Catalogs

IronCAD Mechanical was developed in the form of an IronCAD catalog, following the format set by IronCAD; currently consists of seven catalogs: Mech, Tools, Utils, Pipes, Flanges, Mold, Arch;

IronCAD Mechanical also includes a collection of commands placed in the ICMech Ribbon Bar of IronCAD.

Some Functional Tools are for example: ProActive Manager (a very powerful BOM manager active in scene environment), Suppress Manager (a fast tool used to suppress and unsuppressed parts and assemblies) and last but not least ProActive Part, that is a parametric part generator.

Each of catalogs has its own unique set of tools that will be explored in this guide.

Catalogs

Note

The Catalog functionalities of IronCAD Mechanical are divided in two main categories: Parametric Libraries and Functional Tools.

Parametric Libraries includes all the routines for creation of parametric parts like fasteners, steels, bearing etc. All these parts are fully compliant to UNI/DIN/ANSI/ISO/JIS rules.

Functional Tools are a collection of commands that improve the users’ productivity.

Subsections of Catalogs

Mech Catalog

This is the catalog that contains the normalized elements UNI, DIN, ANSI, ISO and JIS, Steels and steel tools.

Subsections of Mech Catalog

Holes

Holes alt > Holes

The Holes tool is used to create any type of normalized hole on the part. This dialog box is displayed every time you drop the IPROHoles tool on the part or when you edit an existing hole.

Youtube video - Holes

Description of the User Interface

At the top of the dialog there are the buttons useful to control the placement of the hole and a combo box used to select the Unit of Measure related to the parameter of the hole. At the left of the Unit of Measure combo there is a button that is used to display a list containing all the Holes existing on the selected part. This list is very useful if you need to modify several holes at once. Clicking on the button, the dialog box will be enlarged, and the list of holes placed on the part will be displayed. At this point, selecting the hole in the list, the fields of the dialog box will be updated in order to reflect the values of the selected hole. A very powerful functionality of this tool is that, if you select an hole placed on a different part, this list will be updated in order to contain all the holes placed in the new selected part.

Holes Multi

Components

The family of hole can be selected using the two tabs. When you change the type of the hole, the dialog box is immediately updated.

Holes Components

You can change the type of hole clicking one of the four option buttons placed under the tabs. Every time you change the selection, the dialog box is updated in order to show you all the parameters related to the hole.

Settings

Holes Settings

The buttons included in this box allow you to save the current hole settings. This allows them to be quickly recalled in future sessions. From the combo box you can select saved holes, while the button on the right allows you to open a dialog box for managing and reordering settings (which are separate for plain and threaded holes).

Parameters

Holes Parameters

  • Type GAS - When this button is checked, a combo boxcontaining all the normalized GAS diameters becomevisible.

  • Diameter - d or M - This option is used to select orto insert the required diameter for the hole. A label placed at the right of this item shows the Actual Diameter. In the case of simple hole, the Actual Diameter is the value of diameter minus the tolerance value. In the case of thread holes the Actual Diameter is the diameter minus the pitch.

    • Pitch Thread Coarse/Fine - If you select a threaded hole, this combo box allows you to select the pitch type.
    • Tolerance - If this option is selected, a combo box containing available tolerances will be displayed.
  • Hole Depth - L - This option is used to insert or select the depth of the hole. This option is disabled if you check the Through option.

    • Through - If this option is selected, the hole goes through the entire part from the selected face to the opposite face.
  • Bottom V - a - This option is used to control thebottom shape of the hole. This option is disabled ifyou check the Through option or the Flat option. When this option is enabled you can set the bottomangle of the hole.

  • Taper Angle - g - This option is used to set a taperangle for the hole. To enable this item, you have tocheck the Apply option.

  • Hole Color - This option applies a color to the inside wall of the hole.

  • Chamfer End - with this option it is possible to apply a chamfer on both edges of the hole (only initial, or initial and final if it’s through)

  • Drill Parts - If you select this option, you can “drill” multiple parts in one operation. In this way, you can generate holes even in the parts below the first one, up to the desired length. If, you also enable Through opt. the Drop-down menu Drill Parts will also be visible, from here you can set the number of parts to be drilled; which will generate as many through holes in the selected parts below.

When you select a Counter Sink or Counter Bore hole, the section related to these parameters becomes visible.

Holes Parameters

The items contained in this section are used to set the diameter, the depth and/or the angle of a counter bore, counter sink or counter drill hole. Furthermore two buttons allow you to automatically load the Standard values defined for the hole.

When you select a Thread hole, the section related to thread parameters becomes visible.

Holes Parameters

The items contained in this section are used to define the Pitch of the thread, the length of the thread and the callout to set in the 2D drawing.

The data structure behind Holes

All the data files related to hole are placed in the folder ..\Norme\Holes
This is the list of the files contained in the folder and a description of their structure:

Note

The data files can edited also with the Library Data Manager application.

Diameters.dat - Diameters_ENG.dat

These files contain the list of available diameters and their associated tolerances. Any row starting with the char # is considered as a comment. The row starting with the tag Toll is used to define the label of the Tolerance available. All the values after the Toll tag, will be inserted in the Tolerance combo box.

## ============================================================================
## * IRONPROXT - PARAMETRICLIBRARY - FronemaSrl *
## ============================================================================
##
##		Bohrungsdurchmesser / Diameters for Holes
##
<Toll> H5     H6     H7     H8     H9     H10    H11    H12    H13    H14    +1mm
##Diam H5     H6     H7     H8     H9     H10    H11    H12    H13    H14    +1mm
1.6	   0.004  0.006  0.01   0.014  0.025  0.040  0.060  0.100  0.140  0.250  1
2      0.004  0.006  0.01   0.014  0.025  0.040  0.060  0.100  0.140  0.250  1
2.5    0.004  0.006  0.01   0.014  0.025  0.040  0.060  0.100  0.140  0.250  1
3      0.005  0.008  0.012  0.018  0.030  0.048  0.075  0.120  0.180  0.300  1
3.5    0.005  0.008  0.012  0.018  0.030  0.048  0.075  0.120  0.180  0.300  1
4      0.005  0.008  0.012  0.018  0.030  0.048  0.075  0.120  0.180  0.300  1
4.5    0.005  0.008  0.012  0.018  0.030  0.048  0.075  0.120  0.180  0.300  1
...
...

The first value of the row is considered as a valid diameter. All the following values are related to the tolerance values.

CDiameters.dat - CDiameters_ENG.dat

These files contain the list of the available diameters and depths related to counter depth holes. Any row starting with the char # is considered as a comment.

## ======================================================= 
## * IRONPROXT -  PARAMETRIC LIBRARY  -  Fronema Srl *
## =======================================================
##                
##  Counterbore Diameters for Holes                
##
## HoleDiam	 CBoreDiam  CBoreDepth
1            2.5        1.5	
2            4.5        2.5
3            6.0        3.5
3.5          6.0        3.5		
4            8.0        4.5
4.5          7.5        4.5
5            10.0       5.5
...
...

