Download - Cimatron e6.0 Sketcher - Tutorial

Cimatron E 6.0 - Sketcher

Cimatron E 6.0 Sketcher i

Table of Contents Sketcher .........................................................................................................................................................1

Sketcher......................................................................................................................................................1

Sketcher Basics ..........................................................................................................................................1

Sketcher Basics ......................................................................................................................................1

Accessing the Sketcher...........................................................................................................................2

The Sketcher Toolbar..............................................................................................................................2

Sketcher Popup Menu.............................................................................................................................4

Importing a Sketch ..................................................................................................................................5

Exporting a Sketch ..................................................................................................................................5

Exiting the Sketcher ................................................................................................................................5

Defining Preferences...............................................................................................................................6

Dynamic Constraints...................................................................................................................................6

Dynamic Constraints ...............................................................................................................................6

Dynamic Constraints: Alignment with Existing Entities...........................................................................8

Aligning Points Vertically or Horizontally.............................................................................................. 10

Dynamic Constraint Lines: Horizontal or Vertical Alignment ............................................................... 12

Dynamic Constraint Lines: Snap Points............................................................................................... 14

Creating Geometry .................................................................................................................................. 14

Creating Geometry............................................................................................................................... 14

Creating Lines ...................................................................................................................................... 15

Creating Circles.................................................................................................................................... 25

Creating Points..................................................................................................................................... 43

Creating Ellipses .................................................................................................................................. 43

Creating Boxes..................................................................................................................................... 47

Creating Splines................................................................................................................................... 49

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Creating Symmetrical Entities .............................................................................................................. 50

Creating Offset Curves......................................................................................................................... 51

Creating Corners.................................................................................................................................. 52

Adding Geometry for Part / Assembly.................................................................................................. 56

Adding Geometry for Drafting .............................................................................................................. 57

Adding Reference Entities.................................................................................................................... 57

Construction Entities ............................................................................................................................ 60

Editing ...................................................................................................................................................... 62

Editing Entities ..................................................................................................................................... 62

Deleting an Entity ................................................................................................................................. 62

Moving Entities..................................................................................................................................... 63

Editing Sketch Orientation.................................................................................................................... 66

Editing a Sketch Plane ......................................................................................................................... 67

Duplicating Entities............................................................................................................................... 69

Rotating Entities ................................................................................................................................... 72

Mirroring Entities .................................................................................................................................. 74

Moving a Point ..................................................................................................................................... 77

Editing Lines......................................................................................................................................... 78

Editing Circles, Arcs, Ellipses............................................................................................................... 80

Editing Splines ..................................................................................................................................... 82

Constraints............................................................................................................................................... 86

Adding Constraints............................................................................................................................... 86

Fully Constraining / Over-Constraining the Sketch.............................................................................. 87

Constraints and Edit Actions................................................................................................................ 90

Show Constraints ................................................................................................................................. 92

Delete Constraints................................................................................................................................ 93

Cimatron E 6.0 Sketcher iii

Breaking Constraints............................................................................................................................ 95

Constraining Lines ............................................................................................................................... 95

Constraining Circles, Arcs and Ellipses ............................................................................................. 110

Constraining Points ............................................................................................................................ 115

Constraining Splines .......................................................................................................................... 122

Trimming ................................................................................................................................................ 130

Trimming Entities: Overview .............................................................................................................. 130

Trimming Entities ............................................................................................................................... 131

Trimming Length ................................................................................................................................ 132

Dimensioning ......................................................................................................................................... 133

Dimensioning the Sketch ................................................................................................................... 133

Fully Constraining / Over-Constraining the Sketch............................................................................ 134

Assigning Dimensions - General Procedure ...................................................................................... 136

Assigning Dimensions - Detailed Procedures.................................................................................... 139

Modifying Dimensions ........................................................................................................................ 159

Dimensioning: Automatic / Manual Preview....................................................................................... 171

Glossary .................................................................................................................................................... 175

Index.......................................................................................................................................................... 177

Sketcher

Sketcher

Access: Click the icon, or select Curves / Sketcher from the main menu. If no face or plane was selected, you will have to select one before you can start sketching.

The Sketcher is the graphic environment used by Cimatron E to create 2D parametric geometry. The 2D geometry can then be used in other part functions, or in NC. The Sketcher is a powerful, yet intuitive, tool enabling you to create and modify entities in relation to each other.

Using the Sketcher, you can:

• Create geometric entities relative to other entities. • Project entities from another plane as reference entities or as geometric entities. • Define dimensions for entities. • Edit entities. • Add constraints to an entity. • Export (save) the geometries you have created. • Import (load) geometries that have been saved.

When you open the Sketcher, the Sketcher toolbar appears on the right side of the graphical display area, providing you with all options.

Sketcher Basics

Sketcher Basics

The following links explain how to access the Sketcher, the Sketcher toolbar, how to define preferences related to the Sketcher, and other Cimatron E Sketcher basics.

Accessing the Sketcher Sketcher Toolbar Defining Preferences Popup Menu Importing a Sketch Exporting a Sketch Exiting the Sketcher

Cimatron E 6.0 Sketcher 1

Accessing the Sketcher

The Sketcher enables you to create and modify entities in a 2D plane. If a 3D structure is currently displayed in your graphical display area, you must select a plane to enable the Sketcher options.

To access the Sketcher:

1. Click the Sketcher icon from the toolbar, right-click in the graphic area and select Sketcher from the popup menu, or go to Curves / Sketcher in the main menu.

2. If a 3D structure is displayed in your graphical display area, and you have not yet selected a plane, select a plane. (The selected plane is displayed in green.)

The Sketcher toolbar is now displayed to the right of the graphical display area.

Important: After you complete your sketch, you must exit from the Sketcher before continuing to other application commands.

The Sketcher Toolbar

Toolbar icons are available for every Sketcher function and option. To exit an option, you may:

• Click another icon • Press exit, returning to Select mode. • Un-select the icon, returning to Select mode.

Note: For the Trim function, pressing exit will return you to the function you were using last, not necessary to Select mode. For instance, if you are creating an arc and then enter Trim, when you are finished trimming and press exit, you will return to the Arc function.

The Sketcher toolbar consists of the following:

Select Mode, in which you can Edit entities (move, resize, etc.)

Create lines.

Create boxes.

Create circles.

Create ellipses.

Create arcs.

Create splines.

Create points.

Create symmetrical entities.

2 Sketcher Cimatron E 6.0

Create offset curves.

Create a corner, radius, or chamfer between curves / lines.

Trim segments of entities and delete dimensions.

Move entities.

Rotate entities.

Copy (duplicate) entities.

Mirror entities.

Constraint Filter enables you to choose which dynamic constraints appear.

Add constraints enables you to constrain entities to one another or horizontally / vertically.

Dimension enables you to add dimensions and adjust the size of entities.

Change construction lines enables you to change geometry into construction entities and vice versa.

Add Geometry - project entities from another plane or sketch to add as geometry to the current sketch.

Add Ref - project entities from another plane or sketch as reference entities.

Delete an entity. Open General Toolbar:

Update - if Manual Preview is selected, press this icon to update the sketch according to the dimensions.

Automatic / Manual Preview enables you to update your sketch according to dimensions, either automatically or manually.

Import an external sketch in the graphics area.

Export enables you to save your sketch.

Show Open points

Show Constraints

Delete Constraints

Edit Sketch plane

Edit Sketch orientation

Exit from Sketcher. When you have finished creating your sketch, you must exit before proceeding onto other functions (Part, Assembly, NC, etc.)


Sketcher Popup Menu

While working in the Sketcher, right-clicking in the graphical display area opens the Sketcher Popup Menu.

This menu will close as soon as you select an item, or if you click outside the menu area.

The first section of the popup menu contains the three main geometry creation functions Line, Box, Circle, and Arc. Other entities can be created by selecting the icon on the Sketcher toolbar.

The second section contains the main Sketcher options Dimensions, Trim, and Add Reference.

The third section of the menu depends on what function you are using when the popup menu is opened:

• If you are in Select mode, the options are Move, Show constraints, Add Constranits and Delete. • If you are creating geometry such as Line, Circle, Box, Arc, or Ellipse, this section will contain

drawing tools such as Tangent and Center. • In all other cases, this section of the popup menu will be empty.

The last options of the menu are Cancel Sketch (exit without creating the sketch) and Exit Sketcher. After you have completed your sketch, you must exit before proceeding onto other functions (Part, Assembly, NC, etc.).


Importing a Sketch

(Loading or Placing a Sketch from a File)

You can place a previously exported file into the Sketcher plane, as described below.

To place a file into the Sketcher graphic display area:

2. Click the icon. 3. The Open Sketcher window is displayed. Select a file and click Open. 4. Now you can place the loaded sketch wherever you want in the graphic display area.

Exporting a Sketch

(Saving a Sketch to A File)

After you create a sketch, you can save it to a file for future use, as described below:

To save a sketch to a file:

1. Click the icon. 2. The Sketcher Save window is displayed. Name the file and click Save. 3. Now the file can be imported into future sketches.

Exiting the Sketcher

Important: After you complete your sketch, you must exit the Sketcher before continuing to other application functions.

To exit the Sketcher:

Press the Exit from Sketcher button in the main Sketcher toolbar.

or

Open the popup menu by right-clicking, and select Exit Sketcher.

To exit the Sketcher without creating the sketch:

Open the popup menu by right-clicking, and select Cancel Sketch.


Defining Preferences

The graphic area of the Sketcher can be modified by selecting the required options in the Preferences Editor dialog. This dialog is accessed from the main menu by clicking Tools / Preferences / General / Sketcher.

Use grid places a grid over the graphic area when in the sketcher. This allows you to size the sketch more accurately and view a plane. However, the grid cannot be related to geometrically (no snap points).

Note: If you define preferences while inside the Sketcher, it is necessary to exit and then re-enter the Sketcher in order to implement the newly-selected options.

Dynamic Constraints

Dynamic Constraints

When creating geometric entities, lines or points are highlighted to help you align entities relative to the Sketcher UCS or relative to other entities. These highlighted lines and snap points are called Dynamic Constraints.

Notes:

You can also apply constraints after the entities have been created. See Adding Constraints. You can use the Constraint Filter to control which constraints appear on the screen. This can also

be set in Preferences.


The following types / colors of constraint lines appear while creating entities:

Horizontal / Vertical constraint lines (dashed orange) Same X / Same Y constraint lines (dashed purple) On Curve or Colinear constraints (purple) Parallel / Tangent constraints (cyan) Normal constraints (pink)

Below is a description of the different types of Dynamic Constraints.

• Snap points: Snap points indicate endpoints and center points. • Constraint Lines for Horizontal/Vertical Alignment: These dynamic constraint lines assist you in

placing your line relative to the Sketcher UCS. • Constraint Lines to Align with Existing Entities: These dynamic constraint lines assist you in

placing your line relative to existing entities.

Note: When you use Dynamic Constraints to help you position a new entity, the new entity will be constrained to either the existing entity or the XY axis. When the new entity is positioned relative to an existing entity, a mutual constraint relationship is created with the existing entity. If required, you can subsequently break an entity's constraints to make it independent of all other entities and the XY axis.

Constraint Filter

Press the icon in the Sketcher Toolbar to open the Constraints dialog. Or press the left and right mouse buttons together.

In the Constraints dialog you can specify which constraints will appear on your screen. Selecting the Skip all constraints option lets you draw a free sketch with no constraints.

Notes:

• You can set global constraint filter options by selecting Tools / Preferences from the main menu. • The last parameters selected in the function are kept as the default for the next time you access

the function.


Dynamic Constraints: Alignment with Existing Entities

Purple constraint lines (on a curve, colinear) Cyan constraint lines (parallel, tangent) Pink constraint lines (normal)

Notes:

The constraints that appear on the screen depend on what entities are currently in the display area. For example, you will not see parallel constraint to a line that is not in the display.

If you want to create alignments with entities that are not in the current sketch, you must add the entities to the sketch as reference entities.

You can also add constraints after entities are created. See Adding Constraints. You can control which constraint lines appear by the Constraint Filter.

Purple Constraint Lines

On a curve, colinear

When an endpoint lies on or is colinear with an existing line, a dashed purple constraint line appears.

When an endpoint lies on a circle, arc, or the extension of an arc, the circle / arc is displayed in solid purple.


Cyan Constraint Lines

Parallel and Tangent

When a new line is parallel to an existing line, a dashed cyan constraint line appears.

When a new line is tangent to a circle, arc, or the extension of an arc, the circle / arc is displayed in solid cyan.

Dashed Pink Constraint Lines

Normal

When an endpoint is normal to an existing line, a dashed pink constraint line appears.


Note: When you use Dynamic Constraint Lines to help you position a new entity, the new entity will be constrained to either the existing entity or the XY axis. When the new entity is positioned relative to an existing entity, a mutual constraint relationship is created with the existing entity. If required, you can subsequently break an entity's constraints to make it independent of all other entities and the XY axis.

Aligning Points Vertically or Horizontally

The Same X tool and the Same Y tool enable you to align selected points either horizontally or vertically relative to another point.

• First, select one or more points. • Then, select a point that will define the position of all the points. • Finally, select the Same X tool or the Same Y tool.

If none of the points are constrained, the points that you select first will move to be aligned with the point that you select last.

If points are constrained, whenever possible, the independent points will move to be aligned with the constrained point.

Note: If the original point is not in the current sketch, you must add it to the sketch as a reference entity.


To align one or more points either horizontally or vertically with another point:

1. Select the Add Constraints option from the Sketcher toolbar.

The cursor will be a pointer-and-grid symbol.

2. Click one or more points that you wish to align.

3. Click the point to which the points selected in step 2 will be either horizontally or vertically aligned.

4. Click the Same X tool or the Same Y tool on the Constraint toolbar.

The points(s) selected first (in step 2) are now either horizontally or vertically aligned to the point selected last (in step 3).

In the example above, none of the points are constrained. If points are constrained, whenever possible, the independent points will move to be aligned with the constrained point.

