Alibre Design User Guide

Alibre Design User Guide

Copyrights

Contents
2.3.1 System Options ........................................................................... 11
3.1.1 Workspace Terms ....................................................................... 20
3.1.2 Opening a New Workspace ........................................................ 20
3.1.3 Model Terms ............................................................................... 22
3.1.4 Work Area Color Scheme ........................................................... 22
3.1.5 Multiple Views ............................................................................. 24
3.1.6 Named Views .............................................................................. 25
3.1.7 Design Explorer........................................................................... 25

4.2.1 Entering Sketch Mode ................................................................. 42
4.2.2 Exiting Sketch Mode ................................................................... 43
4.3.1 Customizing Colors of Items in Sketch Mode .............................. 43
4.3.2 Customizing the Size of Nodes ................................................... 44
4.4.1 Line ............................................................................................. 44
4.4.2 Circle ........................................................................................... 46
4.4.3 Circular Arcs................................................................................ 47
4.4.4 Rectangles .................................................................................. 49
4.4.5 Spline Curves .............................................................................. 50
4.4.6 Ellipses ........................................................................................ 54
4.4.7 Elliptical Arcs ............................................................................... 55
4.4.8 Polygons ..................................................................................... 56
4.4.9 Sketch Shapes ............................................................................ 57
4.4.10 Text Figures ................................................................................ 69
4.6.1 Extending Figures ....................................................................... 71
4.6.2 Trimming Figures ........................................................................ 72
4.6.3 Adding 2D Fillets to Sketch Figures ............................................ 72
4.6.4 Adding Chamfers to Sketch Figures ............................................ 73
4.6.5 Offsetting Figures ........................................................................ 74
4.6.6 Mirroring Figures ......................................................................... 77
4.6.7 Patterning Sketch Figures ........................................................... 78
4.6.8 Moving and Rotating Sketch Figures .......................................... 80
4.7.1 Dimensioning Sketch Figures ..................................................... 82
4.7.2 Real Time Dimensioning ............................................................. 85
4.7.3 Dimensioning with DOF Callouts ................................................. 88
4.7.4 Auto Dimensioning a Sketch ....................................................... 89
4.7.5 Working with Sketch Dimensions ................................................ 91
4.7.6 Equations in Dimensions ............................................................. 91
4.7.7 Sketch Dimension Settings ......................................................... 96
4.8.1 Constraint Types ......................................................................... 99
4.8.2 Manually Applying Sketch Constraints ...................................... 101
4.8.3 Sketch Constraint Inferencing ................................................... 102
4.8.4 Deleting Sketch Constraints ...................................................... 102
4.8.5 Sketch Status and Degrees of Freedom ................................... 103
4.8.6 Sketch Constraint Settings ........................................................ 106
4.9.1 Grid and Snap ........................................................................... 110
4.9.2 Snapping to the Working Plane ................................................. 113
4.9.3 Cursor Dimension Hints ............................................................ 113
4.9.4 Cursor Display........................................................................... 114

4.9.5 Inference Hints .......................................................................... 114
4.9.6 Direct Coordinate Entry ............................................................. 115
4.9.7 Right-click Menu ........................................................................ 116
4.9.8 Open and Closed Sketches ...................................................... 116
4.9.9 Checking Sketches for Errors.................................................... 117
4.9.10 Enclosed Figures ...................................................................... 118
4.9.11 Copying and Pasting Sketch Figures ........................................ 119
4.10.1 Editing Sketches ....................................................................... 120
4.10.2 Renaming Sketches .................................................................. 121
4.10.3 Deleting Sketches ..................................................................... 121
5.1.1 Offset Plane .............................................................................. 124
5.1.2 Tangent Plane ........................................................................... 125
5.1.3 Angled Plane ............................................................................. 125
5.1.4 Parallel Plane through a Point ................................................... 126
5.1.5 Plane at Line and Point ............................................................. 126
5.1.6 Three Point Plane ..................................................................... 127
5.1.7 Plane Normal to 3D Sketch or 3D Edge .................................... 127
5.2.1 Axis through Axis or Edge ......................................................... 128
5.2.2 Axis through Two Points ........................................................... 128
5.2.3 Axis Using Cylindrical Face ....................................................... 128
5.2.4 Axis through Two Planes .......................................................... 129
5.2.5 Axis Offset and Parallel to Axis or Edge .................................... 129
5.3.1 Point at Specified Coordinates .................................................. 130
5.3.2 Point at Plane and Axis/Edge .................................................... 130
5.3.3 Point at Axis/Edge and Axis/Edge ............................................. 130
5.3.4 Point at the Center of Circular Edge .......................................... 131
5.3.5 Point at Vertex........................................................................... 131
5.3.6 Point along Edge ....................................................................... 131
5.3.7 Point between Two Points ......................................................... 131
5.4.1 Inserting Reference Surfaces .................................................... 132
5.4.2 Positioning Reference Surfaces ................................................ 133
5.4.3 Thickening Reference Surfaces ................................................ 134
5.4.4 Trimming a Solid ....................................................................... 134
5.4.5 Extruding to Geometry .............................................................. 135
5.5.1 Hiding Individual Reference Geometry Items ............................ 135
5.5.2 Hiding Reference Geometry Groups ......................................... 136
5.5.3 Hiding All Reference Geometry Groups .................................... 136

