Advanced ProE tip 3

[Hora]

I decided to write this tip after a short discussion with master here, JustKeepGiviner (JKG) about relations patterns which involves advanced knowledge of ProE, For those of you want to learn advanced techniques about patterns, please see the JKG example of the following thread: Pattern Tables and Layouts - thread554-154663.

I will not talk about advanced patterns here, but about an amazing tool ProE put in our hands: MOVE COMPONENTS IN ASSEMBLY MODE.

I still on ProENGINEER 2001, so you must find the similar way to do in WILDFIRE.

Create an assembly, (3 datums+ a CSYS) and assemble the first component let's say a plate. The easiest way is just to use CSYS on CSYS. Then assemble on this plate anothe part (a cube). I mated with the big plate, 40inches in x direction and 0 in z direction. There is no way to move, rotate or pattern the cube if your part is fully constrited, as we wish! Well here is the tricky part.

From assembly menu, choose the option MODIFY->MOD ASSY->MOVE->select assembly CSYS -> select your part -> Rotate->choose y axis (for example)-> give a value (let's say 30)-> Done. Then regenerate. Surprise! Your part is rotated with 30 degrees! Now guess what? You can use this rotation as a base for a pattern! Let's pattern the cube: Choose COMPONENT-> PATTERN->select the cube->select the angle dim you just created->give a value of 30->done and put 6 for number of instances (you can use any numbers you want). Now you'll have a nice pattern.

But this is not all! Now the fantastic part:

Select again MODIFY->MOD ASSY->MOVE-> select the CSYS of the third pattern instance -> select the third instance cube->ROTATE-> Y axis-> put 45 degrees-> Done-> Regenerate.

Surprise! Your third instance has been rotated with 45 degrees. But only this one! Did you ever think you can do this in ProENGINEER?

Go ahead and select again MODIFY->MOD ASSY->MOVE->select assembly CSYS -> select the third instance-> TRANSLATE-> X axis-> give a value of 20. Regenerate! That was cool, right?

Remember, you can add any time new dimensions for the part already constainted. You are limited by your imagination.

But there will be too nice to be parfect! In fact you will loose all the dimensions you created if you redifine your cube! That's only negative thing about this method.

I hope you will appreciate this incredible feature of ProENGINEER wich in many cases, will help you a lot!

Good luck,

-Hora

 

[Tofflemire]

Hi Hora,

Great Tip. I have been using that tip for a couple of years. Never thought to post it. You can also add the patterns to family tables and control the numbers in the family table.

The real question I would like answered is how to translate CSYS or ACSYS itself for different assembly locations in an family tabled assemblies.

Have a star

Tofflemire

 

[Hora]

Thank you Tofflemire,

You mean you want to translate the whole pattern and this translation dimension want to store in the family table as well?

If yes, then you have to make a translation of the component you want to pattern and then apply the pattern.

In this way you can have the pattern "assembled" at different locations.

-Hora.

 

[3dlogix]

Great tip. This also works in WF. I have used in the past the same technique, but for linear direction patterns. Say you use 0.0 Aling or Mate Offset, then select Pattern and pick the 0.0 value and add your new increment.

Do you really think PTC wnats to give everything away? That's our job.

Great work. Another star on your shoulder.

Steve

http://www.sprdesign.com

http://www.3dlogix.com

 

[Hora]

Thank you Steve,

The nice thing of this tool is that you can create a CSYS where you want in any component of your assy and then you can translate, rotate, pattern the components from this origin. You are not stuck with the initial assembly conditions.

Have a nice day!
-Hora