The first value of the row is considered a valid hole diameter. The second field is the Counter Bore diameter and the third is the Counter Bore Depth. Looking at picture you can see that if you set an hole diameter between 3 and 3.5, the CBore diameter will be set to 6 and the depth will be set to 3.5

ThreadDiameters.dat - ThreadDiameters_ENG.dat

These files contain the list of the available diameters and Pitches or Thread per Inch. Any row starting with the char # is considered as a comment.

## ======================================================= 
## * IRONPROXT -  PARAMETRIC LIBRARY  -  Fronema Srl *
## =======================================================
##                
##  Thread Diameters for Holes                
##               
#Diam	Pitch1	Pitch2
2.5		0.35	0.45
3		0.35	0.5
4		0.5		0.7
5		0.5		0.8
6		0.75	1
8		1		1.25
10		1.25	1.5
12		1.25	1.75
14		1.5		2
16		1.5		2
18		1.5		2.5
20		1.5		2.5
22		1.5		2.5
...
...

The first value of the row is considered a valid hole diameter. The first field is the diameter of the hole, other fields are the standard pitch. The English definition of the file, is a little bit different. The first field is the diameter of the hole and the following are the Thread per Inches. Looking at picture you can see that for an hole diameter between 18 and 20, the Pitch1 is 1.5 and the Pitch2 is 2.5

Length.dat - Length_ENG.dat

These files contain the list of the available standard length for the holes.

GASDiameters.dat - GASThreadDiameters.dat

These files contain the standard diameter values related to GAS normative. The structure of the files are self-explaining.

CounterAngle.dat

This data file contains a list of available angle for the bottom shape of the hole

NPT Holes

NPT Holes alt > NPT Holes

The Holes-NPT Holes tool is used to create NPT Hole (National Pipe Thread) in the scene. This dialog box is displayed every time you drop the NPT Holes tool in the scene or when you edit an existing NPT hole.

Youtube video - NPT Holes

Settings

Holes Settings

The items included in this box enable you to save the current setting of the hole. This enables you to recall them quickly in future sessions. The buttons included in this section enable you to save, remove or apply any saved setting.

Parameters

Holes Parameters

  • Normative - This option is used to select the standard diameters in inches or millimeters.
  • Hole Diam. - This option is used to select the required diameter for the hole.
  • Hole Depth - This option is used to insert or to select the depth of the hole. With the option at right you can see the measurement in inches or millimeters.
  • Taper Angle - This option shows the draft angle of the hole.
  • Thread Pitch - This option shows the Thread Pitch of the hole. To enable this item, you have to check the Edit option.
  • Callout - If you want assign the callout in the 2D drawing, check this option.

The data structure behind NPT Holes

All the data files related to NPT hole are placed in the folder ..\Norme\Holes\

This is the list of the files contained in the folder and a description of their structure:

NPTRules.ini - NPTDiameters.dat - NPTDiametersMM.dat

These files contain the standard diameter values (in inches and millimeters) related to NPT normative.

## ======================================================== 
## * IRONPROXT -  PARAMETRIC LIBRARY  -  Fronema Srl *
## ========================================================
##
# Name   |  Data File           |Callout| 0=MM 1=Inches
NPT_IN 	 | NPTDiameters.dat		|  NPT	|  1		
NPT_MM 	 | NPTDiametersMM.dat	|  NPT	|  0
## =================================================================== 
## * IRONPROXT -  PARAMETRIC LIBRARY  -  Fronema Srl *
## ===================================================================
##                
## NPT Thread Hole Diameters                 
## separator field is TAB
## Units are in inches
##          
## Insider_Diam NominalSize  Pitch1   Pitch2  Length    TaperAngle
0.337 			1/8			 0.03571  0	      0.2441 	1.79
0.451 			1/4			 0.05262  0	      0.3701 	1.79
0.589 			3/8			 0.05262  0	      0.3812 	1.79
0.734 			1/2			 0.05262  0	      0.5000 	1.79
0.950 			3/4			 0.07143  0	      0.5551 	1.79
1.193 			1			 0.07143  0	      0.6378 	1.79
1.534 			1 1/4		 0.09091  0	      0.7284 	1.79
1.766 			1 1/2		 0.09091  0	      0.7284 	1.79
...
...
## =================================================================== 
## * IRONPROXT -  PARAMETRIC LIBRARY  -  Fronema Srl *
## ===================================================================
##  
## NPT Thread Hole Diameters                 
## separator field is TAB
## Units are in mmillimeters
##         
## Insider_Diam NominalSize  Pitch1   Pitch2  Length    TaperAngle
8.566           1/8          0.9071   0       6.2       1.79
11.445          1/4          1.3368   0	      9.4       1.79
14.950          3/8          1.3368   0       9.7       1.79
18.631          1/2          1.3368   0       12.7      1.79
24.117          3/4          1.8143   0       14.1      1.79
30.291          1            1.8443   0       16.2      1.79
38.952          1 1/4        2.3091   0       18.5      1.79
44.845          1 1/2        2.3091   0       18.5      1.79
...
...

The structure of the files are self-explaining.

Centre Holes

Holes alt > Holes

The CentreHoles tool is used to create Centre Hole on the shaft part. This dialog box is displayed every time you drop the Centre Holes tool on the part or when you edit an existing Centre hole.

Youtube video - Centre Holes
Note

The Center holes can be placed only on cylindrical parts, drop the tool on an circular edge or face (otherwise you will be shown a warning message).

Components

You can change the type of centre hole by clicking a drop down button.

Holes

When you change the type of the hole, the dialog box updated the Norme text box.

In the status bar, it shows a warning message if the diameter of the hole is not compatible with the diameter of the shaft.

The data structure behind Centre Holes

Every component defined in the User Interface has behind him some data files which contain properties and parameters related to the component itself. These files are placed in the folder of the standard rule. The main files associated to the family of components are the followings: CentreHoles.ini and *.uni

Every numbered section is related to an icon of the component in the User Interface, and every record contains these fields:

  • Type -> the number is related to icon of the component in the User Interface.
  • Table -> Data file Name of the Standard Rule.
  • Label -> Description of the Standard Rule in the User Interface.

This is the structure of a CentreHoles.ini file

# Type	|   Table           |   Label
1       |   UNI3220A.UNI    |   UNI3220-A
2       |   UNI3220B.UNI    |   UNI3220-B
3       |   UNI3220R.UNI    |   UNI3220-R

The *.uni files, contain the fields of the standard values related to hole normative; the structure of the files are self-explaining.

