VISI-Design

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This chapter looks at



 Using

Using constru

construction

ction lines,

lines, seg-

seg-ments & arcs to create a 2D

ments & arcs to create a 2D

drawing

• • Creati

Creating

ng a

a constr

constrained

ained sketch

sketch

• • The

The ‘Da

‘Datas

taset’

et’ con

concep

ceptt

This chapter will begin to explain the

nec-essary functions required to be able to

essary functions required to be able to

create a controlled 2D drawing.

We will also look at the ‘Dataset’ concept

of parametric editing.

VISI-Design

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Creating a 2D Drawing

The object of this following example is to highlight the common functions you will use when The object of this following example is to highlight the common functions you will use when trying to create a two-dimensional drawing

trying to create a two-dimensional drawing within VISI-Design (see Figure 3.1).within VISI-Design (see Figure 3.1).

Figure 3.1: A machining fixture.

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Creating a 2D Drawing

The object of this following example is to highlight the common functions you will use when The object of this following example is to highlight the common functions you will use when trying to create a two-dimensional drawing

trying to create a two-dimensional drawing within VISI-Design (see Figure 3.1).within VISI-Design (see Figure 3.1).

Figure 3.1: A machining fixture.

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Step 1 - Creating a new file

To create a new file you can either open a new VISI-Series To create a new file you can either open a new VISI-Series session or you can select the

session or you can select the File | NewFile | New option from the main-option from the main-menu (see Figure 3.2).

menu (see Figure 3.2).

Figure 3.2: Creating a new file.

NOTE NOTE

Depending on the configuration of your software, when you Depending on the configuration of your software, when you create a new file, the system will automatically be set to the create a new file, the system will automatically be set to the ‘Dynamic’ view by default (designed for three-dimensional ‘Dynamic’ view by default (designed for three-dimensional work).

work).

By pressing the [F2] key on your

By pressing the [F2] key on your keyboard, you should be moved keyboard, you should be moved to the ‘Top’ view (designed for two-dimensional work).

to the ‘Top’ view (designed for two-dimensional work).

You can also create a You can also create a new file by pressing the new file by pressing the [Control] and [N] keys [Control] and [N] keys on your keyboard. on your keyboard.

When creating a new When creating a new file, you may be asked file, you may be asked to delete all databases. to delete all databases. By choosing

By choosing ‘‘YesYes’’ youyou will loose any additional will loose any additional information added to information added to your file from the last your file from the last ‘‘SaveSave’’ (unless it has(unless it has been saved recently). been saved recently).

You can use the [F2] You can use the [F2] and [F3] keys on your and [F3] keys on your keyboard to move keyboard to move through the available through the available views.

views.

For more information For more information

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Step 2 - Creating the base

Step 2 - Creating the base geometry

geometry

We will now create the main shape of the compone

We will now create the main shape of the component (see Pagent (see Page 2) using circles and segments.

2) using circles and segments.

1

1. . SSeelleecct t tthhee Wireframe | Segment/Line | ParallelWireframe | Segment/Line | Parallel optionoption from the main-menu.

from the main-menu.

2.

2. Using theUsing the ‘‘Line FilterLine Filter’’ icon (see Figure 3.3), select theicon (see Figure 3.3), select the ‘‘XX Axis

Axis’’ icon (see Figure 3.4).icon (see Figure 3.4).

Figure 3.3: The ‘Line Selection’ toolbar.

Figure 3.4: The ‘Axis Selection’ toolbar.

3.

3. EnEnteter r a a didiststanance ce vavalulue e of of ‘‘00’’ and a copy value of and a copy value of ‘‘11’’ intointo the

the ‘‘Insert The DistanceInsert The Distance’’ dialogue box (see Figure 3.5).dialogue box (see Figure 3.5).

You can also select the You can also select the ‘‘ParallelParallel’’ function usingfunction using the toolbar located the toolbar located down the left-hand side down the left-hand side of the VISI-Series

of the VISI-Series® ® _inter- inter-face.

face.

For more information For more information press the [F1] key on press the [F1] key on your keyboard. your keyboard. Y Axis Y Axis X Axis X Axis Z Axis Z Axis Line Filter Line Filter Segment Filter Segment Filter  

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A construction line will now be created within your workspace. A construction line will now be created within your workspace.

4

4. . SSeelleecct t tthhee Wireframe | Segment/Line | ParallelWireframe | Segment/Line | Parallel optionoption from the main-menu.

from the main-menu.

5

5. . UUssiinng g tthhee ‘‘Line FilterLine Filter’’ icon (see Figure 3.6), select theicon (see Figure 3.6), select the ‘‘YY Axis

Axis’’ icon (see Figure 3.7).icon (see Figure 3.7).

Figure 3.6: The

Figure 3.6: The ‘‘Line Selection

Line Selection’’ toolbar.

toolbar.

