with the initial Extrude or Revolve operation, you can start adding features to it. Continue the same three steps as before, but instead of sketching on the workplane, use Sketch in place to place the wireframe on a planar surface of the part. Using Sketch in place enables you to: - select a planar surface for sketching wireframe - constrain and dimension to the edges of the part - use Focus to project vertices and edges associatively to the sketch-in-place plane
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Using Focus to build associativity
associated (blue)
Use MB3, Focus for sketching and constraining when you wish to use geometry that isnt on the sketchplane. Things to know about focus geometry: - Associated focus geometry is the same color as the workplane. - Non-associated focus geometry is yellow or green. - Only solid geometry can be associatively focused.
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Extruding sections
After you sketch in place, Extrude and Revolve offer these options: - Protrude joins the resulting extrusion to an existing part. The resulting volume becomes a feature of the existing part. - Cutout removes the extruded volume from an existing part. The resulting volume becomes a feature of the existing part. - Intersect produces a solid feature of the common volume of the existing part and the extrusion. - New Part produces a new part on the workbench.
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Extruding a feature
until next
Distance Thicken Until Next Until Selected From/To
until selected
to
from
When you sketch in place and extrude a section, if you toggle on Protrude, Cutout, or Intersect, your options include: - Until Next automatically stops the extrusion when it encounters the next surface. The cutout wont penetrate the next surface. - Until Selected extrudes the wireframe or section until it encounters one of these entities that you identify: surfaces vertices reference planes reference points coordinate system coordinate system plane origins - From/To extrudes the wireframe or section from one of the entities listed above (that you identify) to another entity.
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Revolving a part
Angle Until Next Until Selected From/To
When you use Revolve to create a feature by selecting Protrude, Cutout, or Intersect, you have options similar to Extrude, including: - Angle, which revolves the wireframe or section a specific number of degrees. - Until Next, which automatically stops the revolution when it encounters the next surface. - Until Selected, which revolves the wireframe or section until it encounters one of these entities that you identify: surfaces vertices reference planes reference points coordinate system coordinate system planes origins - From/To, which revolves the wireframe or section from an entity that you identify to another entity that you identify. Pick the From and To entities from the same list as Until Selected.
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Online tutorial: extruding and revolving features
Complete the online tutorial Extruding and Revolving Features. In this tutorial youll learn how to: - use extrude options - use revolve options
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Online tutorial: using 3D VGX options on parts
Complete the online tutorial Using 3D VGX options on parts. In this tutorial youll learn how to: - set VGX preferences - drag to create extruded features - drag to create revolved features - add VGX constraints on parts
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Online tutorial: creating basic machine parts: tiedown strap
Complete the tie-down strap portion of the online tutorial Creating Basic Machine Parts (under the Advanced Projects). In this tutorial, youll learn how to model a tie-down strap.
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Online tutorial: creating basic machine parts: shaft bearing
Complete the shaft bearing portion of the online tutorial Creating Basic Machine Parts. In this tutorial, youll learn how to model a shaft bearing.
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Feature-based modeling involves repeating three main steps: 1. Select a plane to sketch on (workplane or sketch-in-place plane). Sketch and constrain wireframe. Use Build Section, and Extrude or Revolve to create a feature.
2. 3.
A section cant be self-intersecting. A section must be planar when using Extrude or Revolve. Use Section Options to help control the way you build your section. When using Extrude and Revolve, remember that: - closed sections produce solids - open sections produce surfaces (open parts) When you extrude, the Depth and Thicken options produce the same overall extrude distance. You can use Focus to associatively project various entities to the sketchplane. This allows connection of your wireframe with off-plane geometry. When creating a feature, you can extrude or revolve until the next surface, some selected entity, or even from one selected entity to another, instead of specifying a distance or angle.
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Quiz
1. How do you know when youve produced an associative focus point? Are the following valid sections?
b) c)
2.
a)
3.
If youre having problems with an invalid section, where do you go to turn on Stop at intersections? Can a section be nonplanar when using Extrude and Revolve? If you extrude using the Thicken option with a distance of 50mm, what will your total extrude distance be? What entity types can you extrude Until Selected or From/To?
4.
5.
6.
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Options for revolving
rotation without translation rotation with translation
You have two options for revolving a section: - Translation along Axis translates the wireframe or section along the axis of revolution. - Change in Radius gradually increases the radius of revolution during a revolution. In both cases, keep in mind that the distances are overall, not per revolution (pitch). If the translation or change in radius causes the section to intersect itself as it revolves, the operation will fail.
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Deleting a section's underlying curves
Typically when you delete a section, you have two options: - delete the section, then delete the underlying curves - use the selection filter to delete the underlying curves (which automatically deletes the section) A quicker way to delete a section involves double clicking. To delete a single underlying curve, you can double-click on it. The rest of the section will remain. To delete a section and all its curves, pick Delete, double-click on any curve, then select MB3, All.
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Unit 6
CS1_{GloBAl}
xx
Working with parts

In this unit, youll learn how to: - set selection filters - set display filters and groups - list entity information - modify entity appearance - measure part geometry - calculate physical properties (surface area, volume, mass, and so on) and assign part material
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Selecting specific entities

Visible Label Filter... Area Options... Reconsider Deselect All Related To History Access. Use Groups... No Active View All Show Highlight Selection Backup Selection
Use the Filter form to define what you want to pick from the Graphics region. Important points about Selection Filter: - Pick Only allows you to limit the pickable entities. - Attributes... adds additional filter criteria to the highlighted entity (such as color, line style, curve length, and so on). - The list of pickable entities is reset each time you select a new command.
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Using display filters
CS1_{GloBAl}
Display Filter Groups
Display Selected
You can use several filtering methods to simplify the graphical display: - Display Filter... controls the visibility of specific entities or subentities. Settings are unique to each model file. - Display Selected hides everything except selected items. Selected entities cant be stored; you must reselect them each time. - Groups stores and displays a subset of entities within a part. Groups can be easily redisplayed and modified.
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Working with parts
89
Using groups
Select part to define or modify group Display selected group members Display all entities Create new groups Remove members from selected group Add members to selected group
Once defined, groups allow you to display or select a subset of entities associated with a part: 1. 2. 3. Under MB3, pick Use Groups. Select the part. Select the group.
Groups are an attribute of a part and are stored with the part during library check-in.
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Using Hide/Show
Hide
Show
Hide and Show allow you to pick entities that you want to hide or show. To hide an entity: 1. 2. Pick the Hide icon. Select the entity you wish to hide.
To redisplay an entity: 1. 2. Pick the Show icon. Select the entity you wish to redisplay.
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Working with parts
91
Listing information about part geometry
Use Info to get information about any selectable entity, such as a curve, surface, or part. By default this information is sent to the I-DEAS List window, or you can use Info Options to send it to a file.
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Changing the appearance of a part
Use Appearance to change certain attributes of a part, such as: - color - glossiness - brightness - translucency Once youre satisfied with the settings youve chosen on the Surface Appearance form, you may want to pick Set as Default so that any future parts you create in your model file may easily be changed to appear the same.
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Working with parts
93

Measuring linear distances
point to point surface to surface
edge to point
Use Measure to list the linear distance between any two entities; for example: - point to point - curve to curve (closest distance) - surface to surface (closest distance) - part to part (closest distance) You can select any combination of the above, but for a full list of entities you can pick, select Measure, MB3, Filter...
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Calculating surface area, volume, and mass
xx
Use Properties to calculate the physical and inertial properties of sections, parts, regions, harnesses, and assemblies. The calculation defines the center of gravity, as well as the principal inertial axes of the part. If you make any topological changes to the part, youll need to recalculate the physical properties. If you select sections, the software provides an area calculation only. This is especially useful for beam properties.
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Working with parts
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Online tutorial: selecting entities
V6
V3
E10 F2 F3
E3
V10 E4 V9
Begin the online tutorial Selecting Entities. In this tutorial, youll learn how to: - turn entities and labels on/off - select part geometry
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Online tutorial: getting a part's geometric information
Begin the online tutorial Getting a Parts Geometric Information. In this tutorial, youll learn how to: - measure distances between points, lines, and surfaces - measure virtual geometry - measure angles - use measurement results in another command - list information about part geometry - calculate surface area, volume, and mass
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Working with parts
97

Entity selection: - selecting specific entities (MB3, Filter...) Entity display: - selecting entities to display (Display Filter and Display Selected) - grouping entities - using Appearance and changing colors Tools: - Info
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Quiz
1. When you use the selection filter (MB3, Filter...), what does the Attributes.... option do? What are some differences between Display Selected and Use Groups? What does the Appearance icon control?
2.
3.
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Working with parts
99

Measuring between implicit geometry
Visible Label Point Line Surface Plane Change Method Turn 3D Point ON Filter... Area Options... Reconsider Deselect All Related to Use Groups... No Active View Done Show View Highlight Selection Backup Cancel
Infinite vector defined by back edge
To measure the linear distance between two locations where no physical geometry exists, you can use implicit geometry. Under MB3, you have these options for defining implicit geometry: - Point Key In, Intersection, Between, Translated, On Curve, and so on - Line (infinite vector) Point to Point, Between, Curve Tangent, Translated, and so on - Plane (infinite) Three Point, Point Normal, On Curve, and so on
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Defining a material
Fe Al Cu
Material can be defined and used for physical property calculations. Remember these important points: - Quick Create allows you to create custom materials. - Set the Material Type based on application (in other words, Part, Isotropic or Sheet Metal K Factor). - Materials are stored in the model file, but can be stored in a shared location using Put Database Materials... (See the online Help Library article: Working with External Material Databases.)
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Working with parts
101

Creating customized colors
Units Preferences... Color Palette... Background Color Menus On/Off
To create colors not included in the standard set: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Pick Options. Pick Color Palette... Pick Create. Name the color. Move the slides to modify the color displayed. Pick OK.
The color will now be available under the Appearance icon.
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Unit 7
Basic part modification

In this unit, well explore the process of modifying a part. Specifically, youll learn how to: - show a parts dimensions - modify dimension values - modify feature parameters - modify wireframe and sections - update a part
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103
Modifying a single modeling event

SDShow Dimensions FFeature Parameters DIDimension Values QWQuick Wireframe MDMultiple Draft RReplace Feature DHDelete History WWireframe RNRename Feature !Backup $Cancel
You can make many types of modifications to a part in I-DEAS. For now well look at four of the most important options: - Show Dimensions - Feature Parameters - Dimension Values - Wireframe
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Showing dimensions to modify

Show Dimensions displays (on the part) all the available dimensions which define the selected feature or part. To modify dimensions on the feature or part: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Pick Modify. Pick the part or feature. Pick Show Dimensions. Pick the dimension youd like to modify. Enter a new value on the Modify Dimension form.
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Modifying dimension values

Dimension Values displays (in the Modify form) all the available dimensions associated with the whole part or an individual feature. To modify any feature dimensions: 1. 2. 3. 4. Pick Modify. Pick the part or feature. Pick Dimension Values. Pick the dimension(s) youd like to modify from the list on the Dimensions form. Enter a new value in the field or use the match option.
5.
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Modifying feature parameters