Notes:

You can also first pick the entities to constrain (while in Select mode), then select the Add Constraints option, then choose the desired constraint.

Edit functions are restricted by pre-existing constraints. An entity will not be edited if underlying constraints do not permit. If required, you can break an entity's constraints to make it independent of all other entities.


Dynamic Constraint Lines: Horizontal or Vertical Alignment

Notes:

The constraints that appear on the screen depend on what entities are currently in the display area. For example, you will not see parallel constraint to a line that is not in the display.

If you want to create alignments with entities that are not in the current sketch, you must add the entities to the sketch as reference entities.

You can also add constraints after entities are created. See Adding Constraints. You can control which constraint lines appear by the Constraint Filter.

Dashed Orange ( ) Constraint Lines

Horizontal / vertical

When a new line approaches horizontal or vertical alignment, a dashed orange constraint line appears next to the new line, to assist you in placing your line.

In the following examples, the dashed orange lines indicate that line 4 is close to alignment with the X or Y axis.


Dashed Purple ( ) Constraint Lines

Same X or same Y constraint

When the end point of a new line and the end point of an existing line are horizontally or vertically aligned (same X or Y coordinate), a dashed purple line appears connecting the two points. You can then create a new line connecting the two points.

In the following examples, the end point of line 4 is horizontally or vertically aligned with an existing line's end point coordinate (point A or point B).



Dynamic Constraint Lines: Snap Points

Snap points can help you position a new entity relative to a snap point.

For example:

• Snap points are used to indicate endpoints and center points. • When you create a new line, you can extend the line to the snap point. When you click to define

the line, the line will "snap" to the snap point. • When you create a geometry, you can use snap points to define geometry points.


Creating Geometry

Creating Geometry

The following tools are provided for creating geometric entities:

Line enables you to create 2D lines (default geometry option).

Box enables you to create a box.

Circle enables you to create a circle.

Ellipse enables you to create an ellipse.

Arc enables you to create an arc.

Spline enables you to create a spline.

Point enables you to create points.

Symmetry enables you to create a symmetry line. When this option is enabled, everything you create on one side of the line will also appear on the other side.

Add Reference enables you to project entities from another plane or sketch, and to use it as reference geometry in the current sketch.

Add Geometry enables you to project an entity from another plane or sketch, and to use it as geometry in the current sketch.


Creating Lines

Creating Lines

The Line tool enables you to create 2D lines either in Free Mode or Dimension Mode with the following types of constraints:

• Line from Points (default Line option).

• Parallel to an existing line. The two lines are mutually constrained.

• Normal (at 90 degrees) to an existing line. The two lines are mutually constrained.

• Tangent to a circle or arc. The two entities are mutually constrained.

Dynamic constraint lines appear in the graphical display area to help you position your line relative to the XY axis or other entities, or snapped to points. When creating normal, parallel, or tangent lines you can use alignment constraints. See Alignment with Existing Entities.

When you create a new line relative to an existing entity, the two entities are mutually constrained. You can also define additional constraints for a new line.

Note: After a line has been placed, the system is ready to create a new line in its default option (Pt). The last point that you created is the starting point of the new line. To select a new starting point, first press exit.


What are Mutual Constraints on Lines?

When you create a new line relative to an existing entity (using the Pt, Parallel, Normal, or Tangent options), the new line and the related entity are mutually constrained. Entities that are mutually constrained are dependent on each other: If either of the entities is subsequently edited or moved, the size and/or position of the other entity will automatically change so that the relationship between the two entities stays intact.

For example, if you create a new line (2) that is normal to an existing line (1), the two lines become mutually constrained. If you move or modify any one of the lines, the normal relationship between the lines is maintained.

You can also define additional constraints for a new line. For example, a new line is created tangent to a circle. The new line can also be made normal to an existing line. All three entities are then mutually constrained. When any one entity is moved, the other entities will automatically adjust so that the tangent and normal relationships remain intact.

Note: If required, you can subsequently break an entity's constraints to make it independent of all other entities and the XY axis.


Creating Lines from Points

The procedure below describes how to create continuous lines between points. The new line can also be constrained by existing entities in the graphical display area.

Note: If any of the points are not in the current sketch, you must add the to the sketch as reference entities.

To create a line between specified points:

1. Select the Line tool . This command is found in the Create Geometry secondary toolbar.

2. Move the cursor to a first point of the line, and click. This defines the starting point of the new line.

3. Move the cursor away from the first point. An image of the new line appears.

4. You can define an additional constraint for the new line.

5. Click to define the second point of the new line.

6. Repeat steps 3 and 5 to create continuous lines (by connecting additional points.)

7. Click the middle mouse button to end the line.

Tip: Dynamic constraint lines can help you position the new line relative to the XY axis or other entities, or snap to other points.


Creating a Parallel Line

The procedure below describes how to create a line that is parallel to an existing line. The new line and the existing line are mutually constrained. The new line can also be constrained by additional entities in the graphical display area.

Note: If the existing line is not in the current sketch, you must add it to the sketch as a reference entity.

To create a line parallel to an existing line:

1. Select the Line tool .

The cursor appears in the graphical display area as a crosshair-and-line .

2. Right-click to display the popup menu and select the Parallel option.

3. Click on an existing line and move the cursor away from it.

Note: Instead of using the popup menu, you can click the entity when the parallel constraint is activated - a dashed cyan line. See Alignment with Existing Entities.

The image of a new parallel line appears. It has the same length as the selected line.

4. You can define an additional constraint for the new line. 5. Click to define the position for the start point. 6. Move the cursor and change the length or direction of the new line.

7. Click to define the end point.


Tip: Dynamic constraint lines can help you position the new line relative to the XY axis or other entities.

Note: After a parallel line has been placed, the line default option (Pt) is automatically selected again in the popup menu, ready to create continuous lines from points. If you want to create more parallel lines, you must select the Parallel option again.

If you do not want the lines to be continuous, press the middle mouse button to disconnect them.

Creating a Normal Line

The procedure below describes how to create a line that is normal (at 90 degrees) to an existing line. The new line and the existing line are mutually constrained. The new line can also be constrained by additional entities in the graphical display area.


To create a line normal to an existing line:



2. Select a starting point.

Or: Right-click to display the popup menu, and select the Normal option.

3. Select a line:

• If a starting point was selected in step 2, a new line will appear normal to the start point and the currently selected line.

• If a start point was not selected in step 2, move the cursor away from the currently selected line. The image of a new normal line appears. Its origin is normal to the selected line (or its extension). Its end point is at the cursor position.



Note: Instead of using the popup menu, you can click the entity when the perpendicular constraint is activated - a dashed pink line. See Alignment with Existing Entities.

4. You can define an additional constraint for the new line. 5. Move the cursor to define the length of the normal line and its exact position.

6. Click to define the new line.


Note: After a normal line has been placed, the Pt option is automatically selected again in the popup menu, ready to create continuous lines from points. If you want to create more normal lines, you must select the Normal option again.


Creating a Tangent Line

The procedure below describes how to create a line that is tangent to an existing circle or arc. The new line and the existing line are mutually constrained. The new line can also be constrained by additional entities in the graphical display area.

Note: If the existing circle or arc is not in the current sketch, you must add it to the sketch as a reference entity.

To create a line tangent to an existing circle or arc:



2. Select a starting point.

or

Right-click to display the popup menu, and select the Tangent option.

3. Select a circle or arc:

• If a starting point was selected in step 2, a new line will appear tangent to the start point and the currently selected line.

• If a start point was not selected in step 2, move the cursor away from the currently selected line. The image of a new tangent line appears. Its origin is tangent to the selected circle or arc (or its extension). Its end point is at the cursor position.

Note: Instead of using the popup menu, you can click the entity when the tangent constraint is activated - a dashed cyan line. See Alignment with Existing Entities.

5. You can define an additional constraint for the new line. 6. Move the cursor to define the length of the tangent line, and the point of tangency to the circle or

arc.

7. When the desired result is achieved, click to define the new line.

Tip: A tangent line can extend from a circle in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. If the tangent is not in the direction that you intended, just move the cursor through to the other side of the circle. This will reverse the direction of the tangency.


Note: After a tangent line has been placed, the Pt option is automatically selected again in the popup menu, ready to create continuous lines from points. If you want to create more tangent lines, you must select the Tangent option again.



Defining Additional Constraints for a Line

As you create a new line, you can relate the line to additional entities in the graphical display area. For example, you can create a new line that is tangent to a circle and normal to another entity. After this is done, all three entities are mutually constrained.

• First, define the image of a new line as described in step 1 below. • Then, define the additional constraint for the line as described in steps 2 and 3.

Note: If you want to constrain lines to entities that are not in the current sketch, you must add the entities to the sketch as reference entities.

To define additional constraints on a new line:

1. Create a new line using any of the Line drawing options (Pt, Parallel, Normal or Tangent). An image of the new line appears in the graphical display area. You can now constrain the line relative to an existing entity.

2. Right-click to display the popup menu and choose a drawing option. 3. Click an existing entity in the graphical display area.

The new line snaps to the position defined in steps 2 and 3. The new line will be constrained to the selected entity.

For example, you can create a new line that is tangent to a circle and normal to an existing line, as follows:

1. Right-click and choose Tangent. Create the new line tangent to a circle. An image of the new tangent line appears.

2. Right-click and choose Normal to constrain the line (by making it normal to an existing entity). 3. Select an existing line.

The new line is then tangent to the circle (as defined in step 1), and normal to the line chosen in step 3.

Tip: You can also define a constraint on a new line by extending the image of the new line toward an entity. When you click, the new line will be defined in relation to the existing entity.



Note: When you define additional constraints, the new entity will be constrained to an existing entity, a mutual constraint relationship is created with the existing entity. If required, you can subsequently break an entity's constraints to make it independent of all other entities and the XY axis.

Extending a Line to an Existing Entity

The procedure below describes how to extend a new line to an existing entity. The line and the entity become mutually constrained.

Note: If the existing entity is not in the current sketch, you must add it to the sketch as a reference entity.

Tip: If the line has a previous constraint (for example, it is tangent to a circle) then all three entities are constrained.

• First, create a new line using one of the Line options (Pt, Parallel, Normal, or Tangent). An image of the line appears.

• Then, extend the line to an existing entity. The line can be: • Lying on the perimeter of the entity. • Tangent to the entity. • Intersecting the entity.

To extend a new line to lie on or be tangent to another entity:

1. Create a new line using any Line option (but do not click to define the entity).

2. Move the cursor to another entity. • When the image of the line approaches the entity, the entity changes to dashed purple.

• When the image of the line is close to tangency with an entity, the circle or arc changes to dashed cyan.


• When the image of the line is intersecting the entity, the entity does not change color.

3. Click to place the line relative to the existing entity.

Tip: If the new line was placed close to tangency to an entity, or touching an entity, the line will snap to the perimeter of the entity.

Dimension Mode

Draw a line to a specified length. The length of the line is defined in the Dimension Value parameter.

Free Mode

Draw a line of any length. The line is extended to the point you pick in the graphic area.

Creating Circles

Creating Circles

The Circle tool enables you to create circles in Free Mode or Dimension Mode with the following types of constraints:

• The Center (default) method enables you to create a circle starting from its center point. Moving the cursor expands the radius of the circle.

• The Point method enables you to create a circle starting from a point on its circumference. You can select up to 3 points on the circumference to define the circle. You can also use the point options with other drawing tools.

• The Tangent method enables you to create a circle that is tangent to an existing entity. The two entities become mutually constrained.


• The Diameter method enables you to create a copy of an existing circle. The two circles become mutually constrained.

Dynamic constraint lines appear in the graphical display area to help you position your circle relative to the XY axis or other entities. When creating tangent circles you can use alignment constraints. See Alignment with Existing Entities.

When you create a new circle relative to an existing entity, the new circle and the related entity become mutually constrained. You can also define additional constraints for a new circle.

What are Mutual Constraints on Circles?

When you create a new circle relative to an existing entity (using the Diameter or Tangent options), the new circle and the related entity are mutually constrained. Entities that are mutually constrained are dependent on each other: If either of the entities is subsequently edited or moved, the size and/or position of the other entity will automatically change so that the relationship between the two entities stays intact.

For example, if you create a new circle that is tangent to an existing line, the circle and the line are mutually constrained. If you modify or move any one of the entities, the tangent relationship between the entities is maintained.


You can also define additional constraints for any new circle. For example, a new circle that is tangent to an existing line can also be made tangent to an arc. All three entities are then mutually constrained. When any one entity is moved, the other entities will automatically adjust so that the tangent relationships remain intact.


Creating a Circle from its Center

The procedure below describes how to create a new circle from its center. The new circle can also be constrained by additional entities in the graphical display area.

To create a circle from its center:

1. Select the Circle tool .

The cursor appears in the graphical display area as a crosshair-and-circle .

2. Click the point in the graphical display area that will be the center of the new circle. 3. Move the cursor. An image of the new circle appears.


4. You can define an additional constraint for the new circle.

5. Move the cursor away from the starting point. The circumference of the new circle expands.

6. Click to define the new circle.

Tip: Dynamic constraint lines can help you position the new circle relative to points of other entities.

Creating a Circle from a Point on its Circumference

The procedure below describes how to create a circle from a point on its circumference. The circle can also be constrained by additional entities in the graphical display area.

To create a circle from its circumference:



2. Right-click to display the popup menu, and select the Pt option.

3. Click a point in the graphical display area that will lie on the circumference of the new circle. 4. Move the cursor. An image of the new circle appears.

5. Move the cursor away from the starting point in the desired direction. The center of the circle will follow the cursor position, expanding or collapsing the circle. If you like, you can define an additional constraint for the new circle.


Tip: Dynamic constraint lines can help you position the new circle relative to the XY axis or other entities.

Note: After a circle is created using the Pt option, the Center option is automatically selected again, ready to create a circle from its center. If you want to create another circle starting from its circumference, you must select the Pt option again.