This is the structure of a UNI3220A.UNI file

# dInt  |   dExt    |   l       |   r       |   NotSuggested
0.50    |   1.06    |   1.10    |   0.00    |   1
0.63    |   1.32    |   1.40    |   0.00    |   1
0.80    |   1.70    |   1.70    |   0.00    |   1
1.00    |   2.12    |   2.10    |   0.00    |   0
1.25    |   2.65    |   2.60    |   0.00    |   1
1.50    |   3.35    |   3.20    |   0.00    |   0
...
...

Slot Hole

Slot Hole alt > Slot Hole

The Slot Hole tool create slot on the part.

Operativity

  1. Drop the tool on the part.
  2. Set parmeters.
Youtube video - Slot Hole

Fasteners

Fasteners alt > Fasteners

This dialog box is displayed every time you drop the Fastener tool in the scene or when you edit an existing component.

Youtube video - Fasteners
Expand for Description of the User Interface

At top of the dialog there are the buttons useful to control the placement of the component and a combo box used to select the Standard Rule.

Fasteners top Buttons

  1. Clicking this combo box the user can select the active standard rule.
  2. This button is used to switch the state of TriBall. Usually, when a fastener is placed on the scene, the TriBall is switched on. In this way the user can immediately move the component in the right place. Clicking the button, the state of TriBall is toggled between on and off. The check button at the top on the right of the button controls the state of TriBall after the confirm of placement. If the button is checked and TriBall is active, TriBall will stay active, otherwise TriBall is disabled.
  3. This button updates the component and it confirms the placement inside the scene.
  4. This button updates the component and it closes the dialog box. When the dialog is closed, the state of TriBall is controlled by the buttons described before.
  5. This button closes the dialog box and it terminates the command. If you haven’t confirmed the placement before, the current component will be deleted.
  6. This button displays a dialog box containing information about the current tool.

Settings

Fasteners Settings

The items included in this box enable you to save the current setting of the component. This enables you to recall them quickly in future sessions. The buttons included in this section enable you to save, remove or apply any saved setting.

Components

Fasteners Components

This section is composed by five tabs. These tabs enable you to select the type of component. Every tab contains a family of components. On the left side of this section there is a drop down button that is used to select the type of the component. Moving the cursor over the icons of the components, it’s displayed a tooltip which describes the component. As soon as a new component is selected, all the items in the dialog box will be updated in order to display the available standards and dimensions.

Create Hole… and Place on All… are better explained later.

Note

Create Hole Locked to Fastener If you move the bolt, also the holes are moved, and, in this case they are no more visible. This is the standard behavior of IC-Mech, that allow you to automatically update the holes as soon as you move the screw.

In order to avoid this behavior you can do one of these operations:

  • Disable the behavior in the IPROSettings: This is a general setting, and the hole will not be elaborated when you will move a screw; see Elaborate Automatic Holes
  • Keep pressed the Shift key during the TriBall translation.
  • Create a configuration. In a configuration the holes created by Fasteners are not moved. (If you want to have a configuration where the the automatic update of the holes is active start the name of the configuration with + or _ chars).
Tip

The fasteners saved in your Catalog may drill through the element on which they are placed when inserted into the scene; to create the hole when releasing, hold down the Shift key.

Parameters

Fasteners Parameters

The central section of the dialog box contains the options useful to select the standard and the dimensions of the component. These parameters are: Standard Name, Component Type, Length and Material.

BOM Information

The bottom section of the dialog contains the items useful to set the information related to the component. The section is divided in two parts: BOM Information and Custom Information.

Fasteners BOM

BOM Information section contains all the items useful to set PartNumber and Description of the component. The available items are:

Fasteners BOM

Usually the Name of the component is the same of the PartNumber. This combo box enable you to set the Name of component as the Description or Don’t change the current name.

Fasteners BOM

This check button controls the enable state of the text item placed on the right. If this button is checked, any string placed in the text item will be used as prefix of the PartNumber.

Fasteners BOM

This check button is used to control the “Included in the BOM” state of the component, and combo box is used to control how the PartNumber and the Description will be managed. The available options are:

  • Automatic - In this case PartNumber and Description are automatically generated reading the settings in the IPRO_BOM.ini file.
  • Set By User - In this case the BOM Information are filled by the user.
  • PartNumber Auto – Description by user - In this case the PartNumber is automatically generated. The Description is manually set by the user.
  • PartNumber by User – Description Auto - In this case the PartNumber is manually set by the user. The Description will be automatically generated.

Fasteners BOM

These text items contain the current BOM Information. Their state depends on the selection done on the Code Generation combo box.

Customizing the IPRO_BOM.ini it’s possible to create custom information automatically.

Fasteners BOM Custom

Custom Information is a collection of information that you can add to the current component. When you click on the Custom Info tab, it is displayed a two column grid that enable you to see and to set information associated to the component.

Customizing the IPRO_BOM.ini it’s possible to create custom information automatically.

Status bar

Fasteners Status bar

The status bar reports the description of the selected standard rule. If you click on description Library Data Manager starts to modify the description and the rules to create the bill of materials. Close to it, on the right, there is a button that enable you to edit the geometric data file, launching the Library Data Manager - Geometry…

Create Hole Locked to Fastener

Fasteners Create Hole

Screws and Bolts components have a drop down section that enables you to set the properties of the holes associated to the element. In fact Fasteners can automatically create and associate holes to any screws or bolts placed in the scene. These are the items and the options available in this section:

  • Set Transparent - Option to make the fisrt part on which the command is dragged transparent.
  • First Part - This option is used to define the parameters of the automatic hole applied to the first part. By setting the drop-down button, the type of hole can be selected. You can set a tollerance for the hole.
  • Intermediate Part(s) - option to define the type of hole to be applied to all parts placed between the first and last part. It’s possible to set a tollerance for the holes.
  • Last Part - option to define the type of hole to be applied to the last part that has an interference with the current fastener. You can set a tollerance for the hole.
  • Set Extra Length Values - Allow you to add a length to the threaded and after thread hole.
  • Look depth to Screw Length - When this option is active, the length of the first hole is the same of the length of the fastener.

Fasteners Create Hole

Note

It’s important to note that all the automatic holes are associated to the current bolt or screw. So, if you change the dimension or the length of the component, the holes are updated in order to be compliant with the changes. Furthermore, if you copy or move the component using TriBall, also the associated holes are moved or copied.

Tolerance dimensions are set with the same settings as defined for holes: Hole settings and Library Data Manager - Normative… Fasteners Create Hole

Place on All Equal Holes of the Face

Fasteners Create Hole

If there are holes on the part on which the screw is dropped, and if it drop the screw on the edge of a hole, the “Place on All Equal Holes of the Face” check box is displayed, which if activated will automatically place a screw for each hole equal to the one selected.

Placement of Associated Fasteners

Fasteners Placement Associated

The Fasteners has some useful behaviors which improve your productivity. In fact when you drop the tool over an existing component, Fasteners automatically gets the existing parameters and associate the new component to the existing one. For example, if you drop the tool on the leg of an existing M10 screw, the dialog box will propose you to place a washer or a nut related to the M10 dimension. Furthermore, if you edit the screw (or the nut), the other component will be modified according to the new selected dimension.