To modify the original creation options: 1. 2. 3. 4. Pick Modify. Pick the part or feature. Pick Feature Parameters. Enter the new values on the original form (in this case, the Extrude Section form).
You can change any of the values. You can also change the operation used. You can change feature parameters for all different types of features: extrudes, revolves, sweeps, lofts, and so on.
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Modifying wireframe
To modify the original wireframe: 1. 2. 3. Pick Modify. Pick the part or feature. Pick Wireframe.
Once youve accessed the wireframe, you can: - create or delete wireframe - create, delete, or modify dimensions (but only those which define the two-dimensional section) - create or delete constraints - modify the section definition
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Modifying sections
SDShow Dimensions FFeature Parameters DIDimension Values QWQuick Wireframe MDMultiple Draft RReplace Feature DHDelete History WWireframe RNRename Feature !Backup $Cancel Section Options
The ability to modify a features section is powerful, since it allows you to change the shape of any feature at any time. To do this, select Modify, Wireframe, then: 1. Add additional wireframe if necessary, then pick Modify. Use MB3, Section Options to turn on Stop at Intersections (if necessary). Select anywhere on the section, then use MB2 to accept. Select wireframe curves to add or remove from the section grouping, then select Done.
2.
3. 4.
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Updating the part
When youre finished modifying a part or feature, youll need to update it. You can, however, make as many changes as youd like to the part before updating.
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Online tutorial: modifying features
Complete the online tutorial Modifying Features. Youll learn how to: - select features directly - modify feature parameters - modify dimensions - modify a features wireframe geometry - modify a section underlying a feature
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You can modify a part (or feature) by using one of these Modify options: - Show Dimensions will redisplay the parts dimensions so that you can modify them. - Dimension Values lists the parts dimensions in the Modify Dimensions form so that you can modify them. - Feature Parameters returns you to the original form used to create the feature, that is, it places you back in the third step of the three-step I-DEAS modeling process. - Wireframe returns you to the features wireframe. This option is particularly powerful because accessing the wireframe allows you to modify the section which defined the features shape. Thus, you can revert to the second step of the three-step I-DEAS modeling process. Remember to use Update to process the modifications you make to a part or feature.
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Quiz
1. Whats the difference between Show Dimensions and Dimension Values? What are the pros and cons of using each? If you need to change an extrude distance, which option(s) could you choose? What if you need to change an extrude direction? Explain the difference between modifying wireframe and feature parameters in the context of the three-step modeling process.
2.
3.
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Notes...
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Unit 8
Using History Access tools to modify parts

In this unit, well continue to explore the process for modifying a part. Youll learn: - how I-DEAS uses the history tree to store modeling information - how to use the history tree to see how a part was built - how to select a feature you want to modify or delete - how to perform various modifications on the features of a part
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Modifying a part in IDEAS
Every solid model created in I-DEAS has a history which records all modeling events used to create the part. This history is the key to the powerful modification capabilities available to you. To modify a part in I-DEAS, you access and supplement existing information think of it as going back in time and changing some aspect of the modeling events used to create the initial part. I-DEAS provides a number of different tools you can use to access and change these events. Among the most important of these is the history tree.
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Understanding history trees

Root
Node
Cut
Join
Extrude
Join
Extrude
Extrude
Extrude Leaf
A history tree is a sequential record of the modeling events used to create a part (e.g., Extrude, Revolve, Join, Loft). - A node is a data structure used to represent modeling operations. Nodes typically have a Parent and two children, a Left Child and a Right Child. - A leaf is a terminal node in a tree, an end of the line (e.g., Extrude, Revolve, Loft). - The root is the last operation performed on the part (that is, the last node). History trees grow from the bottom up. Each time a new modeling event is added to the history tree, its added on top of the previous root.
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A leaf in a history tree
Cut9
Join7
Extrude8 *
Join5
Extrude6 *
Extrude3
Extrude4 *
A leaf in a history tree contains the data required to create the modeling event: - geometry - orientation data - dimensions - minor operations (e.g., face appearance attributes, reference geometry) - graphics - various status data (e.g., suppression) The majority of all modifications made to a part are done at the leaf level of a parts history tree.
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Accessing a part's history

History Access
You can access the history of a part either by picking History Access from the icon panel or by using the right mouse button. The History Access form allows you to: - step through the creation process of a part to see how it was built - modify, delete, or suppress a particular feature or operation - troubleshoot when modeling problems occur
Understanding the History Access form
This area contains basic part and feature information plus functions for displaying the history differently.
This area displays the history tree. You can pick nodes or dynamically pan the graphic using MB1.
This area gives you tools to control the history trees graphical display. You can zoom in, zoom out, or center the display on a selected node. This icon displays feature/part information in the List region.
Use these controls to select nodes in a step-wise fashion. Once youve selected the feature or operation you want, you can roll back to that point to make additions or modifications.
The History Access form contains valuable information about your part. Before you begin using the form, its useful to get familiar with the different types of information and tools available.
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Minor operations on the history tree
Minor operation flag
Join5 Join5
Extrude3
Extrude4 RF1 (Reference Geometry) Extrude3 Extrude4
In addition to storing feature information, the history tree tracks minor operations performed on the part. A minor operation: - is a modeling event that doesnt appear as an additional node (e.g., unique feature) on the history tree - is stored at existing nodes on the tree - appears as a short, vertical line from the node to which its attached To expand all minor operations attached to a node and display their labels, double-click on the flag on the appropriate node (for example, the Extrude3 node above). Double-click a second time to collapse the minor operations.
Using the History Access form to see how a part was built
Rewind to Beginning
Step Forward
One important reason to use the History Access form is to see how a part was created. To do this, turn on Show Steps to display what the part looks like at any given point in its history. Use the Rewind to Beginning button to see how the creation process began. Then proceed through the modeling events using the Step Forward button. Using Show Steps on the History Access form allows you to see the underlying geometry for each feature (contained on each leaf).
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Modifying a part in IDEAS

Select Modify or History Access or
Select a feature
Select a modification option
Change the feature
Update
Here are the five steps for modifying a part in I-DEAS.
Modifying a part with multiple features

SDShow Dimensions DIDimension Values UUnsuppress Features SSSelect Surfaces !Backup $Cancel
If you select Modify, then click just once on the part, youll see white brackets indicating youve selected the entire part (rather than a specific feature). Your modification options will be limited, since there is no single set of wireframe or feature parameters which applies to every feature. However, you can use: - Show Dimensions to quickly display dimensions for all features at once. - Dimension Values to see dimensions for all features in the Modify Dimensions form. - Unsuppress Features to quickly unsuppress features simultaneously. (Well discuss Suppress in more detail later.) For more information on modification options, see the online Help Library.
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Selecting a feature using the mouse
If you select Modify, then click twice on the part, youll see yellow brackets indicating youve isolated a particular feature. To directly select a feature using the mouse: 1. 2. 3. Pick Modify. Highlight a face or edge unique to a feature. Without moving the mouse, double-click the left mouse button. Youll see dashed yellow lines around the selected feature, and the List region will also indicate which feature youve picked. If youve selected the correct feature, Accept. If not, use the right mouse button to Reconsider or use the Parent/Child relationship between the features to access the desired node.
4.
Selecting a feature using the History Access form
You can also select a specific feature using the History Access form: 1. 2. Open the History Access form. Using MB1, click on the history tree leaf or node which represents the desired feature. Verify on the graphics screen that the desired feature has been highlighted.
3.
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Using the History Access form to select a modification option
Modify
Delete
Suppress Feature
Unsuppress Feature
If you select a feature using the History Access form, you can perform many actions from the form: - Modify closes the History Access form and displays the menu of modify options (such as Show Dimensions, Feature Parameters, and so on). Note that the Wireframe button is the quickest path to the features wireframe, and is equivalent to Modify, Wireframe. - Delete eliminates the selected feature from the part. The creation step for the feature will no longer exist in the parts history. - Suppress removes the selected feature from the creation process, but leaves it in the history of the part in case you want to unsuppress it later.
Suppressing features
kjkjb SDShow Dimensions FFeature Parameters DIDimension Values QWQuick Wireframe MDMultiple Draft SUSuppress Feature RReplace Feature DHDelete History ADAdd Relations WWireframe RNRename Feature !Backup $Cancel
Pick Suppress Feature to temporarily disable a node or leaf in the parts history. The feature still exists but its ignored as indicated on the history tree by dashed lines until you unsuppress it. Youll find it helpful to suppress features when youre: - exploring different design strategies - troubleshooting a part with modeling errors (just suppress what you suspect is causing a problem) - finished with designing a feature and want to increase your workstations performance by reducing the calculations required for each update
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Inserting a feature using Rollback
original part
rollback state
inserted features insert extrude and fillet features
resulting part
Sometimes the order of features is important. To insert a feature in the middle of the history tree, you can roll back to the appropriate point in the history tree, add a new feature or features, and update the part.
Additional modification options

SDShow Dimensions FFeature Parameters DIDimension Values QWQuick Wireframe MDMultiple Draft SUSuppress Feature RReplace Feature DHDelete History DEDelete Relations WWireframe RNRename Feature !Backup $Cancel
Other modification options available include: - Quick Wireframe: This option is similar to the Wireframe option, except that I-DEAS doesnt regenerate the part topology which corresponds to that moment in the part history. This generally prohibits constraining to the part geometry. - Replace Feature: Its used to replace a feature with another part. The features replacement must be located on the workbench as a distinct part, although it doesnt have to be named. Any relations between the part and the original feature will have to be added again. - Rename Feature: This displays a form to rename the selected feature (for example, to change Extrude12 to Keyway Cutout).
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Updating a part with multiple features

First update
Second update
If you modify the wireframe of a feature, youll need to perform Update twice the first time to update the feature itself, the second time to update the entire part. I-DEAS color-codes dimensions, parts, and features in pink to let you know when they need to be updated.
Online tutorial: using history access to modify features

5 3 1 2 4
Complete the online tutorial Using History Access to Modify Features. Youll learn how to: - select nodes on the history tree - add and delete edges to fillet features - insert a feature using History Access - suppress features
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A history tree is a record of a parts evolution, containing all the features and operations performed. Its composed of: - leaves, which represent features - nodes, which represent operations The History Access form is used to: - see how a part was created - modify, delete, or suppress a particular feature or operation - troubleshoot modeling problems Modifying a part involves: 1. 2. choosing Modify or History Access selecting a feature (either directly, or from the History Access form) choosing a modification option performing changes updating the part
3. 4. 5.
Quiz
1. What are some beneficial uses for displaying a parts history tree? Does modifying a feature lengthen the parts history? How many features of a part can be suppressed at any one time? Keeping the history tree in mind, would it be better to cut out and extrude multiple holes in a part simultaneously, or cut out and extrude each one individually?
2. 3.
4.
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Selecting a feature by label
Label Visible Label Next Page Section Options... Reference Point Filter... Reference Line Area Options... Reconsider Reference Plane . Deselect All Previous Page . Related To Curve . Use Groups... Section No Active View Constraint History Access... Feature Done . Show . View . Highlight Selection Pick owning entity Directory Backup Cancel
Extrude3 Extrude4 Join5 Revolve6 Join7 Visible Label . . .
To select a feature by label: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Pick Modify. Hold down the right mouse button and pick Label. Select Pick owning entity. Pick the part. Pick Feature. Pick the name of the feature from the menu.