Figure 3.7: The

Figure 3.7: The ‘‘Axis Selection

Axis Selection’’ toolbar.

toolbar.

6.

6. EnEnteter r a a didiststanance ce vavalulue e of of ‘‘00’’ and a copy value of and a copy value of ‘‘11’’ intointo the

the ‘‘Insert The DistanceInsert The Distance’’ dialogue box (see Figure 3.8).dialogue box (see Figure 3.8).

Figure 3.8: The

Figure 3.8: The ‘‘Insert The Distance

Insert The Distance’’ dialogue box.

dialogue box.

You can also select the

You can also select the ‘‘ParallelParallel’’ function usingfunction using the toolbar located the toolbar located down the left-hand side down the left-hand side of the VISI-Series

of the VISI-Series® ® _inter- inter-face.

face.

For more information For more information

Y Axis Y Axis X Axis X Axis Z Axis Z Axis Line Filter Line Filter Segment Filter Segment Filter  

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A second construction line will now be created within your workspace (see Figure 3.9).

Figure 3.9: The first and second construction lines.

We will use the construction line following the X axis as the base line of the drawing, and the construction line following the Y axis as the centre line of the drawing.

Now that we have created our construction lines, we can create the circles required to form the shape of the component.

7. Select the Wireframe | Circle/Arc | Centre Radius op-tion from the main-menu

8. Using the ‘Cartesian Co-Ordinate’ icon (see Figure 3.10), enter an X value of ‘30’, a Y value of ‘20’ and a Z value of ‘0’ into the ‘Insert Co-Ordinates’ dialogue box.(see Figure 3.11).

You can also select the ‘Centre Radius’ function using the toolbar locat-ed down the left-hand side of the VISI-Series® interface.

For more information press the [F1] key on your keyboard.

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Figure 3.10: The ‘Application Point’ toolbar.

Figure 3.11: The ‘Insert Co-Ordinates’ dialogue box.

9. Enter a radius of ‘20’ into the ‘Enter The Radius’ dia-logue box (see Figure 3.12).

For more information

Mouse Selection

Polar Co-Ordinates

Two Element Intersection

Circle/Arc Centre Point Selection Current Environment (Point)

Cartesian Co-Ordinates Intersection Point

Parametric Point

Circle/Arc Quadrant

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10. Select the Wireframe | Circle/Arc | Centre Radius op-tion from the main-menu

11. Using the ‘Cartesian Co-Ordinate’ icon (see Figure 3.13), enter an X value of ‘70’, a Y value of ‘125’ and a Z value of ‘0’ into the ‘Insert Co-Ordinates’ dialogue box.(see Figure 3.14).

Figure 3.13: The ‘Application Point’ toolbar.

Figure 3.14: The ‘Insert Co-Ordinates’ dialogue box.

‘Centre Radius’ function using the toolbar locat-ed down the left-hand side of the VISI-Series® interface.

Mouse Selection

Polar Co-Ordinates

Cartesian Co-Ordinates Intersection Point Parametric Point Circle/Arc Quadrant 

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12. Enter a radius of ‘20’ into the ‘Enter The Radius’ dia-logue box (see Figure 3.15).

Figure 3.15: The ‘Enter The Radius’ dialogue box.

We will now create additional construction lines for use later on in this example.

13. Select the Wireframe | Segment/Line | Parallel option from the main-menu.

14. Using the ‘Line Filter’ icon (see Figure 3.16), select the ‘Y Axis’ icon (see Figure 3.17).

Figure 3.16: The ‘Line Selection’ toolbar.

Figure 3.17: The ‘Axis Selection’ toolbar.

Line Filter Segment Filter Y Axis X Axis Z Axis 

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Figure 3.18: The ‘Insert The Distance’ dialogue box.

A third construction line will now be created within your work-space.

NOTE

You can cycle through the different possible results using the [SPACE BAR] on your keyboard.

16. Select the Wireframe | Segment/line | Element Angle Line option from the main-menu.

17. Using the ‘Line Filter’ icon (see Figure 3.19), select the ‘Circle/Arc Quadrant’ icon (see Figure 3.20).

Figure 3.19: The ‘Line Selection’ toolbar.

‘Element Angle Line’ function using the tool-bar located down the left-hand side of the VISI-Series® interface.

Line Filter Segment Filter

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Figure 3.20: The ‘Application Point’ toolbar.

18. Select the application point - ‘P1’ on the second circle (see Figure 3.21).

Figure 3.21: The application point on the second

circle.

19. Using the ‘Y Axis’ icon (see Figure 3.22), enter an angle of ‘45’ into the ‘Segment/Line Element Angle Line’ dia-logue box (see Figure 3.23).

Switch the ‘Application Point’ toolbar over from ‘Point’ to ‘Element’, then select an element as ap-posed to a point.