6.5.1 Entering 3D Sketch Mode ......................................................... 146
6.5.2 Exiting 3D Sketch Mode ............................................................ 146
6.6.1 Line ........................................................................................... 146
6.6.2 Arc ............................................................................................. 147
6.6.3 Spline ........................................................................................ 148
6.7.1 Placing a Sketch Node .............................................................. 149
6.7.2 Inserting Sketch Nodes from a File ........................................... 150
6.9.1 Adding Fillets............................................................................. 151
6.9.2 Dimensioning 3D Sketch Figures .............................................. 152
6.10.1 Inferred Constraints ................................................................... 155
6.10.2 Explicit Constraints .................................................................... 155
7.2.1 Feature Types ........................................................................... 160
7.3.1 Extrude Boss and Extrude Cut Feature Creation ...................... 160
7.3.2 Thin Wall Extrude Boss and Cut Feature Creation .................... 164
7.4.1 Revolve Boss and Revolve Cut Features .................................. 167
7.4.2 Thin Wall Revolve Boss and Cut Features ................................ 168
7.6.1 Sweep Boss and Sweep Cut Features ...................................... 175
7.6.2 Thin Wall Boss Sweep and Cut Sweep Features ...................... 176

7.8.1 Constant Radius Fillets ............................................................. 182
7.8.2 Variable Radius Fillets .............................................................. 184
7.9.1 Edge Chamfers ......................................................................... 185
7.9.2 Vertex Chamfers ....................................................................... 186
7.14.1 Saving Catalog Features ........................................................... 193
7.14.2 Inserting Catalog Features ........................................................ 193
7.15.1 Mirroring Features ..................................................................... 194
7.15.2 Feature Patterns ....................................................................... 196
7.15.3 Topology Patterns ..................................................................... 200
7.16.1 Design Boolean Editor Environment ......................................... 210
7.16.2 Design Boolean Feature Creation ............................................. 210
7.16.3 Design Boolean Feature Editing................................................ 212
7.17.1 Implications of Using Direct Editing ........................................... 212
7.17.2 Push Pull Face Sketch .............................................................. 214
7.17.3 Push Pull Pocket or Boss .......................................................... 216
7.17.4 Push Pull Radius ....................................................................... 218
7.17.5 Remove Faces .......................................................................... 220
7.17.6 Tips for Successful Direct Editing .............................................. 221
8.6.1 Sheet Metal Changes for Version 9.1 and Later ....................... 239
8.10.1 Rounding a Corner .................................................................... 242
8.10.2 Chamfering a corner ................................................................. 242

9.2.1 Editing Sketches and Features ................................................. 246
9.2.2 Suppressing Features in Parts .................................................. 246
9.2.3 Reordering Features ................................................................. 247
9.2.4 Rolling Back Features ............................................................... 248
9.9.1 Setting Up Excel to Drive Designs ............................................ 261
9.9.2 Driving Designs by Spreadsheet ............................................... 263
9.9.3 Modifying Spreadsheet Driven Parameters ............................... 265
9.9.4 Re-linking a Spreadsheet to a Part ........................................... 267
9.10.1 PDF File Creation ...................................................................... 270
9.10.2 Continuing with an Existing PDF ............................................... 276
9.10.3 PDF Publishing Templates ........................................................ 276
9.10.4 Viewing Published PDF Files .................................................... 279
9.10.5 Improving the Quality of Published PDF Files ........................... 280
9.10.6 Publishing a Model to HTML ..................................................... 280
9.10.7 Printing 3D Models .................................................................... 281
9.10.8 Annotations ............................................................................... 281
9.10.9 Troubleshooting Failed Features............................................... 281
9.10.10 Viewing Constituents ............................................................... 282
9.10.11 Display Optimization ................................................................ 282
10.1.1 Lock properties represented in the Design Explorer ................. 287
10.1.2 Editing Properties of Configurations .......................................... 287
10.1.3 Regeneration of Design Configurations .................................... 289
10.2.1 Helpful Notes on Design Configurations in Parts ...................... 293

10.3.1 Inserting Configurations of Parts or Subassemblies .................. 298
10.3.2 Missing Design Configurations .................................................. 301
10.3.3 Configurations in Assembly Patterns ........................................ 302
10.3.4 Helpful Notes on Design Configurations in Assemblies ............ 305
11.3.1 Opening a New Assembly and Inserting Existing Parts ............ 315
11.3.2 Anchored Parts ......................................................................... 316
11.3.3 Inserting an Existing Design Into an Open Assembly ................ 316
11.3.4 Selecting Parts in the Assembly ................................................ 317
11.3.5 Part Display Options ................................................................. 318
11.3.6 Inserting a Duplicate Design Into an Open Assembly ............... 319
11.3.7 Inserting a Pattern of Parts in an Assembly .............................. 319
11.3.8 Moving and Rotating Parts Freely ............................................. 322
11.3.9 Moving and Rotating Parts Precisely ........................................ 324
11.3.10 Moving Parts to Simulate Assembly Physical Motion .............. 325
11.3.11 Hiding a Part ............................................................................ 326
11.3.12 Suppressing a Part .................................................................. 326
11.3.13 Applying Color Properties to a Part.......................................... 327
11.3.14 Checking Measurements ......................................................... 327
11.3.15 Viewing Part Reference Geometry .......................................... 328
11.4.1 Assembly Constraint Types ...................................................... 328
11.4.2 Inserting Assembly Constraints - Quick Constraint Mode ......... 329
11.4.3 Inserting Assembly Constraints - Manual Method ..................... 334
11.4.4 Inter-Design Constraints ........................................................... 335
11.4.5 Managing Assembly Constraints ............................................... 335
11.4.6 Failed Assembly Constraints ..................................................... 337
11.7.1 Inserting an Exploded View Using Auto Explode Mode ............ 342
11.7.2 Inserting an Exploded View Using Manual Explode .................. 344
11.7.3 Viewing and/or Editing an Exploded View ................................. 346
11.7.4 Exploded View Steps ................................................................ 347
11.10.1 Creating a New Part within an Assembly ................................. 349