Selecting a feature with the parent/child method
Child Join5 Revolve6 Backup Cancel
Join7 Join5 Revolve6*
The parent/child method for selecting a feature is useful when youve just created something and you immediately decide you want to do it differently. For example, use this to undo the last operation. To select a feature by starting at the top of the history tree: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Pick Modify. Pick the part (but dont accept). Hold down the right mouse button and pick Child. Pick the name of the feature from the menu. Repeat steps 2 and 3 as necessary.
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Using Complete Update and Incremental Update
Complete Update will replay every step of a selected parts history. Its used to ensure all modifications have been processed, although its seldom necessary. Keep in mind that using Complete Update with large parts may be very time-consuming. Incremental Update will replay each step of a selected parts history. This is useful for reviewing geometry created by someone else.
Notes...
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Unit 9
Troubleshooting
In this unit, youll learn: - how to recognize errors and warnings on the history tree - why common errors and warnings occur - how to recover from common modeling errors and warnings
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Go get help, but first...
Look for clues
icon panel List region Prompt region
If youre stuck, check the interface for clues: - Look at the icon panel: Is an icon active (highlighted)? - Look at the prompt region. Is the software asking for information or an action? - Look in the list region. Are you tracking your progress? - Is any entity pre-selected in the graphic region? This can cause a command to behave unexpectedly. If the interface feedback doesnt help, investigate alternatives. Could the functionality youre looking for be under the right mouse button?
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What is troubleshooting?
What do these messages mean?
What do these colors on the history tree mean?
During the part modeling cycle, you may encounter potential problems that can be easily resolved once you understand the warning signs and how to address them. This unit focuses on increasing your awareness of the visual feedback I-DEAS uses to warn you of potential problems. Youll also learn the recovery process for the most common problems youll likely encounter.
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Troubleshooting
141
Notification of errors and warnings
I-DEAS will warn you in various ways when something goes wrong with your part. - The Replay Interrupted form indicates when a warning or error has occurred during the update of a parts history. - The I-DEAS List region lists any warnings or errors as they occur while modeling or during an update. - The History Access form displays different color nodes to warn you of problems. - Other visual feedback in the graphics region helps point out problems during certain commands (e.g., Shell and Fillet).
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Using Info on the workbench
workbench
In some cases, the first step to troubleshooting in I-DEAS is understanding what is actually on the workbench. For example, if your part suddenly disappears during modeling, Info, workbench will tell you if it still exists. As long as your part hasnt been deleted, you should be able to use its history to correct (or delete) the last step that caused it to disappear.
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Troubleshooting
143
How to recover from a deleted surface
missing surface
At some point, you may accidentally delete a surface from your part. You may notice this when construct operations act unexpectedly, since your part no longer represents a solid volume. To quickly recover the surface: 1. 2. 3. Pick History Access. Delete the Surface Delete minor operation. Dismiss the form and update.
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Recognizing errors and warnings on the history tree

Cut7
Cut5
Extrude6
Extrude3
Extrude4
A yellow node indicates a warning, e.g., fillet failed to find two edges. In most cases, I-DEAS is able to complete this modeling step, even though something isnt being constrained or constructed as originally defined. A red node indicates an error, probably because a construction operation failed.
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Troubleshooting
145
Recognizing yellow nodes
Cause
Result
A yellow node appears on the History Access form if theres a warning associated with a feature. I-DEAS generates warnings whenever you attempt to define a feature with geometry that doesnt exist or whenever you perform an illogical operation like attempting to cut a part with a feature that doesnt touch the part. This warning typically shows up when you remove geometry from a feature that another feature is constrained to or when you pick the wrong option during an extrude (cutout instead of protrude).
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Common yellow node warnings
The steps to recover from a yellow node vary, depending on the type of problem which caused it. Two common warnings you might encounter are: - Cut not performed Parts do not touch. This indicates that an attempted cutout didnt touch the base feature, resulting in no change to the part. This may indicate that the cutout is in the wrong direction or wrong location. - Warning: Out-of-date sketch edges are defining the wireframe of this feature. This indicates that the feature has constraints to geometry which no longer exists due to modifications to earlier features. Lets look at how to fix each of these problems...
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Troubleshooting
147
How to fix an incorrect extrude or revolve

Show Dimensions Feature Parameters Dimension Values Quick Wireframe Multiple Draft Suppress Feature Replace Feature Delete History Delete Relations Wireframe Rename Feature Backup Cancel
If you make an incorrect selection while using Extrude or Revolve (if you pick the wrong direction to extrude, for example), modify Feature Parameters. Or: To modify the location of the feature, modify Wireframe or Delete/Add Relations.
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Fixing outofdate sketch edges
Extrude4 and Extrude6 are both yellow, indicating warnings.
Out-of-date sketch edges occur when geometry used for a sketch-in-place feature is removed or replaced. In some cases, these warnings may be harmless reminders that some changes have occurred. But its important to realize that features constrained to out-of-date sketch edges wont be positioned associatively any more. Options for fixing out-of-date sketch edges: - Remove constraints from yellow sketch edges. - Remove relations from the feature. - Delete the yellow sketch edges. - Use MB3, Remove Invalid Curves to modify the section.
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Troubleshooting
149
Removing outofdate sketch edges
On the history tree, Extrude4 is no longer yellow.
To correct features constrained to out-of-date sketch edges: 1. Access the wireframe using Modify or the History Access form. The bright yellow dashed lines are the old sketch edges to which the feature is constrained. Remove any constraints and dimensions that use out-of-date geometry. If you delete the yellow sketch edges, all invalid constraints will automatically be removed. Reconstrain and redimension to valid geometry (optional).
2.
3.
The section that defines the feature must follow valid curves and edges in the current version of the part (e.g., not some edge that used to exist).
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What causes red nodes?
A red node on the history tree indicates a construction failure in your part. These are common causes of red nodes: - self-intersecting section - revolved axis intersects section - invalid draft angle - fillet radius too large (round swallows face) Fixing a red node usually involves modifying the Feature Parameters or Wireframe.
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Troubleshooting
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Online tutorial: modeler troubleshooting
Complete the online tutorial Modeler Troubleshooting. In this tutorial, youll learn how to: - recover invisible features - find invisible parts - repair deleted faces - insert features - replay a part to find errors - reattach wireframe geometry to features
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I-DEAS provides a variety of feedback to signal you when something goes wrong. This includes: - List region messages - colored nodes on the history tree - replay interruption forms which appear when you pick Update You can recover surfaces which are accidentally deleted by deleting the corresponding minor operations in the history tree. Warnings about potential modeling problems appear on the history tree as yellow nodes, while errors appear as red nodes. Common causes of yellow nodes include: - performing an illogical construct operation, such as attempting a cutout in the wrong direction - out-of-date sketch edges which result from removing or replacing geometry used for sketch-in-place features Red nodes result from construction failures (such as attempting to extrude a self-intersecting section).
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Troubleshooting
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Troubleshooting sketching problems The discussion of troubleshooting in I-DEAS isnt complete without some word about common sketching problems. Unfortunately, there isnt typically enough class time to cover these topics. Use the following pages as reference when you do experience problems with wireframe. Specifically, youll learn how to: - anticipate which wireframe curves will get absorbed in a feature, and which will be left behind - transfer wireframe between features (sketchpads) using Extract and Attach
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Sketching problems Sometimes while sketching, the Dynamic Navigator may appear to be disabled, or youll be unable to add a dimension or constraint. To recover from this, first select Redisplay. If that doesnt correct the problem: 1. Make sure the edges of the plane youre sketching on are the same color as the workplane (blue by default). If theyre not, the incorrect plane is active. Similarly, if youre sketching on the workplane, it should be visible (by default). Make sure the Dynamic Navigator hasnt been disabled. Attach the wireframe that the navigator or dimensioning command doesnt recognize to the wireframe it does recognize.
2. 3.
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Troubleshooting
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Controlling what gets absorbed into the feature's sketchpad
Notice that once the rectangle has been extruded, one of the lines gets absorbed, while the other is left behind as workbench wireframe.
Extrude
How can you control what gets absorbed into the extrude (feature) sketchpad? - The section, its sketchplane, and any other geometry that drives the placement and orientation of the section get absorbed into the extrude (feature). - If the geometry that the constraints refer to is absorbed, then the constraints are absorbed. - Pick the section and use Show Causes to preview which wireframe will be absorbed and which will be left behind as workbench wireframe.
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Understanding sketchpads in a part
Part construction walkthrough I
Workbench_wireframe
y x
Remember that a typical design cycle involves sketching wireframe geometry, constraining it, then extruding the constrained section (or applying some other operation). Following creation of the base feature, the cycle repeats, typically from a sketch-in-place plane. This example shows what happens to the various sketchpads and planes as this happens. Initial wireframe is sketched on the workplane. This is the default sketchplane, attached to the default part, called workbench wireframe.
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Troubleshooting
157

Workbench_wireframe Part construction walkthrough II
y x
Part Sketchpad Extrude3
Extrude3 Sketchpad
When the wireframe has been constrained and the section is extruded, I-DEAS: - creates a feature sketchpad - moves the wireframe used for the extrude operation from the workbench wireframe sketchpad to the feature sketchpad - completes the extrude operation and names the resulting node - creates a new sketchpad for the resulting part
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Part construction walkthrough III
y x
Workbench_wireframe
Extrude3 Sketchpad
When you use Sketch in place, the software: - creates a sketchplane on the parts sketchpad - creates 2D curves at the surface boundaries of the sketchpad, allowing constraints between them and the 2D geometry youve created. These newly created curves are called sketch edges.
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Troubleshooting
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Part construction walkthrough IV
y x
Workbench_wireframe
Cut5
Part Sketchpad
Extrude3
* Extrude4
Extrude3 Sketchpad
Extrude4 Sketchpad
When you use Extrude or Cutout, the software: - creates a new feature sketchpad - moves the wireframe used for the extrude operation from the parts sketchpad to the new features sketchpad - completes the extrude operation and names the resulting node - completes the resulting Boolean operation and names the resulting node
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Transferring wireframe geometry between sketchpads
Use Extract and Attach to transfer wireframe geometry between sketchpads and the workplane feature. - Use Extract to copy wireframe geometry from any feature sketchpad to the workbench. - Use Attach to move wireframe geometry from one sketchpad to another.
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Troubleshooting
161

Extracting wireframe curves
y x
Workbench_wireframe
Extrude3 Sketchpad
To make the parts sketchpad wireframe visible to the Extrude3 sketchpad, it must first be transferred to the workbench wireframe sketchpad. To do this, either: 1. or... 2. Attach the wireframe geometry from the parts sketchpad to the workbench wireframe sketchpad. Extract the wireframe from the parts sketchpad.
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Attaching wireframe curves
Workbench
y x Part Sketchpad Extrude3
Extrude3 Sketchpad
To attach wireframe curves drawn on the workplane to a features sketchpad: 1. 2. 3. Modify the wireframe of the desired feature. Pick Attach. Pick the curves from the workbench wireframe that you want to attach. Pick any wireframe that is part of the features sketchpad.
4.
You may also have to align or move the wireframe to make the two sets of wireframe coplanar. Once theyre coplanar, you can add a dimension or constraint between them, which merges their sketchplanes. This allows you to place additional dimensions and build sections between the two sets of wireframe.
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Troubleshooting
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Notes...
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Unit 10
Using equations and wireframe animation