P1

Mouse Selection

Polar Co-Ordinates

Cartesian Co-Ordinates Intersection Point Parametric Point Circle/Arc Quadrant

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Figure 3.22: The ‘Axis Selection’ toolbar.

Figure 3.23: The ‘Segment/Line Element Angle Line’

dialogue box.

A fourth construction line will be created within your workspace (see Figure 3.24).

Figure 3.24: The fourth construction line.

NOTE

You can cycle through the different possible results using the

Y Axis X Axis

Z Axis

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Since the component is symmetrical, we can save time by using the Mirror function to copy our current geometry and paste a mirrored version on the opposite side of the drawing.

20. Select the Edit | Mirror option from the main-menu.

21. Using the ‘Copy On’ icon (see Figure 3.25), select the following elements - ‘C1’, ‘C2’, ‘L1’ and ‘L2’ (see Fig-ure 3.26).

Figure 3.25: The ‘Copy Selection’ toolbar.

Figure 3.26: The elements to copy.

22. Using the ‘Cartesian Co-Ordinate’ icon (see Figure 3.27), enter an X value of ‘0’, a Y value of ‘0’ and a Z value of ‘0’ into the ‘Insert Co-Ordinates’ dialogue box (see Fig-ure 3.28).

Selecting elements that will not change position when mirrored will result in duplicate elements (elements that lie on top of other elements).

Copy On Last Selection Copy Off 2D/3D Mirror C1 L1 L2 C2

✗

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Figure 3.27: The ‘Application Point’ toolbar.

Figure 3.28: The ‘Insert Co-Ordinates’ dialogue box.

23. Select the ‘Y Axis’ icon (see Figure 3.29).

Figure 3.29: The ‘Axis Selection’ toolbar.

Alternatively, you could

use the ‘Intersection Point’ icon to lock-on to the intersection point where the ‘X, Y, Z’ axis meet.

Mouse Selection

Polar Co-Ordinates

Cartesian Co-Ordinates Intersection Point Parametric Point Circle/Arc Quadrant Y Axis X Axis Z Axis

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We are now at a stage where we can create a series of lines to complete the general shape of the component.

24. Select the Wireframe | Segment/line | Element - Ele-ment option from the main-menu.

25. Using the ‘Segment Filter’ icon (see Figure 3.30), select the ‘Element’ environment (see Figure 3.31).

Figure 3.30: The ‘Line Selection’ toolbar.

Figure 3.31: The ‘Application Point’ toolbar.

‘Element - Element’ function using the tool-bar located down the left-hand side of the VISI-Series® interface.

Line Filter Segment Filter Set/Reset Filters Line Filter Arc Filter Curve Filter Polyline Filter Current Environment (Element)

Segment Filter

Circle Filter Point (Single) Filter Profile Filter

Text Filter

Point (Set) Filter Solid Filter Symbol Filter Dimension Filter Mesh Filter Toolpath Filter 

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26. Select the following elements - ‘C1’ and ‘C2’ (see Figure 3.32).

Figure 3.32: The elements to select.

Two lines will be created within your workspace (see Figure 3.33).

Figure 3.33: The first and second lines.

For more information press the [F1] key on your keyboard. C2 C1 C4 C3

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NOTE

28. Select the Wireframe | Segment/line | Element - Ele-ment option from the main-menu.

29. Using the ‘Segment Filter’ icon (see Figure 3.34), select the ‘Point’ environment (see Figure 3.35).

Figure 3.34: The ‘Line Selection’ toolbar.

Figure 3.35: The ‘Application Point’ toolbar.

30. Using the ‘Intersection Point’ icon (see Figure 3.36), se-lect the following points - ‘P1’ and ‘P2’, then ‘P2’ and ‘P3’, then ‘P4’ and ‘P5’, then ‘P5’ and ‘P6’ (see Figure 3.37).

You can also select the ‘Element - Element’ function using the tool-bar located down the left-hand side of the VISI-Series® interface.

Mouse Selection

Polar Co-Ordinates

Two Element Intersection Circle/Arc Centre

Point Selection Current Environment (Point)

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Figure 3.36: The ‘Application Point’ toolbar.

Figure 3.37: The points to select.

Four lines will be created within your workspace.

Now that we have created the main shape of the component, we can use the Break Direct function edit the circles in order to cre-ate arcs. To simplify this action, we can also use ‘Filters’ func-tion to switch off the ‘Line’ filter.

31. Select the Window | View | Set Drawing Filters option from the main-menu.

32. Using the ‘Set Filter/Layer’ dialogue box, de-select the ‘Line’ filter checkbox (see Figure 3.38).

Alternatively, you could use the ‘Break Direct’ function to automatically break the construction line at the selected ap-plication point.

You can also select the ‘Set Drawing Filters’ function using the tool-bar located down the left-hand side of the VISI-Series® _interface.

