Mechanical Engineering Design with Pro/ENGINEER Release 2001

Dr. Mark Archibald

SDC
PUBLICATIONS

Schroff Development Corporation www.SDCpro.com

CHAPTER 2 BASIC FEATURE CREATION AND MODEL MANIPULATION

Chapter Objectives:
$ To teach students basic feature creation techniques. $ To teach students the importance of model structure. $ To teach students to manipulate and save model views.

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The Pro/E Interface The Main Window Pro/E uses a graphical user interface that combines menus, toolbars, and windows to provide an efficient working environment. The active model appears in the graphics area of the main window (Fig 1).

Figure 1 Main Window The header bar at the top of this window displays the model type and name, and indicates whether the model is active. The active model displays (Active) after the model name.

Figure 2 Header bar The figure shows the header bar for a Pro/E part model named bracket. Note that this is the active window. The menu bar, containing non-model specific menus, lies just below the header bar.

Figure 3 Menu Bar

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Following is a brief description of the menu bar options. Most of these menus are treated extensively in later chapters. File File commands, such as set working directory, save, open, create new object, erase from RAM, delete either old versions or all versions of a file. K Note 1: When Pro/E saves a file, it does not overwrite the previously saved version, but creates a new file with an incremented version number, such as frame.prt.4 . Old versions of model files must be deleted, or purged, periodically to prevent excessive numbers of files on disk. K Note 2: When a window is closed (see the Window menu), the model remains in memory. To remove it from memory, use the Erase command (be sure to save the file first!) Edit View Modify, redefine, or manipulate pre-selected features of the model. Access image viewing commands such as repaint screen, shade image, model orientation, model colors and lights. Inserts features into the model. Access sketcher tools such as lines, arcs, move, text, etc. (This menu is only available in sketcher mode.) Analyze the model and obtain measurements such as distance between entities, lengths and areas, curvature, etc. Access model information commands, such as bills of material, model or feature information, parent-child relations, etc. Select other applications, such a Pro/MECHANICA, Pro/SHEETMETAL, or Pro/NCPOST. Set environmental variables, modify configuration options, set system colors, etc. Activate, close or select a window. (Note that Pro/E can have multiple windows open at any time, but only one will be active. In order to work on a model, its window must be activated from this menu.) Activate on-line help, either general or context-sensitive.

Insert Sketch

Analysis

Info

Applications

Utilities

Window

Help

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A toolbar, with icons for frequently-used commands, follows the menu bar. It contains icons of frequently used commands, such as create new object, save model, open model, repaint screen, orient model, and blank datums, axes, points or coordinate systems. The toolbar is easily customized to contain icons for most Pro/E commands. Toolbars can also be placed on the right or left side of the main graphics window.

Figure 4 Top Toolbar The main graphics area contains the Pro/E model, and is where most of the modeling work occurs. A message area is located just above the graphics area. Important information and prompts are provided in this area. U Important: Always check the message area to avoid missing important information. A one-line help area appears on the bottom line of the window. When the cursor is placed over a menu item or icon, a succinct description of the command is provided here. When a model is opened or created, additional menus appear that are specific to the type of model. These menus will be discussed in the exercises. Most menus have multiple levels, which usually remain open as you move down the menu tree. Model Tree An additional window, called the Model Tree, also opens when a model is activated or created. The model tree displays the hierarchy of the model. For part models, features are listed in order, along with an icon indicating the feature class (solid feature, datum feature, surface, etc.) (By default, only components are shown for assembly models, although assembly and part features can be easily shown on the tree.) Additional columns can be added for more information. For example, it is often useful to see feature IDs. The model tree is a "roadmap" for your model. Good designers quickly learn to use the model tree frequently and effectively. Usually, model features can be selected from either the model tree or the model itself. Also, if the highlight option is activated (it is by Figure 5 Model Tree default), the model feature is highlighted when the cursor is placed over a feature on the model tree. This is very useful for identification of features in complex models. When Pro/E is started, an additional window may appear at the top of the screen. This window is called the application manager, and is used to navigate between various applications and windows. It contains a button for each open window. To pop a window to

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the foreground, simply click on its button. When ending your work session, first exit Pro/E, then exit the application manager.

Figure 6 Application Manager Pro/E model views can be manipulated with the mouse more easily than from the view menu. Mouse view control -- zoom, spin, and pan -- is accomplished by pressing the control key while simultaneously pressing one of the mouse keys and dragging. Mouse View Control Zoom Press Ctrl and the left mouse key while dragging right or left. For a window zoom, press Ctrl and left click the mouse on opposite corners of the zoom box. Spin Pan Press Ctrl and center mouse key while dragging. Press Ctrl and right mouse key while dragging.

Good Design Practice Design Intent To effectively use Pro/E as a design tool, designers must not only know and understand the software functionality, they must also know how to build models that behave as desired during modifications or downstream applications. This is known as capturing design intent, and is extremely important for reducing design cycle time. Unlike many CAD programs, Pro/E requires the designer to think beyond basic geometry. Most parts designed in Pro/E will be modified, sometimes drastically. Most will also be used with other applications, such as Pro/MECHANICA, NC machining, mold design, injection molding simulation, stereolithography, etc. If the part model is poorly constructed, modifications will be difficult, perhaps requiring that the part be completely remodeled. Also, much time may be required to repair or remodel the part prior to using any of the downstream applications. Some of the prime benefits of the Pro/E package can be nullified by poor modeling. Throughout this book, emphasis is placed on capturing design intent. Examples and tutorials show good modeling practice and illustrate how the design intent is realized. Emphasis is placed on understanding the model and what it will be used for prior to modeling. The 2-5

importance of model structure, especially parent-child relationships, is treated extensively. The Pro/E student should strive not just to understand how to obtain desired geometry, but how to obtain the desired geometry with a robust model. Good practice starts at the feature creation level, where parameters and parent-child relationships are defined. The structure of the model -- as reflected in the model tree -- is the second tier in developing good models. Building robust assemblies is the third tier. Attention, planning, and foresight will ensure that good design practice is obtained at all three levels. Model Structure Understanding how to structure a model is the first step to good design practice. Pro/E models are hierarchical. Each feature (except the base feature) references earlier features in the model. When the model is changed in any way, features regenerate in sequence. If the model has changed in such a way as to delete the references for a feature, the regeneration process will fail when it gets to that feature. (What to do then is covered in Chapter 6.) Thus it is very important to understand the relationships between model features. These are known as parent-child relationships. Pro/E models are also parametric. Model geometry is defined by a set of parameters. The two most common ways to define parameters are dimensions and alignments. When a dimension is defined, it becomes a parameter of the model. It is important to consider this when creating geometry, as the model parameters define how the model will behave when modified. Alignments indicate that new geometry should be aligned with existing features (essentially a dimension that always has a value of zero.) Every Pro/E model should start with default datum planes. These are three orthogonal datum planes that provide references, either directly or indirectly, for all subsequent features in the model. Recall that datum planes are infinite planes and have both a red and a yellow side. Datum planes provide excellent references for other features, and frequently models will contain many of them. However, the default datum planes are special, in that they provide a threedimensional anchor for the entire model. The first feature in any model should be default datum planes. Figure 7 Default Datum Planes Thought should be given to the order of subsequent features. Sometimes the order is obvious: to model a cylindrical shaft with a keyway, create a cylindrical protrusion followed by a cut. Other times careful thought is required to ensure a robust model results. In addition, there are usually many different ways to obtain a particular geometry. Learn as many of these methods as possible, then select the ones that will best capture the design intent. 2-6