In this unit, youll learn: - how to relate dimensions - how to create equations - how to analyze 2D behavior using wireframe - how to create relations between constraint networks
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Developing a wireframe sketch
Keep in mind as you are sketching wireframe that you are defining your design intent. In addition to possibly defining the shape of a solid feature, a wireframe sketch may also help you: - relate dimension values to each other - relate dimensions to design variables - define how modifications will affect your geometry - analyze the behavior of a 2D system once the proper constraints are in place
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Relating dimensions
D1 D2
As weve seen before, Modify can be used to match one dimension to another. If the two dimensions are related, but not equal, you could instead type in a simple equation on the Modify Dimension form. Notice that, in general, you should add units to your equations when adding or subtracting quantities.
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Using equations
y=f(x)
You can use the Part Equations icon may to define relationships between dimensions. Using Part Equations gives you the additional flexibility to define complicated relations and design variables (such as area, volume, RPM, etc.). This allows you to use engineering parameters to drive your parts dimensions. The Equations form is nearly identical to the Modify Dimension form (used when modifying multiple dimensions), with the addition of a text editing field where you can define equations.
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Entering equational constraints

Equation Area=D1*D2 Variable name Area D1 D2 Expression 100 100 Value .01
Area
D1
D2
Equation Area=D1*D2 Area=.01m D1

2
Variable name Area D1 D2
Expression From Equation 100
Value .01 100
Area
D2
From Equation puts the value under the control of the software, which determines an appropriate value after solving for all other values, including equations and variables from the equation field. Above, we introduce Area=D1*D2 and change the expression for D1 to From Equation. This makes D1 the dependent variable and, since Area is now specified as .01m2, the software can calculate D1s new value.
Specifying units for variables in an equation
Area
D1
D1*D2=Area Area= 10000 |mm sq|
D2
You can specify units other than the default SI units. The following units are supported as shown: - |deg|, |degree| - |in|, |inch|; |ft|, |feet|, |in sq|, |inch sq|; |ft sq|, |feet sq| - |mm|, |millimeter|; |cm|, |centimeter|; |m|, |meter|, |mm sq|, |millimeter sq|; |cm sq|, |centimeter sq|; |m sq|, |meter sq|
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Using a constraint network to study 2D behavior
With the proper constraints in place, a wireframe network can be used to represent more than simply the shape of a part or feature. It can also be used to study the motion of a 2D system (such as a planar mechanism). Use Drag or Animate Dimension to test the behavior of the system. By using a stick-figure representation, the time to model the detailed 3D parts can be avoided, until exact positions and sizes are determined.
Animating dimensions
Pick here to select another dimension
100 85 115
Another way to better understand the wireframes constraint network is to animate a dimension. Animating a dimension demonstrates the changes in the wireframe when one dimensions value is varied throughout a given range. You can specify a range for the dimension, or keep the default range, which is +/ 15% from the current value. This can be especially useful in determining the performance of a mechanism.
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Equations can be used in a wireframe sketch to: - relate dimension values to each other - relate dimensions to engineering variables Dimension values derived from equations are shown in angled brackets. Remember to specify units in equations when necessary. Constraint networks can also be used to study 2D kinematic behavior. Use Drag or Animate Dimension to visualize dimensional changes.
Quiz
1. When would you need to use Part Equations rather than Modify Dimensions? Does a wireframe sketch have to be fully constrained for you to use an equation within it? Would I-DEAS allow you to name a variable in an equation either mm or in?
2.
3.
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Recognizing arithmetic operators
+ * / < <= > >= = == != if ( ), then ( ) and, && or, || sin( ) cos( ) tan( ) asin( ) acos( ) atan( ) log10( ) log( ); ln( ) exp( ) ^, power( ), pow( ) sqrt( ) fabs( ), abs( ) sinh( ) cosh( ) tanh( ) Round( ) Truncate( ) Pi Addition Subtraction Multiplication Division Less than Less than or equal Greater than Greater than or equal Equal to (assignment) Equal to (comparison) Not equal to Conditional operators Logical And operator Logical or operator Sine (radians) Cosine (radians) Tangent (radians) Arc Sine (radians) Arc Cosine (radians) Arc Tangent (radians) Common log, base 10 Natural log, base e Exponentiation, e to power Power (base, exponent) Square root Absolute value Hyperbolic sine Hyperbolic cosine Hyperbolic tangent Rounds off double precision number to integer Truncates double precision number to integer
Notes...
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Unit 11
Using libraries
This unit explains how I-DEAS uses libraries to store information. Youll learn how to: - use libraries to store and share data - manage versions and revisions of a part - choose the appropriate check-in/check-out options for library transactions - update a part to reflect modifications made by others - compare parts
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Where can you store your parts?

Model Files personal parts personal drawings personal assemblies personal FEMs personal NC Catalogs standard parts standard features standard sections standard fasteners (parts)
Libraries
shared parts shared drawings shared assemblies
Within your project, you can store parts in one of these containers: - Remember that a model file is your personal workspace, like your desk, which includes bins and a workbench. A model file is for work-in-progress, a temporary place to store your part while you work on it. - Think of a library as a permanent storage area, like a bookshelf, where you place data to share with others in your group. - Think of a catalog as a permanent storage area for standardized parts that usually dont change. A catalog allows you to set up families of parts, sections, and features, such as sheet metal punches and standard tooling features. (Catalogs are covered in detail in Appendix A.) Now lets discuss the advantages of using a library...
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Why use a library?

Library
Library
Library
Libraries: - let you share your work with other users - let you automatically update your work - control concurrent access - provide version control - provide a safe storage area for your work
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Using libraries
179
Checking a part into a library and sharing parts
Library
Model File 1
Project 1
Model File 2
bushing B-1234
When you want to share a part with someone else, check the part into a library: 1. 2. 3. 4. Pick Check-in. Enter the Project/Library name. Pick a check-in option. Enter the desired designation (number, letter, and so on) in the Revision field (optional). Pick OK.
5.
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Assigning versions and revisions

Sample Design Time Line Unreleased Preproposal / Conceptual / Preliminary / Final Revision (user defined) Version (I-DEAS assigned) 1 2 0 3 4 1 5 6 7 2 8 9 3 13 Released
10 11 12
14 15
Corresponds to drawing release

Project 1
bushing B-1234 B
Librar y
15
Some general information about versions and revisions: - The first time you check an item into the library, its automatically assigned a version number. - Each time the item is modified, its assigned the next highest version number. - Version numbers are assigned by the software and cant be altered. - All old versions of the item are kept until you delete them. - You can define a revision, or leave it blank. - There shouldnt be two versions of the part with the same revision label.
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Options for checking a part into a library
Project 1
bushing
B-1234
When you check a part into a library, you have four options to choose from: - Check-in, keep to modify (CK) means you have the part checked out. Youve placed a new version of the item in the library for others to reference or copy, but you still have the original item in your model file, and only you can modify it. - Check-in, keep for reference (RFL) means youre referencing the latest version. This means youll be notified if someone changes the part in the library. Youll see this status listed in your Manage Bins form. - Check-in, keep as copy (CO) means youve created a copy of the part. You cant update your copy with changes made to the original item, but you can request to be notified when the original changes. - Check-in, do not keep means youre done working with the item, dont need to know if it changes, and dont need a copy. The part will be removed from your model file.
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Getting a part from a library

Library
To get a part out of a library: 1. 2. 3. Pick Get From Library... Highlight the entities you want. Pick the desired check-in option. Notice that youll have one or more items pending. Pick OK.
4.
You can also get a part out of a library from the Manage Bins form. When getting a part out of the library, you have options similar to those for Check-In.
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Options for getting a part from a library
When you get a part from a library, you have three options to choose from: - Reference to have a read-only associative part that can be updated with any changes to the original part. - Check-out to place the part in your bin so only you can change it. This option is only available if no one else has the check-out privilege for modifying the part. - Copy to place an unassociated copy of the part in your model file. This cannot be updated with any changes to the original part. These are the same options you have when checking a part into a library.
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Using Update from Library
Use Update from Library when your referenced version is out-of-date. You have three ways of knowing its out-of-date: - The Manage Bins form has an * by the library status. - When you select Update from Library, the form lists only those parts that are out-of-date. - If youve configured your project for e-mail, youll be notified by e-mail of design changes. When you reference the part, you can control if and when to update changes. Its a good idea to save your model file before you update.
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Using Manage Bins, Library Status
You can use Library Status to change the library status of an item in your model file. - The change options depend on the current state (modified/unmodified) and library status of the selected item. - I-DEAS performs a verification process before actually changing the status of the item. The Reference specific (rfs) status is like Reference latest (rfl) in that you cant modify the part, but unlike rfl, items with rfs status cant be updated.
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Comparing parts
Green (new)
Block;:1
Yellow (modified) Block;:2
Sometimes its useful to compare two different parts or two versions of the same part. With Compare, you can compare any geometric and topological differences. The software displays differences on a split screen composed of two viewports, with the latest version (the one you selected first) on the right, and the older version (or the one you selected second) on the left. It delineates differences using a color code: - Red Faces on the old part that were deleted from the new part are highlighted in the left viewport. - Green Faces that exist on the new part but not on the older part are shown in the right viewport. - Yellow Faces that are common to both parts but have changed are highlighted in the right viewport.
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Using Compare
Green (new)
Block;:1
Yellow (modified) Block;:2
When comparing two different parts (such as a part and its mold), youll get a warning message that the comparison results may not be legitimate, but you can still proceed with the comparison. When comparing two versions of the same part, you must first store both versions of the part in a library. To use Compare: 1. Check out the latest version of the part, or check in the part on your workbench by selecting Keep to Modify on the Check-In form. Reference an older version of the part. Pick Compare. Pick the first part to compare (the latest version). Pick the second part to compare (the older version).
2. 3. 4. 5.
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Some common library scenarios

Designer Needs to be able to modify original part. Can check part back into the library so that others can be updated with changes to the part. CAN modify the part. FE Analyst Designer of a new part Needs to be able to make changes that wont affect the original part. CANNOT be updated with any changes to the part.