Mouse Selection

Polar Co-Ordinates

Cartesian Co-Ordinates Intersection Point Parametric Point Circle/Arc Quadrant P4 P1 P5 P2 P3 P6

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Figure 3.38: The ‘Set Filter/Layer’ dialogue box.

33. Select the Edit | Break Direct option from the main-menu.

34. Select the following elements - ‘C1’, ‘C2’, ‘C3’ and ‘C4’ (see Figure 3.39).

Figure 3.39: The elements to select.

NOTE

You can also select the ‘Break Direct’ function using the toolbar locat-ed down the left-hand side of the VISI-Series® interface.

C1 C2

C4 C3

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36. Using the ‘Set Filter/Layer’ dialogue box, select the ‘Line’ filter checkbox (see Figure 3.40).

Figure 3.40: The ‘Set Filter/Layer’ dialogue box.

Now that we have finished using some of our construction lines, we can use the Erase function to delete the unwanted elements.

37. Select the Edit | Erase option from the main-menu.

38. Select the following elements - ‘L1’, ‘L2’, ‘L3’ and ‘L4’ (see Figure 3.41).

Figure 3.41: The elements to erase.

‘Set Drawing Filters’ function using the tool-bar located down the left-hand side of the VISI-Series® _interface.

You can also select the ‘Erase’ function using the toolbar located down the left-hand side of the VISI-Series® inter-face.

For more information press the [F1] key on your keyboard. L1 L4 L2 L3  

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Step 3 - Creating the feature geometry

We will now create the first three features of this component (see Page 2) using circles and segments.

39. Select the Wireframe | Circle/Arc | Centre Radius op-tion from the main-menu.

40. Using the ‘Circle/Arc Centre’ icon (see Figure 3.42), se-lect the following elements - ‘C1’, then ‘C2’, then ‘C3’, then ‘C4’ (see Figure 3.43).

Figure 3.42: The ‘Application Point’ toolbar.

Figure 3.43: The elements to select.

Mouse Selection

Polar Co-Ordinates

Cartesian Co-Ordinates Intersection Point Parametric Point Circle/Arc Quadrant C2 C1 C3 C4 

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Figure 3.44: The ‘Enter The Radius’ dialogue box.

42. Select the Wireframe | Segment/lines | Parallel option from the main-menu.

43. Using the ‘Line Filter’ icon (see Figure 3.45), select the ‘X Axis’ icon (see Figure 3.46).

Figure 3.45: The ‘Line Selection’ toolbar.

Figure 3.46: The ‘Axis Selection’ toolbar.

44. Enter a distance value of ‘15’ and a copy value of ‘1’ into the ‘Insert The Distance’ dialogue box (see Figure 3.47).

You can also select the ‘Parallel’ function using the toolbar located down the left-hand side of the VISI-Series® inter-face.

For more information press the [F1] key on your keyboard. Y Axis X Axis Z Axis Line Filter Segment Filter 

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45. Select the Wireframe | Segment/lines | Parallel option from the main-menu.

46. Using the ‘Line Filter’ icon (see Figure 3.48), select the ‘X Axis’ icon (see Figure 3.49).

Figure 3.48: The ‘Line Selection’ toolbar.

Figure 3.49: The ‘Axis Selection’ toolbar.

Figure 3.50: The ‘Insert The Distance’ dialogue box.

A fourth construction line will now be created within your

work-You can also select the ‘Parallel’ function using the toolbar located down the left-hand side of the VISI-Series® inter-face.

Y Axis X Axis Z Axis Line Filter Segment Filter 

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48. Select the Wireframe | Segment/Line | Element - Ele-ment option from the main-menu.

49. Using the ‘Segment Filter’ icon (see Figure 3.51), select the ‘Intersection Point’ icon (see Figure 3.52).

Figure 3.51: The ‘Line Selection’ toolbar.

Figure 3.52: The ‘Application Point’ toolbar.

50. Select the following points - ‘P1’ and ‘P2’, then ‘P3’ and ‘P4’ (see Figure 3.53).

Figure 3.53: The points to select.

‘Element - Element’ function using the tool-bar located down the left-hand side of the VISI-Series® _interface.

Mouse Selection

Polar Co-Ordinates

Cartesian Co-Ordinates Intersection Point Parametric Point Circle/Arc Quadrant P1 _P2 P3 P4 

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Now that we have finished using some of our construction lines, we can use the Erase function to delete the unwanted elements.

51. Select the Edit | Erase option from the main-menu.

52. Select the following elements - ‘L1’ and ‘L2’ (see Figure 3.54).

Figure 3.54: The elements to erase.

You can also select the ‘Erase’ function using the toolbar located down the left-hand side of the VISI-Series® inter-face.