11.10.2 Editing a Part in an Assembly .................................................. 350
11.10.3 Improving Assembly Performance when Editing Parts ............ 351
12.1.1 Opening a New Drawing ........................................................... 355
12.1.2 Selecting a Drawing Template .................................................. 355
12.1.3 Selecting the Model ................................................................... 356
12.1.4 Inserting Standard Views .......................................................... 357
12.1.5 Inserting Additional Standard Views .......................................... 359
12.1.6 Fast Views ................................................................................ 361
12.2.1 Drawing Mark-Up Mode ............................................................ 362
12.2.2 Renaming Sheets & Views ........................................................ 365
12.2.3 Changing the Drawing Template ............................................... 365
12.2.4 Deleting Views .......................................................................... 366
12.2.5 Hiding Views ............................................................................. 367
12.2.6 Drawing Selection Filters .......................................................... 367
12.2.7 Moving Views on the Sheet ....................................................... 368
12.2.8 Updating Drawing Views ........................................................... 369
12.2.9 View and Sheet Boundaries ...................................................... 369
12.2.10 Changing the View Scale ......................................................... 370
12.2.11 Line Display in Views ............................................................... 370
12.2.12 Centerlines and Centermarks .................................................. 371
12.2.13 Optimizing the Drawing Display ............................................... 373
12.2.14 Layers ...................................................................................... 374
12.2.15 Adding Sheets ......................................................................... 378
12.2.16 Reordering Sheets ................................................................... 379
12.2.17 Moving a View to Another Sheet ............................................. 379
12.2.18 Hiding Parts in a View (Assemblies Only) ................................ 379
12.2.19 Inserting Images in a Drawing ................................................. 380
12.2.20 Printing a Drawing ................................................................... 381
12.3.1 Placing Additional Dimensions on a View ................................. 382
12.3.2 Dimensioning Slots and Holes .................................................. 383
12.3.3 Placing Ordinate Dimensions on a View ................................... 384
12.3.4 Modifying Driving Dimension Values ......................................... 384
12.3.5 Dimension Properties ................................................................ 385
12.3.6 Dimension Styles ...................................................................... 386
12.3.7 Aligning Dimensions .................................................................. 389
12.4.1 Standard View ........................................................................... 389
12.4.2 Auxiliary View ............................................................................ 390
12.4.3 Detail View ................................................................................ 391

12.4.4 Section View ............................................................................. 393
12.4.5 Broken View .............................................................................. 397
12.4.6 Partial View ............................................................................... 399
12.4.7 Exploded View .......................................................................... 401
12.4.8 Flat Pattern View of a Sheet Metal Part .................................... 402
12.5.1 Creating a Custom Template .................................................... 402
12.5.2 Customizing an Existing Template ............................................ 403
12.5.3 Saving and Using a Custom Template as a Drawing ................ 404
12.5.4 Saving and Using a Custom Template as a Symbol ................. 405
12.5.5 Automatically Filling Title Block Information .............................. 406
12.5.6 Managing Design Property Value Fields ................................... 408
12.6.1 Note .......................................................................................... 410
12.6.2 Datums ...................................................................................... 412
12.6.3 Datum Targets .......................................................................... 413
12.6.4 Feature Control Frames ............................................................ 415
12.6.5 Surface Finish Symbol .............................................................. 418
12.6.6 Weld Symbol ............................................................................. 419
12.6.7 Balloon Callouts ........................................................................ 420
12.6.8 Thread and Hole Callouts ......................................................... 421
12.6.9 Tables ....................................................................................... 425
12.6.10 Working with Annotations ........................................................ 428
13.2.1 BOM Creation ........................................................................... 430
13.2.2 Custom BOM Templates ........................................................... 432
13.3.1 Inserting a BOM View into a Drawing ........................................ 433
13.3.2 Linking a BOM to a Drawing ..................................................... 435
13.3.3 Unlinking a BOM from a Drawing .............................................. 436
13.3.4 Editing a BOM ........................................................................... 436
13.3.5 Moving the BOM View on the Sheet ......................................... 436
13.3.6 Hiding the BOM View ................................................................ 437
13.3.7 Deleting the BOM View ............................................................. 438
13.3.8 Moving a BOM View to Another Sheet ...................................... 438
13.3.9 Splitting a BOM View ................................................................ 438
13.3.10 Adding Callout Balloons ........................................................... 439
13.4.1 Adding and Deleting Columns in a BOM ................................... 443
13.4.2 Adding and Deleting a Row in a BOM ....................................... 445
13.4.3 Hiding a Row ............................................................................. 445
13.4.4 Resizing Rows and Columns .................................................... 446