Creating a Circle Tangent to an Entity

The procedure below describes how to create a new circle that is tangent to a selected entity. The new circle and the selected entity are mutually constrained. The new circle can also be constrained by additional entities in the graphical display area.

Note: If the tangent entity is not in the current sketch, you must add it to the sketch as a reference entity.

To create a circle that is tangent to a selected entity:



2. Right-click to display the popup menu, and select the Tangent option.

3. Click on an entity, and move the cursor away from it.


An image of a new tangent circle is displayed. A point on its circumference stays fixed to the entity. The cursor is at the center of the new circle.

4. You can define an additional constraint for the new circle. 5. Move the cursor. The new circle's radius and the tangency position change as you move the

cursor.




Note: After a circle is created using the Tangent option, the Center option is automatically selected again, ready to create a circle from its center. If you want to create another circle that is tangent to other entities, you must select the Tangent option again.

Creating a Circle with the Same Diameter of Another Circle

The procedure below describes how to create a circle with the same diameter as an existing circle. The new circle and the selected circle are mutually constrained. The new circle can also be constrained by additional entities in the graphical display area.

Note: If the existing circle is not in the current sketch, you must add it to the sketch as a reference entity.

To copy an existing circle:



2. Right-click to display the popup menu, and select the Diameter option.

3. Click on an existing circle and move the cursor away from it.

A duplicate image of the circle appears at the cursor position, with the cursor at its center.

4. You can define an additional constraint for the new circle. 5. Drag the image of the new circle to its required position. 6. Click to define the new circle.




Note: After a circle is created using the Diameter option, the Center option is automatically selected again, ready to create a circle from its center. If you want to copy another circle, you must select the Diameter option again.

Defining Additional Constraints for a Circle

As you create a new circle, you can relate the circle to additional entities in the graphical display area. For example, you can create a new circle that is tangent to three existing entities, or you can create a copy of a circle that is also tangent to an arc. After this is done, all the entities are mutually constrained.

• First, define the image of a new circle as described in step 1 below. • Then, define an additional constraint for the circle as described in steps 2 to 4. • Click to define the circle. (If the circle is fully constrained, it is defined automatically.)

Note: If you want to constrain circles to entities that are not in the current sketch, you must add the entities to the sketch as reference entities.

To define additional constraints on a new circle:

1. Create a new circle using any of the Circle drawing options (Center, Pt, Diameter or Tangent). An image of the new circle appears in the graphical display area. You can now constrain the circle relative to an existing entity.


The new circle will be constrained to the entity selected in step 3, according to the option selected in step 2.

4. You can repeat steps 2 and 3 to define additional constraints. 5. Click to define the circle.

For example, you can create a circle that is tangent to either two or three entities, as follows:

1. Right-click and choose Tangent. Create the new circle tangent to an existing line. An image of the new tangent circle appears.

2. Right-click and choose Tangent again to constrain the new circle (by making it tangent to an existing arc).

3. Select an existing arc.

The image of the new circle is now tangent to the line selected in step 1 and tangent to the arc selected in step 3.

4. Drag the circle image to its required position. While you do this, the size of the circle image changes so that it remains tangent to the two existing entities.

5. You can now either define the new circle, or extend the tangency to a third existing entity: • Click to define the new circle with the constraints as in step 4.

Or

• Define a third constraint: Right-click and choose Tangent. Then, click another entity.

The new circle is now tangent to three entities.

Tip: Since the new circle is fully constrained, the circle is defined automatically.



Dimension Mode

Draw a circle with a specified radius/diameter. The radius/diameter of the circle is defined in the Dimension Value parameter

Free Mode

Draw a circle of any size. The circle's size is defined by the point you pick in the graphic area.


Creating Arcs

The Arc tool enables you to create arcs in the following ways:

• The Point (default) method enables you to create an arc from a point on its circumference.

• The Center method enables you to create an arc from its center point.

• The Tangent method enables you to create an arc that is tangent to a selected entity. The two entities are mutually constrained.

• The Diameter method enables you to create a copy of an existing arc. The two arcs are mutually constrained.

Dynamic constraint lines appear in the graphical display area to help you position your arc relative to the XY axis or other entities. When creating tangent arcs you can use alignment constraints. See Alignment with Existing Entities.

When you create a new arc relative to an existing entity, the new arc and the related entity are mutually constrained. You can also define additional constraints for a new arc.

Note: In some cases, the arc can appear as a circle.


What are Mutual Constraints on Arcs?

When you create a new arc relative to an existing entity (using the Diameter or Tangent options), the new arc and the related entity are mutually constrained. Entities that are mutually constrained are dependent on each other: If either of the entities is subsequently edited or moved, the size and/or position of the other entity will automatically change so that the relationship between the two entities stays intact.

For example, if you create a new arc that is tangent to an existing line, the arc and the line are mutually constrained. If you modify or move any one of the entities, the tangent relationship between the entities is maintained.

You can also define additional constraints for any new arc. For example, a new arc that is tangent to an existing line can also be made tangent to another existing entity. All three entities are then mutually constrained. When any one entity is moved, the other entities will automatically adjust so that the tangent relationships remain intact.



Creating an Arc from a Point

The procedure below describes how to create a new arc from a point on its circumference. The new arc can also be constrained by additional entities in the graphical display area.

Note: If the point is not in the current sketch, you must add it to the sketch as a reference entity.

To create an arc from a point:

1. Select the Arc tool .

The cursor appears in the graphical display area as a crosshair-and-arc .

2. Click to position the first end of the arc's base, and move the cursor away from that point. An image of a circle appears.

3. You can define an additional constraint for the new arc. 4. Move the cursor to define the second side of the arc's base, and click. The base of the arc is now

defined.

5. Move the cursor to define the arc's shape and direction.

6. Press exit to define the arc.

Tip: Dynamic constraint lines can help you position the new arc relative to the XY axis or other entities.


Creating an Arc from its Center

The procedure below describes how to create a new arc from its center point. The new arc can also be constrained by additional entities in the graphical display area.

• First, create the image of a circle, as shown in steps 3 and 4. • Then, define the arc as a segment of the circumference, as shown in steps 5 to 7.

To create a circle from its center point:



2. Right click to display the popup menu, and select the Center option.

3. Click to define a point, and move the cursor away from that point. An image of a circle appears. The center of this circle will be the center of the new arc.

4. You can define an additional constraint for the new arc. 5. Move the cursor to create an image of a circle, and click.

6. Move the cursor along the circumference of the image. The portion of the circumference that you trace will change to green.

The green segment shows an image of the new arc.


7. Click to define the exact dimensions of the new arc.


Note: After an arc is created using the Center option, the Pt option is automatically selected again, ready to create an arc from a point. If you want to create another arc from its center, you must select the Center option again.

Creating an Arc Tangent to an Entity

The procedure below describes how to create a new arc that is tangent to a selected entity. The new arc and the existing entity are mutually constrained. The new arc can also be constrained by additional entities in the graphical display area.

Note: If the tangent entity is not in the current sketch, you must add it to the sketch as a reference entity.

To create an arc that is tangent to a selected entity:



2. Right-click to display the popup menu, and select the Tangent option.

3. Click on an entity. The new arc will be tangent to the entity.


4. Move the cursor away from the start point. An image of a tangent circle appears.

5. You can define an additional constraint for the new arc.


6. Move the cursor to determine one end point of the arc, and click.

The image of the tangent circle changes to the image of a tangent arc.

7. Move the cursor to determine the second end point of the arc. As you move the cursor, you can change the point of tangency on the entity selected in step 3.

8. Click to define the new arc.


Note: After an arc is created using the Tangent option, the Pt option is automatically selected again, ready to create an arc from a point. If you want to create another arc that is tangent to an existing entity, you must select the Tangent option again.


Creating an Arc with the Same Diameter of Another Arc

The procedure below describes how to create an arc with the diameter of an existing arc. The new arc and the existing arc are mutually constrained. The new arc can also be constrained by additional entities in the graphical display area.

Note: If the existing arc is not in the current sketch, you must add it to the sketch as a reference entity.

To copy an existing arc:



2. Right-click to display the popup menu, and select the Diameter option.

3. Click on an existing arc and move the cursor away from it. An arc with the same diameter appears at the cursor position, with the cursor at its circumference.

4. Right-click to display the popup menu, and select the Center option. 5. You can define an additional constraint for the new arc. 6. Move the cursor to create an image of a circle, and click. 7. Move the cursor along the circumference of the image. The portion of the circumference that you

trace will change to green. The green segment shows an image of the new arc. 8. Click to define the exact dimensions of the new arc.


Note: After an arc is created using the Diameter option, the Pt option is automatically selected again, ready to create an arc from a point. If you want to copy another arc, you must select the Diameter option again.


Defining Additional Constraints for an Arc

As you create a new arc, you can relate the arc to additional entities in the graphical display area. For example, you can create a new arc that is tangent to existing entities, or you can create a copy of an arc that is also tangent to another existing arc. After this is done, all the entities are mutually constrained.

• First, define the image of a new arc as described in step 1 below. • Then, define an additional constraint for the new arc as described in steps 2 to 4. • Click to define the arc. (If the arc is fully constrained, it is defined automatically.)

Note: If you want to constrain arcs to entities that are not in the current sketch, you must add the entities to the sketch as reference entities.

To define additional constraints on a new arc:

1. Create a new arc using any of the Arc options (Center, Pt, Diameter or Tangent). An image of the new arc appears in the graphical display area. You can now constrain the new arc relative to an existing entity.


The new arc will be constrained to the entity selected in step 3, according to the option selected in step 2.

4. You can repeat steps 2 and 3 to define additional constraints. 5. Click to define the new arc.

For example, you can create an arc that is tangent to three entities, as follows:

1. Right-click and choose Tangent. Create the new arc tangent to an existing line. An image of the new tangent arc appears.

2. Right-click and choose Tangent again to constrain the new arc (by making it tangent to another existing arc).


3. Select an existing arc.

The new arc is now tangent to the line selected in step 1 and tangent to the existing arc selected in step 3.

4. Define a third constraint: Right-click and choose Tangent. Then, select a line (line 3).

The new arc is now tangent to three entities.

Tip: Since the new arc is fully constrained, the arc is defined automatically.



Creating Points

Using the Point tool , you can create free-standing points in the graphical display area. These points can be constrained in the same way as other entities.

To create free standing points:

1. Select the Point tool .

The cursor appears in the graphical display area as a crosshair-and-point .

2. Move the cursor to any coordinate in the graphical display area, and click. A free-standing point is defined.

Tip: Dynamic constraint lines can help you position new points relative to the XY axis or other entities.

Creating Ellipses

Creating Ellipses

The Ellipse tool enables you to create ellipses. Ellipses can also be constrained by additional entities in the graphical display area.

• The Center (default) method enables you to create an ellipse by defining its center point first and then defining its two axis points.

• The Point method enables you to create an ellipse by defining an axis point and then defining its center point and its second axis point.

Dynamic constraint lines appear in the graphical display area to help you position your arc relative to the XY axis or other entities.


Creating an Ellipse from a Center Point

The procedure below describes how to create a new ellipse from its center point. This is the default method.

The new ellipse can also be constrained by additional entities in the graphical display area.

• First define a center point. • Then, define one axis point. • Finally define a second axis point.

To create an ellipse beginning with the center point:

1. Select the Ellipse tool .

The cursor appears in the graphical display area as a crosshair-and-ellipse .

2. Click the point in the graphical display area that will be the center of the new ellipse 3. Click the point in the graphical display area that will be the first axis point of the new ellipse.

4. Click the point in the graphical display area that will be the second axis point of the new ellipse.

The new ellipse is defined.


Creating an Ellipse from an Axis Point

The procedure below describes how to create a new ellipse from a point on its axis. The new ellipse can also be constrained by additional entities in the graphical display area.

• First define an axis point. • Then, define a center point. • Finally define a second axis point.

To create an ellipse beginning with an axis point (point-center-point):

1. Select the Ellipse tool .

The cursor appears in the graphical display area as a crosshair-and-ellipse .


3. Click the point in the graphical display area that will be the first axis point of the new ellipse. 4. Click the point in the graphical display area that will be the center of the new ellipse. 5. Click the point in the graphical display area that will be the second axis point of the new ellipse.


Alternatively:

To create an ellipse beginning with an axis point (point-point-center):

• First define an axis point. • Then define a second axis point. • Finally define a center point.


2. Click the point in the graphical display area that will be the first axis point of the new ellipse.


3. Right-click to display the popup menu, and select the Pt option. 4. Click the point in the graphical display area that will be the second axis point of the new ellipse.

5. Click the point in the graphical display area that will be the center of the new ellipse.



Creating Boxes

The Box tool enables you to create a box using:

• Free Mode • Dimension Mode

Free Mode

Boxes are comprised of 4 edges at 90 degrees, where the lines are horizontal (aligned with the X axis) and vertical (aligned with the Y axis).

1. Select the Box tool .

The cursor appears in the graphical display area as a box-and-point .

2. Click in the graphic area to position the first corner of the box, and move the cursor away from that point. An image of a new box appears.

3. Click in the graphic area to define the opposite corner of the new box.


Dimension Mode

1. Select the Box tool .

The cursor appears in the graphical display area as a box-and-point .

2. Click the Free toggle button to display the Dimension button and parameters:

1.

3. Enter the required height and width values and Enter. 4. Click in the graphic area to position the predefined box.

Notes:

You can trim one of the lines on the perimeter of the box, thereby creating three independent lines.

You can edit the box. In Select mode, you can break the constraints of the box and change its shape.


Creating Splines

The Spline tool enables you to create a spline as described below.

1. Select the Spline tool .

The cursor appears in the graphical display area as a spline-and-point .

2. Click to locate the first point of the spline. When picking you can either create a new point or select an existing point.

3. Pick the second point.

The spline will appear, and you can adjust its shape by moving the mouse.

4. Continue to pick points. You must pick at least three points to define a spline. When you have finished, click exit.

Note: You can edit the spline while in Select mode. You can move the spline, move points of the spline, or modify the slopes at the spline ends.