As features are added, parent-child relationships are created. For example, when a hole is placed in a flat plate, three references are required: the surface on which the hole is placed and two edges or surfaces used to define the location of the hole on the placement surface. All three references could be to a single feature -- the flat plate, or they could be to different features, say the flat plate, a datum plane and the surface of a cut in the plate. In the former case, the hole would have only one parent. In the latter case, the hole would have three parents. It is usually good to minimize the number of parent-child relationships in the model. Thus the first method is usually, but not always, the best. It is always important to know what you are using for references during feature creation. In short, a Pro/E model is comprised of an ordered set of features held together in a web of dimensions, alignments, and references. The web defines the parent-child relationships between features. Data Base Management Although model structure is the most important aspect of good design practice, data base management is also important. The File menu contains most of the commands needed. Selected commands are discussed here, along with some tips for good file management. New Creates a new model. A dialog box opens with the type of model (part is the default) and the name of the new model (Fig 3). Select the model type by clicking on the appropriate button, and enter the new name. Note that only the base name should be provided -- Pro/E will append the correct extension based on the type of file. (For example, if the model is a part and bracket is entered, the actual file name is bracket.prt.1.) There is also a button called copy from. This loads an existing model into the new model (without affecting the old model.) It is very useful if the new part is similar to an existing part. The tutorials show how this feature is used to expedite model creation for all models. Opens an existing model. A dialog box appears showing file names of objects in the current working directory. Click on the desired file and click the open button. Note that the Type box permits files to be filtered by type, such as part, assembly, manufacturing, etc. Icons provide shortcuts to navigate through directories. Sets the working directory. The working directory is the directory that Pro/E uses to look for files or to write new files (unless otherwise specified.) At the start of each work session, set the working directory to ensure the files are read and written correctly. Closes the model window. Closing the window does NOT erase the part from memory.

Open

Set Working Directory

Close Window

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Save

Save the current model to the hard drive. Note that you are prompted for the object to save, which must exist in session (in memory.) The current model is the default. This option can save a copy of the model as: 1) an native Pro/E file with a different name or location 2) an image of the model (TIFF, encapsulated postscript, etc.) 3) a different type of file (STL, IGES, CATIA, etc.)

Save a Copy

Erase

Erases models from memory. When a window is closed, the model remains in memory, or In Session. To clear memory, use the erase function. Two options are available: Current or Not Displayed. Current will erase the model in the active window from memory. Not Displayed brings up a dialog box of all items in memory that are not displayed on the screen -- select all or some for erasure. Note that files are NOT saved prior to erasing from memory.

Delete

Deletes files from the hard drive. The two options are to delete All Versions or delete Old Versions. The latter purges all versions of the file except the most recent.

Other options include Backup (save to a different directory), Rename (change the name of the model), and Print. Tips for good data management... 1. Create a new directory for each new project, with subdirectories as needed. Pro/E can generate a large number of files and good project organization is imperative. 2. Create subdirectories for each Mechanica analysis and each manufacturing model. 3. Purge old versions frequently to prevent using excessive disk space. One approach is to always purge prior to saving -- then you will always have just one backup version. (Clearly, do not delete old versions if they are needed for archives.) 4. Typing "purge" from a system window will delete old versions of all files in the directory. 5. Remember that closing a window removes the model from the screen, but does not erase it from memory or save it. To clear memory, use the Erase command.

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Pro/E Customization There are many ways in which Pro/E can be customized. While some of these methods should only be attempted by advanced users, many others are both important enough and simple enough for the novice Pro/E user to use. The most important is the configuration file, typically called config.pro. This file should reside in the same directory from which Pro/E is started (the home directory.) It is an ASCII text file that contains configuration commands. When Pro/E is started, it looks for this file, and automatically executes all the commands. This configures Pro/E for an individual designer. The config.pro file can be modified during a session, but must be loaded before changes take effect. The Edit Config and Load Config commands accomplish this (they are found under Preferences on the Utilities menu.) It is also quite simple to customize the toolbar. While the default toolbar is usually fine for beginners, experienced Pro/E users may find that some additional commands are used very often. It is convenient to place these commands as icons on the toolbar. In fact, several different toolbars can be created, each with its own set of commands. To modify the toolbar, position the cursor on the toolbar and press the right mouse button. Pro/Help This manual provides an introduction to Pro/E and is designed to get the student productive as rapidly as possible. However, no tutorial or lab manual can include all the details of the many Pro/E commands. Students should form the habit of using the on-line help to obtain more information. On-line help, available through a web browser, is accessed in several ways. To obtain access to all on-line manuals, use the Pro/HELP command on the Help menu. This method permits browsing through any help manual desired. To obtain contextsensitive help on a particular topic, use the What's This command on the Help menu. The cursor becomes a question mark. Select a command from any menu, and the help screen for that topic appears. Alternately, position the cursor over any command and press the right mouse button to bring up context-sensitive help. K Develop the habit of using on-line help on a regular basis. This helps beginners master Pro/E much more quickly. Basic Feature Creation A sound understanding of feature creation is crucial for effective modeling in Pro/E. Frequently several feature types can be used to create the desired geometry. The designer must choose the types that best capture his or her design intent. Then he or she must know the steps required to create each feature. This section presents an overview of four of the most fundamental solid features -protrusions, cuts, slots, and holes. (Solid features either add or remove solid "chunks" of material to the model.) The intent is to familiarize the student with the nature of each type of feature so that appropriate choices can be made regarding which to use for a particular task. 2-9

The lab exercises demonstrate implementation steps for each feature. Subsequent sections address additional feature types, and are accompanied by appropriate lab exercises. A separate section describes sketcher. K Hint: Use context-sensitive online help to learn more details about each of the following features. Protrusions A protrusion adds solid material to the model. Most protrusions are sketched features, meaning that 2D geometry is first created using sketcher, and then swept through space in such a way as to create a solid. There are several types of protrusions, depending on how the sketch is moved to form the solid. A brief description of the protrusion menu picks: Extrude The 2D sketch is moved in a straight line perpendicular to the sketch plane. The resulting solid is prismatic. The 2D sketch is rotated about an axis, through any desired angle. If the angle is 360E, the resulting solid is axisymmetric. The 2D sketch is moved along a 3D path called a trajectory. The resulting solid may be complex, but will always have a constant crosssection. Several 2D sketches are used, located on parallel planes separated by distances prescribed by the user. The resulting solid changes crosssectional shape as it goes from one sketch to the next. The cross sections may have any shape, but must be comprised of the same number of segments. The resulting geometry is often complex. The solid is generated from a surface quilt (several connected surfaces.) This type of protrusion is not sketched, and will be discussed in Chapter 12. Several advanced methods of creating protrusions are also available, such as the Variable Section Sweep and the Swept Blend. These features are quite powerful, but somewhat more complex than the basic protrusions. Some of these will be treated in later chapters.