L1 L2 C2 C1  

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NOTE

We will now create the last two features of this part (see Page 2) using arcs and segments.

55. Select the Wireframe | Segment/Lines | Parallel option from the main-menu.

Figure 3.56: The ‘Line Selection’ toolbar.

Figure 3.57: The ‘Axis Selection’ toolbar.

For more information press the [F1] key on your keyboard. Y Axis X Axis Z Axis Line Filter Segment Filter 

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Figure 3.59: The ‘Line Selection’ toolbar.

Figure 3.60: The ‘Axis Selection’ toolbar.

Figure 3.61: The ‘Insert The Distance’ dialogue box.

A fourth construction line will now be created within your

work-You can also select the ‘Parallel’ function using the toolbar located down the left-hand side of the VISI-Series® inter-face.

Y Axis X Axis Z Axis Line Filter Segment Filter 

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62. Using the ‘Line Filter’ icon (see Figure 3.62), select the following elements - ‘S1’, then ‘S2’ (see Figure 3.63).

Figure 3.62: The ‘Line Selection’ toolbar.

Figure 3.63: The elements to select.

Figure 3.64: The ‘Insert The Distance’ dialogue box.

Construction lines will now be created within your workspace.

For more information press the [F1] key on your keyboard. Line Filter Segment Filter S2 S1 

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NOTE

65. Select the following elements - ‘L1’, ‘L2’, ‘L3’ and ‘L4’ (see Figure 3.65).

Figure 3.65: The elements to select.

We are now at a stage where we can add the required fillets to the feature geometry.

66. Select the Wireframe | Circle/Arc | Fillet option from the main-menu.

67. Enter a radius value of ‘5’ into the ‘Fillet’ dialogue box (see Figure 3.66)

You can also select the ‘Fillet’ function using the toolbar located down the left-hand side of the VISI-Series® _interface.

L4 L3 L2 L1  

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Figure 3.66: The ‘Fillet’ dialogue box.

68. Select the following points - ‘P1’, then ‘P2’, then ‘P3’ and then ‘P4’ (see Figure 3.67).

Figure 3.65: The elements to select.

NOTE

It is not necessary to highlight both target elements when creat-ing a fillet. Indicatcreat-ing the position/point of the fillet is enough.

Since this component is symmetrical across the Y axis, we can mirror this particular feature.

P4

P3

P1 P2

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69. Select the Edit | Mirror option from the main-menu.

70. Using the ‘Copy On’ icon (see Figure 3.66), select the ‘Multiple Selection’ icon (see Figure 3.67).

Figure 3.66: The ‘Copy Selection’ toolbar.

Figure 3.67: The ‘General Selection’ toolbar.

71. Select the following elements - ‘S1’, ‘S2’, ‘S3’, ‘S4’, ‘A1’, ‘A2’, ‘A3’ and ‘A4’ (see Figure 3.68).

Figure 3.68: The elements to select.

Selecting elements that

will not change position when mirrored will result in duplicate elements (elements that lie on top of other elements).

Inside & Clipping Window Select All Multiple Selection Inside Window Outside Window Colour Selection S4 S3 A3 A1 S2 A2 A4 S1 Copy On Last Selection Copy Off 2D/3D Mirror

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72. Using the ‘Cartesian Co-Ordinate’ icon (see Figure 3.69), enter an X value of ‘0’, a Y value of ‘0’ and a Z value of ‘0’ into the ‘Insert Co-Ordinates’ dialogue box (see Fig-ure 3.70).

Figure 3.69: The ‘Application Point’ toolbar.

Figure 3.70: The ‘Insert Co-Ordinates’ dialogue box.

73. Select the ‘Y Axis’ icon (see Figure 3.71).

Alternatively, you could use the ‘Intersection Point’ icon to lock-on to the intersection point where the ‘X, Y, Z’ axis meet.

Mouse Selection

Polar Co-Ordinates

Cartesian Co-Ordinates Intersection Point Parametric Point Circle/Arc Quadrant

"

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Figure 3.71: The ‘Axis Selection’ toolbar.

Now that we have created all of the features of this particular component, we can complete the drawing by adding the final fil-lets to the outside boundary.

74. Select the Wireframe | Circle/Arc | Fillet option from the main-menu.

75. Enter a radius value of ‘20’ into the ‘Fillet’ dialogue box (see Figure 3.72)

Figure 3.72: The ‘Fillet’ dialogue box.

76. Select the following points - ‘P1’ and ‘P2’ (see Figure 3.73).

You can also select the ‘Fillet’ function using the toolbar located down the left-hand side of the VISI-Series® _interface.

Y Axis View Direction X Axis Z Axis 

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Figure 3.73: The elements to select.

Now that we have finished with our construction lines, we can use the Delete All Pro_Lines function to completely remove all of the projection lines from the drawing.