Checked Out (CK)

Library
Copy (CO) Reference (Rfl)
Reference (Rfl)
Detailer Assembly Designer Needs to be able to view part for drawing or assembly. Also needs capability to update part with any changes made to the part by the designer. CANNOT modify the part.
NC Programmer FE Analyst (some) Needs to be able to view part for toolpath creation or FEA, and update part with any changes made by the designer. CANNOT modify the part.
Here are some typical situations where one person created a part and checked it into a library for everyone to share. Each person may need the part for a different purpose: - Each person may or may not need the ability to modify the part. - Each person may or may not need the capability to receive updates on changes to the original part.
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A model file is your personal work space, used for temporary storage when working with a part. A library is a permanent storage area that allows you to share data with others. - Other users can either reference the part or check out the part, depending on their ability and need to modify the part. - Only one person has modification privileges at any one time (ability to get write access to a part). - If a change has been made to a part that has been referenced by others, the referenced parts can be updated. - Previous versions of a library part are stored until you delete them. - You can use Compare to compare two different parts or two versions of the same part. The latest version (picked first) is displayed on the right and the earlier version (picked second) is on the left. A color code shows geometric and topological differences: Green is used for faces that exist in the new part but not on the older part. Red is used for faces on the old part that were deleted from the new part. Yellow is used for faces that are common to both parts but have changed.
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Quiz
1. Where would you put your part for permanent storage?
- library - model file 2. 3. How many people can modify a given part at one time? If you delete a part from the workbench, is it deleted from the model file? From the library? How many people can reference or copy a library part at one time? When you check a part into a library, I-DEAS automatically assigns a version number to the part. In what case would a new version not be assigned? What are some of the dependent items that are automatically revised when you update?
4.
5.
6.
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Managing the changed history of a part
Details Name... File... User Attr... Appl. Attr... History... Access... Related Items...
Enter the change history here Select here if you need more space to document your change
Before you check a part into the library, you may want to document any changes made since the last version of the part was saved. To document the changed history of a part: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Access the Manage Bins form. Select the part. Select History on the Details toggle. Enter the change history. Select OK and dismiss the Manage Bins form.
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How IDEAS data gets written, saved, retrieved, and so on...
Project(s) Model File(s) Workbench Parts Drawings Assemblies Bin(s) Parts Drawings Assemblies NC Library(s) Parts Drawings Assemblies . . . Catalog(s) Parts Features Fasteners Sections Detail Drawings Named Name Save Disk Unnamed Not Disk Not Disk Not Disk Not Disk Not Disk Not Disk Not Disk Not Disk Check in Check in Check in Check in Check in Check in Check in Check in Check in Check in Check in Check in Save Disk Disk Disk Disk Disk Disk Disk Disk Disk Disk Disk Disk Disk
Named
File
Named
File File File File File File File File File File File
One model file can hold several parts, drawings, assemblies, and so on, on the workbench and/or in bins. When you create a model file (jsmith, for example), I-DEAS actually creates two files: - jsmith. mf1 (geometry and so on) - jsmith. mf2 (appearance information, units, and other data) When a part is checked into a library, its stored in the operating system as a separate file (*.prt), usually on the server.
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Notes...
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Unit 12
Focus
Creating reference geometry

In this unit, youll learn about these topics pertaining to reference geometry: - definitions - types - usage - creation methods
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What is reference geometry?
Often, an entitys topology is insufficient for defining geometry or the orientation of relationships. You can use reference geometry to supplement the topology of a part, making it easier to model various features while ensuring associativity. Reference geometry doesnt disappear when you perform construction operations. It behaves like solid geometry, allowing you to: - create construction or assembly relationships, or sketch with nonplanar surfaces - identify original geometry that disappears during some construction action, such as filleted edges - reference a location where there is no geometry, such as the center of a surface
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Types of reference geometry
Y Z X
I-DEAS gives you these reference geometry tools: - Reference Points for building focus or coincident relations to a specific position with respect to existing geometry or a location in space. - Reference Lines for defining linear geometry for edge relations (edges, axes, and so on) that dont already exist or that will disappear from construction operations. - Reference Planes for defining sketchplanes on revolved parts and complex or nonplanar surfaces. - Coordinate Systems for defining planes, lines, and a focusable origin point as a single entity. - Reference Curves for producing reference geometry from wireframe curves. Because reference curves use existing wireframe (unlike other types of reference geometry), theyll be discussed in the next unit.
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Using reference points
You can create a reference point: - relative to existing geometry, such that it changes if the geometry changes - using an end point or center point of existing geometry, so the reference point will move with that geometry if its modified - using Edge Relations to include dimensional control with the reference point - using Key In or Screen Location, so the point will remain at that location Lets take a closer look...
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Creation options for reference points

Visible Label Screen Location Key In Intersection Between Translated On Curve On Surface Edge Relations Offset from Coord Sys Offset from Point Series . . .
Translated from center point 0, 0, 40 On Surface at 50%, 50% position Intersection
At vertex using Visible method (default)
Between two diagonal vertices
On Curve at 15% along
Edge Relations
Key In at 100, 0, 0
You have many options under MB3 to control the position of reference points in relation to existing geometry.
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Additional options for creating reference points
offset from this vertex
Additional options under MB3 for creating reference points: - Offset from Coordinate System: You can locate a reference point by entering x, y, and z distances from a coordinate system. This creates dimensions that can be modified later. - Offset from Point: Locate a reference point by entering x, y, and z distances from a point. Under this option, a coordinate system must also exist, since the x, y, and z offsets must be referenced in relation to specific orientations. This also creates dimensions that can be modified later.
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Using Series to control the position of reference points

Visible Label Screen Location Key In Intersection Between Translated On Curve On Surface Edge Relations Offset from Coord Sys Offset from Point Series . .
You can also define a series of reference points along a curve or part edge, or along a curve offset from a part edge. You can specify the number of reference points in the series, the distance between each point, start and end locations for the series, and other options. All options can be modified via Feature Parameters of the series. The Series option is especially useful for: - marking spot weld locations - creating and controlling special or complicated hole patterns - representing complex thread patterns rather than creating the actual features
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Using reference lines
When you create reference lines, the creation methods that involve selecting geometry are associative to that geometry. To use a reference line: 1. 2. Pick Reference Line. Create a reference line through two vertices (or use another option under MB3). Modify the object.
3.
Notice the reference line still passes through the same two vertices.
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Creation options for reference lines

Visible Label Key In Angle Point to Point Between Normal to Plane Normal to Surface Heading Intersection Curve Tangent Translated Edge Relations . . .
Curve Tangent Edge Relations Intersection of two selected planes Between two selected vectors
Normal to Plane Point to Point
Normal to Surface through selected point on surface Key In vector 1, 0, 0
Angle 30 Translated from edge
I-DEAS gives you various options under MB3 for creating reference lines.
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Using reference planes
Creating a reference plane attaches an unbounded construction plane to a part with respect to the parts topology (surfaces, edges, vertex). Planes are useful for sketching or creating relationships, especially: - on revolved parts - on complex and nonplanar surfaces - on parts youll use in assemblies - to cut from inside the part to the outside
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Creation options for reference planes

Visible Label Key In Three Point Point Normal Offset Surface Axis Planes On Curve Surface Tangent Angled Surface . . .
Axis Planes YZ global plane through selected point Point Normal normal to selected vector (edge), through selected point
Angled Surface rotated about selected edge
Three Points using vertices
Key In
Offset Surface Visible method (default) using bottom surface
These are some of the options under MB3 that you can use to create reference planes.
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Additional options for creating reference planes
Surface Tangent through selected point on surface
On Curve through selected point on curve
These options are particularly useful when you want to add features to curved surfaces.
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Creating coordinate systems
Y Z X
A coordinate system provides: - three orthogonal planes - three datum axes that can be used as vectors and for focusing - one datum point for location and for focusing - a frame of reference from which to measure and offset Coordinate systems can also be placed relative to existing coordinate systems by entering translation distances and rotation angles.
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Creating coordinate systems (continued)
1. Pick the entity for the coordinate system to reference.
Origin X axis Y axis Z axis Options... Done Backup Cancel
2. Select a component to define.
To create additional coordinate systems: 1. 2. Pick the entity for the coordinate system to reference. Select a component to define orientation (origin, x, y, or z axis), and pick the entity to reference. You define all degrees of freedom by selecting the origin location and two axis directions.
Selecting Done before defining all degrees of freedom will leave the coordinate system underconstrained. You wont have complete control over how it behaves when you make modifications. If you complete the steps to fully constrain the coordinate system and subsequently move or rotate it, youll lose all associativity downstream.
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Summarizing reference geometry creation options (methods)

Plane options
Visible Label Key In Three Point Point Normal Offset Surface Axis Planes On Curve Surface Tangent Angled Surface . . .
Line options
Visible Label Key In Angle Point to Point Between Normal to Plane Normal to Surface Heading Intersection Curve Tangent Translated Edge Relations . . .
Point options
Visible Label Screen Location Key In Intersection Between Translated On Curve On Surface Edge Relations Offset from Coord Sys Offset from Point Series . . .
There are several reference geometry creation options available under MB3. With many of these options you can create either associative or nonassociative reference geometry. Although placement of reference geometry can almost always be modified, there are only five ways to obtain modifiable dimensions: - Offset Surface (reference plane) - Angled Surface (reference plane) - Edge Relations (reference point or line) - Offset from Coordinate System (reference point) - Offset from Point (reference point)
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Online tutorial: using reference geometry
Complete the online tutorial Using Reference Geometry. Youll learn how to: - use reference points - create features on curved parts
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Reference geometry can be considered to be user-definable datums which you can position relative to the topology of an existing part. Standard types of reference geometry: - points - lines - planes Reference geometry can be used like solid geometry, allowing you to use Sketch in place on reference planes, as well as focus and coincident relationships on reference points and lines. A coordinate system is a special type of reference geometry in that it contains all three standard types in one entity.
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Quiz
1. 2. 3. What are some benefits of using reference geometry? When is reference geometry automatically updated? Name five ways to obtain modifiable dimensions on reference geometry. How might you create a reference point as shown below (think of as many methods as possible)?
4.
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Unit 13
Additional reference geometry techniques

In this unit, youll learn: - where reference geometry is stored on the history tree - how to modify reference geometry - about the BORN method - how to use reference curves
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Where is reference geometry stored on the history tree?

Join5 Ref plane (part face) Extrude3 (Block)
Extrude4 (Cylinder)
Join5 Ref plane (part face)
RF1 Extrude4 (Cylinder) Extrude3 (Block)
Reference geometry (except reference curves) is displayed on the history tree as a minor operation, because reference geometry is attached either to a part or a feature within a part. For example, if a reference plane is created by selecting an existing plane or a feature, such as Extrude3, then the history tree will display a small vertical line attached to that features node. Since reference geometry is displayed on the history tree, you can modify it, delete it, or view information about it by selecting it directly from the tree.
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Modifying reference geometry

SDShow Dimensions DIDimension Values RNRename Geometry MAMove Associations RESResize Geometry !Backup $Cancel
To modify reference geometry: 1. 2. Pick Modify. Select the reference geometry graphically or select the minor operation shown on the History Access form. Choose a modification option from the menu:
3.
- Show Dimensions redisplays any dimensions which define the position of the selected reference geometry - Dimension Values gives you the ability to modify positioning parameters for most types of reference geometry - Rename Geometry allows you to relabel coordinate systems, as well as reference planes, lines, and points - Move Associations lets you move a features relations to different reference geometry - Resize Geometry lets you resize reference planes and lines
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Introducing the Base Orphan Reference Node technique
The Base Orphan Reference Node technique (BORN) is a part construction method which uses a coordinate system as its starting point. Remember that coordinate systems are stored on the history tree as minor operations. To use a coordinate system as the first step of a part, the software creates an orphan node to attach the minor operation to. In general, its good design practice to begin modeling your part with a coordinate system as your base. Lets look at some reasons why...
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Advantages of the BORN technique