Youtube video - Fasteners

If the selected dimension doesn’t exist for that component, it will be suppressed. For example if you change the dimension of the screw from M10 to M18, and the nut of M18 is not available in the data file, it is not changed but it is suppressed.

Edit of Screw or Bolt length

Fasteners Edit Length

You can change the length of the screws (or bolts) editing the component with a double click. Anyway if you select the IShape leg of the component, you can change it dragging the handle in the desired position. Fasteners automatically elaborates the new requested length and it sets the length to the closest value in the data file. Furthermore all the BOM Information, Part Name and Custom Data are updated.

Fasteners Assembly

Fasteners Assembly alt > Fasteners Assembly

This command is used to place in the scene an assembly composed by a screw, washers and nut.

Youtube video - Fasteners Assembly

Youtube video - Fasteners Assembly

Expand for Description of the User Interface

At top of the dialog there are the buttons useful to control the placement of the component and a combo box used to select the Standard Rule.

Fasteners top Buttons

  1. Clicking this combo box the user can select theactive standard rule.
  2. This button is used to switch the state of TriBall.Usually, when a fastener is placed on the scene, theTriBall is switched on. In this way the user canimmediately move the component in the right place.Clicking the button, the state of TriBall is toggledbetween on and off. The check button at the top onthe right of the button controls the state ofTriBall after the confirm of placement. If thebutton is checked and TriBall is active, TriBallwill stay active, otherwise TriBall is disabled.
  3. This button updates the component and it confirmsthe placement inside the scene.
  4. This button updates the component and it closes thedialog box. When the dialog is closed, the state ofTriBall is controlled by the buttons describedbefore.
  5. This button closes the dialog box and it terminatesthe command. If you haven’t confirmed the placementbefore, the current component will be deleted.
  6. This button displays a dialog box containinginformation about the current tool.

Settings

Fasteners Settings

The items included in this box enable you to save the current setting of the component. This enables you to recall them quickly in future sessions. The buttons included in this section enable you to save, remove or apply any saved setting.

Components

Fasteners Assembly

This section is composed by four tabs: Screw, Washer1, Whaser2 and Nut. Every tab is used to set the property of the related component. Every section contains a drop down button used to select the kind of component to use.

Note

Fasteners Assembly boss

If you choose to have the threaded end instead of the bolt, a new tab appears to choose which nut to place at the beginning.

Parameters

Fasteners Assembly

The central section of the dialog contains all the options useful to select the standard and the dimensions of the selected component. For the Screw, these parameters are: Standard Name, Component Type, Length and Material.

Fasteners Assembly

For other components the options available are only Standard Name and Material.

The screw is the master component. When you select a type of screw, washers and nut are automatically set to the same type.

The check button Active is used to add or remove a washer or a nut to the assembly.

When the selected type doesn’t exist in the data file, the check button is automatically unchecked and the label “Measure not Found” is displayed.

When the Active check button is changed, the preview image is updated in in order to show you which component will be included in the assembly.

Fasteners Assembly

The text placed in the middle of the dialog is used to insert the distance to keep between the two washers.

If you are placing the Fastener Assembly on existing part, it’s possible to calculate this value automatically clicking on the Wizard button.

In this case IPROFasteners will calculate all the existing intersection at the length specified in the Length combo box. The names of part found will be placed in the combo box at the right of the Wizard button. When you select on the these part in the combo, the calculated value will be set in the distance item text.

Inside the tab of Screw, there is the drop down button used to set the properties of the automatic holes associated to the screw.

BOM Information

Fasteners Assembly

The bottom section of the dialog contains the items useful to set the information related to the component for the BOM (Part BOM Info and Custom Info). When the Bolt tab is selected, it’s possible to set the BOM Information also for the assembly that contains the components.

For a detailed explanation see BOM information

Youtube video - Fasteners Assembly
Note

For customizing the BOM see IPRO_BOM.ini or Library Data Manager with this tools it’s possible to create custom information automatically.

Fasteners Library

Fasteners Library alt > Fasteners Assembly

With this tool you can insert an fasteners element from your library of files into the scene.

Operativity

  • Drop the tool into the scene.

In the dialog box, you can, in the first combo box, select the User Library folder that contains the element you want to insert, Insert Element

then in the second combo box, select the item you want to insert. Insert Element

Tip

If you want to insert the element as linked, select the option above.

Note

The User Libray folder is normally set in ..\ICMechanical\UserLibrary but you can set it wherever you want, use the IPROSetting tool to do it.

Update Fasteners Holes

Fasteners Assembly alt > The “Update Fastener Holes” tool allows to recalculate the automatic drilling functions produced by the bolts to which they are associated; for example if a part has been inserted that must be drill, or if a bolt has been removed.

Youtube video - Update Fasteners Holes

To update the holes:

  1. Select the assembly or parts to be updated
  2. drag the command into the scene with the left mouse button

To delete unnecessary holes:

  1. Select the assembly or parts to be updated
  2. drag the command to the scene with the right button
Youtube video - Update Fasteners Holes

Seegers

Seegers alt > Seegers

The Seegers tool is used to create Seeger on the shaft part. This dialog box is displayed every time you drop the Seeger tool in the scene or when you edit one.

Youtube video - Seegers

The Seeger can be placed also on cylindrical parts, drop the tool on an circular edge or face and the seeger inherits the shaft dimensions.

Components

The family of seeger can be selected using the two tabs.

Seegers

You can change the type of seeger clicking of the option buttons placed under the tabs.

The Set Transparent option allows you to make it transparent so that you can more easily position the component in specific situations.

Parameters

Seegers

  • Standard Name - Using this dialog box, the user can select the correct rule.
  • Type - This combo box contains all the values related to the selected rule. When the user drags a component over on circle edge (for example, if the user drags a seeger over a shaft), a check control named Auto will be shown. Using this toggle control, it’s possible that the seeger inherits the shaft dimensions.
  • Hollow Mode - This box lets you choose between the hollow mode: none, active, only hollow (in this case the seeger is not positioned). When the user activates the hollow, the check control of the Chamfer is activated to do so on the edge of the groove.
  • Material - Using this combo box, the user could select the code of the material related to the component.

BOM Information

The bottom section of the dialog contains the items useful to set the information related to the component. Seegers

The section is divided in two parts: BOM Information and Custom Information.