13.4.5 Adjusting Column Header and Data Alignment ......................... 447
13.4.6 Moving Rows and Columns in a Table ...................................... 448
13.4.7 Sorting Data in Ascending or Descending Order ...................... 449
13.4.8 Changing the Header Display Orientation ................................. 449
13.4.9 Customizing Header and Data Font Properties ......................... 450
13.4.10 Overriding Design Values ........................................................ 450
13.4.11 Modifying the BOM View Style ................................................ 451
13.4.12 Resequencing Data ................................................................. 451
13.4.13 Updating the Table .................................................................. 452
13.4.14 Exporting a BOM ..................................................................... 453
13.4.15 Printing a BOM ........................................................................ 453
14.1.1 Opening Files from the File System .......................................... 455
14.1.2 Opening Files from the Alibre Vault ........................................... 455
14.2.1 General Saving Principles ......................................................... 456
14.2.2 Single Item Save vs. Multi-Item Save ........................................ 457
14.2.3 Saving Files to the File System ................................................. 457
14.2.4 Saving Files to the Alibre Vault ................................................. 459
15.1.1 Supported File Types ................................................................ 463
15.1.2 Importing a File ......................................................................... 464
15.1.3 Import Settings and Import Advisor ........................................... 466
15.2.1 Supported File Types ................................................................ 469
15.2.2 Exporting a File ......................................................................... 470
16.3.1 Alibre Motion, Main Menu ......................................................... 476
16.3.2 Alibre Motion Explorer ............................................................... 477
16.3.3 Motion Explorer Groups ............................................................ 478
16.3.4 Motion Settings ......................................................................... 479
16.3.5 Playback Deck .......................................................................... 485

16.5.1 Adding Physical Elements (Motors and Actuators, Springs and Dampers)
489
16.5.2 Actuators (Motors and Linear Actuators) ................................... 490
16.5.3 Springs ...................................................................................... 497
16.5.4 Dampers ................................................................................... 498
16.5.5 Gravity ....................................................................................... 499
16.6.1 Simulation Types ....................................................................... 502
16.6.2 Producing Efficient and Useful Simulations ............................... 502
16.6.3 Automatic Constraint Mapping (ACM) in Alibre Motion ............. 504
16.6.4 Moving and Fixed Parts ............................................................ 504
16.6.5 Creating Simulations ................................................................. 505
16.6.6 Renaming Simulations .............................................................. 505
16.6.7 Running Simulations ................................................................. 506
16.6.8 Simulation Warnings ................................................................. 507
16.6.9 Maintaining Multiple Simulations ............................................... 507
16.6.10 Deleting Simulations ................................................................ 508
16.6.11 Activating a Different Simulation .............................................. 508
16.7.1 Traces - Visualizing Paths and Vectors ..................................... 509
16.7.2 Video Generation with Alibre Motion ......................................... 513
16.7.3 Generating X-Y Plots from Simulation Data .............................. 516
16.8.1 Interferences Dialog .................................................................. 519
17.6.1 Searching .................................................................................. 526
17.6.2 Views ........................................................................................ 529
17.11.1 Versioning Concepts ................................................................ 534
17.11.2 Viewing Version History ........................................................... 535
17.11.3 Version Label Creation ............................................................ 536
17.11.4 Rolling Back to Previous Versions ........................................... 537

Installation
1.1 System Requirements
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�

�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�

�
1.2 On the DVD
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
1.3 Installing Alibre Design
�
�

1.4 Uninstalling Alibre Design
�

Getting Started With Alibre Design
2.1 Initial Launch of Alibre Design
�

�
�
2.2 Tutorials
2.3 Home Window

2.3.1 System Options
2.4 Workspaces

�

�
2.5 Common Terms

2.6 Toolbars
�

�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�

Introduction to the Design Interface
3.1 Workspaces

3.1.1 Workspace Terms
�
�
3.1.2 Opening a New Workspace
�

3.1.3 Model Terms
3.1.4 Work Area Color Scheme
�

�

3.1.5 Multiple Views
�
�

3.1.6 Named Views
3.1.7 Design Explorer

�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
3.2 Selection Methods
�
�

�
�
�
�
�

�
3.3 Standard Toolbars
�

�
�

3.4 Custom Toolbars
�

3.5 View Manipulation
�
�

�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�

�
�
�
�
�
�
3.6 Getting Help
�
�
�
�

�
�
�
�
�
�
3.7 Keyboard Hot-Key Descriptions

Sketching
4.1 Sketching Interface

�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�

4.2 Sketch Mode
4.2.1 Entering Sketch Mode
�

4.2.2 Exiting Sketch Mode
�
�
�
�
�
4.3 Customizing the Look of Sketch Figures
4.3.1 Customizing Colors of Items in Sketch Mode
�

4.3.2 Customizing the Size of Nodes
�
4.4 Sketch Figures
4.4.1 Line
�

�
�

�
4.4.2 Circle
�

�
�
4.4.3 Circular Arcs
�

�
�
�

�
�
4.4.4 Rectangles
�
�

�
�
4.4.5 Spline Curves

�

�

�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�

�
�
�
�
�
4.4.6 Ellipses
�

�
�
4.4.7 Elliptical Arcs
�

�
�
4.4.8 Polygons
�

�
�
4.4.9 Sketch Shapes

�

�

�
�
�

�
�
�
�

�
�
�

�
�
�
�
�

�

�

4.4.10 Text Figures
�

�
4.5 Reference Figures and Sketch Nodes
�

�
�
�
4.6 Working with Existing Sketch Figures
4.6.1 Extending Figures
�

4.6.2 Trimming Figures
�
4.6.3 Adding 2D Fillets to Sketch Figures
�

4.6.4 Adding Chamfers to Sketch Figures
�

4.6.5 Offsetting Figures
�

4.6.6 Mirroring Figures
�

4.6.7 Patterning Sketch Figures
�
�

�

4.6.8 Moving and Rotating Sketch Figures
�

�
�

4.7 Sketch Dimensions
4.7.1 Dimensioning Sketch Figures
�

�

4.7.2 Real Time Dimensioning
�
�

4.7.3 Dimensioning with DOF Callouts
�

4.7.4 Auto Dimensioning a Sketch
�

�

4.7.5 Working with Sketch Dimensions
�
�
4.7.6 Equations in Dimensions
�

�

<
�� <
� �

�
�

4.7.7 Sketch Dimension Settings
�

�

�

4.8 Sketch Constraints
4.8.1 Constraint Types

4.8.2 Manually Applying Sketch Constraints
�

4.8.3 Sketch Constraint Inferencing
�
�
4.8.4 Deleting Sketch Constraints
�

4.8.5 Sketch Status and Degrees of Freedom

�

4.8.6 Sketch Constraint Settings
�
�

�

�

4.9 Working in a Sketch

4.9.1 Grid and Snap
�

�
�

4.9.2 Snapping to the Working Plane
�
�
�
�
�
4.9.3 Cursor Dimension Hints
�

4.9.4 Cursor Display
�
�
�
4.9.5 Inference Hints

4.9.6 Direct Coordinate Entry
�

4.9.7 Right-click Menu
4.9.8 Open and Closed Sketches

4.9.9 Checking Sketches for Errors
�
�
�

�
4.9.10 Enclosed Figures

4.9.11 Copying and Pasting Sketch Figures
�
�

4.10 Sketches and the Design Explorer
4.10.1 Editing Sketches
�

�
�
�
�
4.10.2 Renaming Sketches
�
4.10.3 Deleting Sketches
�

Reference Geometry
5.1 Reference Planes
�

5.1.1 Offset Plane
�

5.1.2 Tangent Plane
�
5.1.3 Angled Plane
�

5.1.4 Parallel Plane through a Point
�
5.1.5 Plane at Line and Point
�

5.1.6 Three Point Plane
�
5.1.7 Plane Normal to 3D Sketch or 3D Edge
�
5.2 Axes

5.2.1 Axis through Axis or Edge
�
5.2.2 Axis through Two Points
�
5.2.3 Axis Using Cylindrical Face
�

5.2.4 Axis through Two Planes
�
5.2.5 Axis Offset and Parallel to Axis or Edge
�
5.3 Points

�
5.3.1 Point at Specified Coordinates
�
5.3.2 Point at Plane and Axis/Edge
�
5.3.3 Point at Axis/Edge and Axis/Edge
�

5.3.4 Point at the Center of Circular Edge
�
5.3.5 Point at Vertex
�
5.3.6 Point along Edge
�
5.3.7 Point between Two Points
�

5.4 Reference Surfaces
5.4.1 Inserting Reference Surfaces
�
�
�
�
�
�

5.4.2 Positioning Reference Surfaces
�
�
�
�
�

5.4.3 Thickening Reference Surfaces
�
5.4.4 Trimming a Solid
�

5.4.5 Extruding to Geometry
5.5 Reference Geometry Visibility
5.5.1 Hiding Individual Reference Geometry Items
�

5.5.2 Hiding Reference Geometry Groups
5.5.3 Hiding All Reference Geometry Groups
�
5.6 Renaming Reference Geometry
�

5.7 Deleting Reference Geometry
�
5.8 Editing Reference Geometry Properties
�

3D Sketching
6.1 3D Sketching Interface

6.2 3D Sketching Context
�
�
�

�
�
�
�
6.3 Current Coordinate System
�

�
�
�
�
6.4 Sketch Plane, Guide Lines, and Elevation

�

�

�

6.5 Entering and Exiting 3D Sketch Mode
6.5.1 Entering 3D Sketch Mode
�
6.5.2 Exiting 3D Sketch Mode
�
�
�
�
�
6.6 3D Sketch Figures
6.6.1 Line
�

6.6.2 Arc
�
�

�
6.6.3 Spline

�
�
6.7 3D Sketch Nodes
6.7.1 Placing a Sketch Node
�

6.7.2 Inserting Sketch Nodes from a File
�
�
�
�
6.8 Project to 3D Sketch
�

6.9 Working with Existing 3D Sketch Figures
6.9.1 Adding Fillets
�

6.9.2 Dimensioning 3D Sketch Figures

�

�
6.10 3D Sketch Constraints

6.10.1 Inferred Constraints
�
�
�
�
�
�
6.10.2 Explicit Constraints

6.11 Other 3D Sketch Functions

Feature Creation
7.1 Part Modeling Interface

�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�

7.2 Feature Terminology
7.2.1 Feature Types
7.3 Extrude Boss and Extrude Cut
7.3.1 Extrude Boss and Extrude Cut Feature Creation
�

7.3.2 Thin Wall Extrude Boss and Cut Feature Creation
�

7.4 Revolve Boss and Revolve Cut
7.4.1 Revolve Boss and Revolve Cut Features
�

7.4.2 Thin Wall Revolve Boss and Cut Features

�

7.5 Loft Boss and Loft Cut
�

�
�
�
�

7.6 Sweep Boss and Sweep Cut
�

�
�
�
�
�
7.6.1 Sweep Boss and Sweep Cut Features
�

7.6.2 Thin Wall Boss Sweep and Cut Sweep Features

�

7.7 Helical Boss and Helical Cut

�
�
�

�
�

�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�

7.8 Fillet
7.8.1 Constant Radius Fillets
�

7.8.2 Variable Radius Fillets
�

7.9 Chamfers
7.9.1 Edge Chamfers
�

7.9.2 Vertex Chamfers
�

7.10 Shells
�

7.11 Draft Faces
�

7.12 External Cosmetic Threads
�

7.13 Holes
�

�
7.14 Catalog Features

7.14.1 Saving Catalog Features
�
7.14.2 Inserting Catalog Features
�

7.15 Copying Existing Features
7.15.1 Mirroring Features

�

7.15.2 Feature Patterns

�

�

7.15.3 Topology Patterns

�
�
�
�
�

�

7.16 Design Boolean Features

7.16.1 Design Boolean Editor Environment
7.16.2 Design Boolean Feature Creation

�
�
�
�

7.16.3 Design Boolean Feature Editing
�
7.17 Direct Editing
7.17.1 Implications of Using Direct Editing

7.17.2 Push Pull Face Sketch
�

7.17.3 Push Pull Pocket or Boss

�

7.17.4 Push Pull Radius
�

7.17.5 Remove Faces
�

7.17.6 Tips for Successful Direct Editing
�
�

7.18 Scaling Parts
�

7.19 Managing Features in the Design Explorer
�
�
�
�
�

Sheet Metal Feature Creation
8.1 Sheet Metal Part Modeling Interface

8.2 Sheet Metal Part Parameters

�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�

8.3 Tab
�

8.4 Contour Base Flange
�

�
�
�
�
�
�
�

8.5 Lofted Flange
�

�

8.6 Flange
�

8.6.1 Sheet Metal Changes for Version 9.1 and Later
�
�
�
�

�
�
8.7 Closed Corner
�

8.8 Dimple
�
8.9 Cut
�

8.10 Corner Rounds and Chamfers
8.10.1 Rounding a Corner
8.10.2 Chamfering a corner

8.11 Holes
8.12 Unbend and Rebend
�
�
8.13 Catalog Feature

8.14 Copying Existing Features
8.15 Managing Features in the Design Explorer
�
�
�
�
�

Working with Parts
9.1 Design Explorer
�
�
�

�
9.2 Modifying a Part
9.2.1 Editing Sketches and Features
�
�
9.2.2 Suppressing Features in Parts
�

9.2.3 Reordering Features
�

9.2.4 Rolling Back Features
�

�
9.3 Measurement Tool
�

9.4 Part Display Options
�
�
�
�
�
9.5 3D Section Views
�

�

9.6 Part Physical Properties
�
�
9.7 Color Properties
�

�
�

9.8 Project to Sketch

�

9.9 Spreadsheet Driven Designs
9.9.1 Setting Up Excel to Drive Designs
�
�

9.9.2 Driving Designs by Spreadsheet
�

�
9.9.3 Modifying Spreadsheet Driven Parameters
�

9.9.4 Re-linking a Spreadsheet to a Part
�

9.10 3D PDF Publishing
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�

�
�
�
�
9.10.1 PDF File Creation
�

�
�

�

�

�

9.10.2 Continuing with an Existing PDF
�
9.10.3 PDF Publishing Templates

9.10.4 Viewing Published PDF Files
�
�
�

9.10.5 Improving the Quality of Published PDF Files
�
�
�
9.10.6 Publishing a Model to HTML
�

9.10.7 Printing 3D Models
�
9.10.8 Annotations
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
9.10.9 Troubleshooting Failed Features