Creating Symmetrical Entities

The Symmetry tool enables you to create symmetrical copies of entities on either side of a symmetry line. The two entities are mutually constrained. The Symmetry tool is used together with a selected drawing tool.

To create symmetrical entities:

1. Select a geometry creation tool.

2. Select the Symmetry tool .

The cursor appears in the graphical display area as a crosshair-and-symmetry symbol .

3. Set a symmetry line by clicking two points in the graphical display area (or select an existing Symmetry line).

The Symmetry tool is now active. The cursor symbol now reflects the drawing tool that was selected in step 1. In the example below, the Circle tool was selected. You can now create symmetrical circles.

4. Create entities on one side of the symmetry line, and click.

Their mirror image is immediately reflected on other side of the symmetry line.

5. Click the Symmetry tool again (to de-select the Symmetry tool), or click Select , to end the process. (Clicking exit does not end the symmetry process.)


Tip: If you move the symmetry line using the Select tool, all the entities that you created while the symmetry process was active (while the Symmetry tool was selected) will be constrained around the symmetry line. In the example below, the symmetry line is moved to the left, causing the images around it to converge.

Note: Symmetry lines also appear when mirroring entities. These symmetry lines can be used after the mirroring operation.

Creating Offset Curves

The Offset tool enables you to create an offset curve from a line, arc, or circle.

1. Select the Offset tool , or select Offset from the popup menu.

The cursor appears in the graphical display area as .

2. Select the curve to offset. You can select a line, arc, or circle. Then choose whether you want to offset By Distance or By Point. Use Keep Original if you want the selected curve to remain in the sketch.

3. If By Distance is chosen, select the offset side and assign an Offset Value.


If By Point is chosen, select the point through which the offset curve will pass. (You do not have to select an actual point; you can select anywhere on the display.)

Notes:

• You can edit the offset curve while in Select mode. However, remember that the curves are constrained to one another.

• Ellipses/splines cannot be offset. • The last parameters selected in the function are kept as the default for the next time you access

the function.

Creating Corners

The Corner tool enables you to create several types of corners between two lines / curves.

Select the Corner tool , or select Corner from the popup menu. Then select the corner type. The corner types are:

Radius Corner Chamfer


Radius

Connect two lines / arcs by an arc of a specified radius.

1. Select the first line or arc. It is important where you select the entities; the side you select determines the rounding direction, and is the side that will remain after trimming.

Use Trim On if you want the entities to be trimmed and / or extended. Assign a radius value.

2. Select the second line / arc.

This is the result. Because the line was selected in its upper half, the lower half was trimmed.


Corner

Connect two lines by a sharp corner.

1. Select the first line. It is important where you select the line; the side you select is the side that will remain after trimming.

Use Trim On if you want the lines to be trimmed and / or extended.

2. Select the second line.

This is the result. Because the second line was selected in its upper half, the lower half was trimmed. The first line was extended.


Chamfer

Connect two lines by a chamfer.

1. Select the first line. It is important where you select the line; the side you select determines the chamfer direction, and is the side that will remain after trimming.

Use Trim On if you want the lines to be trimmed and / or extended. Set a chamfer value - this is the trimming length, not the total chamfer length.

2. Select the second line.

This is the result. Because the second line was selected in its upper half, the lower half was trimmed. The first line was extended.

Note: The last parameters selected in the function are kept as the default for the next time you access the function.


Adding Geometry for Part / Assembly

The Add Geometry tool enables you to copy an entity from another plane or another sketch onto the current sketching plane.

Note: Using Add Geometry, the selected entities will be included as geometry in the sketch. If you want to add entities that will act only as a reference, and will not be included in the sketch, see Adding Reference Entities.

The following instructions provide a brief overview of how you may copy a geometric entity from another plane and add it into the Sketcher plane:

1. First, select a plane. The selected plane is highlighted. 2. Activate the Sketcher. 3. Click the Add Geometry tool. A button is displayed in your graphical display area which toggles

between Intersect and Project.

• Intersect: The common geometry between the Sketcher plane and the picked geometry is displayed.

or

• Toggle to Project: The copied geometry is projected on to the Sketcher plane.

5. You can use the Undo function to cancel your selection. 6. To finish the operation click another tool, or click the Add Geometry button to deselect it.


Note: When adding Splines, the newly-created Spline is treated a "control points" Spline. This enables increased accuracy.

Adding Geometry for Drafting

The Add Geometry tool enables you to copy an entity from the current sheet and to use it in the current sketch.

The following instructions provide a brief overview of how you may copy a geometric entity from the sheet and add it into the Sketcher:

1. Activate the Sketcher. 2. Click the Add Geometry tool. 3. Select the edges, composite curve (or face) of the view that you want to add, and they are

automatically added to the sketch. Selected edges are displayed in yellow-green.

5. You can use the Undo function to cancel your selection. 6. To finish the operation click another tool, or click the Add Geometry button to deselect it.

Adding Reference Entities

Add Ref enables you to project entities located on another plane or another sketcher onto the current sketching plane as reference entities. The reference entity can assist you in locating entities in the current plane.

Note: Reference entities are not included as geometry in the sketch, and they will disappear when you exit the sketch. (If you re-enter the sketch, reference entities will reappear.) If you want to add geometry from another plane or sketch onto the current sketch, see Adding Geometry.

The following instructions provide a brief overview of how you may create reference geometry on the Sketcher plane:

1. First, select a plane. The selected plane is highlighted. 2. Activate the Sketcher. 3. From the Sketcher toolbar, click the Add Reference tool. 4. Pick geometry. The entity selected is projected onto the Sketcher plane as a construction

geometry. The construction geometry can be used to assist you in placing and dimensioning entities in the current plane.

5. You can use the Undo function to cancel your selection. 6. To finish the operation, press exit.


Automatic Reference

Entity Creation

It is possible to define that any picked geometry is automatically projected onto the selected sketcher plane.

1. First, select a plane. The selected plane is highlighted. 2. Activate the Sketcher. 3. Pick geometry. In this example, the start and end points of the line are automatically projected

onto the sketching plane.

Entity Constraints

It is possible to add a constraint to an external geometry. The external geometry is projected onto the reference plane as a construction line according to which the new constraint is defined.

1. First, select a plane. The selected plane is highlighted. 2. Activate the Sketcher. 3. Pick geometry. In this example, a line is created with a parallel constraint with an edge outside the

sketch plane.


Entity Dimensioning


The Automatic Reference option is not selected by default but must be set in the Constraint Filter for working on a specific sketch.

Construction Entities

A construction entity is an image of an entity that can help you plan and position new entities in the graphical display area. The construction entity is not a real entity and does not print out. The Change Construction Lines tool enables you to change any entity into a construction entity, or to change a construction entity back to a regular entity.

To work with a construction entity:

1. Click the Select option from the Sketcher toolbar. Or press exit until you are in Select mode.

The cursor changes to a black pointer .

2. Click an entity that you wish to change to a construction entity. The entity changes to dotted red when clicked, then dotted black as the cursor is moved away from it.

3. Click the Change Construction Lines tool .

The entity changes to dashed blue, showing that it is no longer a regular entity, but a guide to planning other entities.


For example, you can use a circle construction entity to guide you to define circles that are tangent to the Construction circle.


Tip: You can click the construction entity and select the Change Construction Lines tool again to change the construction entity back into a regular entity.

Editing

Editing Entities

After you create geometries, the Select option of the Sketcher toolbar enables you to edit entities, break their constraints, and edit dimensions.

Note: Select mode is not used for adding constraints to entities. For this you must use the Add

Constraints function .

Select mode is the default working mode in the Sketcher. This means that if you are in another function (i.e. creating lines), pressing exit will return you to Select mode.

While you are in Select mode, the cursor appears as a black pointer .

Within the Select option you can:

Move points Move lines Resize lines Move circles/arcs/ellipses Resize circles/arcs/ellipses Move splines Move spline points Modify slopes at the ends of a spline Break constraints with existing entities Delete entities Modify dimensions using the Dimension dialog Modify dimensions by dragging Move the location of a dimension

Notes:

Moving entities can be done in Select mode, but you can also use the Move function. In addition, there are separate functions for Duplicate, Rotate, and Mirror.

Editing is restricted by pre-existing constraints. An entity cannot be edited if underlying constraints do not permit. If required, you can break an entity's constraints to make it independent of all other entities.

Deleting an Entity

While in Select mode, you can delete entities by clicking on them to select them, and pressing the Delete key.


To delete an entity:



2. Pick the entities you want to delete.

3. Delete them using one of three methods: Pressing the Delete key, selecting Delete from the popup menu or clicking the Delete button in the Sketcher toolbar.. The entities are deleted.

Note: You can also use the Trim function to delete entities or segments of entities.

Moving Entities

The Move tool enables you to move one or more entities in the graphic display.

Note: Moving individual points, lines, circles / arcs / ellipses, splines, or spline points can be done in Select mode, without using the Move tool.

When you move a group of entities, all constraints and dimensions within the group are maintained. However, constraints and dimensions to entities outside the group will be broken. (Exceptions: parallel, normal, and same value constraints will be maintained.)

If you want to move symmetric entities and maintain their symmetry, you must select both the entities and the symmetry line for moving.


To move one or more entities:


Or, Select the Move icon from the Sketcher toolbar, or select Move from the popup menu.

2. Select the entity or entities you want to move. In this case, two lines and one circle are selected.

3. If you are not in the Move function yet, select the Move icon from the Sketcher toolbar, or

select Move from the popup menu. The cursor will now be a move-and-pointer symbol. 4. Moving is done by dragging a point. Select a point that lies on one of the selected entities, and

hold.

5. Drag the point to its new location.


Note that the dimension between the vertical line and the origin (12.0) is deleted. However, the dimension between the vertical line and the circle (20.0) is maintained because both entities were selected for moving.

6. While the entities are still selected, you can Duplicate, Rotate, or Mirror them. If you are finished, press exit, or un-select the Move icon. You will return to Select mode.


Editing Sketch Orientation

It is possible to pick a UCS to define a new orientation for a selected geometry.

If a new UCS is picked, the origin and transformed X-Y axes are calculated as follows:

The UCS origin will be the projection of the picked UCS on the plane, and the Z direction will be normal to the face/plane. The X direction of the UCS will be the transformation of the picked X UCS axis on the plane (and the Y the cross-section of Z & X). If X is normal to the plane then the active Y UCS axis will be taken and the X will be the cross-section of Y & Z.

To change the sketch orientation:

1. In the Part environment, right-click on the feature in the feature tree and select Edit Sketch/Composite.

then click the Edit sketch orientation icon . 2. Click the Sketcher General Toolbar icon 3. Pick a new UCS and Exit.


All created (regular) geometry is positioned according to the new UCS (same relation to the new X-Y axes) while all Ref/Add geom. geometry remains in the original position (not relative to the new X-Y axis).

Note:

• If one or more points are first picked and then a UCS is picked, all picked points will be cleared.

• If a UCS is first picked, points cannot then be picked (unless Clear Selection is clicked). • Repicking a point unselects it as usual.

Editing a Sketch Plane

It is possible to change the sketch plane when editing a sketch.


To change the sketch plane:


then click the Edit sketch plane icon . 2. Click the Sketcher General Toolbar icon

2. Select Edit sketch plane from the Create mode popup menu. 3. Pick a new planar or datum plane and Exit.


The new plane is highlighted and the geometry is moved to the newly-selected plane.

Note: This option is only available in a part or NC document. (Does not appear in Drafting).

Duplicating Entities

The Duplicate tool enables you to copy one or more entities in the graphic display.

When you copy a group of entities, all constraints and dimensions within the group are maintained.

If you want to copy symmetric entities and maintain their symmetry, you must select both the entities and the symmetry line for copying.


To duplicate one or more entities:


The cursor will be a black pointer .

2. Select the entity or entities you want to copy. In this case, two lines and one circle are selected.

3. Select the Duplicate icon from the Sketcher toolbar, or select Duplicate from the popup menu. A duplicate of the selected entities appears at a small distance from the original entities.

4. You are now in Move mode, as indicated by the move-and-pointer cursor . Moving is done by dragging one of the points lying on the selected entities. Select the point, and hold.


5. Drag the point to its new location.

Note that the dimension between the circle center and the vertical line (15.0) is maintained, as is the tangency between the circle and the horizontal line. This is because all three entities were selected for copying.

6. While the entities are still selected, you can Rotate or Mirror them. If you are finished, press exit, or un-select the Move icon. You will return to Select mode.


Rotating Entities

The Rotate tool enables you to rotate one or more entities in the graphic display.

When you rotate a group of entities, all constraints and dimensions within the group are maintained. However, constraints and dimensions to entities outside the group will be broken. (Exception: same value constraints will be maintained.)

If you want to rotate symmetric entities and maintain their symmetry, you must select both the entities and the symmetry line for rotating.

To rotate one or more entities:



2. Select the entity or entities you want to rotate. In this case, three lines are selected.

3. Select the Rotate icon from the Sketcher toolbar, or select Rotate from the popup menu. The

cursor becomes a rotate-and-pointer symbol.


4. Rotating is done by selecting two points. First, select the point about which the entities will be rotated.

5. The rotation point is marked in magneta. Next, select one of the points lying on the selected entities, and hold. You will use this point to drag the entities.

6. Using the point you just selected, drag the entities to their new location. You can select different points within the selected entities and continue rotating.


Note that the dimension between the vertical line of the rectangle and the origin (18.0) is deleted. The 10.0 dimension is also deleted. However, the dimension between the two vertical lines (25.0) is maintained because both entities were selected for rotating.

7. While the entities are still selected, you can Move, Duplicate, or Mirror them. If you are finished, press exit, or un-select the Rotate icon. You will return to Select mode.

Mirroring Entities

The Mirror tool enables you to mirror one or more entities about a symmetry line.

When you mirror a group of entities, all constraints and dimensions within the group are maintained.