Revolve

Sweep

Blend

Use Quilt

Advanced

Cuts A cut removes solid material from the model. This menu option is only available if the model contains solid geometry. Cuts are created exactly like protrusions, except that where the protrusion adds material, the cut removes material. The menu options are identical to those for protrusions -- Extrude, Revolve, Sweep, Blend, Use Quilt, and Advanced. Like 2-10

protrusions, most cuts are sketched features. Once the section has been sketched, Pro/E prompts the user for the which side of the section (sketch) should be removed. Holes Holes are pick-and-place features, meaning that they are not sketched. A hole always removes material from the model, and always has a circular cross section. To create a hole, Pro/E only needs to know on what surface the hole is to be placed, the location of the center of the hole on the surface, the hole diameter, and the depth of the hole. Prompts are provided for all these items. There are three types of holes: Straight, Sketched and Standard. A straight hole is always cylindrical in shape. A sketched hole is similar to a 360E revolved cut in that the axial cross section can be sketched. Tapered holes and other non-cylindrical holes can be created more easily with the sketched hole feature than with a revolved cut. Standard holes include counterbores, countersinks, standard threads, and notes. This is an easy way to create tapped holes complete with thread notes. Sketcher and Intent Manager Sketcher, along with an enhancement called Intent Manager, is used for creating most Pro/E features. It is a powerful tool for generating 2D sections, which are subsequently used to generate 3D geometry. Sections are the resulting 2D entities which are produced by sketcher. Typically, sketcher is invoked within a feature creation sequence, such as a protrusion, cut, or slot. (It can also be used independently to create and save sections for later use, but that functionality is not discussed here.) Mastery of sketcher is essential for efficient and effective use of Pro/E. Fortunately, it is easy and intuitive B and smart. This section provides a brief overview of sketcher. Chapter 5 describes sketcher assumptions and use in much greater detail. Sections are created by sketching a rough approximation of the desired geometry. Dimensions, alignments, and sketcher assumptions refine the sketch. The values of each dimension can then be modified to obtain the exact desired geometry. Sketcher automatically makes assumptions as the sketch is created. The Intent Manager automatically places "weak" dimensions and alignments. If a user understands how sketcher and intent manager work, he or she can usually ensure that most of the automatic dimensions, alignments, and assumptions are correct. (Those that are not correct can easily be changed, however.) This is the key to using sketcher effectively. In order to create solid geometry, a section must be located with respect to the part. This is done by first defining a sketching plane, then by aligning or dimensioning the section to the part. The sketch plane is defined prior to entering sketcher mode. It can be either a datum plane or a flat surface. The section is sketched on this plane. A point or an edge of a sketch can be forced to always lie directly on an existing part entity, such as a datum plane, edge, 2-11

side, or curve. This is called alignment, and is one way to locate the section to the part within the sketch plane. Alternatively, dimensions can be placed between the sketch and part entities. In either case, sufficient alignments and dimensions must be provided to locate the section in both the vertical and horizontal directions. Intent manager automatically creates alignments and dimensions. However, intent manager must know what references should be used to do this. A dialog box presents default references. In most cases, the default choices should be accepted. Sometimes a user needs to specify additional references or replace default references. A warning is issued in sufficient references are not selected prior to starting the sketch. Choosing references is important! Choosing correct references will ensure that desired alignments and most dimensions are obtained automatically. This affects not only the current section, but also parent/child relationships within the model. Some guidelines for choosing references: U U U Any and all part entities to be aligned to the sketch must be selected. Part entities to be used for dimensioning should be selected. Choose references to obtain desired parent/child relationships. For example, choose references that all belong to one feature to minimize the number of parents.

Sketching can begin once references are defined. Sketches consist of lines, arcs, circles, points, and several advanced entities such as splines. Geometry types are selected either from the sketcher toolbar or from a pop-up menu activated by the right mouse button. Note that entities snap to the references. Also, lines that are nearly vertical or horizontal snap to vertical or horizontal respectively, and symbols V or H appear. These are two of the assumptions that sketcher makes. (If you want a line at a very small angle from the horizontal, sketch it at a large angle, and modify the angle value later.) Other assumptions are described below. As each segment of the sketch is completed, dimensions appear in white. K Note: Do not confuse a dimension (a parameter in the Pro/E model) with its value. It is very important to create the correct dimension scheme, but values can be changed very easily B within sketcher or later, in part mode. These are "weak" dimensions, because they were created by the Intent Manager. Frequently some of these need to be replaced with more desirable dimensions. Desirable dimensions can be strengthened B that is, the user tells Pro/E that these dimensions should not be automatically deleted. "Strong" dimensions are shown in yellow. New dimensions can then be created. As they are created, weak dimensions are removed. User-created dimensions are always "strong." If a new dimension conflicts with an existing strong dimension, Pro/E asks which dimension should be deleted.

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Sketcher Assumptions Understanding assumptions is important for effective sketcher use. Typically, assumptions are obvious during a sketch because the pointer snap to the appropriate entity and a symbol for the assumption appears. Sketcher assumptions are summarized in the following table: Assumption Equal radius Description Circles or arcs sketched with approximately equal radii are assumed to have exactly the same radii. The radius snaps to the assumed value. Entities approximately symmetric about a sketched centerline are assumed to be symmetric. Vertices snap to symmetric positions. Nearly horizontal or vertical lines are assumed to be so. Lines snap to horizontal or vertical. Lines nearly parallel or perpendicular to existing lines are assumed parallel or perpendicular. Lines snap to parallel or perpendicular. Entities sketched approximately tangent to each other are assumed tangent. Entities snap to tangency. Lines of approximately the same length are assumed to have the same length. Line snaps to length. Point entities that lie near other entities (lines, arcs, circles) are assumed to lie on them. Point snaps to entity. (Note: point entities include end points of lines and arcs and center points of arcs and circles.) Center points of arcs and circles with nearly the same X and Y coordinates are assumed to have the same coordinates. Centers snap to X or Y coordinate. Sym. R (index)

Symmetry

Horizontal & vertical lines Parallel or Perpendicular lines Tangency

H or V (index) * or z (index)

T (index)

Equal segment length

L (index)

Point entities lying on other entities

Equal coordinates

or , (pairs)

Sketcher assumptions can be used very effectively during sketching to quickly obtain the desired section. If an assumption needs to be avoided, exaggerate the sketch. For example, place two circles that should lie near, but not on, the same horizontal line well away from 2-13

each other. This forces sketcher to place a dimension rather than make an assumption. The value of the dimension can be modified later to any desired value (even zero, but that is poor practice!) After the sketch is complete, the values of the dimensions must be modified, and the sketch regenerated. Additions, deletions, and further modification may then take place.

Some rules of thumb for sketcher: U Choose references carefully in order to achieve desired alignments, dimensions, and parent/child relationships. Exaggerate the sketch B avoid very small entities and undesirable assumptions. Use Modify to achieve the desired geometry.

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Exercise 2.1 Base Objective: To introduce students to fundamental feature creation techniques, including extruded protrusions, slots, and holes. This exercise involves modeling the base part shown below. The best way to learn Pro/E software is to dive right in and create a part model. That is exactly what this exercise involves.

K Note 1: Prior to starting this lesson, create a new directory called tutorial. (Do this in a system window.) K Note 2: Strive to complete the exercise as presented, however, explore the menus and toolbar to become familiar with their functionality.

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1. Change the working directory to the tutorial directory. Select File>Set Working Directory. Select the tutorial directory to highlight it and select OK. 2. Create a new part named base. Select the Create New Object icon (blank paper). (Or use File>New.) The New dialog box opens. $ Note that the radio button for part is selected by default. Create $ Also note that Use default template is selected. This ensures that the model New starts with default datum planes, coordinate system, and saved views. Enter the name base and select OK. 3. Create the base feature. Select Insert>Protrusion>Extrude. Accept the default of One Side. Select Done. K Shortcut: The default menu selections are shown in bold. To accept them, simply click the middle mouse key.

At the prompt to create a sketching plane pick on datum FRONT. (Note: To select a datum plane pick either on the name tag or the border of the datum plane.) Accept the default direction by selecting Okay. For the second reference select Default. The model now reorients and the References dialog box opens. Note that datums RIGHT and TOP are selected by default. These are the desired references, so no action is required. Select Close. $ Note that the selected references are indicated with brown dashed lines in the main graphics window. $ Pro/E is now in sketcher mode. Note the sketcher toolbar on the right. Figure 8 References For this example, it is important to have the plate symmetric about datums RIGHT and TOP. To ensure this symmetry, create two centerlines aligned to these datums. Press the right mouse key to activate the pop-up menu. Select Centerline. (Alternately, select the Line icon arrowhead, then select the Centerline icon.) Pick once on datum 2-16

RIGHT to begin the centerline. Note that this becomes a pivot point for the line. Drag the line so that it aligns with datum RIGHT (a pair of small solid rectangles appear when aligned.) Pick a second time on datum RIGHT. The first centerline is created. Repeat for the second centerline, using datum TOP as the alignment reference.