For a detailed explanation see BOM information

Status bar

Seegers

The status bar reports the description of the selected standard rule. If you click on description Library Data Manager starts to modify the description and the rules to create the bill of materials. Close to it, on the right, there is a button that enable you to edit the geometric data file, launching the Library Data Manager - Geometry…

The data structure behind Seeger

Every component defined in the User Interface has behind him some data files which contain properties and parameters related to the component itself. These files are placed in the folder of the standard rule. The main files associated to the family of components are the followings: seeger.ini and ringN.DIN

Every numbered section is related to an icon of the component in the User Interface, and every record contains these fields:

  • DataFile -> File containing the data values useful to build the component
  • Rule -> Name of the Standard Rule
  • Description -> Description of the Standard Rule
  • MaterialFile -> Data file containing the materials allowed for this kind of component

For example, this is the structure of a Seeger.ini file

#DataFile	Rule		Description	                	MaterialFile
[1]
471.DIN	|	DIN471	|	Elastic ring for security shaft	|	seegers.dat

[2]
472.DIN	|	DIN472	|	Elastic ring for security hole	|	seegers.dat

[3]
4VA.DIN	|	DIN4VA	|	Seeger V for shaft	|	seegers.dat

[4]
4VJ.DIN	|	DIN4VJ	|	Seeger V for hole	|	seegers.dat

[5]
983.DIN	|	DIN983	|	Seeger K per shaft	|	seegers.dat

[6]
984.DIN	|	DIN984	|	Seeger K for hole	|	seegers.dat
[End]

Under each section it is possible to place several records; every record refers to a particular rule.

The material data file contains all the materials available for the component. All the material files are stored in the folder Norme.

The ringN.DIN files, contain the fields of the standard values related to seeger normative; the structure of the files are self-explaining.

## ===================================================================================
## * IronPROLibrary Data Manager - *** Fronema Srl *** - www.ironcad.it
## ===================================================================================
## Saved On: 30/06/2019 15:13:19
##------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#Code |  d1  | s   | a   |  d3  | d5  |  d2  | m   |  t  |  AFT |PartNumber(Optional)|  
##------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8     |  8.0 | 0.8 | 2.4 |  8.7 | 1.0 |  8.4 | 0.9 | 0.2 |  1.0 |  
9     |  9.0 | 0.8 | 2.5 |  9.8 | 1.0 |  9.4 | 0.9 | 0.2 |  1.0 |  
9.5   |  9.5 | 1.0 | 3.0 | 10.3 | 1.2 |  9.9 | 1.1 | 0.2 |  1.0 |  
10    | 10.0 | 1.0 | 3.2 | 10.8 | 1.2 | 10.4 | 1.1 | 0.2 |  1.0 |  
10.5  | 10.5 | 1.0 | 3.2 | 11.3 | 1.2 | 10.9 | 1.1 | 0.2 |  1.0 |  
11    | 11.0 | 1.0 | 3.3 | 11.8 | 1.2 | 11.4 | 1.1 | 0.2 |  1.0 |  
12    | 12.0 | 1.0 | 3.4 | 13.0 | 1.5 | 12.5 | 1.1 | 0.25|  1.0 |  
13    | 13.0 | 1.0 | 3.6 | 14.1 | 1.5 | 13.6 | 1.1 | 0.3 |  1.0 |  
......

Orings

Orings alt > Orings

The Orings can be placed also on cylindrical parts, drop the tool on an circular edge or face and the Orings inherits the shaft dimensions.

Youtube video - Orings

Components

The family of Orings can be selected using the two tabs.

Orings

You can change the type of Orings clicking of the option buttons placed under the tabs.

The Set Transparent option allows you to make it transparent so that you can more easily position the component in specific situations.

Parameters

Orings

  • Standard Name - Using this dialog box, the user can select the correct rule.
  • Type - This combo box contains all the values related to the selected rule.
  • Diam. Shaft/Hole - This combo box contains all the diameter values related to the selected rule. When the user drags a component over on circle edge (for example, if the user drags a Orings over a shaft), a check control named Auto will be shown. Using this toggle control, it’s possible that the Orings inherits the shaft dimensions.
  • Diam. Torus - Using this combo box, the user could select the torus diameter related to the rule.
  • Hollow Mode - This box lets you choose between the hollow mode: none, active, only hollow (in this case the oring is not positioned). When the user activates the hollow, the check control of the Chamfer is activated to do so on the edge of the groove.
  • Material - Using this combo box, the user could select the code of the material related to the component.

BOM Information

The bottom section of the dialog contains the items useful to set the information related to the component. Orings

The section is divided in two parts: BOM Information and Custom Information.

For a detailed explanation see BOM information

Status bar

Orings

The status bar reports the description of the selected standard rule. If you click on description Library Data Manager starts to modify the description and the rules to create the bill of materials. Close to it, on the right, there is a button that enable you to edit the geometric data file, launching the Library Data Manager - Geometry…

The data structure behind Oring

Every component defined in the User Interface has behind him some data files which contain properties and parameters related to the component itself. These files are placed in the folder of the standard rule. The main files associated to the family of components are the followings: ORing.ini and OringN.UNI

Every numbered section is related to an icon of the component in the User Interface, and every record contains these fields:

  • DataFile -> File containing the data values useful to build the component
  • Rule -> Name of the Standard Rule
  • Description -> Description of the Standard Rule
  • MaterialFile -> Data file containing the materials allowed for this kind of component

For example, this is the structure of a ORing.ini file

#	Data file	Rule		Description				 Material File
[1]
ShaftDynAS.UNI	|	AS/BS	|	O-Rings dynamic seal for shaft	|	orings.dat
ShaftDynSMS.UNI	|	SMS 	|	O-Rings dynamic seal for shaft	|	orings.dat
ShaftDynM.UNI	|	Metrico	|	O-Rings dynamic seal for shaft	|	orings.dat

[2]
ShaftStaAS.UNI	|	AS/BS	|	O-Rings static seal for shaft	|	orings.dat
ShaftStaSMS.UNI	|	SMS	    |	O-Rings static seal for shaft	|	orings.dat
ShaftStaM.UNI	|	Metrico	|	O-Rings static seal for shaft	|	orings.dat

[3]
HoleDynAS.UNI	|	AS/BS	|	O-Rings dynamic seal for hole	|	orings.dat
HoleDynSMS.UNI	|	SMS	    |	O-Rings dynamic seal for hole	|	orings.dat
HoleDynM.UNI	|	Metrico	|	O-Rings dynamic seal for hole	|	orings.dat

[4]
HoleStaAS.UNI	|	AS/BS	|	O-Rings static seal for hole	|	orings.dat
...
...

Under each section it is possible to place several records; every record refers to a particular rule.

The material data file contains all the materials available for the component. All the material files are stored in the folder Norme.

The OringN.UNI files, contain the fields of the standard values related to oring normative; the structure of the files are self-explaining.