77. Select the Wireframe | Segment/Lines | Delete All Pro_Lines option from the main-menu.

We have now completed the final stage of creating this drawing by using arcs, circles and segments (see Page 2).

Step 4 - Adding dimensioning

With a completed drawing it is now important to be able to di-mension and detail so that others will be able to read the drawing correctly.

Within the CAD there are many ways to dimension a part and many designers prefer to dimension in a certain style.

When using the dimension tools it is important to note that the system uses the same point selection methods as the rest of the CAD.

P1 P2

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78. Select the Annotation | Single Element option from the main-menu.

79. Using the ‘Circle/Arc Centre’ icon (see Figure 3.74), se-lect the following elements - ‘C1’ then ‘C2’ (see Figure 3.75).

Figure 3.74: The ‘Application Point’ toolbar.

Figure 3.75: The elements to select.

You will now be able to dynamically drag the dimension to the required position (drag the dimension below the component and confirm using the left hand mouse button).

80. Select the Annotation | Single Element option from the

You can also select the ‘Single Element’ func-tion using the toolbar lo-cated down the left-hand side of the VISI-Series® _interface.

C1 C2

Mouse Selection

Polar Co-Ordinates

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Figure 3.76: The ‘Application Point’ toolbar.

Figure 3.77: The elements to select.

82. Using the ‘Dimension Selection’ toolbar, select the ‘Ver-tical Dimension’ icon (see Figure 3.78).

Mouse Selection

Polar Co-Ordinates

Cartesian Co-Ordinates Intersection Point Parametric Point Circle/Arc Quadrant C1 C2 

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Figure 3.78: The ‘Dimension Selection’ toolbar.

You will now be able to dynamically drag the dimension to the required position (drag the dimension to the left-hand side of the component and confirm using the left hand mouse button).

NOTE

Since the two selected points are not orthogonal, the system will default to the ‘Direct Dimension’ option. Using the icons within the ‘Dimension Selection’ toolbar can vary the dimensioning style.

Tolerance/Annotation Text

Witness Line (On/Off) Internal Line (On/Off)

Set Perpendicular Reference Vertical Dimension

Cursor Grid

Diameter Dimension External Arrows Set Parallel Reference Horizontal Dimension Incline Dimension Internal Arrow Direct Dimension 

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Figure 3.79: The ‘Application Point’ toolbar.

Figure 3.80: The elements to select.

You will now be able to dynamically drag the dimension to the required position (drag the dimension above the component and confirm using the left hand mouse button).

86. Using the ‘Circle/Arc Centre’ icon (see Figure 3.81), se-lect the following elements - ‘A1’ then ‘A2’, and ‘A2’ then ‘A3’ (see Figure 3.82).

Mouse Selection

Polar Co-Ordinates

Cartesian Co-Ordinates Intersection Point Parametric Point Circle/Arc Quadrant C1 C2 

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Figure 3.81: The ‘Application Point’ toolbar.

Figure 3.82: The elements to select.

88. Using the ‘Intersection Point’ icon (see Figure 3.83), se-lect the following points - ‘P1’ then ‘P2’ (see Figure 3.84).

Mouse Selection

Polar Co-Ordinates

Cartesian Co-Ordinates Intersection Point Parametric Point Circle/Arc Quadrant A3 A2 A1 

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Figure 3.83: The ‘Application Point’ toolbar.

Figure 3.84: The points to select.

89. Using the ‘Dimension Selection’ toolbar, select the ‘Set Perpendicular Reference’ icon (see Figure 3.85).

Mouse Selection

Polar Co-Ordinates

Cartesian Co-Ordinates Intersection Point Parametric Point Circle/Arc Quadrant P2 P1

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Figure 3.85: The ‘Dimension Selection’ toolbar.

90. Select the following element - ‘S1’ (see Figure 3.86).

Figure 3.86: The element to select.

91. Select the Annotation | Single Element option from the

Tolerance/Annotation Text

Witness Line (On/Off) Internal Line (On/Off)

Set Perpendicular Reference Vertical Dimension

Cursor Grid

Diameter Dimension External Arrows Set Parallel Reference Horizontal Dimension Incline Dimension Internal Arrow Direct Dimension S1

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92. Using the ‘Current Environment (Point)’ icon (see Figure 3.87), switch the environment to ‘Current Environment (Element)’ (see Figure 3.88).

Figure 3.87: The ‘Application Point’ toolbar.

Figure 3.88: The ‘Application Point’ toolbar.

93. Select the following element - ‘C1’ (see Figure 3.89).

Mouse Selection

Polar Co-Ordinates

Cartesian Co-Ordinates Intersection Point Parametric Point Circle/Arc Quadrant Filters (On/Off) Line Filter Arc Filter Spline Filter Polyline Filter Current Environment (Element)

Segment Filter Circle Filter Point (Single) Filter

Profile Filter

Text Filter

Point (Set) Filter Solid/Surface Filter Symbol Filter Dimension Filter Mesh Filter Toolpath Filter 

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Figure 3.89: The element to select.