Figure 9 Sketch of rectangular base feature. Sketch a rectangle symmetric about the two centerlines. Select the Rectangle icon. Use the grid and pick two diagonal corners of a rectangle symmetric about the two centerlines. Note that the rectangle snaps to symmetry. Also, small Rectangle arrows at the vertices indicate the symmetry constraints. (Do not sketch a square!) K Tip: The sketching grid can be toggled on and off with the Toggle the grid on/off icon. Dimensions for the width and height of the rectangle appear in white. These are called weak dimensions (system-supplied dimensions.) The values for these dimensions may be quite large at this point -- they must be modified. Click the middle mouse key to cancel rectangles and return to selection mode. Drag a selection box around the sketched rectangle, being sure to include both dimensions. Select the Modify icon. Modify icon Deselect the Regenerate box. Then enter 4 for the vertical dimension and 6 for the horizontal dimension. Select the Done icon. The sketch is now Done icon Figure 10 Modify Dialog Box complete. 2-17

Select the Done icon from the toolbar. The depth of the solid rectangle must now be defined. From the SPEC TO menu, select Blind>Done. Enter a value of .25. To preview the base select Preview from the extrude dialog box. Press and hold the Control key while dragging the mouse with the middle mouse key depressed to spin the model and view it from different angles. Select OK from the PROTRUSION:Extrude dialog box. The protrusion is now complete. 4. Create a cut in the protrusion. Select Insert>Cut>Extrude. Accept the default of One Side. Select Done. Turn off datum plane display for clarity. Select the Datum Planes on/off icon from the toolbar to toggle the display. Pick on the front side of the base to create a sketching plane. Ensure that the arrow points into the base. If so, select Okay. If not, select Flip and check Datum Planes that the arrow flips direction into the base, then select Okay. (The slot feature will begin on the sketching plane and extend into the direction shown by the arrow. Clearly, in this case we want the slot to extend into the part, rather than out into empty space.) For the second reference select Top and then pick the top side of the part.

Figure 11 Orientation references for sketching the slot feature. When the References dialog box opens, select both default references and delete them. Then pick the bottom edge of the part and the right edge of the part. It may be easier to see the sketch if shading is turned off. Select the Hidden Line icon to change the display. Hidden line

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Figure 13 Sketcher references and the first line Sketch a single line as shown in Fig 6 (do not worry about dimensions yet.) Select the Line icon or use the right mouse key pop-up menu. Use a left pick to start and end the line, and middle pick to terminate drawing lines. Note the H symbol, denoting a horizontal line. Select the 3 Point/Tangent End arc icon and create the 180E arc by a left pick on the end of the line followed by a left pick directly above the line end point. Note the two small solid rectangles representing the 180E constraint. The pointer may need to be moved left or right to capture the tangency constraint Arc icon (denoted by a T.) A third left mouse click completes the arc.

Figure 14 Line and arc showing constraint symbols (Horizontal, Tangent, and 180E arc.)

Repeat for the second arc. Be sure to look for the R1 symbol denoting equal radius with the first arc.

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Select the Line icon and sketch a second straight line. It should complete the loop.

Figure 15 Completed sketch, prior to dimensioning.

Shortcuts K In sketcher, the middle mouse key cancels the current mode and returns to selection mode. K The right mouse key initiates a pop-up menu with common sketcher commands.

The default dimension scheme is not what is desired, so create new dimensions to replace the undesired ones. Select the Dimension icon. Pick the two center marks (center of the arcs), place the pointer below the part and click the middle mouse key to place the dimension. Dimension Now select the center mark of the left arc and select the bottom edge of the part (or the dashed brown line representing the reference.) Middle mouse pick to the left of the slot to place the dimension. The remaining default dimensions are acceptable. To move a dimension, first return to selection mode with a middle mouse click, then simply drag it to the new position. Add axis points at the centers of the arcs. Sketched axis points will become datum axes when the slot feature is complete. From the menu bar, select Sketch>Axis Point. Pick the center mark for each slot. A small x indicating the axis point is placed.

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Figure 16 Completed sketch of cut after modifying dimensions and regenerating. Modify the dimensions. Return to selection mode with a middle mouse click, then drag a selection box around all four dimensions and select the Modify icon. Pick the dimension from the right edge to the center and enter 1.75. Pick the center-to-center dimension enter 2.5. Pick the dimension from the bottom edge to the center mark and enter .75. Pick the radius and enter .375. Select the Done icon from the dialog box. The section is now complete. Select the Done icon from the right toolbar. For the direction, the arrow should point toward the inside of the cut. If it is correct, select Okay, otherwise select Flip>Okay.

Figure 17 Correct arrow direction for cut feature. The SPEC TO menu defines the depth of the slot. Select Thru All and Done.

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Select Preview to review the slot, then select OK to accept it. Shading the part by selecting the Shaded View icon may be helpful. Note the model tree and how the features appear in the model tree. 5. Create four holes for mounting feet to the base. Select Insert>Hole. The HOLE dialog box opens. Verify that the Straight Hole radio button is selected. Diameter and depth parameters are defined in the Hole Placement section. enter a diameter of 0.25. Use the pull-down menu for Depth One, and select Thru All. (Depth Two is only used for two-sided holes -- those that extend in both directions from the placement plane.) Placement references are selected in the Hole Placement section. The Primary Reference is the Figure 18 Hole dialog box surface where the hole starts. Spin the model and select the top surface of the part approximately 3/4" from the corner.

Figure 19 References for hole placement. Linear placement requires two references to provide dimensions locating the hole on the placement surface. The two side surfaces forming the corner of the plate should be chosen. Spin the model and use Query Select to pick the first of these surfaces. Accept it when the entire surface highlights, not just a single edge. K Recall: right mouse key initiates Query Select; left mouse key picks, right mouse key goes to next entity, middle mouse key accepts.

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Enter .75 for the distance from both references. Preview the hole and select the Build Feature icon from the dialog box to complete the hole feature.

Figure 20 The completed hole feature 6. Turn on datum plane display by selecting the Datum Planes on/off icon. Mirror the hole to create dependent copies. Select Feature>Copy>Mirror|Select|Dependent and Done. Select the hole (Query Select may be helpful.) Select Done Select and then Done. The command line prompts for a plane or datum to mirror about. Query select datum RIGHT. The second hole now appears. Mirror both holes about datum TOP. Select Feature>Copy>Mirror|Select|Dependent and Done. Select both holes. Select Done Select and then Done. The command line prompts for a plane or datum to mirror about. Select datum TOP. The base should now have four holes. K With the Dependent option, all three of the copied holes have the same parameters as the initial hole. Thus, if the hole is modified, say to change the diameter, all four holes change together. Subsequent lessons will address Independent copies.

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Figure 21 Holes after using Copy>Mirror twice.

7. Save the part. From the toolbar, select the Save icon. Press Enter to accept the default part name. 8. Review the model tree. (If the model tree is not visible, turn it on with the Model Tree on/off icon.) The model tree window appears. Note the features Save icon on the tree: the three default datums and coordinate system included in the default template, the base protrusion, the slot, the hole and the two mirror features (listed as Group COPIED_GROUP.) Picking the + sign by either copy feature explodes the feature to show the individual elements copied. Additional model tree functionality is discussed in later lessons. Explore the predefined model views. Select the Saved View List icon and select FRONT. The model reorients to the front view. Try some of the other views. Model Tree on/off

9.

