How to save a detail (title block) to a library

[ggiles]

I've completed a series of course on CATIA V4 recently and the course work was based on the assumption that the details already exsist. We have recently installed a CATIA station on a unix HP system so we have no Libraries for title blocks etc...

I think I've figured out how to make a detail available for the model file that I am in but how do I save it to a Library so it is available to all my model files??

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[jackk]

to answer your question, you want to use the LIBRARY FK to save a detail in your current model into a library file. You probably want to talk to your system admin to set up a special shared library for titleblocks and also to make sure you have write priveledges for that library.

but for titleblocks, I'd suggest you use symbols instead of details/dittos. They save a little model size and are not as easy to change. to make a symbol library, you first have to make a detail, then convert it into a symbol (FK SYMBOL), and then put it into a library (FK LIBRARY)

 

[ggiles]

Thanks Jackk!!

I'll give it a try .... I was able to talk with our original vendor and they did mention that you needed to have an administrator to set-up the files for you but that was as much as they could tell me. Their answer was to geta list of things that we had questions to and set-up a custom course for answers. That I may still do but I already feel that I've spent enough money getting the darn station going.

 

[jackk]

your welcome, ggiles!

I'm not sure how much business you've done with your vendor, but it seems to me that they should be able to at least install the software, install a plotter and do some customization work as part of the original sale. Having to arrange a "class" based on a set of questions, makes me wonder how much experience your vendor has.

Another tip: If you're company is a supplier for a auto manufacturer, you should check with them to see what kind of libraries they use. You'll probably want to keep stuff compatible so you can exchange models, and libraries can be a problem if they are not sync'd. I think some companies even give you copies of their libraries.

Also, back to library setup: you probably already have a 'private' library in your home directory. Since your just of of class, that would be a good place to work with some of your titleblocks and practice working with details and symbols before your admin builds sets up shared libraries.

 

[applicae]

Suggest you setup details for formats and symbols for modifiable entities that you can use the combination with your format details to create a start drawing. Don't forget to use a layering convention as you cannot merge filters in V4. Good luck!