The BORN technique is useful in many situations, including: - Compartmentalized designs (airplanes, ships, trains, and cars) or designs of large assemblies (copiers, printers, and automobiles) which are based on a master coordinate system where the global x, y, and z coordinates are 0, 0, 0. All compartments, and the entities contained within each compartment, are spatially referenced to this location. (This technique is also referred to as designing in place.) - Any case where a part is created by lofting a surface over a series of sections, since you can offset reference planes from the coordinate system and sketch sections to be lofted on those planes. Since the reference planes are associated to the coordinate system, the sections will also be associative. - Situations when you want to design in place, or when you are doing assembly modeling. For example, assembly relations can be attached to a parts coordinate system, so that subsequent modification of part geometry wont affect relations. - Downstream applications such as Simulation, Mechanism Design, and Generative Machining, which benefit greatly from the use of parts created with a master coordinate system.
Creating a BORN
XXX
To create a BORN: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Access the Display Filter form. Pick Parts... Toggle on Local Origin, then pick OK. Pick OK to dismiss the Display Filter form. Pick Name Parts. Pick the coordinate system as the part to name. Enter the name.
Once youve named the part as a coordinate system, you can use Sketch in place on any of the coordinate system planes to begin creating geometry. You can also use Reference Plane, Offset (under MB3) to create additional reference planes at various distances from the origin.
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Using reference curves
The Reference Curves command transforms wireframe geometry into reference geometry. This prevents wireframe construction lines from getting absorbed when you create a feature from them. Thus, you can reuse these same curves to build sections of new features repeatedly without redrawing geometry. To create reference curves: 1. Sketch the wireframe you want to reuse for multiple features. Select Reference Curves. Pick the wireframe and/or part edges you want to convert to reference curves (you may want to use MB3, All), then pick Done.
2. 3.
When you convert wireframe to reference curves, the original wireframe is absorbed into a new reference curve leaf on the history tree (not treated as a minor operation).
Modifying reference curves
To modify reference curves, pick Modify, then the reference curves feature, or pick the feature from the History Access form. You can choose Show Dimensions, Dimension Values, Break RefCurves Assoc, or Wireframe to: - add or modify dimensions and constraints. Changing the reference curves wireframe will modify all features using the reference curves. - break reference curve association. The Break RefCurves Assoc option converts each reference curve within a feature to normal wireframe and deletes the association with other reference curves. - add new reference curves. Curves added into the wireframe of the feature automatically become reference curves. - delete reference curves. Reference curves deleted from the reference curve feature are replaced with normal wireframe in all features that used the reference curves. The same thing happens if you delete an entire reference curve feature.
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Reference geometry is displayed on the history tree as a minor operation (represented by a small vertical line attached to the owning node), with the exception of reference curves. You can modify, delete it, or view information about it directly from the history tree. The BORN technique uses a coordinate system as the first step in building a part. This is beneficial in many situations, such as compartmentalized design, downstream applications, and so on. Reference Curves is useful for transforming wireframe geometry into reference geometry. This prevents wireframe construction lines from being absorbed when you create a feature from them thus allowing you to reuse the same curves to build sections repeatedly without redrawing geometry. Wireframe thats converted to reference curves is absorbed into a new reference curve node on the history tree. You have these options for modifying reference curves: - Show Dimensions - Break RefCurves Assoc - Rename Geometry - Wireframe
Quiz
1. Explain how reference geometry is stored on the history tree. Show Dimensions tends to be the most useful option for modifying reference geometry.
2.
- True - False 3. How is Reference Curves useful in building sections for new features?
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Exploring tips and techniques: Options for modifying reference geometry

Using Modify, Dimension Values (or in some cases, Show Dimensions) allows you to change these placement parameters:
Reference Geometry Options

Method of Placement (under MB3) Reference Points
Key-in Between Translated (using translation x, y, z values) Translated (using Along vector) On Curve On Surface Edge Relations Offset from Coordinate System Offset from Point Series X,Y, Z Key-in values % between two points X, Y, Z offset values from translated point Distance along vector % along curve % s and t values on surface All dimensional constraint values All dimensional constraint values All dimensional constraint values Change original curve as well as feature parameters; also can modify the dimensional values for Edge, Offset, Start/End distances or % distance along the series curve for individual points (all via the dimensional values)
Modifiable Parameters
Reference Lines
Between Normal to Surface Curve Tangent Translated Edge Relations % between two vectors % s and t values on surface % along curve Translation offset value All dimensional constraint values
Reference Planes
Offset Surface On Curve Surface Tangent Angled Surface Offset dimensional constraint value % along curve % s and t values on surface Angle dimensional constraint value
Coordinate Systems (based on another coordinate system)

Translate Rotate X, Y, Z offset values from original coordinate system Rotations about X, Y, Z axes

Modifying features that have reference geometry
When modifying features which have reference geometry, you may get an error message that reference geometry is out of date. You can delete out-of-date reference geometry whether or not its being used by a feature. Ideally, you should create new reference geometry (using valid geometry), then add relations between that feature and the new reference geometry.
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Unit 14
Constructing parts with relations

In this unit, youll learn how: - to cut, join, intersect, and partition parts with associative relations - relation information is stored on the history tree - to use Modify to add and delete relations
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What is a construction operation?

Join Cut
Intersect
Partition Split Surface
A construction operation involves two parts. Construction operators are useful when you wish to use an existing part (such as a catalog part) as a feature within a second part. Construction relationships are included in a parts history. They provide design control to a part even when changes are made. Use these operations to construct a part: - Join uses one part to add material to another. - Cut uses one part to remove material from another. - Intersect uses the overlap volume of two parts to constitute a new part. - Partition uses one part to subdivide another part (resulting in two or more volumes). - Split Surface uses one parts geometry to split the surfaces of another part.
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Introducing relationships
cutter part Turn Relations ON Relationship defined: cutter part positioned coplanar with bottom surface, and centerline endpoint coincident with part to be cut
part to be cut
resulting part
Pick Turn Relations On with the right mouse button to establish geometric relationships between parts during cutting, joining, and so on. - This is especially useful when you want to maintain the design intent of your part for future modifications when Sketch in place isnt an option. - With Relations on, you can make faces coplanar, position relative edges, and create dimensions that you can change later.
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Types of relations
Surface Operations Parallel at distance Parallel Edges Angle Between Edges Coincident Points From Edges In-plane relationships Along Edges From & Along Edge ... Edge-to-edge relationships Surface relationships Flip Surfaces Offset Surfaces Angle Between Surfaces
Construction relations can contain one item from each category, but MUST contain a face-to-face relationship. Each relation is added or deleted as a whole. Relationships cant be deleted by category. If a feature isnt fully related to another, the only way to add the additional relations is to delete the existing relationship and start again. All dimensions created by the relationships participate in constraint networks.
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Defining relations
Join7
Block3
Cylinder6*
Left Node D second part picked D provides name to constructed part (Data Management Info) D stationary node
Right Node first part picked D adopts name of left node D movable node
D
Once youve added a feature with relations, it becomes the right child node in the history tree, by default, and contains all relationship information. This is the node that is picked first in a construction operation and is the movable node. The stationary node is, by default, the left child. It contains all data management information, such as part name.
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Using Modify to add and delete relations
SDShow Dimensions FFeature Parameters DIDimension Values QWQuick Wireframe MDMultiple Draft SUSuppress Feature RReplace Feature AAdd Relations WWireframe RNRename Feature !Backup $Cancel
SDShow Dimensions FFeature Parameters DIDimension Values QWQuick Wireframe MDMultiple Draft SUSuppress Feature RReplace Feature DDelete Relations WWireframe RNRename Feature !Backup $Cancel
You can add relations to a pair of parts which have been involved in a construction operation with Relations off (as evidenced by the lack of an asterisk* on the history tree). To do this: 1. 2. Pick Modify. Select the desired feature, verify that its highlighted, Accept. Pick Add Relations from the pop-up menu. Pick Update.
3. 4.
You can use the same procedure to delete relations to remove or redefine the relationship. The feature is still retained in the parts history, but construction relations no longer exist.
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Online tutorial: adding features with associativity
Complete the online tutorial Adding Features with Associativity. Youll learn how to: - create relationships using Focus - create relationships by matching dimensions - use simple equations - add and delete relationships
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Construction operations involve two existing parts: - Join allows one part to be added to another. - Cut uses one part to remove material from another. - Intersect uses the volume common to two parts to constitute a new part. - Partition uses one part to subdivide another, resulting in two volumes within a single part. - Split Surface uses one parts geometry to split the surfaces of another part. Use Relations to establish geometric relationships between parts during construction operations. Relations are especially useful when Sketch in place isnt an option (when a pattern is being used to cut out or join to another part). Types of relations: - surface relationships: eliminate plane-plane degrees of freedom - edge-to-edge relationships: eliminate in-plane rotational degrees of freedom - in-plane relationships: eliminate in-plane translational degrees of freedom Relations can be added to a pair of parts previously joined, cut, intersected, or partitioned with relations off.
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Quiz
1. Of the three types of relationships, which one MUST be used in a construction relationship between two parts? Can a construction relation be modified to add/delete one or more types (i.e., if youve created a relation containing just a surface type, can you add an edge-edge and an in-plane relationship)? If youre joining two parts with relations on, which parts name is retained as the name of the resulting part?
2.
3.
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Best practices for creating construction relations Although using simple face-to-face, coincident point, and parallel edge relations may be quick and easy, it doesnt allow much flexibility for later modifications. It may be in your best interest to use: - Offset or Angled Surfaces instead of face-to-face - Angle Between Edges instead of Parallel Edges - From, Along, or From and Along Edges instead of coincident points These alternatives will create dimensions (which can initially be set equal to zero), allowing the relations to be modified in various ways.
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Unit 15
Creating patterns
In this unit, youll learn how to: - create rectangular and circular patterns - align patterns - modify patterns - use patterns in construction operations
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Using patterns
spacing pattern repeats...
patterned part
pattern used to cut faceplate
A pattern creates an array (a regular distribution) of a single part. With patterns, you can control: - the shape of the pattern: rectangular or circular - the size of the pattern - the number of times you repeat the part used in the pattern - the distance between each repetition of the part in the pattern - which pattern members participate and which are suppressed
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Creating a circular pattern
radius end point
center point
To create a circular pattern: 1. Create a part. (Its recommended that you create a reference point or coordinate system to serve as your center point before creating your pattern.) Pick Circular Pattern. Pick the part to be used in the pattern. Pick the patterning plane. Pick the center point. Pick the radius end point if desired or press Enter to skip this step. Assign the pattern attributes on the Circular Pattern form.
Creating patterns 237
2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
7.
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Creating a rectangular pattern
key point
To create a rectangular pattern: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Create a part. Pick Rectangular Pattern. Pick the part to be used in the pattern. Pick the patterning plane. Assign the pattern attributes on the Rectangular Pattern form.
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Creating a pattern of features
You can create a pattern using one or more features. To do this: 1. 2. 3. Pick Circular Pattern or Rectangular Pattern. Pick the features you want to pattern. Follow the usual steps of creating a pattern, responding to the prompts.
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Aligning rectangular patterns