10. Modify the hole diameters. From the PART menu (select Done to return to this menu) select Modify. Pick any one of the four holes. The two linear placement dimensions and the diameter dimension appear. Pick the .25 diameter dimension and enter .1875. Select Regenerate. All four holes change to the new diameter. Any model parameter can be easily changed in this way. Note that our design intent B ensuring that the four holes remain the same diameter and the same distances from their respective corners B is captured in this model.

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11. Experiment with the icons on the toolbar. Try shaded image, hidden line, and no hidden views. Blank the datum planes and axes.

Figure 23 The completed part. % End Exercise 2.1

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Chamfers and Rounds Chamfers and rounds are also pick-and-place features. In Pro/E jargon, a round can be either concave or convex, defined by the surfaces to which it is attached. Both chamfers and rounds replace edges created where two surfaces meet. Individual edges and chains or loops of edges can be selected. A chamfer can be specified by the depth from each edge, or by the depth of one edge and an angle. Rounds can be either simple or advanced. Simple rounds have a constant radius along their entire length. Advanced rounds provide much more functionality and flexibility, but are more complex to create. Advanced rounds are treated in Chapter 7. Cosmetic Threads Cosmetic features do not affect model geometry, but may contain important model parameters. A Cosmetic Thread feature is represented by a simplified thread symbol. It includes all parameters required to define the thread (type, pitch, accuracy, depth, etc.) It is much more efficient -- in terms of model size and regeneration time -- to model threads cosmetically, rather than as a solid feature. Once a cosmetic thread is created, a thread symbol and thread note can be easily shown on a drawing. Info Menu Pro/E can provide a wealth of information about a part or assembly model. Measurements of the model can be made, mass properties computed, feature and parent/child information provided. A brief overview of the more commonly used Info menu items is provided here. For more information, use the on-line help. Feature Provides list of references, parents, children, and dimensions of a selected feature. Provides list of model units and feature information for ALL model features. (Note: This option generates a LOT of information.) Shows feature or component references, both external and internal. The referenced features are listed, and may be highlighted in the main graphics area. Highlights or lists the parents and children of a selected feature. Can also show references or provide information about parents/children/references. Opens an information box showing model relations, parameters, and parameter values.

Model

Global Reference Viewer

Parent/Child

Relations and Parameters

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Exercise 2.2 Adapter Objective: To provide practice in basic feature creation techniques including introducion to features such as revolved protrusions, chamfers, rounds, and cosmetic threads.

Figure 24 Adapter drawing

1. Change the working directory to the tutorial directory if it is not already selected. 2. Create a new part named adapter. From the toolbar, select the Create a new object icon. Enter the name adapter and select OK. 3. Create the base feature using revolved protrusion. Select Insert>Protrusion>Revolve. Accept the default One Side and select Done. For the sketch plane pick the FRONT datum and accept the default direction by selecting Okay.

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For the second reference, select Top and pick on the TOP datum.

Figure 25 Sketch for revolved protrusion feature The model reorients and Pro/E enters sketcher mode. Accept the default references: the TOP datum and the RIGHT datum. K Revolved protrusions require a centerline to define the axis of revolution. Create a centerline and align it to the TOP datum. Press the right mouse key and select Centerline from the pop-up menu. Pick somewhere on datum TOP. A centerline appears. Pick a second time on datum TOP to snap into alignment with the datum. Note that two bars appear to indicate alignment. Select Line from the pop-up menu. Create a sketch that looks like the figure shown. Note that the cursor snaps to the references as you bring it near. Left mouse picks define each vertex. A middle mouse pick ends the line. For revolved solid protrusions, the section must be closed. Be sure to sketch a line along the centerline to close the sketch. The default dimensions that appeared are not the dimensions we want. Select the Dimension icon. To create a diametral dimension, pick the object on which the dimension is to be placed, then pick on the centerline, then again on the first object. Place the dimension with the middle mouse key. Place a diametral dimension on the large end of the section. Pick the edge parallel to the TOP datum, then pick the centerline, and finally pick a second time on the first edge.

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Place the dimension by moving the cursor to the right of the sketch, and clicking the middle mouse key. A diametral dimension should appear. Repeat the procedure for the smaller diameter section on the left side of the part. Add a dimension for the overall length. Pick the right edge of the sketch and then the far left edge. Place the dimension above the part with the middle mouse button. Add a dimension for the length of the right end (the larger diameter end.) Pick on the edge and then place the dimension above the line with the middle mouse key. (Only one initial pick is required for dimensioning line segments.) All dimensions are now defined. To modify these dimensions to the the desired values, drag a selection rectangle around the entire sketch. Select the Modify icon. Check the box marked Lock Scale, and change the right (large) end diametral dimension to 2. This rescales the entire sketch. Deselect Lock scale. Change the remaining dimensions, entering the values shown in the figure. Select the Done icon to close the dialog box. Select the Done icon from the toolbar to complete the sketch. The protrusion is to be swept through a full 360E. From the REV TO menu select 360 and Done. The message window prompts that all elements have been defined. Select Preview from the dialog box to view the finished feature prior to accepting it. Select OK if all is correct. 4. Create a one inch diameter axial hole on the large end of the part. Select Insert>Hole. The hole dialog box appears. Enter a diameter of 1.0 and a Variable depth of 2.0. For the placement plane, pick the large end surface of the part. From the Placement Type pull-down menu, select Coaxial. This will place the hole coaxial with axis A1. Select axis A1 by picking on the axis. Preview the hole and select the Build Feature icon. The hole is created. 5. Create a datum plane to be used in Step 6. Select the Create Datum Plane icon from the right toolbar. Select Tangent, and pick the large cylindrical surface of the part. Select Parallel and pick datum TOP. Select Done. Note Create the new datum plane, named DTM1. Datum Plane 2-29

K Note that datum features can be created during creation of another feature. Thus, this datum plane could have been created while creating the following hole feature. 6. Create a transverse hole to be used for a -20 threads per inch set screw. Select Insert>Hole. Accept the default Straight Hole. The correct tap drill size for a 1/4-20 UNC thread is a number 7 drill, which is .201 in diameter. Enter .201 for the hole diameter. Select the Thru Next for the depth one. Pick the new datum plane for the primary reference. When prompted for the location, pick a point near datum FRONT and about 1 inch from the large diameter end. For the first linear reference, pick the large end surface of the part. Enter a value of 1. For the second reference, pick the datum FRONT. Using query select will help ensure that you get the correct surface. The prompt asks if you wish to align the feature to the reference. Select Yes to align it. (If the alignment prompt does not appear, enter 0.0 for the dimension.)

Figure 27 Transverse hole picks

Preview the hole and select the Build Feature icon. 7. Rename the new datum plane. From the Feature menu, select Done. Select Setup>Name. Pick on DTM1. At the prompt Enter New DATUM NAME enter hole_start_pln. Note the name change in the graphics window and the model tree. 8. Create the sled-runner keyway as an extruded cut. Select InsertCut>Extrude.

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The cut will be sketched on datum FRONT, and extruded in both directions. Select Both Sides and Done. For the sketching plane, pick the FRONT datum. Accept the default direction by selecting Okay. For the second reference, select Top and pick the TOP datum. The model reorients and Pro/E enters sketcher mode.

Figure 28 Sketch for keyway (cut feature) Delete the default references. For references, pick the top edge of the small-diameter end of the part and the edge on the left end of the part. These references are important -- they will ensure that the section is correctly aligned to the part. Use query select and read the command line prompt if there is any doubt. Sketch a line and tangent arc as in the figure. Note that the cursor snaps to the references as you bring it near. Circles at the beginning of the line and the end of the arc indicate alignment. One dimension needs to be replaced -- the keyway depth. The remaining dimensions are acceptable. Select the Dimension icon and pick the sketched line and the bottom edge of the part. Place the dimension to the left of the part with the middle mouse key.