94. Using the ‘Tolerance/Annotation Text’ icon (see Figure 3.90), then enter ‘ TYP.’ into the ‘After’ text box of the ‘Multiple Icon Selection’ dialogue box (see Figure 3.91).

Figure 3.90: The ‘Dimension Selection’ toolbar.

C1

Cursor Grid

Centre Cross (On/Off) Arc Continuation Zig-Zag Dimension Diameter Dimension

Tolerance/Annotation Text Internal Line (On/Off) Horizontal Dimension

Radial Dimension

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Figure 3.91: The ‘Multiple Icon Selection’ dialogue

box.

96. Using the ‘Current Environment (Point)’ icon (see Figure 3.92), switch the environment to ‘Current Environment (Element)’ (see Figure 3.93).

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Figure 3.92: The ‘Application Point’ toolbar.

Figure 3.93: The ‘Application Point’ toolbar.

97. Select the following elements - ‘C1’, then ‘A1’, then ‘A2’, then ‘C2’ (see Figure 3.94).

Mouse Selection

Polar Co-Ordinates

Cartesian Co-Ordinates Intersection Point Parametric Point Circle/Arc Quadrant Filters (On/Off) Line Filter Arc Filter Spline Filter Polyline Filter Current Environment (Element)

Segment Filter Circle Filter Point (Single) Filter

Profile Filter

Text Filter

Point (Set) Filter

Solid/Surface Filter Symbol Filter Dimension Filter Mesh Filter Toolpath Filter

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Figure 3.94: The elements to select.

You will now be able to dynamically drag the dimensions to the required position (drag the dimension to the right-hand side of the component and confirm using the left hand mouse button).

98. Select the Annotation | Angular Dimension option from the main-menu.

97. Select the following element - ‘S1’ (see Figure 3.95).

Figure 3.95: The element to select.

‘Angular Dimension’ function using the tool-bar located down the left-hand side of the VISI-Series® interface.

For more information press the [F1] key on your keyboard. A2 A1 C2 C1 S1 

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98. Using the ‘Axis Selection’ toolbar, select the ‘X Axis’ icon (see Figure 3.96).

Figure 3.96: The ‘Axis Selection’ toolbar.

You will now be able to dynamically drag the dimensions to the required position (drag the dimension to the right-hand side of the component and confirm using the left hand mouse button).

We have now completed the dimensioning of this drawing by us-ing the dimensionus-ing tools that are available to us (see Page 2).

Step 5 - Creating ‘Datasets’

The ‘constraint manager’ is an intelligent design tool. It will an-alyse a 'group' of geometrical elements, (which we call a data-set), determine the associativity between these elements, and then when one element is changed in some way, it will change all the other elements that form some association with it.

As a simple example; if a triangle is created, and one of the seg-ments moved, then the constraint manager will extend the other lines to the point of intersection, maintain the angle at the apex of the triangle, and update the associated dimensions.

One important fact to note is that the process of creating the ele-ments (its history) is completely irrelevant. It does not matter who defined the geometry, or indeed where it was created. If ge-ometry is imported via IGES or DXF it can still be assigned to a data set, its geometrical associativity analysed, and then changed so that intersection points are maintained. Tangent elements

re-For more information

Y Axis X Axis

Z Axis

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Each ’set’of connected elements is referred to as a data set. There may be up to 255 data sets in a file, but an element cannot belong to more than one data set simultaneously. As many designs have common features, a data set can be saved (rather like a symbol), and subsequently recalled into the current workfile. When a workfile is saved through the standard file options however, the data set information is not saved with it.

All data set elements must lie on the same workplane. In the un-likely event that the number of allowable data sets is exce eded it is necessary to save the work file, and any required data sets, and create a new file.

A dataset contains a database, which defines the connectivity be-tween its elements. It does not contain the data that describes the physical spatial location of its elements.

The dataset option contains the following functions:

Create Dataset

This function creates a dataset. The elements are selected using the standard techniques including enclosing the elements in a box, picking etc. If an element already belongs to an existing data set it is de-selected, and a warning will be given.

When the selection is confirmed the dataset is analysed (see also Set Dataset Defaults). The following types of element may be as-signed to a dataset: Segments, circles, arcs and dimensions.

Move Element

This function allows a segment, circle or arc to be moved. For segments the ’moved’element is parallel to the original element and passes through the picked point. For circles and arcs the cen-tre is effectively being moved.

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Change Length/Radius

This will change the length of a segment or the radius of a circle or arc. For segments it is possible to move the start, or end, or both ends of the segment.

For circles or arcs where there is tangency, it is necessary to se-lect either to move the circle centre (thus maintaining the relative position of the tangent elements) or to maintain the centre.

