Re-Use of 2D Geometry in Pro/Engineer Models: Elite Consulting LTD

Re-use of 2D Geometry in Pro/Engineer Models
Phil Austin
Elite Consulting Ltd.
Elite Consulting Ltd. 2002
Company
Engineering Consultancy in UK (Northampton, Leeds & Linlithgow) Long-Time Mechanica Users (Longer than PTC) CEPs, Structure & Motion Specialise in Mechanica-based FE and Dynamics Consultancy General Engineering Problem Solving Design and Project Management
Introduction
2D CAD will continue to be used, despite the increased availability of 3D modelling Occasionally - data is in 2D drawing form and we need to construct a model from it. 2 options 1. Read the drawing, and build a Pro/Engineer model from scratch. 2. Try to use the 2D geometry to build the model
To Re-use 2D Data or Not to Re-use?

Some questions you might ask yourself..
How difficult would it be to build a new Pro/Engineer Model? How much time would be spent transferring data from the drawing? (Starting from scratch might be faster than trying to recycle ) What level of quality would the model require? would it need to be fully parametric and correctly constructed. Is the geometry in the drawing accurate? Does it need to be accurate?
Recycling 2D Data
Wanted a device that takes 2D drawings and produces Pro/E models automatically.
Why No Automation?
Drawings contain encoded 3D data that has to be interpreted by the reader we to learn how to read drawings. The reader usually has to visually scan the drawing to extract information. Can be a complex process for complex parts. Recycling 2D data requires Read the drawing Extract selected data from drawing Use 2D data to build 3D model
Importing Geometry
As an alternative to drawing geometry in Sketcher, Pro/Engineer allows us to import geometry from an external source Autocad drawing (DWG), DXF file, IGES file, Pro/Engineer sketch. When importing geometry into a sketch, Pro/Engineer allows us to view a complete imported drawing and select from it the geometry that we want to use. We can import geometry --Directly into a solid / cut features sketch using Data from File Into a Sketched Datum Curve sketch using Data from File Directly into a Datum Curve, using From File
Transferring Data Feature by Feature

The 2D drawing needs to be examined and the best method of constructing the model determined. The geometry geometry that is used for each sketch needs to be determined. For a complex model, it might not be possible to construct all of the features using imported geometry.
The model might need to be completed manually, creating features by sketching the sections, specifying locations for fillet radii, etc.
Transferring Complete Views

As an alternative to importing geometry separately into each sketched feature, complete views could be imported for use later. Sketched Datum Curves could be created from the imported geometry using the Data From File option. The datum curves would be used by selecting the particular ones that are needed for each sketched profile. They could also be used to define the depth, or length, of a feature.
Transferring Complete Views

As an alternative to importing geometry separately into each sketched feature, complete views could be imported for use later. Datum Curves could be created directly from the imported geometry using the From File option. These will need coordinate systems to be created in the correct locations, with the correct orientations, beforehand. These will create Import Features, and wont have any dimensions.
The datum curves would be used by selecting the particular ones that are needed for each sketched profile. They could also be used to define the depth, or length, of a feature.
Dimensioning Imported Geometry

Intent Manager automatically adds weak dimensions to the imported geometry when creating sketched features The original dimensioning scheme on the imported drawing is lost in the process. The geometry can be scaled, rotated, and translated. After importing, the geometry could be re-dimensioned correctly. For a quick model, the automatically produced dimensions could be kept.
Drawing from Imported Geometry

If the sketches that were created using imported geometry were dimensioned automatically by Sketcher it is unlikely that the dimensions will be useful for the drawing. If a drawing is to be produced from the imported geometry it is probably best to dimension the sketches.
Example 1
2D drawing to Solid Model by Importing Geometry into Sketched Curves

Create a new part using standard template

Create a Sketched Datum Curve
Select suitable sketch and reference planes Select Sketch > Data From File Open the drawing (.dwg in this example) file
Pro/E issues a warning Click Select to select entities
The whole drawing is displayed.
Zoom in, and select the geometry for the sketch
The geometry, as it originally appears in the sketch.
Dimension the sketch to the model.

Modify dimensions to zero to pull sketch into place.
Align the sketch to the model to remove the zero dimensions
Dimension the sketch.
The first datum curve is complete
Second datum curve added
Adding the fourth datum curve. The sketch plane is created on the fly through one of the existing datum curves.
Fifth datum curve is created
Create the first solid protrusion using a datum curve
Use Loop
Extrude UpToCurve
The first protrusion completed
Second protrusion: using curve, loop, depth = thru next
Third protrusion: using curve, loop, depth = thru next
Add rounds. Shell model out.
Geometry for these features is created manually because they dont have sketches.
Continue adding features to complete the model.
The model can be parametrically modified by modifying the dimensions of the datum curves.
Example 2 - Drafts and Rounds

More difficult to use geometry from views. Surfaces and vertices are needed to construct a Pro/E model without rounds and drafts.
The surfaces and vertices dont exist in the drawing

Sketched curves created from imported geometry, as before.
Datum points created at theoretical vertices for defining depths.

Sketch points created at theoretical vertices, and used to align sketched sections to.
Depth of extrusion defined by using Up To Point option
Model shelled out
Drafts added
Rounds added
Example 3 - Non-Orthogonal Views

Drawing contains nonorthogonal views
Non-Orthogonal Views
Note the angle of rotation that is needed. Create a datum plane on the fly, thru edge, for sketch plane.
Rotate imported geometry to the correct angle.