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Modify the dimensions. Rather than using the Modify dialog box, simply double-click on each dimension and enter the correct value as shown in the figure. The sketch is complete -- select the Done icon. The direction arrow should point upward, toward the material to be removed. Select Okay. From the Spec To menu, select Blind. Enter a depth of .1875. K Note that for two-sided features, the Blind option prompts for a single depth which is symmetric about the sketching plane. If different depths on each side of the sketching plane are desired, use the 2Side Blind option. Select Preview from the dialog box to view the finished feature prior to accepting it. Spin and shade the model to get a better view of the cut. Select OK if all is correct. 9. Create a round where the shaft protrudes from the large diameter end. Select Insert>Round>Simple>Done. Accept the defaults of Constant and Edge Chain, and select Done. Accept the default Tangent Chain, and pick the edge where the small diameter shaft meets the large diameter adapter. Select Done. Enter a radius of .125. Select Preview to view the round. If it is correct, select Okay.

Figure 29 Round and first chamfer picks 10. Create chamfers on the end of the small diameter shaft and the edge of the large hole. Select Insert>Chamfer>Edge Chamfer>45 x d. 2-32

Enter a chamfer dimension of .03 . First, pick the edge of the small diameter shaft. Next, pick the edge of the hole on the large diameter end. Select Rehighlight to verify that all edges are selected. Select Done Sel and Done Refs. Select Preview to review the chamfers. If they are correct, select Okay. 11. Create chamfers on each end of the large diameter section of the part. Select Insert>Chamfer>Edge Chamfer>45 x d Enter a chamfer dimension of .05 . For the edges to chamfer, pick the edges of the large diameter segment of the adapter. Select Rehighlight to verify that both ends are selected. Select Done Sel and Done Refs. Select Preview to review the chamfers. If they are correct, select Okay.

Figure 30 Second chamfer picks

12. Create a cosmetic thread for the setscrew hole. Recall that the setscrew has a -20 UNC thread. Select Insert>Cosmetic>Thread. The COSMETIC THREAD dialog box appears. For the thread surface, pick the inner cylindrical surface of the small transverse hole. Use query select to ensure the correct surface is selected. Pick the outer cylindrical surface of large protrusion for the thread start surface. 2-33

The direction arrow appears. It should point into the hole. If so, select Okay, otherwise select Flip and Okay. For the thread depth, select Up To Surface and Done. Pick the inner cylindrical surface of large coaxial hole. Enter a diameter of .25. K Note: This diameter is the diameter of the thread symbol. For internal threads, such as in this case, it should be the major diameter of the thread. For external threads, it should be the root diameter. The FEAT PARAM menu appears. The thread parameters (which will appear on a drawing as a thread note) are defined in this step. Select Mod Params. Pro/TABLE, Pro/Es spreadsheet, appears. To use Pro/TABLE, pick on the field to be edited and enter the desired text. For many entries, keywords are available by pressing the F4 key. Complete the table as shown in the figure. To use keywords to change the Metric field, select the TRUE field, press F4, and select FALSE and Okay from the dialog box.

MAJOR_DIAMETER THREADS_PER_INCH FORM CLASS PLACEMENT METRIC

.25 20 UNC 2 B FALSE

When the parameters are correct, select File>Exit from the Pro/TABLE menu. Select Done/Return. The thread is defined. Select OK from the dialog box. The thread symbol appears. 13. The adapter model is complete. Save the model by selecting the Save icon (or selecting File>Save.) 14. To remove the model from the memory, select File>Erase>Current. When Erase Confirm box appears, select Yes. K Note: If the Window>Close command were used, the window would disappear from the screen, but the model would remain in memory. The Erase command is the only way to purge the model from memory . 2-34

Figure 31 The Adapter part % End Exercise 2.2

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Parent/child Relationships The importance of parent/child relationships is stressed throughout this manual. The ability to capture design intent, and the robustness of a model (with respect to both modifications and downstream applications) depend on building good parent/child relationships into a model. Either the Global Reference Viewer or the Parent/Child option -- both found on the Info menu -- is used to investigate feature references, parents, and children. The functionality of the two options are very similar. The Global Reference Viewer dialog box consists of three sections. The Filter Setting area enables filters for Reference Type, Reference Extent (local references within the model, or external references outside of the model,) and Displayed Objects (objects with parents, children or both.) The Main Tree shows the model tree, from which objects can be selected. The current object is indicated by an icon on the tree and is listed above the tree. The Parent/Child Tree shows the parents and the children of the current object. This graphical interface provides an easy way to visualize relationships between Pro/E objects. A Reference Graph can be opened as a separate window. It graphically shows relationships between objects with arrows from child to parent feature. This is a handy tool for sorting through complex model relationships. Figure 32 Global Reference Viewer When models become large and complex, understanding parent/child relationships can be very difficult. The most likely cause of a problem model is poor management parent/child relations. These can lead to regeneration failures, circular references, or unexpected model behavior. The tools described here help to identify and correct problems arising from inappropriate references. Following are a few guidelines for managing parent/child relationships. Subsequent chapters address these issues in more detail.

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1. Know specifically each reference for every feature created. (Using query select is the best way to ensure the correct references are selected.) 2. Know the consequences of selecting a particular reference. (This is addressed in many examples in this manual.) 3. Minimize the number of parents for a given feature. This often makes a more robust model, and helps to minimize regeneration problems. 4. Use the Global Reference Viewer to see references (Chapter 8.)

The Feature Menu Features comprise the heart and core of Pro/E part models. The Feature menu contains a number of commands for creating or changing model features. Many of the options on this menu are familiar from previous exercises. Most can be accessed from different menus as well. A brief description of each menu option is provided here, with the alternate location of the command. Most commands are also accessible from the model tree or with the right mouse key pop-up menu. Many of these options are discussed in detail later in this manual. As always, refer to the on-line help for more information. The Feature menu options are: Option
Create Pattern

Alt
Insert Edit

Description
Create new features in the current model. New features are added to the model at the bottom of the current model tree. Make multiple copies of a feature. The Pattern feature is a very powerful and flexible way to make many copies of a feature. The individual instances can either be identical to the original or can vary along prescribed parameters. This feature type is discussed in Chapter 7. Makes a single copy of a feature or set of features, either with the same references as the original feature or with new references.

Copy Delete Delete Pattern UDF Library Group Insert Edit

Delete features from the model. To delete a pattern, this option must be used. It deletes all patterned instances of a feature, but leaves the original intact. User Defined Features are custom features created by the user. They can be stored and retrieved for later use, either in the same part or in different parts. Features can be grouped together. The grouped feature will appear as a single entry on the model tree.

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Option
Suppress

Alt
Edit

Description
A feature can be "turned off" by suppressing it. A suppressed feature does not appear in the model and does not regenerate with the model. It will not appear in the model tree unless the "Show Suppressed" option is selected. If so, suppressed features are indicated by a small black square. A less-important feature (a complex round, for example) might be suppressed to reduce regeneration time. Features are also suppressed in order to view alternative design options. (Each option can be modeled and then suppressed. To view a design option, simply Resume the associated feature or features.)