Change El-El Distance

This will change the distance between two circle or arc centres or between two parallel segments.

For parallel segments either or both segments may be moved.

For circle/arc distances, in addition to the selection of certain el-ement(s) to be moved, the distance may be defined as horizontal, or vertical or (provided the element centres do not lie on one of the workplane axes) centre-centre distance.

Change Dimension

If the data set contains dimensions then the movement of any el-ement will also update the associated dimension. Sometimes it may be easier to change the dimension directly. The options available depend upon the type of dimension.

The location of dimensions needs to change after the elements referenced have been moved. However the ’best’ positions are very much in the eye of the designer. There is no analytical best position. Therefore be prepared to move them again yourself.

(i) Single Dimension - A linear dimension can be modified provided it refers to the distance between two circle cen-tres, or two parallel lines.

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As with ‘Change El-El Distance’ a number of options are available as to which element is to be changed.

(ii) Circle/Arc Dimensions - All circle/arc dimensions can be modified.

(iii) Angular Dimensions - Angular dimensions can be changed by moving the first, second or both elements.

Dataset Defaults

When a dataset is selected, it is analysed using the constraints defined in the parameter list. These parameters are:

Shared Points

A shared point is a common point between two elements. If a segment ends at one point and another starts at the same point, then this is a shared point. If one element is subsequently moved then any other that shares a point on that element must be moved.

Intersection Points

An intersection point is where one element starts or terminates at its intersection position with another. If the intersecting element is moved, then its 'length' must be recalculated to produce anoth-er intanoth-ersection point with the intanoth-ersected element.

If the two elements are segments then provided the two lines are not parallel, an intersection point will always exist (it need not lie within the extents of the intersected element). If either ele-ment is an arc or a circle then this imposes a physical restriction on the amount by which either element can be moved.

NOTE

The segment cannot move beyond this line (see Figure 3.97) as

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Figure 3.97: physical restriction.

Concentric Circles

If two or more circles or arcs share the same centre then the movement of one of them will force the movement of the others.

Tangency

This switch determines if elements are tangent. If they are, then when an element is moved, the tangent elements are re-calculat-ed so that they remain tangent.

Physical Tangency

This switch is only relevant if the tangency switch is set. If set an element is seen as being tangent, provided the actual tangency points lie within the extents of all the tangent elements. For ex-ample:

(i) Original Shape - Although the arc is not physically tan-gent (see Figure 3.98) you can see it is tantan-gent to both outer segments.

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(ii) Physical Tangency (Off) - If this switch is off, the ele-ments do not have to be physically touching to be seen a s tangent (see Figure 3.99). In this case if the bottom seg-ment is moved, the arc is automatically updated.

Figure 3.99: Physical Tangency (Off).

(iii) Physical Tangency (On) - If this switch is on, the ele-ments have to be physically touching to be seen as tan-gent (see Figure 3.100). In this case if the bottom segment is moved, the arc will not be updated.

Figure 3.100: Physical Tangency (On).

Collinear Segments

Two (or more) collinear segments exist when an infinite line passing along one of the segments also passes through the others. As all these segments will then share a single parent, moving any one of the segments will force a move of all the others so that collinearity is maintained.

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Create Variable

Creating a variable allows you to reference numeric values from one dimension to another. If one dimension were to change, then the other would update. For example:

The 20 radius arc is variable A The 10 radius arc is variable B

Variable B is referenced to A with a value of: B = A-10 Therefore if variable A is changed to 25

Variable B will automatically change to 15

Delete Dataset

Destroys the dataset selection. When any element belonging to the dataset is selected, all the data set elements are highlighted and on confirmation the data set is deleted. This destroys the constraint database for these elements, but does not delete or change in any way the elements themselves.

Step 6 - Printing geometry

To print on-screen geometry you will have to select the File | Hardcopy option from the main-menu (see Figure 3.101).

You can also print your geometry by pressing the [Control] and [P] keys on your keyboard.

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Figure 3.101: Printing geometry.

NOTE

You may need to setup your printing/plotting device before you can print/plot the on-screen geometry successfully. This can be done by using the File | Printer/Plotter Setup option from the main-menu.

After you have selected the geometry to print, you have an option to use the customisable VISI-Series®_{software settings for}

the actual printing/plotting (see Figure 3.102).

Play around with differ-ent settings, to see the type of results you can obtain.

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Using the software settings will allow special line styles and widths that may not be supported by your printing/plotting device to be printed correctly to the original on-screen information.

Step 7 - Saving data

To save data you will have to select the File | Save option from the main-menu (see Figure 3.103).

Figure 3.103: Saving data.

You can also use three other methods to save information:

(i) Save As - This will allow you to specify a file name

You can also save a file by pressing the [Control] and [S] keys on your keyboard.

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