Rectangular pattern
key point X Y
Default alignment
Y key point X
Align Key Point X Axis Y Axis
Modified alignment
Align controls the alignment of the patterns reference geometry: - Key Point positions (translates) the reference geometry on your patterned part. - X Axis defines a new x axis for the patterns reference geometry. - Y Axis defines a new y axis for the patterns reference geometry. The y axis is always perpendicular to the x axis.
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Patterns with varying parameters
110
70
Angle between
10
20
Rectangular: A rectangular pattern can have varying distances in both the x and y directions. To achieve this, enter incremental distance values, separated by commas, in the Distance between field. If there are more part instances than the number of values entered, the value sequence will be repeated until all instances are positioned. Circular: A circular pattern can have multiple radii. This is accomplished by entering these radii, separated by commas, in the Radius field. Also, varying angles between instances can exist. To create this, enter the desired incremental angles, separated by commas, in the Angle between field.
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Modifying patterns
Pattern4 (finished pattern part with associated reference geometry)
Extrude3 (original part)
RectPatInfo5 (pattern info)
Once you create a pattern, its a part and can be used, or modified, like any other part. The patterning operation is added to the history tree. You can modify your pattern in several ways: - You can modify the attributes of the original part used in the pattern: the shape, features, parameters, etc. - You can change the pattern information: number of entities, either by row or column (rectangular) or by perimeter (circular) distance or angle between each entity orientation of the pattern
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Using a pattern in a construction operation
1. Create the key part.
2. Create a rectangular pattern.
3. Use the pattern to cut out the faceplate.
Patterns are often used as cut or join features in a construction operation. For example, if a calculator faceplate requires holes for the keys, a fast, efficient method of creating these would be to use a pattern: 1. 2. 3. Create the key part. Create a rectangular pattern using the key part. Use Cut with Relations on to cut out the faceplate. Use the appropriate positioning commands to locate the pattern on the faceplate. The patterned part doesnt have to be designed in place if relations are used.
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Using a pattern in a construction operation (continued)
Cut
Faceplate
Pattern *
Key part
RectPatInfo
The history tree of your calculator faceplate will include the pattern, its key part, and the faceplate. This allows subsequent modification of the pattern, the shape and size of the keys, and/or the parameters associated with the faceplate. Any design that requires a regular distribution of holes or protrusions can use patterns.
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Online tutorial: creating patterns
Complete the online tutorial Creating Patterns. In this tutorial, youll learn how to: - create a rectangular pattern - create a rectangular pattern with unequal spacing - create a circular pattern
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A pattern is a regular distribution (or array) of parts. Once a part has been patterned, that pattern is itself a part, with two leaves: the original part and the pattern information. Either leaf can be modified. Alignment of a pattern controls the orientation of the pattern by using its inherent geometry. Once created, a pattern can be used as a cutting part or as the movable part in a join operation.
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Quiz
1. Can different numbers of part instances exist on each circle when a pattern with multiple circles is generated? Can these characteristics of a pattern be modified? If so, where on the history tree would you modify them? a. the patterning part b. the patterning plane c. the center point (for a circular pattern), or the pattern x axis and y axis (for a rectangular pattern) d. the number of part instances in the pattern e. the distance between each part instance f. the number of times a pattern repeats itself
2.
Cut
Faceplate
Pattern *
Key part
RectPatInfo
3.
Does a pattern which will be used in a construction operation (in other words, cut, join, or intersect) have to be designed in place?
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Creating a pattern with a replacement
General Process
Key part (cutting block)
Completed pattern
Get a copy of the cutting block...
Cut base block with pattern
...and join it with the pattern Create the replacement part and cut into pattern Completed part
You can use many variations on standard patterns to create special patterns. (Modeling details are discussed in Creating special patterns in the online Help Library.) Many part designs (for example, remote controls for consumer electronics) require one or more unique shapes within a standard pattern. To create such a pattern with a replacement, follow the general process above.
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Creating pattern fills
General Process
Create slot cutter Base block (extruded 2.5 inches) Cutting pattern
Trimming block
Cutting pattern intersected with the trimming block
Pattern cut into base block
Another common design requirement is a pattern fill an irregularly shaped part that is cut by a pattern. A ventilation panel for electronic equipment is a common example of this type of pattern.
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Creating a pattern with varying depth
General Process
Cutting cylinder Cylinder cutting pattern
Pattern cutting block
Completed pattern
Completed part
You may need to cut a pattern into a design with irregular depths, such as for a speaker grille or a telephone mouthpiece housing. In such a case, the through holes for sound or voice transmission represent a small area, although the pattern covers a larger area for aesthetics.
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Saving time with specialized patterning techniques To save time creating patterns, use Search in the online Help Library to locate these articles: - Creating a Pattern with a Replacement - Creating Pattern Fills - Creating a Pattern with Varying Depth
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Notes...
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Unit 16
Creating drafted features

In this unit, youll learn about draft features. Youll learn how to: - extrude with draft - add drafted surfaces to existing parts - modify draft angles
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Extruding with draft
No draft
Positive draft
Negative draft
To extrude geometry with draft: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Pick Extrude. Pick the geometry you want to extrude with draft. Enter the Distance you wish to extrude. Toggle on Draft Angle and enter a value. Pick OK.
An arrow gives graphical feedback on the direction of extrusion for the section. A positive draft angle will generally result in adding material.
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Using Extrude with draft radii options
Constant radii
Varying radii, round corners
Varying radii
- Constant radii maintains constant radii on all fillets during a drafted extrusion. It also ensures that corners will be extruded into edges. - Varying radii increases or shrinks corner radii to achieve a draft angle. - Varying radii, round corners increases or shrinks corner radii to accommodate the draft angle. It also fillets or rounds all corners based on the draft angle (but only if the draft angle is positive).
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Modifying draft angles created with Extrude

SDShow Dimensions FFeature Parameters DIDimension Values QWQuick Wireframe MDMultiple Draft SUSuppress Features RReplace Feature DHDelete History DEDelete Relations WWireframe RNRename Feature !Backup $Cancel
Information about your parts draft angles and direction is stored on the same node as the extrude. To modify draft angles on a part youve already extruded with draft: 1. Pick your part until the bounding box appears around the extruded feature. Pick Modify Entity. Pick Multiple Draft from the resulting menu. Pick surface(s) to draft. Enter a draft value in the Prompt region. Positive or negative draft angles work just like the initial extrusion. If you dont want a draft angle on a particular face, you can remove the draft by entering an angle of 0. Update.
2. 3. 4. 5.
6.
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Understanding draft methods

The basic draft method
The split draft method
The matched draft method
The Draft command allows you to add draft with several methods: - The basic draft method rotates a face around a stationary entity. - The split draft method creates draft around a parting edge and allows the creation of new drafted surfaces. - The matched draft method uses parting edge(s) and splits dependent surfaces on one side of the parting edge to match independent surfaces on the other side of the parting edge.
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Understanding draft terminology
Preview
Selects faces to match (for matched draft only)
Drafted faces
Selects parting entities Selects faces to draft (for matched and split draft) Selects stationary entities
Direction of pull
Stationary edges
These terms help in understanding Draft: - Direction of pull is the direction in which a part is pulled out of a die or mold. - Draft face is the surface upon which the draft is applied. - The draft angle is the degree by which the draft face is rotated about the stationary curve. An arrow gives graphical feedback on the direction of motion of each drafted face. A positive draft angle generally results in adding material. - Stationary edge is the edge around which the draft face rotates. - Parting edge(s) in mold design refers to the boundary between the core and cavity (the top and bottom mold plates). Parting edge(s) within I-DEAS refers to the corresponding edge that the draft will be split around (positive on one side, negative on the other).
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Using the basic draft method (with a stationary edge)
Drafted faces
Direction of pull
Stationary edges
To use the basic draft method with a stationary edge: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Pick Draft. Pick the direction of pull. Pick the face to draft (Accept). Pick the stationary edge. Take the default (Done) when prompted to pick the parting edge. (The parting edge isnt used for basic draft.) Enter the draft angle on the General Draft form. Preview to see the effect, then select OK to accept.
6. 7.
Now lets discuss another approach...
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Using the basic draft method (with a stationary face)

Visible Label Adjacent To Tangent Chain ON Deselect All Faces Pick Parting Edges Use Groups... Filter... Area Options... Reconsider Deselect All Related To No Active View Done Show View Highlight Selection Backup Cancel
A variation of the basic draft method uses a stationary face rather than a stationary edge. 1. 2. 3. Pick Draft. Pick the direction of pull. Using MB3, Adjacent To, select faces to draft. Pick the stationary face and deselect any faces you dont want to draft OR pick additional faces to draft, then pick Done. Respond to the prompt Pick Stationary Edge or Face by selecting the original face (picked in the previous step). Take the default (Done) when prompted to pick the parting edge. (The parting edge isnt used for basic draft.) Enter the draft angle on the General Draft form, preview, then accept.
4.
5.
6.
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Using the split draft method

Parting edges
Before Surfaces to be drafted
Newly created draft surfaces (at the parting edges)
After
You may want to maintain a part dimension away from the parting edge of a mold rather than at the parting edge. In this case, the parting edge can be allowed to shift so that material can be added and the part may be pulled. This is referred to as the split draft method: 1. Create scar lines for parting edges (usually with Split Surface), then pick Draft. Pick the direction of pull. Pick the faces to draft (MB3, Adjacent To may be helpful), then accept (Done). Pick stationary faces or edges (usually one on each side of the parting line). Respond to the prompt Pick Parting Edge by selecting all the scar lines created in step 1 (MB3, Tangent Chain ON may be useful here). Enter the draft angle on the General Draft form, preview, then accept.
2. 3.
4.
5.
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Using the matched draft method
Before
Dependent faces After
The matched draft method is similar to the split draft method in that both require parting lines. But matched draft is used when equal draft angles cant be used on both sides of the parting line for example, when a stepped parting line is necessary. In this case, dependent surfaces are selected on one side of the parting line and drafted to meet the parting edges that result when the independent faces are drafted to the specified angle. Follow the same procedure for matched draft as split draft, with one additional step: When you enter a draft angle on the General Draft form, select the Match icon, then pick faces to match (those that are dependent).
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Modifying draft angles created with Draft
Draft4
Extrude3
DraftInfo5
Although a part extruded with draft has only one node for that operation on its history tree, a part containing surfaces drafted with Draft has two nodes: a Draft node (the root) and a DraftInfo leaf. To modify draft angles which have been created using Draft, you must modify the DraftInfo feature and select Dimension Values. Angles on surfaces drafted using Draft can be changed using Modify Entity, Dimension Values.
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To create drafted surfaces on parts, you can use one of two methods: 1. Extrude with draft. (All surfaces have the same draft angle.) The history tree will consist of a single node. Add draft angles to existing, undrafted surfaces using Draft. (Existing surfaces can have unique angles.) The history tree will have a DraftInfo leaf in addition to a Draft leaf.
2.
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Quiz
1. A positive draft angle will_____________ material in the extrude direction. A surface must be planar to be drafted.
2.
- True - False 3. In using matched draft, the draft angle on faces below the parting line is always equal to the draft angle on the faces above the parting line.
- True - False
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Notes...
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Unit 17
Creating fillet and shell features