Dimension, align etc.
Imported Curves
Increase file size and regeneration time. Delete if not needed. Re-create using Pro/E arcs in possible.
Cleaned up Geometry
Geometry partially cleaned up. Redundant curves removed.
Makes model more lightweight
Solid Feature Creation

Alternative construction methods Build more flexible model using individual features, Or Build quick model using profiles to contain as many features as possible
Example 4 - DWG File to Pro/Engineer Assembly Model, using Skeleton
Open the .dwg file in Pro/Engineer. Select Model Space. Dont scale to fit format. Place in lower left hand corner.
(drawing frame)
Blank unwanted detail using layers if possible. Delete unwanted detail that wont blank.
Delete all views except the one to be transferred into the model
Translate the view to the sheets origin. Pick up a vertex on the view (may need to create this first) Translate using Abs Coords to 0,0
Save the drawing to an IGES file
Alternative method using Isolate Layer

Create layers for each of the views Plan, Left, Front, Section1 Put each views geometry onto its own layer Add Items > 2D Items > Pick Many Use Isolate to display one view at a time Translate view down to the drawings origin Save to IGES, with name same as view for easy I.D. Repeat for all other views
Create a new assembly model. Create a skeleton part. Modify the skeleton, adding a coordinate system to it. The location and orientation of the coordinate system are used to locate and orient the IGES geometry created previously.
Modify the skeleton part. Create a Datum Curve, From File. Select the Coordinate system and the IGES file.
Create IGES files and datum curves for remaining views. Each view needs to be translated to 0,0 on the drawing before exporting. Each view needs a coordinate system to be set up in the skeleton part, with the correct location and orientation.
Create parts in the assembly. Use Copy Geom to copy selected curves from the skeleton model into each part. Open the parts, and create solid geometry using the curves when sketching sections and defining depths.
Making the model Parametric

Sections created using Use Edge have no dimensions inherit their geometry from underlying curves. Parent curves have no dimensions they are an Import Feature.
Redefine the features section, edit the Sketcher References, and delete those that tie the sketch to the curves.

Intent Manager auto-dimensions the section to replace the missing refs. Add new dimensions and modify. The imported curves will contain splines instead of arcs. Delete these, and replace with sketched arcs.

Add new dimensions and sketch constraints, and modify.
Summary
No automatic method for converting drawings into models.
Methods exist for transferring 2D data into Pro/Engineer models.

Importing 2D geometry might not be the best option. Dont expect 100% transfer rate.
Important to decide how models built from imported geometry will be used, before building them.
How the model will be used will influence how well the model is constructed, and its flexibility. Part and assembly geometry can be imported into Pro/Engineer. The drawing geometry might not be accurate, but Pro/E could correct it.
Stop Press
SnOOpy will be introduced very soon!!! Utility will semi-automate the process of transferring data from 2D drawings to 3D models. Will be possible to select geometry directly from the drawing when creating features. For more information, contact Mark Lobo Pro/ENGINEER Product Management PTC Tel: 781-370-6150 Fax: 781-370-6550
Email: mlobo@ptc.com <mailto:mlobo@ptc.com>

Re-Use of 2D Geometry in Pro/Engineer Models: Elite Consulting LTD

Diunggah oleh

Informasi Dokumen

Deskripsi Asli:

Judul Asli

Hak Cipta

Format Tersedia

Bagikan dokumen Ini

Bagikan atau Tanam Dokumen

Opsi Berbagi

Apakah menurut Anda dokumen ini bermanfaat?

Apakah konten ini tidak pantas?

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

Re-Use of 2D Geometry in Pro/Engineer Models: Elite Consulting LTD

Diunggah oleh

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

Re-use of 2D Geometry in Pro/Engineer Models

Elite Consulting Ltd.

Elite Consulting Ltd. 2002

Elite Consulting Ltd. 2002

Elite Consulting Ltd. 2002

To Re-use 2D Data or Not to Re-use?

Elite Consulting Ltd. 2002

Transferring Data Feature by Feature

Elite Consulting Ltd. 2002

Transferring Complete Views

Elite Consulting Ltd. 2002

Transferring Complete Views

Dimensioning Imported Geometry

Drawing from Imported Geometry

Elite Consulting Ltd. 2002

2D drawing to Solid Model by Importing Geometry into Sketched Curves

Create a new part using standard template

Pro/E issues a warning Click Select to select entities

Elite Consulting Ltd. 2002

The whole drawing is displayed.

Zoom in, and select the geometry for the sketch

Elite Consulting Ltd. 2002

The geometry, as it originally appears in the sketch.

Dimension the sketch to the model.

Modify dimensions to zero to pull sketch into place.

Elite Consulting Ltd. 2002

Align the sketch to the model to remove the zero dimensions

Elite Consulting Ltd. 2002

Dimension the sketch.

Elite Consulting Ltd. 2002

The first datum curve is complete

Elite Consulting Ltd. 2002

Second datum curve added

Elite Consulting Ltd. 2002

Elite Consulting Ltd. 2002

Fifth datum curve is created

Elite Consulting Ltd. 2002

Create the first solid protrusion using a datum curve

The first protrusion completed

Elite Consulting Ltd. 2002

Second protrusion: using curve, loop, depth = thru next

Elite Consulting Ltd. 2002

Third protrusion: using curve, loop, depth = thru next

Elite Consulting Ltd. 2002

Add rounds. Shell model out.

Elite Consulting Ltd. 2002

Continue adding features to complete the model.

Elite Consulting Ltd. 2002

Example 2 - Drafts and Rounds

The surfaces and vertices dont exist in the drawing

Sketched curves created from imported geometry, as before.

Datum points created at theoretical vertices for defining depths.

Elite Consulting Ltd. 2002

Depth of extrusion defined by using Up To Point option

Elite Consulting Ltd. 2002

Model shelled out

Example 3 - Non-Orthogonal Views

Elite Consulting Ltd. 2002

Rotate imported geometry to the correct angle.

Elite Consulting Ltd. 2002

Makes model more lightweight

Elite Consulting Ltd. 2002