�
�
�
�
�
�
�
9.10.10 Viewing Constituents
�
9.10.11 Display Optimization
�

�
�
�
�
�
�

Design Configurations
10.1 Design Configurations Overview

10.1.1 Lock properties represented in the Design Explorer
10.1.2 Editing Properties of Configurations
�

�

10.1.3 Regeneration of Design Configurations
�
�
�
10.2 Configuration Creation for Parts and Sheet Metal Parts

�

10.2.1 Helpful Notes on Design Configurations in Parts
�
�
�
�
�
�
10.3 Assembly Configurations

�

10.3.1 Inserting Configurations of Parts or Subassemblies
�

�

10.3.2 Missing Design Configurations
�
�
�
�

10.3.3 Configurations in Assembly Patterns
�

10.3.4 Helpful Notes on Design Configurations in Assemblies
�
�
�
�
�

10.4 Configurations in Drawings

10.5 Configurations in a BOM
�

�

10.6 Configurations and the Equation Editor

Assembly Design
11.1 Assembly Design Methodology

11.2 Assembly Design Interface
�
�
�
�
�

11.3 Assembly Basics
11.3.1 Opening a New Assembly and Inserting Existing Parts
�

11.3.2 Anchored Parts
�
11.3.3 Inserting an Existing Design Into an Open Assembly
�

11.3.4 Selecting Parts in the Assembly
�

11.3.5 Part Display Options
�
�
�
�
�
�

11.3.6 Inserting a Duplicate Design Into an Open Assembly
�
11.3.7 Inserting a Pattern of Parts in an Assembly

�

�

11.3.8 Moving and Rotating Parts Freely

�
�

11.3.9 Moving and Rotating Parts Precisely
�

11.3.10 Moving Parts to Simulate Assembly Physical Motion
�

11.3.11 Hiding a Part
�
�
11.3.12 Suppressing a Part
�
�

11.3.13 Applying Color Properties to a Part
�
11.3.14 Checking Measurements
�

11.3.15 Viewing Part Reference Geometry
�
�
11.4 Assembly Constraints
11.4.1 Assembly Constraint Types
�
�
�
�
�

11.4.2 Inserting Assembly Constraints - Quick Constraint Mode
�
�

�

�

11.4.3 Inserting Assembly Constraints - Manual Method
�

11.4.4 Inter-Design Constraints
11.4.5 Managing Assembly Constraints

�

�
�
�
11.4.6 Failed Assembly Constraints
�
�

�
�
�
�
�
11.5 Flexible Subassemblies

�

11.6 Checking for Interferences
�

�
�
�
�
�

�
11.7 Inserting an Exploded View
11.7.1 Inserting an Exploded View Using Auto Explode Mode
�

11.7.2 Inserting an Exploded View Using Manual Explode
�

11.7.3 Viewing and/or Editing an Exploded View
�

11.7.4 Exploded View Steps
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�

11.8 Deleting an Exploded View
�
11.9 Duplicating an Exploded View
�

11.10 Editing and Designing Parts in the Assembly
11.10.1 Creating a New Part within an Assembly
�

11.10.2 Editing a Part in an Assembly
�

�
11.10.3 Improving Assembly Performance when Editing Parts

�
�
�
11.11 Importing Parts into an Assembly
�

11.12 Joining Parts & Removing Material in an Assembly
�

�

Drawings
12.1 Drawing Creation
12.1.1 Opening a New Drawing
�
12.1.2 Selecting a Drawing Template
�

12.1.3 Selecting the Model
�

12.1.4 Inserting Standard Views
�

12.1.5 Inserting Additional Standard Views
�

12.1.6 Fast Views
�

�
�
�
�
�
�
�
12.2 Working in a Drawing
12.2.1 Drawing Mark-Up Mode

�

�
�
�
�

12.2.2 Renaming Sheets & Views
�
12.2.3 Changing the Drawing Template
�

12.2.4 Deleting Views
�

12.2.5 Hiding Views
�
�
12.2.6 Drawing Selection Filters
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�

�
12.2.7 Moving Views on the Sheet
�

12.2.8 Updating Drawing Views
�
12.2.9 View and Sheet Boundaries

12.2.10 Changing the View Scale
�
�
12.2.11 Line Display in Views
�

12.2.12 Centerlines and Centermarks
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�

�
�
�

12.2.13 Optimizing the Drawing Display
�
�

12.2.14 Layers
�
�
�
�
�
�

�
�
�
�
�

�
�

�
�

12.2.15 Adding Sheets
�

12.2.16 Reordering Sheets
�
12.2.17 Moving a View to Another Sheet
�
12.2.18 Hiding Parts in a View (Assemblies Only)
�

12.2.19 Inserting Images in a Drawing
�

12.2.20 Printing a Drawing
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
12.3 Dimensioning

12.3.1 Placing Additional Dimensions on a View
�

12.3.2 Dimensioning Slots and Holes
�

12.3.3 Placing Ordinate Dimensions on a View
�
12.3.4 Modifying Driving Dimension Values
�

12.3.5 Dimension Properties
�
�

�
12.3.6 Dimension Styles
�

�

�
�
�

12.3.7 Aligning Dimensions
�
12.4 Inserting Additional Views
12.4.1 Standard View

�
12.4.2 Auxiliary View
�

12.4.3 Detail View
�

�
�
12.4.4 Section View

�

�
�
�
�
�

�
�
�

�
�
12.4.5 Broken View
�

�
�

12.4.6 Partial View
�

�
�

�
12.4.7 Exploded View
�

12.4.8 Flat Pattern View of a Sheet Metal Part
�
12.5 Custom Templates
12.5.1 Creating a Custom Template
�

12.5.2 Customizing an Existing Template
�

12.5.3 Saving and Using a Custom Template as a Drawing
�
�

12.5.4 Saving and Using a Custom Template as a Symbol
�
�

12.5.5 Automatically Filling Title Block Information
�

12.5.6 Managing Design Property Value Fields
�

12.6 Annotations

12.6.1 Note
�

12.6.2 Datums
�

12.6.3 Datum Targets
�

12.6.4 Feature Control Frames

�
�
�

12.6.5 Surface Finish Symbol
�
�
�
�
�
�

�
�
�
�
12.6.6 Weld Symbol
�

�
�
�
�
�
�
12.6.7 Balloon Callouts

12.6.8 Thread and Hole Callouts
�

�

�
�
�
�

�

12.6.9 Tables
�
�

�
�
�

�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�

12.6.10 Working with Annotations
�
�

Bills of Material
13.1 Specifying BOM Data
�

�
13.2 Bills of Material Generation
13.2.1 BOM Creation
�

13.2.2 Custom BOM Templates
�

13.3 BOMs within 2D Drawings
13.3.1 Inserting a BOM View into a Drawing
�

�
13.3.2 Linking a BOM to a Drawing
�

13.3.3 Unlinking a BOM from a Drawing
�
13.3.4 Editing a BOM
�
13.3.5 Moving the BOM View on the Sheet

�
13.3.6 Hiding the BOM View
�
�

13.3.7 Deleting the BOM View
�
13.3.8 Moving a BOM View to Another Sheet
�
13.3.9 Splitting a BOM View
�

13.3.10 Adding Callout Balloons
�

�
�
�

13.4 BOM Workspace Interface
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�

�
�
�
�
13.4.1 Adding and Deleting Columns in a BOM
�

�

13.4.2 Adding and Deleting a Row in a BOM
�
�
13.4.3 Hiding a Row
�
�

�
13.4.4 Resizing Rows and Columns
�
�

�
13.4.5 Adjusting Column Header and Data Alignment
�

�
�
13.4.6 Moving Rows and Columns in a Table
�

13.4.7 Sorting Data in Ascending or Descending Order
�
13.4.8 Changing the Header Display Orientation
�

13.4.9 Customizing Header and Data Font Properties
�
�
13.4.10 Overriding Design Values
�
�

13.4.11 Modifying the BOM View Style
�
�
�
�
�
13.4.12 Resequencing Data
�

13.4.13 Updating the Table

�
13.4.14 Exporting a BOM
�
13.4.15 Printing a BOM
�

Opening and Saving
14.1 Opening Files
14.1.1 Opening Files from the File System
�
�
�
�
14.1.2 Opening Files from the Alibre Vault

�
�
�
�
�
14.2 Saving Files
14.2.1 General Saving Principles

14.2.2 Single Item Save vs. Multi-Item Save
�
�
�
�
�
�
14.2.3 Saving Files to the File System
�

�
�
14.2.4 Saving Files to the Alibre Vault

�

Importing and Exporting Data
15.1 Importing Data
15.1.1 Supported File Types
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�

�
�
�
�
�
15.1.2 Importing a File
�

�
15.1.3 Import Settings and Import Advisor
�

�
�
�
�
�
�

�
�
�
�

15.2 Exporting Data
15.2.1 Supported File Types

15.2.2 Exporting a File
�

15.3 Special Options for IGES and STL Files

Alibre Motion
�
�
�
�
�
�
�

16.1 An Overview of Simulation
�
�
�
�
�

16.2 Installing and Enabling Alibre Motion
�
16.3 Alibre Motion User Interface
�

�
�
16.3.1 Alibre Motion, Main Menu

16.3.2 Alibre Motion Explorer
�

16.3.3 Motion Explorer Groups

16.3.4 Motion Settings

�

�

�

�

16.3.5 Playback Deck

16.4 Overview of Simulating and Playing

16.5 Forces and Torques in Simulations
�
�

�
�
�
�
�
�
16.5.1 Adding Physical Elements (Motors and Actuators, Springs and Dampers)
�

�
�
16.5.2 Actuators (Motors and Linear Actuators)

�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�

�
�
�
�
�
�
�

�
�
�

�
�
�
�

16.5.3 Springs
�

�
�
16.5.4 Dampers
�

�
�
16.5.5 Gravity
�

�

16.6 Simulation Types and Parameters:
�
�
�

�
�
16.6.1 Simulation Types
16.6.2 Producing Efficient and Useful Simulations

16.6.3 Automatic Constraint Mapping (ACM) in Alibre Motion
16.6.4 Moving and Fixed Parts

�
�
�
�
�
�
16.6.5 Creating Simulations
�
16.6.6 Renaming Simulations
�

16.6.7 Running Simulations
�
�
�
�

�
�
�
16.6.8 Simulation Warnings
�
16.6.9 Maintaining Multiple Simulations

16.6.10 Deleting Simulations
�
16.6.11 Activating a Different Simulation
�
16.7 Results and Feedback from Alibre Motion Simulations
�
�
�

�
�
16.7.1 Traces - Visualizing Paths and Vectors

�

�
�

�
�
�
�
16.7.2 Video Generation with Alibre Motion

16.7.3 Generating X-Y Plots from Simulation Data
�

�

�
16.8 Detecting Interferences

16.8.1 Interferences Dialog
�
�
�
�
16.9 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
�
�
�
�

Alibre Vault, by M-Files
17.1 Critical Notes for Installation or Modification of the Vault
�

�
17.2 Description of Metadata
17.3 Differences Between the Vault and the File System
�
�
�
�
�

�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
17.4 Enabling or Disabling the Alibre Vault
�
�

17.5 Checking Items In and Out of the Alibre Vault
�
�
�
�
�

�
�

17.6 Finding Items in the Alibre Vault
17.6.1 Searching

17.6.2 Views

17.7 Renaming Files
�

17.8 Copying Items
17.9 Permissions
�

�

17.10 Setting Up Notifications
17.11 Versioning
17.11.1 Versioning Concepts

17.11.2 Viewing Version History
�

17.11.3 Version Label Creation
�

17.11.4 Rolling Back to Previous Versions
�

17.12 Relationships

�
�
�

�
�

17.13 Getting Help
�
�
�
�

Index