## =================================================================================
## * IronPROLibrary Data Manager - *** Fronema Srl *** - www.ironcad.it
## =================================================================================
## Saved On: 30/06/2019 18:11:00
## ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
## CODE |   A   |   B    |   C    |  d1    | d2 (Toro) |  AFT |PartNumber(Optional)| 
## ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OR2007  |  2.0  |   5.2  |  2.5   |  1.78  |     1.78  |  1.0 |
OR2010  |  2.5  |   5.7  |  2.5   |  2.57  |     1.78  |  1.0 |
OR2012  |  3.0  |   6.2  |  2.5   |  2.90  |     1.78  |  1.0 |
OR2015  |  4.0  |   7.2  |  2.5   |  3.69  |     1.78  |  1.0 |
OR2018  |  4.5  |   7.7  |  2.5   |  4.48  |     1.78  |  1.0 |
OR2021  |  5.0  |   8.2  |  2.5   |  5.28  |     1.78  |  1.0 |
OR2025  |  6.0  |   9.2  |  2.5   |  6.07  |     1.78  |  1.0 |
OR106   |  7.0  |  10.2  |  2.5   |  6.75  |     1.78  |  1.0 |
OR2031  |  8.0  |  11.2  |  2.5   |  7.66  |     1.78  |  1.0 |
OR108   |  9.0  |  12.2  |  2.5   |  8.73  |     1.78  |  1.0 |
OR109   |  9.0  |  13.8  |  3.5   |  9.13  |     2.62  |  1.0 |
...
...

Holder Rings

HolderRings alt > HolderRings

The HolderRings can be placed also on cylindrical parts, drop the tool on an circular edge or face and the HolderRings inherits the shaft dimensions.

Youtube video - Holder Rings

Components

The family of HolderRings can be selected using the preview button. HolderRings

You can change the type of HolderRings clicking of the option buttons placed under the preview.

Parameters

HolderRings

  • Standard Name - Using this dialog box, the user can select the correct rule.
  • Type - This text box contains the values related to the selected rule.
  • Diam. Shaft - This combo box contains all the diameter values related to the selected rule. When the user drags a component over on circle edge (for example, if the user drags a HolderRings over a shaft), a check control named Auto will be shown. Using this toggle control, it’s possible that the HolderRings inherits the shaft dimensions.
  • Diam. Ring - Using this combo box, the user could select the ring diameter related to the rule.

BOM Information

The bottom section of the dialog contains the items useful to set the information related to the component. HolderRings

The section is divided in two parts: BOM Information and Custom Information. For a detailed explanation see BOM information

Status bar

HolderRings

The status bar reports the description of the selected standard rule. If you click on description Library Data Manager starts to modify the description and the rules to create the bill of materials. Close to it, on the right, there is a button that enable you to edit the geometric data file, launching the Library Data Manager - Geometry…

Youtube video - Holder Rings

The data structure behind HolderRings

Every component defined in the User Interface has behind him some data files which contain properties and parameters related to the component itself. These files are placed in the folder of the standard rule. The main files associated to the family of components are the followings: ANtenuta.ini and *.UNI

Every numbered section is related to an icon of the component in the User Interface, and every record contains these fields:

  • DataFile -> File containing the data values useful to build the component
  • Rule -> Name of the Standard Rule
  • Description -> Description of the Standard Rule

For example, this is the structure of a ANtenuta.ini file

#	Data file       Rule			Description
[1]
S-CRW1.UNI  	|	ISO_CRW1	|	Holder rings for rotating shaft

[2]
S-HMSA27.UNI	|	ISO_HMSA27	|	Holder rings for rotating shaft with dust seal
S-HMSA7.UNI	    |	ISO_HMSA7	|	Holder rings for rotating shaft with dust seal

[3]
S-HMSA27.UNI	|	ISO_HMSA27	|	Holder rings
S-CRS1.UNI	    |	ISO_S-CRS1	|	Holder rings

[End]

Under each section it is possible to place several records; every record refers to a particular rule.

The *.UNI files, contain the fields of the standard values related to HolderRings normative; the structure of the files are self-explaining.

## =================================================================================
## * IronPROLibrary Data Manager - *** Fronema Srl *** - www.ironcad.it
## =================================================================================
## Saved On: 29/04/2019 17:13:02                                         
##-------------------------------------------------------------------
##   CODICE     | d1        | d2        | b         | AFT       |
##-------------------------------------------------------------------
CR19x37x10      |    19.0   |    37.0   |    10.0   |     1.0   |
CR20x30x5       |    20.0   |    30.0   |     5.0   |     1.0   |
CR20x30x7       |    20.0   |    30.0   |     7.0   |     1.0   |
CR20x32x7       |    20.0   |    32.0   |     7.0   |     1.0   |
CR24x38x10      |    24.0   |    38.0   |    10.0   |     1.0   |
CR26x42x8       |    26.0   |    42.0   |     8.0   |     1.0   |
CR27x37x7       |    27.0   |    37.0   |     7.0   |     1.0   |
CR30x45x8       |    30.0   |    45.0   |     8.0   |     1.0   |
...
...

Bearings

Bearings alt > Bearings

The Bearings tool is used to create Bearing on the shaft part. This dialog box is displayed every time you drop the Bearing tool in the scene or when you edit one.

The Bearing can be placed also on cylindrical parts, drop the tool on an circular edge or face and the bearing inherits the shaft dimensions.

Youtube video - Bearings

Components

The family of Bearing can be selected using the three tabs.

Bearings

You can change the type of bearing clicking of the option buttons placed under the tabs.

Bearings

At the right of the component there is a icon, Bearings >

which, if clicked, it changes the state of hidden or visible of the bearing balls.

Parameters

Bearings

  • Standard Name - Using this dialog box, the user can select the correct rule.
  • Type - This text box the values related to the selected rule.
  • Diam. Int. - This box lets you choose internal diameter of bearing related to the selected rule. When the user drags a component over on circle edge (for example, if the user drags a bearing over a shaft), a check control named Auto will be shown. Using this toggle control, it’s possible that the bearing inherits the shaft dimensions.
  • Diam. Ext. - Using this combobox, the user could select the external diameter of the related selected internal diameter.
  • Component Type - You can select whether to create the bearing as a single Part or as an Assembly consisting of three parts.
  • Lock Mode - If selected, component editing is prevented.
  • Create Hole - If selected, a hole (with tolerance) will be created for the outer diameter of the bearing.
  • Reverse - If selected, the hole changes direction.

BOM Information

Bearings

The bottom section of the dialog contains the items useful to set the information related to the component.

The section is divided in three parts:

For a detailed explanation see BOM information

Bearing Tech InfoCustom Information is specific to bearings, it’s a collection of information about the bearing. When you click on the Custom Info tab, Bearings

it is displayed a three column grid showing the information associated to the component.