To mirror one or more entities:




2. Select the entity or entities you want to mirror. In this case, three lines and one circle are selected.

3. Select the Mirror icon from the Sketcher toolbar, or select Mirror from the popup menu.

4. The cursor becomes a mirror-and-pointer symbol . Now you must define the line of symmetry, either by selecting a line or by selecting two points. In this example two points are used, and the origin is chosen as the first point.

4. Select the second point.


5. The selected entities are mirrored about the symmetry line defined by the two points. You will return to Select mode.

Entities on both sides of the symmetry line are constrained to each other. Therefore, if you move the line shown below while in Select mode, the entities on both sides will update to maintain the 25.0 dimension and the tangency constraint.


Moving a Point

(This topic refers only to moving stand-alone points. In Select mode, however, you can also resize a line by moving line points, move spline points, and move circles / arcs / ellipses by moving their center points.)

While in Select mode , you can move a point in any direction.

Note: You can also use the Move function to do this.

To move a point:



2. Click on a point, and hold.

The point changes from blue to bright green.

3. Drag the point to its required position.

4. Release the mouse button to define the point's new position.

All constraints with other entities remain. For example, if you are moving a point that is coincedent to a line, both the point and the line will move to maintain the constraint.

Tip: You can break a point's constraints with all other entities by double-clicking at step 2, instead of clicking.


Editing Lines

Moving a Line

While in Select mode , you can move a line in a direction normal to its slope. The length and slope of the line remain unchanged. (To modify the length or slope of a line, you can resize the line by moving a node of the line.)


To move a line in a normal direction:



2. Click on a line, and hold.

The line changes from blue to bright green.

3. Drag the line to its required position.

4. Release the mouse button to define the line's new position.

All constraints with other entities remain. For example, if you are moving a line that is normal to another line, both lines will move to maintain the constraint.

Tip: You can break a line's constraints with all other entities by double-clicking at step 2, instead of clicking.


Resizing a Line

While in Select mode , you can resize a line by moving one of its nodes. This changes the length and the slope of the line. (You can also move the line in a normal direction to its slope.)

To resize a line and vary its slope:



2. Click on a node of the line, and hold.

The node changes from blue to bright green.

3. Drag the node and modify the line's length and slope.


The position of the other node does not change.

All constraints with other entities remain. For example, if you are resizing a line that is normal to another line, both lines will move to maintain the constraint.

Tip: You can break a line's constraints with all other entities by double-clicking at step 2, instead of clicking.


Editing Circles, Arcs, Ellipses

Resizing a Circle, Arc or Ellipse

While in Select mode , you can resize a circle/arc by expanding or contracting a point on its circumference. (You can also move the circle/arc/ellipse in any direction.)

To resize a circle/arc/ellipse:



2. Click on the circle/arc/ellipse's circumference, and hold.

The circumference changes from blue to bright green.

3. Move the cursor to expand or contract the circle/arc/ellipse.

4. Release the mouse button to define the new size.

All constraints with other entities remain. For example, if you are resizing a circle that is tangent to a line, both entities will move to maintain the constraint.

Tip: You can break a circle/arc's constraints with all other entities by double-clicking at step 2, instead of clicking.


Moving a Circle, Arc or Ellipse

While in Select mode , you can move a circle/arc in any direction. The diameter of the circle/arc remains unchanged provided there are no constraints on the circle/arc. (To modify the diameter of the circle/arc, you can resize the circle/arc.)


To move a circle, arc or ellipse:



2. Click on the center point of the circle/arc/ellipse, and hold.

The center point changes from blue to bright green.

3. Drag the circle to its required position.

4. Release the mouse button to place the entity.

All constraints with other entities remain. For example, if you are moving a circle that is tangent to a line, both entities will move to maintain the constraint.

Tip: You can break a circle/arc's constraints with all other entities by double-clicking at step 2, instead of clicking.


Editing Splines

Moving a Spline

While in Select mode , you can move a spline in any direction. The length and slopes remain unchanged. (In this mode you can also move points of the spline and modify the slopes at the ends.)


To move a spline:



2. Click on a spline, and hold.

The spline changes from blue to bright green.

3. Drag the spline to its required position.

4. Release the mouse button to define the spline's new position.

All constraints with other entities remain. For example, if you are moving a line that is normal to another line, both lines will move to maintain the constraint.

Tip: You can break a spline's constraints with all other entities by double-clicking on the spline point containing the constraint. Double-clicking on the spline itself will allow you to modify the spline slopes.


Moving a Point of a Spline

While in Select mode , you can move points (nodes) of a spline, changing the shape of the spline. (In this mode you can also move the spline itself, and modify the slopes at the ends.)

To move points of a spline:



2. Click on a node of the spline, and hold.

The node changes from blue to bright green.

3. Drag the node and modify the spline's shape.


The positions of the other nodes do not change.

All constraints with other entities remain. For example, if you are moving a point that is constrained to Same Y as another point, both points will move with the mouse.

Tip: You can break a spline's constraints with all other entities by double-clicking on the spline point containing the constraint. Double-clicking on the spline itself will allow you to modify the spline slopes.


Modifying Slopes of a Spline - Dynamically

While in Select mode , you can dynamically modify the slopes at either end of a spline. To display Spline slopes, click the show spline slopes icon on the Constraints toolbar then pick the spline and exit.(In this mode you can also move points of the spline and move the spline itself.)

Note: You can also add constraints to spline slopes in Add Constraint mode.

To modify slopes:



2. Double-click on the spline. Dashed lines representing the slopes at either end will appear.

Note: The direction of the slope depends on how the slope was defined; the slope proceeds in the order in which the spline points were picked.


3. The cursor changes to a grid-and-pointer, representing Move mode. Choose an endpoint for the slope you want to modify.

4. Drag the point to the desired location.

1. Press exit. The spline now appears with the new slope.

Note: In this mode you can move all spline points, not only those defining the slopes.


Constraints

Adding Constraints

To constrain entities to one another, or to apply conditions such as parallel or normal, use the Add Constraints function . Constraints can be applied to:

Lines Circles / Arcs / Ellipses Points Splines (slopes)

Notes:

Constraints are used to eliminate degrees of freedom, which can result in a fully constrained, over-constrained, or even a geometrically impossible sketch. See Constraining / Over-Constraining the Sketch.

Constraints can be applied when creating entities by using Dynamic Constraint Lines.

, the following Constraint Toolbar appears: When you press the Add Constraints icon

While you are selecting entities, the cursor has the following appearance: Select the entities you want to constrain, and press the relevant constraint icon.

Note: When entities are selected for editing, only the relevant toolbar tools are activated. For example, if two lines are chosen for editing, only the tools for actions on lines are available. The Concentric tool, which is used only for circles or arcs, is grayed out.

The Constraint Toolbar provides the following tools:

Horizontal enables you to make lines horizontal (aligned with the X axis).

Vertical enables you to make lines vertical (aligned with the Y axis).

Parallel enables you to make lines parallel to another line.

Normal enables you to make a line normal to another line.

Tangent enables you to make a circle/arc and a line tangent to each other, or to make two circles/arcs/ellipses tangent to each other.

Concentric enables you to make circles/arcs/ellipses concentric to another circle/arc/ellipse.

Same Value enables you to assign lines the same length as another line, or to assign circles/arcs the same diameter as another circle/arc.

Coincident enables you to make selected lines coincident with one another.

Same X enables you to align selected points horizontally to another point.

Same Y enables you to align selected points vertically to another point.

Show spline slopes displays the spline slopes so you can modify or constrain them.


The following list provides constraint options for lines, circles / arcs / ellipses, and points.

Line constraints

o Make one or more lines horizontal (aligned with the X axis). o Make one or more lines vertical (aligned with the Y axis). o Make one or more lines parallel to another line. o Make a line normal to another line. o Make one or more lines the same length as another line. o Make one or more lines coincident with another line. o Make a node of a line coincident with another line. o Make a line and a circle/arc tangent to each other.

Circle / arc / ellipse constraints

o Make a circle/arc or ellipse concentric to another circle/arc or ellipse. o Make a circle/arc the same diameter as another circle/arc. o Make two circles/arcs or ellipses tangent to each other.

Point constraints

o Make points coincident with another point. o Align points horizontally or vertically to another point.

Spline constraints - slopes

o Align the slopes at the ends of a spline.

Fully Constraining / Over-Constraining the Sketch

You can use the Dimension option to produce a fully defined sketch, which defines the dimensions of

all entities with no degrees of freedom left unresolved. You can also use the Add Constraints option to eliminate degrees of freedom.

The colors of the dimensions and entities will tell you if the sketch is:

Under-constrained Fully Constrained Over-Constrained Geometrically Inconsistent or impossible


Under-Constrained

Dimensions appear in magenta when they are added. If any part of the sketch remains blue, the sketch needs additional dimensions to be considered fully constrained. In the case below, either a line length or angle must be added.

While the sketch is under-constrained, the following message will appear in the bottom section of the display:

Fully Constrained

When all dimensions and entities appear in magenta, the sketch is fully defined. In the case below, the location of the triangle with respect to the origin, as well as all lengths and angles, are known.

While the sketch is fully constrained, the following message will appear in the bottom section of the display:


Over-Constrained

If too many dimensions are applied, the entities that are overconstrained, as well as their dimensions, appear in orange. In the example below, sides 1 and 2 of the triangle, as well as the angle between them, are dimensioned. This causes the entities to be overconstrained.

To bring the entities back into a fully constrained condition, you must delete one of the dimensions, as follows:

• Click the Trim option , and click on a dimension to delete it. (To avoid unintended deletions, remember to de-select the Trim option.)

• Click the Select option , select the dimension and press Delete on the keyboard.

Geometric Inconsistency or Impossibility

If constraints or dimensions are applied that make it impossible to find a geometric solution for the sketch, the entities and appear in red.

In the example below, the bottom leg of the triangle was assigned a dimension so large that no geometric solution exists. The problematic dimension is underlined.

To bring the entities back into a fully constrained condition, you must delete or modify the problematic dimension, as follows:


• Click the Select option , select the dimension and press Delete on the keyboard. • Modify a Dimension using the Dimension Dialog.


Constraints and Edit Actions

Each time you edit an entity, the existing constraints on the entity are automatically maintained. If an existing constraint does not permit you to edit the entity, then the editing function that you chose is not performed.

When you edit entities, the existing constraints on one or more entities change the behavior of the editing function as follows:

• In some circumstances, a constrained entity may not be edited.

For example: You wish to edit 3 lines so that they are horizontal. However, one of the lines has a pre-existing constraint. The constrained line will not follow the behavior of the selected tool.

o When you select the Add Constraint option , select 3 independent lines, and apply the

Horizontal tool , the three lines become horizontal.

o However, when line B is constrained to be vertical, only the independent lines A and C become horizontal. Line B remains vertical. (Line B changes to orange as a reminder that it is constrained.)

• In other circumstances, the selected entities modify their behavior to accommodate the constraint.

When you select several entities and an editing tool, such as the Parallel tool or the

Normal tool , the last entity generally becomes the defining point for the position of all the entities. However, if one of the selected entities is constrained, the constrained entity becomes the defining point for the position of the other entities.

For example: You wish to edit 3 lines so that they will be parallel. However, one of the lines has a pre-existing constraint. The independent lines become parallel to the constrained line.


o If all the lines are independent, the first 2 lines move to become parallel with the last line.

o If line B is constrained to be vertical, the independent lines A and C move to become parallel with line B.


Show Constraints

This tool allows you to view constraints and delete them as required.

Gap in Contour

To display constraints and modify them:


2. Click the Sketcher General Toolbar then click the Show constraints icon . 3. Pick the entity whose constraints you wish to display.

The constraints associated with the entity are displayed in a scroll-down menu.


Select the constraint you wish to remove, right-click and click delete to delete it.

Delete Constraints

This tool allows you to delete all dimensional and/or geometrical constraints.

In the example below, a the length dimension and coincident constraint will both be removed.

To delete all constraints:

1. Click the Sketcher General icon in the Sketcher toolbar and click the Delete Constraints icon. The Delete Constraints dialog appears:


2. Mark whether you want to delete all constraints or only geometrical/dimensional. 3. Click OK to perform the deletion.

Whereas previously we could not change the length dimension or coincident constraint, it is now possible to do so:


Breaking Constraints

The Sketcher enables you to break a constraint in order to edit an entity. For example, a circle that you want to edit may be tangent to a line that is also constrained to be vertical. You can edit the circle by breaking the circle's constraints with all the entities in the graphical display area.

To break an entity's constraints with other entities:


2. Double-click on the entity that you want to make independent of other entities.

3. You can now edit the entity as you wish.

• Editing lines or circumferences will not break the coincidental constraint. • Editing points will break the coincidental constraint. • To break the tangent constraint, you must edit the entity from the point near the entity (marking

the tangent constraint).

Constraining Lines

Making Lines Horizontal

The Horizontal tool enables you to make one or more selected lines horizontal (aligned with the X axis).

• First, select one or more lines. • Then, select the Horizontal tool.

If none of the lines are constrained, all the lines will be horizontal.

If lines are constrained, only the independent lines become horizontal.

To make one or more lines horizontal:



2. Click a line that you wish to make horizontal.


3. You can repeat step 2 to select multiple lines for the horizontal action.

4. Click the Horizontal tool . The selected lines become horizontal.

In the example above, no lines were previously constrained. If lines are already constrained, only the independent lines become horizontal.

Note: When lines are re-positioned to be horizontal, the nodes that were defined first when you created the line (1) remain fixed, the nodes that were defined second (2) swivel to bring the lines to a horizontal position.

Notes:




Making Lines Vertical

The Vertical tool enables you to make one or more selected lines vertical (aligned with the Y axis).

• First, select one or more lines. • Then, select the Vertical tool.

If none of the lines are constrained, all the lines will be vertical.

If lines are constrained, only the independent lines become vertical.