Resume Reorder

Edit

"Turns on" suppressed features. Features can be moved around in the model tree (and in regeneration order) by reordering them. This is useful for making a poor model more robust. Of course, no feature can be reordered to appear prior to any of its parents. This option will prevent any modifications to be made to a feature and all previous features. It is useful in start parts and some other situations. Permits almost any parameter associated with a feature to be changed, including the section for sketched features. This is a very powerful way to change a feature in many ways at once. Note that if the feature has children, care must be exercised to ensure that references for children are not deleted. References can be rerouted, or changed, to new parent features. This is a very useful tool for improving parent/child relationships within a model or for redefining references. (References can be rerouted using the Redefine option, but the Reroute option is faster if that is all that is required.) A mirror image copy of the entire part can be created with the Mirror Geom option. It is very useful for symmetric parts. The mirrored copy is dependent on the original and does not regenerate (making an efficient model.) Do not use this option if the mirrored copy needs to be modified independently of the original.

Read Only Redefine

Reroute

Mirror Geom

Insert Mode

Model Tree

Toggles Insert Mode on and off. Insert mode permits new features to be created at a point in the model other than the last feature. All features after the insertion point are temporarily and automatically suppressed. After toggling Insert mode off, Pro/E prompts to resume all features suppressed when insert mode was started.

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Delete Feature Features can be deleted using the Delete option under the Feature menu. It can also be found on the Edit menu. Normally, its usage is straightforward -- select Delete and pick the feature to be deleted (either from the screen or off the model tree.) However, if the feature has children, Pro/E must do something about them before it can delete the selected feature. Otherwise, the children's references will be missing, and it will be impossible for Pro/E to regenerate them. Pro/E highlights each child in succession and offers the following options: Show Ref Highlights each reference of the child that needs to be fixed. The SHOW REF menu provides the options described under Parent/Child Info above. Reroutes references for the child to be fixed. Enters redefine mode for the child feature. Dimensions and alignments can be removed and replaced. (Note: If no children are sketched features, this option is grayed out.) Deletes the child feature. Deletes ALL children of the feature initially selected for deletion Suspends action of child until next regeneration. (Note: this option never fixes the problem, just postpones it. The next regeneration, which is usually as soon as the Delete feature is complete, will fail. Resolve mode can then be used to fix the child.) Rarely is suspend the best choice. Suspends action on all children of the feature initially selected for deletion.

Reroute Mod Scheme

Delete Delete All Suspend

Suspend All Freeze

For assemblies only, freezes component children. This option is grayed out for part mode. Opens an information window containing feature information for the child.

Info

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Exercise 2.3 Bracket Objective: To teach students how to modify and redefine model features. To teach students fundamentals of parent/child relationships and capturing design intent. This exercise involves modeling the bracket shown in the figure. It is intended that the four holes should always be the same diameter and be located the same distance from their respective corners. Modification of one hole should cause all holes to update. Also, the slots are to be identical in dimension, and should be located symmetrically on the part. The initial model does not capture the design intent. The holes do not all update if one is modified. The model is then redefined to illustrate two different methods of correctly capturing design intent.

Figure 33 Bracket Drawing 8. Change the working directory to the tutorial directory (if it is not already there.)

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9. Create a new part named bracket. Select the Create new object icon and enter the name bracket. Accept the default template. 3. Create the base feature using a thin extruded protrusion. Select Insert>Thin Protrusion>Extrude. Select Both Sides and Done. For the setup plane, pick the FRONT datum and accept the default direction. For the second reference, select Default. Accept the default references -- datums TOP and RIGHT. Sketch the section shown in the diagram. Ensure that all dimensions appear as in the figure. Also note that two lines are aligned with the TOP and RIGHT datum respectively.

Figure 34 Sketch for thin protrusion. Note that the section is open.

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Helpful hints: 1. Start sketching at the right-hand end of the top line (that is aligned to datum TOP.) 2. While sketching arcs, look for the symbols indicating 90E arcs and equal radii (R1). 3. If the third arc cannot terminate on datum RIGHT with a radius equal to the previous arcs, sketch it with any radius that works. Then select the Constraints icon. Select the Equality constraint and pick the arc and the first arc. This will enforce the constraint. K An alternative, and quicker way is to initially sketch lines only, without the arcs. Then use the right mouse key pop-up menu and select Fillet (or select the Fillet icon.) Pick each leg of a sharp corner to create a fillet arc. When all three fillets are created, select the Constraint icon, and then the Equality icon (the equal sign.) Pick two arcs to constrain their radii to be equal. Repeat for the third arc.

It may be helpful to reposition dimensions for clarity. Select and drag dimensions to the desired positions. Box select all dimensions and select Modify. Deselect Regenerate, and change the dimension values to those shown. Picking on a dimension in the graphics area highlights that dimension in the Modify Dimensions box, making modifications easier. Select the OK icon. If the section appears correct, select the OK icon from the sketcher toolbar. The Thin Opt menu prompts for the side of the section on which to add material. Flip the arrow until it points to the inside of the bracket and select Okay. For thickness enter .125. Select Blind>Done and enter 5 to define the depth of the bracket. Preview the protrusion and select OK. 4. Create a saved isometric view of the model. Select the Orient the model icon. The Orientation dialog box appears. Expand the Saved Views bar and select FRONT, then Set. The model reorients to the front view.

Use the pull-down menu under Type to select Dynamic Orient. In the vertical field, enter 45 and hit enter. Then, in the horizontal field, enter 35. The resulting 2-42

Orient the Model

view is isometric. By the Name bar, enter iso_1 and select Save. The name ISO_1 appears in the Saved Views box. Select OK to close the Orientation dialog box. 5. Explore the Saved view list icon. Select the Saved view list icon from the tool bar. The names of the views in the default template appear, as well as the ISO_1 view just created. Select each view and see how the model reorients. Finally, select the ISO_1 view. Note: Views can be saved for any orientation of the model, and they may

Saved View list

6. Create slots in the bracket. Select Insert>Cut>Extrude. Accept the default of One Side and select Done. For the sketching plane pick in the area shown in the figure. Accept the default direction. From the SKET VIEW menu select Top and pick on the large top surface of the part.

Figure 31 Sketching plane and TOP reference picks for the cut

Delete the left edge reference, and pick the right edge as shown. (It may be helpful to turn off datum plane display to select these references.)

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Figure 32 Sketching reference picks

K Note: Since the top surface was used for sketcher orientation, this minimizes both the number of parent/child relationships and the number of references for the slot feature. Sketch the slot shown in the figure using lines and tangent arcs.

Figure 33 Slot sketch Select the Dimension and create the slot width dimension by picking on each of the center marks followed by clicking the middle mouse key above the part. Likewise, create a 2-44

dimension from the top reference to the left arc center mark. Finally, create a diametral dimension for the arc by double-clicking on the arc and then placing the dimension with the middle mouse key. Modify the dimensions. Use a box to select all the dimensions. Select Modify and enter the correct values as shown in the figure. Add axis points at the slot center marks. Select Sketch>Axis Point from the menu bar. (Alternatively, select the Axis Point icon, accesses via the flyout next to the Coordinate system icon on the sketcher toolbar.) Pick on each center mark. (Note that the pointer snaps to the center marks.) An X appears over the center mark to indicate that an axis point is created. This creates an axis through each center mark of the slot. Select the Done icon from the sketcher toolbar. Make sure the arrow points toward the inside of the slot, and select Okay. (If it points toward the outside of the slot, select Flip and Okay.) For depth enter Thru Next and select Done. Select OK to accept the slot.

Figure 34 Bracket with first slot 7. Create a hole in the upper flange. Spin the part slightly so you can see the upper large flange as well as two edges comprising one of the external corners. Select Insert>Hole.

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Accept the default Straight Hole. Enter .375 for the diameter and select Thru Next for Depth One. For the placement plane (the Primary Reference), pick the top surface near the corner. For the first linear reference, pick the thin back surface (use query select) and enter .5 for the distance. Pick the thin on the left side of the part and enter .75.