In this unit, well discuss fillet, chamfer, and shell features. Youll learn how to: - create and modify fillet features - view fillet information on the history tree - create and modify chamfers - use the Shell command - address Shells capabilities and limitations
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Filleting edges
Use Fillet to create concave and convex transitions at intersecting surfaces and vertices. 1. 2. 3. Pick Fillet. Pick the edges of the part you want to fillet. Enter a fillet radius and preview the edges.
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Fillet capabilities
trajectories selfwrap
intersect
rolloff feature interactions
undercut
absorb edge
absorb face
variable
4edge vertex
The Fillet command greatly reduces topological restrictions and includes the following capabilities: - trajectories self-wrap - feature interaction - edges absorbed - exact swallow of defining face - variable fillet - conic cross section - chain of tangent-continuous edges
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Controlling the shape of a fillet
Variable Radius Options... Conic Parameter Measure Backup Cancel
default parameter = 0.5
very low, almost flat = 0. 001
very sharp = 0 .99
To control the shape and type of conical cross sections used for your fillets: 1. 2. 3. 4. Pick Fillet. Pick the edges you want to fillet. Pick Conic Parameter from the pop-up menu. Either accept the default parameter value from the prompt or specify your own value.
The default parameter is 0.5, which is circular. You can specify a value ranging from 0.01, which is very low (almost flat), to 0.99 (very sharp).
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How the history tree stores fillet information
FilletRound4
FilletRound6 Extrude3 FilletRoundInfo5
FilletRound4
FilletRoundInfo7
Extrude3
FilletRoundInfo5
When a fillet is placed along an edge, its information (for example, radius, edge label, conic parameters, and so on) is stored as a leaf in the part history. If you fillet multiple edges in one step, the software creates a single leaf which stores the dimensional, geometric, and topological information for all of them. Any new fillet operations would add new levels to the tree.
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Modifying a fillet
Show Dimensions Dimension Values . . . . Add/Change Delete Edge/Vertex Remove Unfound
By selecting the FilletRoundInfo feature, you can modify your fillets in several ways: - Show Dimensions or Dimension Values can be used to modify fillet radii. - Add/Change allows you to add edges in an existing fillet operation (with unique radii and/or conic parameters for the new fillets), or change the radius and the conic parameters of edges already filleted within that single operation. - Delete Edge/Vertex lets you remove edges and vertices. - Remove Unfound removes fillets on those edges whose labels have changed because the parts topology has changed. I-DEAS wont update fillets when their labels change, but uses the List region to say: n edges were not available to fillet (n is the number of edges whose labels have changed).
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Troubleshooting fillet problems
When you place fillets on multiple edges in a single fillet operation, I-DEAS uses the List region to tell you if any of those fillets cant be placed. The software also displays color-coded lines on edges where fillets cant be placed. Colors which highlight problem areas: - dashed green and white successful edges - dashed yellow and white edges skipped due to errors - dashed blue and white troublesome geometry - dashed white edges not attempted due to abort - dashed red and white edges that caused abort - dashed orange corner fillet problem
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Filleting guidelines
Here are general suggestions for filleting multiple edges and vertices, as well as a vertex with more than three edges and mixed convexity: - Fillet edges in multiple steps (start large, go small). - Group edges by like convexity. - Use the corner fillet option to blend areas of mixed convexity if you cant fillet in multiple steps. - Use the Stop Short of Corner by Default option to stop short of troublesome geometry. - Generate tangent-continuous loops for successive fillets to use. (In other words, create smooth racetracks for the next fillet to run around.) - Start away from problem areas and let the rolling ball smooth out the topology.
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Chamfering edges
Unequal Offset Angle and Offset Options... Measure Backup Cancel
Pick Chamfer to bevel the edges of a part. Then, from the resulting menu, pick: - Unequal Offset to set the distance for each adjacent surface along a picked edge. When you pick this option, I-DEAS highlights the first adjacent surface. Once you enter the distance value, the other adjacent surface highlights. - Angle and Offset to set the distance and angle for the adjacent surfaces along a picked edge. - Options... to toggle Get Color From Part and specify Chamfer Color. You can modify a chamfer just as you would a fillet.
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Shelling your part
section views of a part

no shell

shell thickness
Use Shell to create a single, thin-walled solid part and offset individual surfaces from a part. A common example of this is injection-molded parts. You can also use Shell to assign different values for thickness to any individual surface you pick on a part. To shell a part: 1. 2. 3. Pick Shell. Pick the part or surface you want to shell. Complete the appropriate fields on the Shell form.
You can assign and modify different thickness values to selected surfaces via the Individual Surface Thickness form.
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Limitations for offsetting surfaces with Shell
fillet radius = 10
fillet radius = 20
shell thickness = 15
If Shell cant offset a surface, youll get a warning. Youll have the option to ignore the bad surface. If it still cant shell with a closed solid, the software will give you another warning, OK to Create open part. If you pick OK, the software will add the surfaces to the part.
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Excluding selected features from the Shell operation
1. Initial part before shelling, with ribs and tabs which shouldnt be shelled. 2. Part after partitioning ribs and tabs.
3. Part after shelling, with rib and tab volumes excluded from the operation.
You can exclude selected features (ribs and so on) and/or trouble areas from the shelling operation by partitioning those areas (thus creating separate volumes) which will not get shelled.
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Online tutorial: adding fillet, shell, and draft features
Complete the online tutorial Adding Fillet, Shell, and Draft Features. In this tutorial, youll learn how to: - add draft features - add fillet features - use the Corner Fillet option - add shell features
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Fillets can serve as either convex or concave transitions at intersecting surfaces and vertices. Placement of a fillet is reflected on the history tree by one node and one leaf: the filleted part and the accompanying information for the fillet. Edges and vertices can be added and/or deleted from a single fillet operation. The conic parameter option serves to control the shape and conical cross section of fillets. Beveled edges on parts can be created using Chamfer, and you have various offset options. Thin-walled solid parts can be created using Shell. Different thicknesses for particular surfaces can be specified. Problem areas can be avoided, and specific features can be excluded from shelling by using Partition.
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Quiz
1. Whats the difference between filleting a vertex defined by three converging edges using a regular fillet, versus using a corner fillet? When can you undo a fillet or a chamfer? How would you retain the edge after executing a fillet or chamfer operation? Describe the process for avoiding trouble areas during a shell operation. If an additional feature is placed after shelling a part, will that feature be shelled?
2. 3.
4.
5.
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Deleting surfaces before or during Shell
Base feature Top face deleted during shell Top face deleted before shell
Note the difference between deleting the surface during Shell and deleting the surface before the Shell command: - Deleting the surface before the Shell command produces an open part, which sometimes produces many extra surfaces. - Deleting the surface during the Shell command doesnt produce these extra surfaces and is a better practice, since the surface to be deleted is used to trim the surrounding shelled surfaces before being deleted.
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Unit 18
Managing your data

In this unit, youll learn how to manage the data you create in I-DEAS. Youll learn about these forms: - Model Files - Manage Libraries Youll also cover important I-DEAS Data Management (IDM) rules.
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Accessing the Model Files form

File Open... Ctrl+O Save... Ctrl+S Save As Delete... Manage..
You can access the Model Files form from two locations: the Manage... option from the File menu
- the I-DEAS Start form by clicking the Find button next to the Model File name field
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Using the Model Files form
Actions Approve Copy Delete Move... Rename... Reconnect File... Lock/Unlock
You can take these actions on selected model files: - copy them to a different project or a directory location - delete them - move them to a different project or directory location - rename them
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Managing your data
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Using Manage Libraries
Use Manage Libraries to search, access, and modify the library data in your installation. Basically, the Manage Libraries form is a way of managing items that are checked into a library.
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Using Filter to find items based on specific information

1
Use Filter to display items based on very specific information: 1. 2. 3. Pick Filter... Pick Clear all Criteria. Specify any additional search criteria.
To list filtering options, pick the ? below Attribute to list attributes.
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Using the Manage Libraries form to view attributes
Name Part Number Version Revision Version (Revision) Library Version Status Parent Item (Name/Type) Project Description Filename Location of Files Application Attr... Created ON/By Last Modified On/By State Access Locks Change History
You can use the Manage Libraries form to view such attributes as: - permissions on the item - who has the item checked out - where the item is checked out The two pull-down menus allow you to view two attributes for an item.
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Data management rules

I-DEAS keeps track of some item files, such as files for assemblies, parts, drawings, and model files, among others. I-DEAS creates project metadata files to accomplish this tracking. Adhering to the rules listed below helps maintain data integrity.
User rules: - DO NOT share model files. If you want to share a part, check the part into a library. Only two kinds of data can be shared: items in libraries and items in catalogs. - DO NOT move, rename, copy, or delete model files using the operating system. Only changes made within I-DEAS can be tracked by I-DEAS. - Remember that model files are TEMPORARY. If youre finished with a part, check it into a library for safe storage, and delete the model file. (Note that Generative Machining data cant be checked into libraries.) - In general, use the Check Out or Reference option when retrieving from a library, not the Copy option. Know and use the proper option: Check-out, to modify and create new versions and revisions Reference, to obtain a read-only version of the item Copy, to duplicate an existing item, with the intent to create a non-associative item from the original - Dont change an item from Rfs to Rfl using Library Status.
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Managing your data
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Manage Libraries and Model Files are used to manage the data you create in I-DEAS. You can access the Model Files form in two ways: - the File menu - the Model File Find button on the Start form Filter by... filters what you are searching for. You can filter by name, modification date, and other attributes. The Details menu lets you view properties of items, such as name, user attributes, and relationships. The Actions icons let you perform actions on the items, such as move, copy, delete, and purge. Follow data management rules to help maintain the integrity of I-DEAS data.
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Quiz
1. How can you limit the list of items displayed on the Manage Libraries form? How can you find out if there are any related items associated with a library part or assembly? What two things can prevent you from deleting an item and how can they be determined?
2.
3.
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Managing your data
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Data management rules Software rules: - All items in libraries and catalogs, as well as the model file itself (but not its contents), are in a project. - Only one user can have an item checked out, but many users can reference or copy an item. - Items that can be checked into a library are those that contain new data such as: items that have been checked out and modified newly created items that have never been in a library items that were copied from the library and renamed - Any library interaction causes an automatic save of the model file. The system administrator can disable this automatic save for the entire installation. If its disabled, users can still enable autosave using Options..., Preferences, Data Management. Users should be made aware of the consequences of having autosave off. The default setting is highly recommended.
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Part Dsign

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I-DEASt Course Guide

Part Design IMS1128

Tasks Covered I-DEAS Modeler

IDEAS Part Design Course Guide

6/30/00 Printed in U.S.A.

Open Data/ PCB

What can IDEAS do?

Assembly Drafting Modeler

Optimization Post Processing Modeler

Assembly Mechanism Simulation

Open Data/ PCB

Structural Modification Correlation Fatigue

What will we focus on in this course?

Harness Drafting Design

Using the IDEAS Start form

Design Simulation Test Manufacturing Management Open Data/PCB

...and the tools youll need: 3. 4. Application Task

Using tutorials to learn about IDEAS

Exploring tips and techniques:

Getting familiar with the user interface

Interacting with the IDEAS user interface

icon subpanel (right mouse button or MB3)

Using the mouse to select entities

Getting familiar with the user interface

Making it easier to pick an entity from the graphics window

Pick an edge. Use Reconsider to consider another entity.

Cursor changes to this shape

Using the function keys for dynamic viewing

Using additional function keys

Selecting an icon or icon menu

To select an icon, quickly click left mouse button once.

Rectangle by 2 Corners Rectangle by 3 Corners Rectangle by Center Polygon Points

Using the threestep modeling process

1. establish a plane (workplane)

2. sketch and constrain

3. create a part by extruding section

Adding features to a part

1. establish a plane (sketch in place)

2. sketch and constrain

3. create a feature by extruding section (cut out)

Repeat the process until you fully define the part.

Creating geometry with the Dynamic Navigator

Getting familiar with the user interface

Creating a solid from a section

Getting familiar with the user interface

Using different view modes

Shaded Hardware Shaded Line

Using Undo Part Delete

Getting familiar with the user interface

Using the fast track

Online tutorial: introducing the IDEAS interface

Rectangle by 2 Corners Rectangle by 3 Corners Rectangle Center Polygon Points by

Getting familiar with the user interface

Online tutorial: quick tips to using IDEAS

Summarizing key topics you've learned in this unit...

Getting familiar with the user interface

Exploring tips and techniques:

Getting familiar with the user interface

Exploring tips and techniques:

Exploring tips and techniques:

Or you can press Control-Z to open the previous Save.

Getting familiar with the user interface