To make one or more lines vertical:



2. Click a line that you wish to make vertical.

3. You can repeat step 2 to select multiple lines for the vertical action.

4. Click the Vertical tool . The selected lines become vertical.


In the example above, no lines were previously constrained. If lines are already constrained, only the independent lines become vertical.

Note: When lines are re-positioned to be vertical, the nodes that were defined first when you created the line (1) remain fixed, the nodes that were defined second (2) swivel to bring the lines to a vertical position.

Notes:




Making Lines Parallel

The Parallel tool enables you to make selected lines parallel to each other.

• First, select one or more lines. • Then, select a line that will define the position of all the lines. • Finally, select the Parallel tool.

If none of the lines are constrained, the lines that are selected first become parallel to the line that is selected last.

If lines are constrained, whenever possible, the independent lines become parallel to the constrained line.

Note: If of the lines is not in the current sketch, you must add it to the sketch as a reference entity.

To make one or more lines parallel to another line:



2. Click one or more lines that you wish to make parallel to another line.

3. Click the line to which the lines selected in step 2 will be parallel.

4. Click the Parallel tool .

The line(s) selected first (in step 2) move to be parallel to the line selected last (in step 3).


In the example above, none of the lines were previously constrained. If lines are already constrained, whenever possible, the independent lines become parallel to the constrained line.

Note: When lines are re-positioned to be parallel, the nodes that were defined first when you created the line (1) remain fixed, the nodes that were defined second (2) swivel to make the lines parallel to the required line.

Notes:




Making a Line Normal to Another Line

The Normal tool enables you to make a selected line normal to an existing line.

• First, select a line. • Then, select a line that will define the position of all the lines. • Finally, select the Normal tool.

If none of the lines are constrained, the line that is selected first becomes normal to the line that is selected second.

If a line is constrained, whenever possible, the independent line becomes normal to the constrained line.


To make a line normal to another line:



2. Click a line that you wish to make normal to another line.

3. Click the line to which the line selected in step 2 will be normal.


4. Click the Normal tool .

The line selected first (in step 2) moves to be normal to the line selected last (in step 3).

In the example above, none of the selected lines were previously constrained. If a line is already constrained, whenever possible, the independent line becomes normal to the constrained line.

Notes:




Making Lines the Same Length

The Same Value tool enables you to assign selected lines the same length as another line.

• First, select a line. This line will define the length of all the lines selected subsequently. • Then, select lines whose length will be defined. • Finally, select the Same Value tool.

If none of the lines are constrained, the lines that are selected last will adopt the length of the line that is selected first.

If entities are constrained, whenever possible, the independent lines will adopt the length of the constrained line.

Note: If one of the lines is not in the current sketch, you must add it to the sketch as a reference entity.

To give lines the same length as another line:



2. Click the line whose length will define the length of all the lines.

3. Click one or more lines that you wish to make the same length as the line selected in step 2.

4. Click the Same Value tool .

The line(s) selected last in (step 3) are now the same length as the line selected last (in step 2).


When the Same Value tool is used, the line that is selected first defines the length of the lines that are selected after it.

In the example above, none of the lines were previously constrained. If entities are already constrained, whenever possible, the independent lines are assigned the length of the constrained line.

Note: When lines are re-positioned to be the same length as a selected line, the nodes that were defined first when you created the line (1) remain fixed, the nodes that were defined second (2) move to make the lines the same length as the required line.


Notes:



Making Lines Coincident

The Coincident tool enables you to make selected lines coincident to each other. Coincident lines are colinear.

• First, select one or more lines. • Then, select a line that will define the linear position of all the lines. • Finally, select the Coincident tool.

If none of the lines are constrained, the lines that you select first will move to be coincident with the line that you select last.

If lines are constrained, whenever possible, the independent lines will move to be coincident with the line that is constrained.


To make a line coincident with another line:



2. Pick the line that you wish to make coincident with another line.


3. Pick the line to which the line selected in step 2 will be coincident.

4. Click the Coincident tool

The line selected first (in step 2) is now coincident with the line selected last (in step 3).

In the example above, none of the lines were previously constrained. If lines are already constrained, whenever possible, the independent lines will move to be coincident with the line that is constrained.

Notes:




Making a Node of a Line Coincident with a Line

The Coincident tool enables you to make a node of a line coincident with a selected line. The coincident node lies on the selected line.

• First, select a line or a node of a line. • Then, select a node (if a line was selected first) or a line (if a node was selected first) that will

define the first entity you selected. • Finally, select the Coincident tool.

If none of the entities are constrained, the entity that you select first will move to be coincident with the entity that you select second.

If entities are constrained, whenever possible, the independent entity will move to be coincident with the constrained entity.

To make a line coincident with the node of another line:



2. Click a line that you wish to make coincident with a node of another line.

3. Click a node of a second line, to which the line selected in step 2 will be coincident.


The line or node selected first (in step 2) is now coincident with the line or node selected last (in step 3).


In the example above, none of the entities were previously constrained. If entities are already constrained, whenever possible, the independent entity will move to be coincident with the constrained entity.

Notes:



Making Entities Tangent

The Tangent tool enables you to make a line and a circle / arc / ellipse, or two circles / arcs / ellipses, tangent to each other.

• First, select a line or a circle / arc. • Then, select an entity that will define the position of all the entities.

o If you chose a line first, now select a circle / arc. o If you chose a circle / arc / ellipse first, now select either a line or another circle / arc /

ellipse. • Finally, select the Tangent tool.

If none of the entities are constrained, the entity that is selected first moves to be tangent to the entity that is selected second.

If entities are constrained, whenever possible, the independent entity will move to be tangent to the constrained entity.

Note: If the line or the circle / arc / ellipse is not in the current sketch, you must add it to the sketch as a reference entity.


To make two entities tangent to each other:


The cursor will be a pointer-and-hand symbol.

2. Click the first entity.

3. Click the second entity.

4. Click the Tangent tool .

The entity selected first (in step 2) moves to be tangent with the entity selected second (in step 3).

In the example above, no entities were previously constrained. If entities are already constrained, whenever possible, the independent entity will move to be tangent to the constrained entity.

Notes:




Constraining Circles, Arcs and Ellipses

Making Circles, Arcs or Ellipses Concentric

The Concentric tool enables you to make selected circles, arcs or ellipses concentric to another circle, arc or ellipse.

• First, select one or more circles (or arcs/ellipses). • Then, select a circle, arc or ellipse that will define the position of the concentric

circles/arcs/ellipses. • Finally, select the Concentric tool.

If none of the entities are constrained, the entities that are selected first move to be concentric with the entity that is selected last.

If entities are constrained, whenever possible, the independent entities will move to be concentric with the constrained entity.

Note: If the original circle / arc / ellipse is not in the current sketch, you must add it to the sketch as a reference entity.

To make circles/arcs/ellipses concentric to a selected circle/arc/ellipse:



2. Click one or more circles/arcs/ellipses that you wish to make concentric to another circle/arc/ellipse.

In the example above, two circles are selected. Both these circles will be concentric to the circle/arc selected last (in step 3).


3. Click the circle/arc/ellipse to which the entities selected in step 2 will be concentric.

4. Click the Concentric tool .

The entities selected first (in step 2) move to be concentric with the entity selected last (in step 3).

In the example above, none of the entities were previously constrained. If entities are already constrained, whenever possible, the independent entities will move to be concentric with the constrained entity.

Notes:




Making Circles / Arcs the Same Diameter

The Same Value tool enables you to assign a selected circle/arc the same diameter as another circle/arc.

• First, select a circle or arc. This entity will define the diameter of all the entities selected subsequently.

• Then, select circles or arcs whose diameter will be defined. • Finally, select the Same Value tool.

If none of the entities are constrained, the entity that you selected first defines the diameter for all the entities.

If entities are constrained, whenever possible, the constrained entity defines the diameter of the independent entity.

Note: If the original circle / arc is not in the current sketch, you must add it to the sketch as a reference entity.

To give a circle/arc the same diameter as another circle/arc:



2. Click the circle/arc whose diameter will define the size of the selected entities.

3. Click the circle/arc whose diameter you want to change.


4. Click the Same Value tool .

The circle/arc selected last (in step 3) is now the same diameter as the circle/arc selected first (in step 2).

When the Same Value tool is used, the entity that is selected first defines the diameter of the entities that are selected after it.

In the example above, none of the entities were previously constrained. If entities are already constrained, whenever possible, the independent entity will be assigned the diameter of the constrained entity.

Notes:




Making Entities Tangent

The Tangent tool enables you to make a line and a circle / arc / ellipse, or two circles / arcs / ellipses, tangent to each other.

• First, select a line or a circle / arc. • Then, select an entity that will define the position of all the entities.

o If you chose a line first, now select a circle / arc. o If you chose a circle / arc / ellipse first, now select either a line or another circle / arc /

ellipse. • Finally, select the Tangent tool.

If none of the entities are constrained, the entity that is selected first moves to be tangent to the entity that is selected second.

If entities are constrained, whenever possible, the independent entity will move to be tangent to the constrained entity.

Note: If the line or the circle / arc / ellipse is not in the current sketch, you must add it to the sketch as a reference entity.

To make two entities tangent to each other:


The cursor will be a pointer-and-hand symbol.

2. Click the first entity.

3. Click the second entity.


4. Click the Tangent tool .

The entity selected first (in step 2) moves to be tangent with the entity selected second (in step 3).

In the example above, no entities were previously constrained. If entities are already constrained, whenever possible, the independent entity will move to be tangent to the constrained entity.

Notes:



Constraining Points

Making Points Coincident

The Coincident tool enables you to make selected points coincident to each other. Coincident points are colinear.

• First, select one or more points. • Then, select a point that will define the position of all the points. • Finally, select the Coincident tool.

If none of the points are constrained, the points that you select first will move to be coincident with the point that you select last.

If points are constrained, whenever possible, the independent points will move to be coincident with the constrained point.

Note: If any of the points are not in the current sketch, you must add the to the sketch as reference entities.


To make one or more points coincident with another point:



2. Click one or more points that you wish to make coincident with another point.

3. Click the point to which the points selected in step 2 will be coincident.


The points(s) selected first (in step 2) are now coincident with the point selected last (in step 3).

In the example above, none of the points were previously constrained. If points are already constrained, whenever possible, the independent points will move to be coincident with the constrained point.

Notes:




Aligning Points Vertically or Horizontally

The Same X tool and the Same Y tool enable you to align selected points either horizontally or vertically relative to another point.

• First, select one or more points. • Then, select a point that will define the position of all the points. • Finally, select the Same X tool or the Same Y tool.

If none of the points are constrained, the points that you select first will move to be aligned with the point that you select last.

If points are constrained, whenever possible, the independent points will move to be aligned with the constrained point.

Note: If the original point is not in the current sketch, you must add it to the sketch as a reference entity.

To align one or more points either horizontally or vertically with another point:



2. Click one or more points that you wish to align.

3. Click the point to which the points selected in step 2 will be either horizontally or vertically aligned.


4. Click the Same X tool or the Same Y tool on the Constraint toolbar.

The points(s) selected first (in step 2) are now either horizontally or vertically aligned to the point selected last (in step 3).

In the example above, none of the points are constrained. If points are constrained, whenever possible, the independent points will move to be aligned with the constrained point.

Notes:



Show Open Points

The Show Open Points tool indicates Open Objects by marking them with a red circle. This function is useful when it is difficult to detect open edges visually and you need to know which edges need to be closed in order to perform solid operations.

Gap in Contour

To indicate open edges:


2. Click the Sketcher General Icon to open the toolbar then click the Show open points icon

.

The Exit button appears when you are using a general tool. Click it to exit the tool or exit in the usual way.


The above example indicates a gap in the contour. The following problematic geometries are also indicated using this tool:

Self-intersection

Overlapping Lines


Close Points

This function allows you to take a set of sketch curves, detach them from the external reference (optional) and close the open points of these curves within a defined tolerance. It also lets you add horizontal/vertical constraints to the relevant curves within a defined tolerance.

In the following example, we will close the open points on curves from an imported model.

To close open edges:


2. Click the Sketcher General Icon to open the toolbar then click the Show open points icon

.

A gap between the curves is indicated:


3. Click the Close points icon and pick the curves to be closed.

The gap between the curves is closed.


Constraining Splines

Constraining Slopes of a Spline

While in Add Constraints mode , you can constrain the slopes at either end of a spline.

Note: You can also dynamically modify spline slopes in Select mode.

To constrain slopes:

1. Click the Add Constraints option from the Sketcher toolbar.

The cursor changes to a black pointer and cross-hair. .

2. Click on the spline. Dashed lines representing the slopes at either end will appear.


3. Click the desired slope and use the Constraint toolbar to add the desired constraints.

Example:

Click the upper slope and then the diagonal line. Click the normal icon in the Constraint toolbar.


The slope is now normal to the diagonal line.

Now click the lower slope, and click the vertical constraint icon.

Both slopes are now constrained.


Constraining Circle Center to Spline

While in Add Constraints mode , you can constrain the center of a circle to the contour of a spline.


To constrain the center of a circle to a spline:






3. Click the center of the circle and click the coincident icon in the Constraint toolbar

The center of the circle is coincident to the spline and can be moved along the contour of the spline in Select mode accordingly.


Constraining Circle Tangent to Spline



To constrain the circle tangent to a spline:






3. Click the circumference of the circle and click the Tangent icon in the Constraint toolbar

The circle is tangent to the spline and can be moved along the contour of the spline in Select mode accordingly.


Constraining Line Coincident to Spline



To constrain the endpoint of a line to a spline:






3. Click the endpoint of the line and click the Coincident icon in the Constraint toolbar

The endpoint of the line is coincident to the spline and can be moved along the contour of the spline in Select mode accordingly.


Trimming

Trimming Entities: Overview

After an entity is created, you can use the Trim option to do the following:

• Delete a free-standing entity: For example, you can delete a circle that is not intersected by another entity.

Note: If the entity includes a dimension, deleting the entity causes the dimension to be deleted also.

• Delete a segment of an entity: For example, a circle may be intersected by a line, creating segments. You can delete segments of the circle or the line, one at a time.