Figure 35 Reference picks for the first hole

Preview the hole and select the Build Feature icon. 8. Use the Info menu to identify the parents and the references for the hole feature. Select Info>Parent/Child. Select the hole. The Reference Information Window appears. The left column shows that the hole has no children. The right column shows that the thin protrusion is the only parent feature of the hole. (If you mistakenly picked on a datum plane for one of the references, it would be highlighted as well.) Select the parent feature in the right column, and the feature is highlighted. This is very handy for large models. Expand the parent list by selecting the + box. This shows the references used to create the hole. Select each reference in turn to highlight the reference in the main graphics area. The first reference is the top surface of the protrusion. That reference was created by selecting the placement plane for the hole. The thin back surface and left surfaces of the part are the remaining two references. These were used for the linear dimensions for the hole. Close the dialog box. 9. Create a second hole on the short flange of the part with the same dimensions and the same diameter as the first hole.

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K Note! The hole feature created in this step will NOT capture our design intent. It is included here to illustrate this point. It is deleted and replaced with a better feature in a later step. Spin the part slightly so you can see the smaller flange as well as two edges, including the same side as the first hole. Select Insert>Hole.

Figure 36 Second hole reference picks For the diameter enter .375. For the depth, select Thru Next. For the placement plane, pick the flange surface near the corner. Pick the thin front surface (use query select) and enter .5 for the distance. Pick the thin surface on the side of the part and enter .75. Preview the hole and select the Build Feature icon.

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Figure 37 Bracket with slot and holes after Step 9.

10. Modify the first hole diameter and placement. Select Modify. Pick the first hole. Change the diameter to .75 and the dimension from the side to 1.5. Note that the modified dimensions turn white to indicate that the model needs regeneration. Select Regenerate from the PART menu. Note that only one hole changes B the second hole is unaffected. The design intent is not captured in this model. To fix this problem, delete the second hole and recreate it using the Feature>Copy option. First, modify the part again to return the hole to its original dimensions. Select Modify and pick the hole. Change the two dimensions to their original values. Select Regenerate. 11. Delete the second hole. Select Feature>Delete. Accept the default Normal and pick on the second hole. Select Done and the hole disappears. K Shortcut: With the Select Primary items icon selected, pick the hole in the main graphics area or on the model tree. When it highlights, activate the right mouse key pop-up menu. Select Delete. Select OK at the prompt to delete. This also works for Modify and several other commands.

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12. Create a dependent copy of the first hole. To do this, two of the original references B the hole placement plane and the back thin surface B must be replaced. Select Feature>Copy>New Refs|Select|Dependent|Done Pick the hole and select Done Sel and Done. The Group Elements dialog box appears. Since all three dimensions for the hole will remain unchanged, do not check any boxes. Select Done.

Figure 38 Copy hole reference picks The WHICH REF menu appears with Alternate as the default. The placement surface is highlighted. Use query select to pick the inside surface of the small flange. (If the outside surface is chosen, the hole will be created off of the part. Why?) The next reference is highlighted. Replace the back edge by picking the thin front edge of the small flange as the new reference. When the side surface highlights, select Same to keep it. The new hole should appear highlighted. If it is correct, select Done. If not, select Redefine and fix the references. 13. Repeat step 10 to modify the holes. Note that both holes now update together. The design intent is realized. Modify the part again to return the holes to their original dimensions. 14. Mirror the two holes and the slot so they appear on the opposite side of the part. Select Feature>Copy>Mirror|Select|Dependent|Done Pick the two holes and the slot to be mirrored. Use query select to select the two holes and the slot. (Note: To ensure that the correct items are selected use the rehighlight option under the Get Select menu.) Select Done Sel and Done.

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When prompted to select a plan to mirror about, pick the FRONT datum. (If datum planes are turned off, pick on the toolbar icon to turn them on again.) The holes and the slot are now mirrored about that datum. 15. Modify the holes to demonstrate that the new features are dependent on the original. Select Done from the Feature menu followed by Modify from the PART menu. Pick one of the holes. Change the .75 dimension to 1.5 and the .375 diameter to .75. Pick one of the slots. Change the 1.0 width of the slot dimension to .5. Change the .5 dimension from the right edge of the part to 1. Select Regenerate. Notice that all four holes and both slots are changed. This illustrates how dependent copies can be used to capture design intent. Modify the part again to return the holes and slots to their original dimensions. Save the part by selecting the Save icon from the tool bar and accepting the default name of the part. 16. Examine the model structure. Look at the model tree. There should be three default datum planes and a coordinate system, a protrusion, a cut, a hole and two group COPIED_GROUP features. Each of these features regenerates with the model. Since this part is symmetric, a more compact model could be made using the Mirror Geom command. K Note that the next few steps demonstrate an entirely different method of modeling the part. The resulting geometry will be identical. 17. Delete the copy mirror feature. Select Feature>Delete. Pick the mirror feature either by picking on any one of the mirrored features or directly from the model tree. Select Done Sel>Done. 18. Redefine the thin protrusion feature so that it is extruded on only one side. Select Feature>Redefine. Pick the thin protrusion feature. The Protrusion:Extrude dialog box appears. We need only alter the attributes element. Select Attributes and Define. The ATTRIBUTES menu appears. Select One Side and Done. The depth should be one-half the original five inches. Select Blind|Done and enter 2.5.

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Select Preview to view the redefined feature. Note that the holes and slots are not shown in the preview, because they were added to the model after the protrusion. Select OK.

Figure 39 Bracket after redefinition in Step 18. 19. Mirror all geometry to complete the revised part. Select Feature>Mirror Geom. Pick the FRONT datum. All part geometry is mirrored. 20. The part now looks the same as it did after Step 14. Look at the model tree. Notice that the second group copied feature has been replaced with a single merge feature. Repeat Step 15 to ensure that the holes and slots still meet our design objective of updating together.

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Figure 40 The Bracket part

K There are subtle, but important differences in this model and the model as completed in Step 15, although the final geometry is identical. 1. The model regenerates faster because only the first half is regenerated (this is not significant for a small part like the bracket, but may be important for large or complex models.) 2. The parameter defining the width of the part only defines one-half of the actual width. This is apparent when a drawing is created from the part B the width dimension would extend from the center of the part to one edge. Usually this is undesirable, and may justify the original method of model creation. (There are fixes for this problem, but it is always more elegant to obtain the desired parameters within the model.) 3. If the model is to be used for a finite element analysis, and if the loads are also symmetric about the FRONT datum, it can be a very big advantage to use the Mirror Geom feature. It is easy to suppress this feature, thus facilitating a symmetric analysis.

% End Exercise 2.3

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Review Questions
1. 2. 3. 4. Explain what is meant by "capturing design intent." Why is it important? Describe the structure of a Pro/E part model. List several methods of creating protrusions. What is the difference between a "pick-and-place" feature (such as a hole) and a sketched feature? 5. 6. 7. 8. List three ways to access on-line help for a particular menu option. What is the Model Tree, and how is it used? What should always be the first feature in a new Pro/E model? What are parent/child relationships? Why are they so important?

Problems
P2.1 Create a model of the hub shown.

Hints: $ Use a revolved protrusion for the basic hub shape. $ Use an extruded cut to create the keyseat. $ Use a Standard Hole type with 5/16 UNC threads for the setscrew hole. Use the keyseat for the placement plane. $ Use Copy>Mirror to copy the bolt holes.

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P2.2

Create a model of the spider shown in the figure. (Note: this will be a component in the reducer assembly created later in this tutorial.

Hints: $ Use an extruded protrusion for the small central circle. $ Use an extruded protrusion to create the first arm. $ Use Copy>Move with the Rotate option to rotate the arm 60E. Rotate about either the central axis or the default coordinate system Z axis. $ Use Copy>Mirror three times to obtain the remaining arms.

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