Status bar

HolderRings

The status bar reports the description of the selected standard rule. If you click on description Library Data Manager starts to modify the description and the rules to create the bill of materials. Close to it, on the right, there is a button that enable you to edit the geometric data file, launching the Library Data Manager - Geometry…

Youtube video - Bearings

The data structure behind Bearing

Every component defined in the User Interface has behind him some data files which contain properties and parameters related to the component itself. These files are placed in the folder of the standard rule. The main files associated to the family of components are the followings: bearing.ini and bearingN.uni

Every numbered section is related to an icon of the component in the User Interface, and every record contains these fields:

  • DataFile -> File containing the data values useful to build the component
  • Rule -> Name of the Standard Rule
  • Description -> Description of the Standard Rule

For example, this is the structure of a Bearing.ini file

#	Data file	    Rule			Description
[0 1]	# [Ball]
4259.uni	    |	UNI4259		|	Radial bearing ball with a gear
[0 2]
42591a.uni  	|	UNI42591	|	Ball bearing with gear and oblique contact
[0 3]
4259Q4C.uni	    |	UNI4259		|	Ball bearing with four conctats and a gear
...
...
[1 1]	# [Roller]
4259rNU.uni	    |	UNI4259RC	|	Radial with cilindrical roll
[1 2]
4259rNJ.uni	    |	UNI4259RC	|	Radial with cilindrical roll and a gear
[1 3]
4259rNUP.uni	|	UNI4259RC	|	Radial with cilindrical roll and a gear
...
...
[2 1]	# [Thrust]
603367A.uni	    |	UNI603367A	|	Axial bearing with sample effect
[2 2]
603367B.uni	    |	UNI603367B	|	Axial bearing with double effect
[2 3]
603367C.uni	    |	UNI603367C	|	Axial with cilindricals rolls
...
...
[End]

Under each section it is possible to place several records; every record refers to a particular rule.

The bearingN.ini files, contain the fields of the standard values related to bearing normative; the structure of the files are self-explaining.

## =================================================================================
## * IronPROLibrary Data Manager - *** Fronema Srl *** - www.ironcad.it
## =================================================================================
## Saved On: 11/07/2019 15:23:20
## --------------------------------------------------------------------------
## CODICE | d    | D     | B    | Cd    | Cs    | Vlg   | Vlo   |Nb | AFT |
## --------------------------------------------------------------------------
618/3     |  3.0 |  10.0 |  4.0 |   375 |   176 | 40000 | 48000 | 4 | 1.0 |
623       |  3.0 |  10.0 |  4.0 |   488 |   146 | 60000 | 70000 | 8 | 1.0 |
618/4     |  4.0 |   9.0 |  2.5 |   540 |   180 | 63000 | 75000 | 8 | 1.0 |
604       |  4.0 |  12.0 |  4.0 |   806 |   280 | 53000 | 63000 | 8 | 1.0 |
624       |  4.0 |  13.0 |  5.0 |   695 |   335 | 38000 | 45000 | 8 | 1.0 |
634       |  4.0 |  16.0 |  5.0 |   865 |   440 | 36000 | 43000 | 8 | 1.0 |
618/5     |  5.0 |  11.0 |  3.0 |   637 |   255 | 53000 | 63000 | 8 | 1.0 |
625       |  5.0 |  16.0 |  5.0 |   865 |   440 | 36000 | 43000 | 8 | 1.0 |
635       |  5.0 |  19.0 |  6.0 |  1290 |   695 | 32000 | 38000 | 8 | 1.0 |
618/6     |  6.0 |  13.0 |  3.5 |   884 |   345 | 48000 | 56000 | 8 | 1.0 |
626       |  6.0 |  19.0 |  6.0 |  1290 |   695 | 32000 | 38000 | 8 | 1.0 |
618/7     |  7.0 |  14.0 |  3.5 |   956 |   400 | 45000 | 53000 | 8 | 1.0 |
...
...

Steels

Steels alt > Steels

Steels tool allow to place steel profile in the scene 3D, with the possibility of managing different characteristics, such as choice of profile, automatic connections, final cuts, length calculation.

Youtube video - Steels

Components

Steels

This section consists of three areas. The first icon is a drop-down button used to select the type of steel profile. The second icons group is used to select the cut or interlock at the end. The last icons group is use to activate the attachment points.

Steels

When editing a steel, a drop-down menu appears to choose which other steels to apply the same change to:

  • Only this Steel,
  • All Steels in this Assembly,
  • All Steels in the Scene.
  • Only Steels this Size in this Assembly
  • Only Steels this Size in the Scene

Parameters

Steels

  • Standard Name - Used to select the correct rule.
  • Type - Contains all values related to the selected rule.
  • Thickness - To select the shell thickness related to the rule (only available for some elements).
  • Material - To select the material code related to the component.
  • Length - In this text box you can enter the value of the length of element, the icon on the right (wand) allows to detect the size up to the first element that intersects forward. Dec. - is the drop-down menu that allows you to choose the precision for the inclusion of the measure.
  • Model Type - To select profile details: Detailed, Squared (no fillets), Simplified (Squared Fill, for square and rectangular) the green arrow lets you choose how to give the feature: Only this Steel, to All Steels in this Assembly, or to All Steels in the scene. Steels
Round Definition

If you want to manage the radii in these steels, see how to change the profile sketch values here Steels

BOM Information

Steels

The bottom section of the dialog contains the items useful to set the information related to the component. The section is divided in two parts: BOM Information and Custom Information.

BOM Information section contains the same options of the other components, but there is this option more:

User Name Prefix - This check button controls the enable state of the text item placed on the right. If this button is checked, any string placed in the text item will be used as prefix of the User Name.

Part Number can also be generated using the Numbering tool

For a detailed explanation of the other items see BOM information

Youtube video - Steels

Status bar

Status bar

The status bar shows the description of the selected standard rule. If you click on description, Library Data Manager starts so you can edit the description and the rules to create the BOM. Next to it, on the right, is a button that allows you to edit the geometric data file, launching Library Data Manager - Geometry…

Steel Cut Settings

Steels

Steels components have a drop-down section that allows you to set the properties of the cut end to the element. Here are the items and the options available in this section:

  • Start Section - This check is for activating the cut at the beginning, there are two options, the first is a menu to select the orientation of the cut in 90° steps, and the second is a text box to define the angle of inclination.
  • End Section - This check is for activating the cut at the end, there are two options, the first is a menu to select the orientation of the cut at step of 90°, the second is a text box to define the angle of inclination.
  • 45 degree Orientation - This check is for rotating 45° with respect to the z axis.
  • Remove Any Cuts - This check allows you to remove cuts made with the Extend and Trim tools.

Steels Interlock

Steels

The interlock cut allows you to create the profile cut for join two steels. There are two button, one for start cut and other for end, and a text box for insert the cut tolerance. The interlock cut is available for only some steels (are ones shown in figure). Steels

Only for angular steels the interlok icon has a switch to reverse the cut.

Steels

Create Attach Points

Steels components have a three buttons that allows you to set the attachment points of the steels associated to the other steels. In fact Steels can automatically create and associate start and end to any steels placed in the scene. Here are the items and the options available in this section:

Steels

  • First button - align the new element with the reference.
  • Second button - align alongside the head of the reference.
  • Third button - align over the head of reference.