• Delete dimensions: For example, you can delete a dimension to eliminate an overconstraint condition in a sketch.

See Trimming Entities for operating instructions.

Note: Trim is an immediate access function, meaning that you can access it while within any other function. When you press exit to leave the Trim function, you will return to your previous function.

Trimming Entities

The procedure below describes how to delete an entity segment. (Trim can also be used to delete entire entities and dimensions.)

Remember: Trim is an immediate access function, meaning that you can access it while within any other function. When you press exit to leave the Trim function, you will return to your previous function.

To trim an entity or segment, or a dimension:

1. Select the Trim option from the Sketcher main toolbar. The cursor appears as a pointer-and-

scissors symbol . 2. Move the cursor to the entity segment you wish to delete. The selection appears in green.


3.

3. Click to delete the selected segment.

When you trim a segment of an entity, nodes are added at the trimming points. The remaining segments become separate entities.

Tip: To avoid unintended deletions, remember to de-select the Trim option.

Note: You can also use the Delete key or the Delete popup menu option to delete entire entites. See Deleting an Entity.

Trimming Length


Dimensioning

Dimensioning the Sketch

You can use the Dimension option to produce a fully dimensioned sketch, which defines the dimensions of all entities with no degrees of freedom left unresolved.

Note: You can also access the Dimension function by right-clicking to open the popup menu and selecting Dimensions.

Using the Dimension option, you can:

• Measure entities. • Interactively modify the actual dimensions of entities. • Adjust the tolerance and precision of displayed dimensions. • Delete or move displayed dimensions.

When assigning dimensions, you can use the icon to automatically update the sketch. See Dimensioning: Automatic Preview.

The General Dimensioning Procedure describes how to dimension any type of entity. Since this procedure varies slightly according to the kind of dimension you are dimensioning, specific instructions are provided under the following headings:

Linear Dimensions within an Entity

• Length of a line • Diameter of a circle • Radius of an arc

Linear Dimensions between Entities

• Distance between two points • Distance between parallel lines • Distance between a point and a line • Distance between a line and a circle/arc • Distance between two circles/arcs • Distance between two points, parallel to a line • Distance between two circles/arcs, parallel to a line

Angular Dimensions

• Angle between two lines • Angle between three points • Angle between a line and the horizontal/vertical axis.


Fully Constraining / Over-Constraining the Sketch

You can use the Dimension option to produce a fully defined sketch, which defines the dimensions of

all entities with no degrees of freedom left unresolved. You can also use the Add Constraints option to eliminate degrees of freedom.

The colors of the dimensions and entities will tell you if the sketch is:

Under-constrained Fully Constrained Over-Constrained Geometrically Inconsistent or impossible

Under-Constrained

Dimensions appear in magenta when they are added. If any part of the sketch remains blue, the sketch needs additional dimensions to be considered fully constrained. In the case below, either a line length or angle must be added.

While the sketch is under-constrained, the following message will appear in the bottom section of the display:


Fully Constrained

When all dimensions and entities appear in magenta, the sketch is fully defined. In the case below, the location of the triangle with respect to the origin, as well as all lengths and angles, are known.

While the sketch is fully constrained, the following message will appear in the bottom section of the display:

Over-Constrained

If too many dimensions are applied, the entities that are overconstrained, as well as their dimensions, appear in orange.

In the example below, sides 1 and 2 of the triangle, as well as the angle between them, are dimensioned. This causes the entities to be overconstrained.

To bring the entities back into a fully constrained condition, you must delete one of the dimensions, as follows:


• Click the Select option , select the dimension and press Delete on the keyboard.


Geometric Inconsistency or Impossibility

If constraints or dimensions are applied that make it impossible to find a geometric solution for the sketch, the entities and appear in red.

In the example below, the bottom leg of the triangle was assigned a dimension so large that no geometric solution exists. The problematic dimension is underlined.

To bring the entities back into a fully constrained condition, you must delete or modify the problematic dimension, as follows:


• Click the Select option , select the dimension and press Delete on the keyboard. • Modify a Dimension using the Dimension Dialog

Assigning Dimensions - General Procedure

Assigning Dimensions - General Procedure

The following procedure describes how to assign dimensions to all entities. The dimensions may be regular units or expressions. Steps 2 and 3 may vary according to the kind of entities you wish to dimension.

To assign a dimension to an entity:

1. Select the Dimension option from the Sketcher toolbar.

2. Click the entities you want to dimension. For example, to measure the distance between two points, you click two points.

• Entities change to bright green as you pass the cursor over them.


• Entities change to light green as you select them.

3. Click the location where you want the dimension to appear. For example, if you are dimensioning a line, click above or below the selected line. A dimension and the Dimension dialog appear.

• The dimension appears in blue. By default, the measurement is rounded to 1 decimal place, but you can change that in Preferences.

• The Dimension dialog displays the exact value of the dimension.

4. You can modify the actual dimensions of entities, adjust a displayed dimension's tolerance or precision.

4. Click anywhere to define the dimension (or click exit or press Enter). 5. After a dimension is defined, you can delete it, move its location, or modify it, as described in step

3.

See also:

• Dimensioning the Sketch for a complete list of the entities you can dimension.


Dimension Dialog

The Dimension dialog helps you to:


• Interactively modify actual dimensions of entities. • Adjust the tolerance and precision of displayed dimensions.

The Dimension dialog appears:

• When you first assign a dimension.

Or

• Whenever you click on a dimension value (either in Select mode or Dimension mode).

The Dimension dialog displays the exact value of a dimension, while the corresponding dimension displays a rounded value.

Expressions in Dimensions

Any mathematical expression may be entered for a dimension. This option is useful when creating symmetrical entities. In the example below the length of the dimensioned line was defined as an expression:

Assigning Dimensions - Detailed Procedures

Dimensioning the Length of a Line

1. Select the Dimension option . 2. Click on a line.

3. Click the location where you want the dimension to appear.


4. In the Dimension dialog, adjust the dimension value if required. For example, adjust the length of the line to 40.

5. Click anywhere to define the dimension (or click exit or press Enter).

Note: When applying dimensions, you can work in Automatic Preview or Manual Preview.


Dimensioning the Diameter of a Circle

1. Select the Dimension option . 2. Click the circle.


4. In the Dimension dialog, adjust the dimension value if required. For example, adjust the diameter to 20.



Dimensioning the Radius of an Arc

1. Select the Dimension option . 2. Click the arc.


4. In the Dimension dialog, adjust the dimension value if required. For example, adjust the radius to 16.




Dimensioning the Distance between Two Points

Note: If one of the points is not in the current sketch, you must add it to the sketch as a reference entity.

1. Select the Dimension option . 2. Click two points. (The order of selection does not matter.)

• Click a point.

• Click a second point.


• For horizontal distance, click above or below the two points. • For vertical distance, click to the right or left of the two points.


4. In the Dimension dialog, adjust the dimension value if required. For example, round the dimension.

Dimensioning the Distance between Parallel Lines


1. Select the Dimension option . 2. Click two parallel lines. (The order of selection does not matter.)

• Click the first line.

• Click the second line.


4. In the Dimension dialog, adjust the dimension value if required. For example, change the value to 8.




Dimensioning the Distance between a Point and a Line

Note: If either the line or the point is not in the current sketch, you must add it to the sketch as a reference entity.

1. Select the Dimension option . 2. Click a line and a point. (The order of selection does not matter.)

• Click the line.

• Click the point.


4. In the Dimension dialog, adjust the dimension value if required. For example, round the value to 12.




Dimensioning the Distance Between a Line and a Circle/Arc

Note: If either the line or the circle / arc is not in the current sketch, you must add it to the sketch as a reference entity.

1. Select the Dimension option . 2. Click a line and a circle/arc. (The order of selection does not matter.) Select the side of the

circle/arc from which you want the dimension to be measured. You can dimension either the shortest or the farthest distance from one entity to the other.

• Click one side of the circle/arc. Clicking on the side closer to the other entity measures the shortest distance between the two; clicking on the far side of the circle/arc measures the greatest distance between the two.

• Click the line.

In the example above, the dimension measured is the shortest distance between the arc and the line.




Dimensioning the Distance between Two Circles / Arcs

Note: If one of the circles / arcs is not in the current sketch, you must add it to the sketch as a reference entity.

1. Select the Dimension option . 2. Click two circles/arcs. (The order of selection does not matter.) Select the side of each circle/arc

from which you want the dimension to be measured.

• Click one side of the first circle/arc.

• Click one side of the second circle/arc.

The dimension that will be displayed measures the distance between the two selected sides.



4. In the Dimension dialog, adjust the dimension value if required. For example, adjust upwards to 10.




Dimensioning the Distance between Two Points, Parallel to a Line

Note: If either the line or one of the points is not in the current sketch, you must add it to the sketch as a reference entity.

1. Select the Dimension option . 2. Click two points and the line to which the dimension between the points will be parallel. (The order

of selection does not matter.)

• Click the first point.

• Click the second point.

• Click a line.



Dimensioning the Distance between Two Circles or Arcs, Parallel to a Line

Note: If one of the circles / arcs is not in the current sketch, you must add it to the sketch as a reference entity.

1. Select the Dimension option .

2. Click two circles/arcs, and the line to which the dimension between the circles/arcs will be parallel. (The order of selection does not matter.) Select the side of each circle/arc from which you want the dimension to be measured.

• Click one side of the first circle/arc.

• Click one side of the second circle/arc.

• Click the line.


Dimensioning the Angle between Two Lines

Note: If one of the lines is not in the current sketch, you must add the line to the sketch as a reference entity.

1. Select the Dimension option . 2. Click two lines. The lines must be non-parallel. (The order of selection does not matter.)

• Click the first line.

• Click the second line.

3. Click the location where you want the angle dimension to appear.

4. In the Dimension dialog, adjust the dimension value if required. For example, adjust it to 90 degrees.




Dimensioning the Angle between Three Points

Note: If any of the points are not in the current sketch, you must add the points to the sketch as reference entities.

1. Select the Dimension option . 2. Click the three points.

• Click the point from which the angle will be defined.

• Click the second point.

• Click the third point. (The order of selection of the second and third points does not matter.)






Angle Between a Line and the Horizontal / Vertical Axis

1. Select the Dimension option . 2. Click a line, then click one of its endpoints.


1. A set of XY axes will appear at the selected point. Select the axis from which you want to measure the angle.

Modifying Dimensions

Modifying Dimensions

You can interactively modify the actual dimensions of entities in two ways. A combination of the two techniques can assist you to fine tune your sketch. You can modify a dimension:


• by entering a new value in the Dimension dialog.

or:

• by dragging.

In addition, you can move the location of a dimension in order to improve the readability of your sketch.

You can also delete or move a dimension:

• You can delete a dimension, for example, to resolve an overconstraint condition within your sketch.

Modifying a Dimension using the Dimension Dialog

You can modify a dimension by entering a new value in the Dimension dialog. The Dimension dialog appears when you first assign a dimension, or whenever you click on a dimension.

To modify a dimension using the Dimension dialog:

1. Make sure you are in Dimension mode . (You can also do this while in Select mode .) 2. Move the cursor to the dimension or the dimension line. The dimension changes from magenta to

bright green.

1. Click on the dimension. (In Select mode, double-click.) The Dimension dialog appears, displaying the exact value of the dimension.

4. In the Dimension dialog, enter a new value for the dimension.




The entity is resized to reflect the new dimension.

Modifying a Dimension by Dragging

To modify a dimension by dragging:

1. Make sure you are in Select mode . (You can also do this while in Dimension mode .) 2. Move the cursor to a witness line of the dimension. The dimension changes from magenta to

bright green.

3. Click and drag the witness line. The dimension of the line changes as you drag it.

4. Release the mouse button to define the new location of the witness line.

The entity is resized and the dimension is updated.

Deleting a Dimension

You can delete a dimension, for example, to resolve an overconstraint condition within your sketch. A dimension can be deleted using:

• The Trim option • The Select option.

To delete a dimension using the Trim option:

1. Select the Trim option .

The cursor changes to a pointer-and-trim symbol.

2. Select the dimension you wish to delete. It changes to bright green.


3. Click on the dimension.

The dimension is deleted. The entity remains, without any change to its dimension.

Tip: To avoid unintended deletions, make sure to exit the Trim option when finished. Do this by re-clicking the Trim icon, or by clicking exit.

To delete a dimension while in Select mode:

1. Click the Select option .


2. Select the dimension you wish to delete. It changes to light green. 3. Press the Delete button on the keyboard.

The dimension is selected. The entity remains, without any change to its dimension.



Moving the Location of a Dimension

You can move the location of a dimension in order to improve the readability of your sketch. This action has no effect on the dimension itself.

To change the location of a dimension (without changing the dimension value):

1. Make sure you are in Select mode . (You can also do this while in Dimension mode .) 2. Select the dimension you want to move. The dimension changes from magenta to bright green.

3. Click the dimension, or the dimension line, and move the cursor.

The dimension changes to blue, with a box representing the dimension value. Drag the dimension to its new location. You can also move the dimension to either side of the witness lines.

4. Release the mouse button to display the dimension in its new position.

Adjusting a Dimension's Tolerance and Precision

You can change the format of a dimension by selecting a Tolerance mode and a Precision value from the Dimension dialog.

Note: You can use Preferences to set the default precision for the current document or for the entire application.

The Dimension dialog appears:

• When you first assign a dimension.

Or

• Whenever you click on a dimension.

To adjust the tolerance and precision of a displayed dimension:

1. Click on a dimension to display the Dimension dialog.


2. Click the Tolerance button (top right of dialog). This displays the current tolerance mode for the selected dimension.

3. Click the arrow to the right of the Tolerance box to display the Tolerance modes that are available.

4. Select a Tolerance mode by clicking on its symbol. The selected symbol is now displayed in the Tolerance box.

The Precision mode is active if you select one of the tolerance options ( , ,

and ).


5. Click the Precision selector arrow to display the available precision values and select one. The selected precision value appears in the Precision box.

6. Close the Dimension dialog by clicking anywhere is the graphical display area.

The dimension is displayed in the format and in the precision you selected.

Tolerances and Precision Modes for Dimensions

The Tolerance modes in the Dimension dialog enable you to add and modify tolerances to the current dimension.

The Precision value defines the number of decimal places that are displayed for a dimension.

Note: You can use Preferences to set the default precision for the current document or for the entire application.

Tolerance Mode

The Tolerance modes in the Dimension dialog enable you to add and modify tolerances to the current dimension. This enables you to :

• Define upper and lower limits for tolerances. • Define how the limits are displayed.

Click the arrow in the Tolerance box . A list of Tolerance modes is displayed. The black dot to the left of a mode shows that this is the currently selected mode. In the example below, the Min/Max tolerance mode is active.


The following tolerance modes are available:

The No Tolerance mode rounds the selected dimension to one decimal place.

The Exact Tolerance mode places a box around the dimension value, to show that the dimension must be exact.


The Limit Tolerance mode enables you to define explicit upper and lower limits for the dimension. Enter the required limits to the input fields. Both the upper and lower limit appear in the dimension. This mode also enables you to define the precision of the displayed value.

The Single Tolerance mode enables you to define an upper limit for the dimension. Enter the required limit to the input field. The base number appears in the dimension, with a superscript to indicate the upper limit. This mode also enables you to define the precision of the displayed value.

The Bi Tolerance mode enables you to define separate upper and lower limits for the dimension. Enter the required limits to the input fields. The base number appears in the dimension, with superscripts to indicate the limits. This mode also enables you to define the precision of the displayed value.


The Uni Tolerance mode enables you to define upper and lower limits for the dimension. Enter the required limit to the input field. The base number appears in the dimension, with a superscript to indicate the +/- limit. This mode also enables you to define the precision of the displayed value.

Precision

The following Tolerance modes ( , , and ) enable you to vary the number of decimal places displayed. Click the Precision selection arrow to display a dropdown list of the number of options (none, one, two, three or four) and select one.


Dimensioning: Automatic / Manual Preview

While assigning dimensions, you have the option to update the sketch automatically according to the dimensions, or to display the new dimension but not physically update the sketch until later.

Notes:

Automatic preview is the default setting. Automatic preview can also be turned off or on in Preferences.

To automatically update the sketch:

Make sure the automatic preview icon is pressed .

Assign a dimension.

When you press Enter to accept the new value, the sketch is updated.


To update the sketch manually:

Make sure the automatic preview icon is unpressed .

Assign a dimension.

When you press Enter to accept the new value, the value is displayed but the sketch does not change. The new value is displayed with an underline, to indicate that the appearance of the sketch does not reflect its dimensions.

You can continue assigning dimensions in this way,


...and when you are finished, you can press the icon, and the entire sketch will be updated.



Glossary

A API: See Cimatron E API.

assembly: An entity composed of various components which have been positioned relative to each other.

axis: A straight line that can be used to create model geometry, features, or patterns. An axis can be made in a number of different ways, including using the intersection of two planes. See also temporary axis, reference geometry.

B Bill of Materials: A table that is used to keep a record of the parts in the drafting sheet. A BOM is also

used to contain all the data regarding the components that make up the complete mold.

BOM: See bill of materials.

boundary: The topological limit of an entity.

C cavity: See mold.

Cimatron E API: Application Program Interface. Cimatron's API shows the capabilities of Cimatron E and enables you to write external (out-of-process, *.exe) and internal (in-process, *.dll) user-programmable applications.

Cimatron E SDK: The Cimatron E Software Development Kit (SDK). This includes the Cimatron E API and the CimESuite API. See Cimatron E API and CimESuite API.

CimESuite API: CimESuite is part of the Cimatron E SDK and is a user-friendly collection of wrapper methods for the Cimatron E API. It contains ready-made functions for various Cimatron E applications. See Cimatron E API and Cimatron E SDK.

combo box: A standard Windows control that combines a text box and a list box.

connection: A geometric relationship, such as coincident, perpendicular, tangent, and so on, between parts in an assembly.

D double-click: To press and release the left mouse button twice in rapid succession.

draft: The degree of taper or angle of a face, usually applied to molds or castings.

E edge: A single outside boundary of a geometry.

H healing: The action of filling a gap that may exist between two adjacent surfaces.


M mold: A mold cavity design that includes (1) a designed part, (2) a mold base that holds the cavity for the

part, (3) an interim assembly in which the cavity is created, and (4) derived component parts that become the halves of the mold.

mold base: The set of plates that makes up the mold.

N NC: Numerical Control. The technique of controlling a machine or process by using command instructions

in coded numerical format.

O output pane: The Output pane of the Cimatron E window shows warnings and error messages. To

display the Output pane, select Tools / Dock / Output.

P parting face: The face marking the separation between core and cavity.

parting line: The outer boundary of the molded part where no undercut is found.

Q QuickSplit: The operation involving the generation of the parting surface on the core and cavity.

R right-click: Clicking the right mouse button (to display a popup menu).

runner: The channel between a sprue bushing and a molded part, allowing the filling of the mold by the plastic.

S SDK: See Cimatron E SDK.

smoothing: The action of correcting the edge geometry.

sub-assembly: An assembly contained within another assembly. See assembly.


Index

A

Adding constraints, Sketcher............................86

Adding geometry, Sketcher

In Drafting .....................................................57

Adding geometry, Sketcher ..............................56

Adjusting a Dimension's Tolerance and Precision....................................................................165

Angle, dimensioning between lines in the Sketcher......................................................155

Angle, dimensioning between points in the Sketcher......................................................156

Arcs, creating in the Sketcher

Defining Additional Constraints for an Arc....41

From a point..................................................36

From another arc ..........................................40

From center...................................................37

Mutual constraints on arcs............................35

Tangent to an entity ......................................38

Arcs, creating in the Sketcher ..........................34

Automatic Preview of Dimensions in the Sketcher......................................................171

B

Boxes, creating in the Sketcher........................47

Breaking constraints in the Sketcher................95

C

Chamfer, applying in Sketcher .........................52

Circles, creating in the Sketcher

Defining additional constraints for circles..... 31

From a point ................................................. 28

From another circle ...................................... 30

From center.................................................. 27

Mutual constraints ........................................ 26

Tangent to a curve ....................................... 29

Circles, creating in the Sketcher...................... 25

Circles/arcs, dimensioning in the Sketcher

By diameter ................................................ 141

Distance between a Line and a circle/Arc.. 147

Distance between two circles/arcs............. 149

Distance between two circles/arcs, parallel to a line ....................................................... 153

Making circles/arcs the same diameter...... 112

Radius of an arc ......................................... 142

Circles/arcs, dimensioning in the Sketcher.... 136

Circles/arcs, editing in the Sketcher

Making same diameter............................... 112

Making tangent................................... 108, 114

Moving.......................................................... 81

Resizing ....................................................... 80

Circles/arcs, editing in the Sketcher ................ 62

Colinear constraint lines, Sketcher .................... 8

Constraining Slopes of a Spline .................... 122

Constraint Filter, Sketcher ................................. 6

Constraint Lines, Sketcher ................................ 6


Constraints, adding in the Sketcher

Aligning points horizontally or vertically10, 117

Breaking constraints .....................................95

Constraint and edit actions ...........................90

Deleting constraints ......................................93

Making a line normal to another line...........101

Making a node of a line coincident with a line................................................................107

Making Circle Center to Spline ...................124

Making Circle Tangent to Spline.................126

Making circles/arcs concentric....................110

Making circles/arcs the same diameter ......112

Making entities tangent.......................108, 114

Making Line Coincident to Spline ...............128

Making lines coincident...............................105

Making lines horizontal .................................95

Making lines parallel .....................................99

Making lines the same length .....................103

Making lines vertical .....................................97

Making points coincident ............................115

Constraints, adding in the Sketcher .................86

Constraints, breaking in the Sketcher ..............95

Construction geometry in the Sketcher ............60

Copying entities in the Sketcher.......................69

Corner, Sketcher function.................................52

D

Degrees of freedom, Sketcher .................87, 134

Dimensioning in the Sketcher

Angle between line and axis ...................... 157

Angle between lines................................... 155

Angle between points................................. 156

Automatic Preview ..................................... 171

Deleting ...................................................... 162

Diameter of a circle .................................... 141

Dimension dialog........................................ 138

Distance between a line and a circle/arc ... 147

Distance between a point and a line .......... 146

Distance between parallel lines ................. 145

Distance between two Circles/arcs ............ 149

Distance between two circles/arcs, parallel to a line ....................................................... 153

Distance between two points ..................... 143

Distance between two Points, parallel to a line................................................................ 151

Expressions................................................ 139

Fully constraining the sketch................ 87, 134

General procedure ..................................... 136

Length of a line........................................... 139

Modifying.................................................... 159

Modifying a Dimension using the Dimension Dialog ..................................................... 160

Modifying by dragging................................ 161

Moving........................................................ 164

Overconstraining .................................. 87, 134

Radius of an arc ......................................... 142

Index


Tolerances and Precision Modes ...............167

Dimensioning in the Sketcher.........................133

Duplicating entities in the Sketcher ..................69

Dynamic Constraint Lines in the Sketcher

Alignment with existing shapes.......................8

Horizontal or Vertical Alignment ...................12

Snap points ...................................................14

Dynamic Constraint Lines in the Sketcher .........6

E

Editing in the Sketcher

Breaking constraints .....................................95

Constraints and edit actions .........................90

Deleting an entity ..........................................62

Modifying slopes of a spline..........................84

Moving a circle/arc........................................81

Moving a line.................................................78

Moving a point ..............................................77

Moving a point of a spline .............................83

Moving a spline.............................................82

Resizing a circle/arc......................................80

Resizing a line ..............................................79

sketch orientation..........................................66

sketch plane..................................................67

Editing in the Sketcher .....................................62

Ellipses, creating in the Sketcher

From an axis point ........................................45

From center.................................................. 44

Ellipses, creating in the Sketcher .................... 43

Exporting a sketch ............................................. 5

Expressions, Sketcher dimensions................ 139

G

Geometric impossibilty, Sketcher ............ 87, 134

Geometry, adding in the Sketcher

In Drafting..................................................... 57

Geometry, adding in the Sketcher ................... 56

Geometry, creating in the Sketcher

Popup Menu................................................... 4

Geometry, creating in the Sketcher ................. 14

H

Horizontal alignment, Sketcher........................ 12

I

Importing a sketch ............................................. 5

Insolvability, Sketcher geometry.............. 87, 134

L

Lines, creating in the Sketcher

Defining additional constraints for a line ...... 22

Extending a line to an existing entity............ 23

From points .................................................. 17

Mutual constraints on lines .......................... 16

Normal.......................................................... 19

Parallel ......................................................... 18

Tangent ........................................................ 20


Lines, creating in the Sketcher .........................15

Lines, dimensioning in the Sketcher

Angle between lines....................................155

Distance between a line and a circle/arc ....147

Distance between a point and a line...........146

Distance between parallel lines ..................145

Distance between two circles/arcs, parallel to a line........................................................153

Distance between two points, parallel to a line................................................................151

Length .........................................................139

Lines, dimensioning in the Sketcher ..............133

Lines, editing in the Sketcher

Making a line normal to another line...........101

Making a node of a line coincident with a line................................................................107

Making lines coincident...............................105

Making lines horizontal .................................95

Making lines parallel .....................................99

Making lines tangent...........................108, 114

Making lines the same length .....................103

Making lines vertical .....................................97

Resizing ........................................................79

Lines, editing in the Sketcher ...........................62

Loading a sketch ................................................5

M

Mirroring entities in the Sketcher......................74

Modifying Dimensions in the Sketcher ...........159

Moving entities in the Sketcher........................ 63

Mutual Constraints, Sketcher

Arcs .............................................................. 35

Breaking constraints..................................... 95

Circles .......................................................... 26

Defining additional constraints for circles..... 31

Defining additional constraints for lines ....... 22

Extending a line to an existing entity............ 23

Lines............................................................. 16

Mutual Constraints, Sketcher .......................... 90

N

Normal constraint lines, Sketcher...................... 8

O

Offset, Sketcher function ................................. 51

Overconstrainted entities, Sketcher......... 87, 134

P

Parallel constraint lines, Sketcher ..................... 8

Perpendicular constraint lines, Sketcher ........... 8

Placing a sketch................................................. 5

Points, creating in the Sketcher....................... 43

Points, dimensioning in the Sketcher

Angle between points................................. 156

Distance between a point and a line .......... 146

Distance between two points ..................... 143

Distance between two points, parallel to a line................................................................ 151

Points, dimensioning in the Sketcher ............ 133

Index


Points, editing in the Sketcher

Aligning horizontally or vertically...........10, 117

Making points coincident ............................115

Points, editing in the Sketcher..........................62

Preferences ........................................................6

R

Reference entities, Sketcher ............................57

Rotating entities in the Sketcher.......................72

S

Saving a sketch ..................................................5

Show constraints ..............................................92

Show open points...........................................118

Sketcher

Accessing........................................................2

Adding reference entities ..............................57

Creating geometry ........................................14

Dimensioning ..............................................133

Editing entities ..............................................62

Exiting ............................................................ 5

Loading a file.................................................. 5

Saving a file.................................................... 5

Toolbar ........................................................... 2

Trimming entities........................................ 131

Sketcher............................................................. 1

Splines, creating in the Sketcher

Modifying slopes .......................................... 84

Splines, creating in the Sketcher ..................... 49

Symmetry, using in the Sketcher..................... 50

T

Tangent constraint lines, Sketcher .................... 8

Tolerances and Precision Modes for Dimensions................................................................... 167

Toolbar, Sketcher .............................................. 2

Trimming entities, Sketcher ........................... 130

V

Vertical alignment, sketcher ............................ 12

Download - Cimatron e6.0 Sketcher - Tutorial

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