By clicking on the buttons repeatedly, the element that is being placing, will rotate with respect to the four faces in the side or in the head.

Second bt - align alongside the headThird bt - align over the head
SteelsSteels

Placement of Associated Steels

The Steels has some useful behaviors which improve your productivity. In fact when you drop the tool over an existing steels component, Steels automatically gets the existing parameters and associate the new component to the existing one. For example, if you drop the tool on the HE 100, the dialog box will propose you the same element with same dimension. Furthermore, if you activate Create Attach Points, the new steels will be connected to the end.

Steels along a 2D or 3D path

Automatically positions Steels along a 2D or 3D path, even with the ability to offset.

Before drop the command in the scene, select a 2D profile or a 3D curve, then select Place Along Selected Path, this creates as many steels as there are lines in the path and cuts off the ends at the bisector; you can also create a single sweep by selecting the Create Sweep option. Steels

Youtube video - Steels

Edit of Steels length

You can change the length of the steels editing the component with a double click. Anyway if you select the IShape length of the component, you can change it dragging the handle in the desired position. Furthermore all the BOM Information, Part Name and Custom Data are updated. Steels

Youtube video - Steels

The data structure behind Steels

Every component defined in the User Interface has behind him some data files which contain properties and parameters related to the component itself. These files are placed in the folder of the standard rule. The main files associated to the family of components are the followings: Profil.ini and steelname.uni or steelname.din or steelname.dat

Every numbered section is related to an icon of the component in the User Interface, and every record contains these fields:

  • DataFile -> File containing the data values useful to build the component
  • Rule -> Name of the Standard Rule
  • Description -> Description of the Standard Rule
  • MaterialFile -> Data file containing the materials allowed for this kind of component

Normative Data

For example, this is the structure of a Profil.ini file:

#Data file	    | Rule		| Description                           | Material File

[1]
HEA.dat			| DIN1025-2	| Beam HE with large parallel forward	| steel.dat
HEB.dat			| DIN1025-3	| Beam IPBI						    	| steel.dat
HEM.dat			| DIN1025-4	| Beam IPBv							    | steel.dat
IPE.dat			| DIN1025-5	| Beam IPE							    | steel.dat

[2]
ISO_657-15.dat	| ISO657/15 | Beam IPN						    	| steel.dat

[3]
ISO_657-11.dat	| ISO657/11 | Beam UPN							    | steel.dat

[4]
ISO_657-1.dat	| ISO657-1	| Structural with the same angles and the same forward	| steel.dat
...
...

As you can see, under each section it is possible to place several records. Every record refers to a particular rule.

The material data file contains all the materials available for the component. All the material files are stored in the folder Norme.

With Library Data Manager, under Show Normative Data, you can change the description and rules for creating the BOM through a graphical interface.

The steelname.dat files, contain the fields of the standard values related to steels normative; the structure of the files are self-explaining.

Geometry Data

For example, this is the structure of a C.dat file:

##---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#Code     |  A   |  L  | Th. Group (s) |  B  |  C  | AFT | PartNumber (Optional)  |  
##---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6x20x20   |  20.0  |  0  |  @1  |  20.0  |  6.0  |  1  |  
7x20x30   |  20.0  |  0  |  @1  |  30.0  |  7.0  |  1  |  
10x20x40  |  20.0  |  0  |  @2  |  40.0  |  10.0 |  1  |  
7x25x25   |  25.0  |  0  |  @3  |  25.0  |  7.0  |  1  |  
10x30x30  |  30.0  |  0  |  @3  |  30.0  |  10.0 |  1  |  
10x30x40  |  30.0  |  0  |  @4  |  40.0  |  10.0 |  1  |  
15x30x40  |  30.0  |  0  |  @4  |  40.0  |  15.0 |  1  |  
10x30x50  |  30.0  |  0  |  @4  |  50.0  |  10.0 |  1  | 
...
##---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
## Thickness definition
@1  |  1.0  |  1.2  |  1.5  |  
@2  |  1.0  |  1.2  |  1.5  |  2.0  |  
@3  |  1.2  |  1.5  |  2.0  |  
@4  |  1.5  |  2.0  |  2.5  |  
...
## Round definition
#>Thickness | Ext. Round | Int. Round   
>1.0  |  0.2  |  
>1.2  |  0.5  |  
>1.5  |  0.5  |  
>2.0  |  1.0  |  
...

Through a graphical interface, Library Data Manager, under Show Geometry Data, you can change the dimensions of the profile, such as adding or removing rows, changing thickness or rounding data.

Round Definition

To define the rounds of the Steels sections, at the end of the DataFile (steelname.DAT), set the Round Definition with the following format:

....
##
## Round definition
##
# >Thickness | Ext. Round | Int. Round
>1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0
>1.2 | 0.0 | 1.0
>1.5 | 3.0 | 0.8
>2.0 | 4.0 | 1.0
....

As seen in the example, the value 0 is accepted and has the meaning of no “round”. In case the value Int.Round is not defined, RadiusInside will be = to RadiusOutside - Thickness.

You just put the line:

>ALL | xx | yy

applies the same round to all thicknesses.

It is also possible to define thicknesses in the following way:

>ALL | X2 | X0.5

In this case Xnn is the multiplier value of the thickness. So in the above example, the outer fitting will be equal to the thickness multiplied by two, while the inner fitting will be equal to the thickness divided by two.

To remove all the rounds, sets:

>ALL | 0.0

Steels

In the case where the section relative to the fittings is not defined, the values of the radii of the fittings will be equal to Thickness / 2

Custom Steels

Custom Steels alt > Custom Steels

Custom Steels allows to place user profiles using the characteristics of the tool IPROSteels, such as the points of attachment and the cuts at the ends. User profiles are to be stored in the library ICMechanical.

For a detailed explanation to create a custom steels, see here.

Youtube video - Custom Steels

Components

Custom Steels

The first drop down button that is used to select the category of custom steel profile. The second drop down button is used to select the type of steel profile.

This button allows you to select the display of steel: details, icons or tiles.

Custom Steels

Custom Steels

The last icons group is use to activate the attachment point (more info here).

Custom Steels

below is a preview of the selected profile, the icon to activate the cuts at the ends (more info here) and a combo to select the profile details (if present, more info here),

Custom Steels

the green arrow lets you choose how to give the feature: only this steel, to all those in the assembly, or to all of the scene.

Parameters

Custom Steels

  • Material - Using this combo box, the user could select the code of the material related to the component.
  • Length - In this text box the user can insert the value of the length of element, the icon at right (wand) allows to detect the size until the first element that intersects forward. Dec. - is the combo box that allows you to choose the precision for the inclusion of the measure.

BOM Information

Custom Steels alt >

The bottom section of the dialog contains the items useful to set the information related to the component. The section is divided in two parts: BOM Information and Custom Information.

BOM Information section contains the same options of the other components.

Part Number can also be generated using the Numbering tool

For a detailed explanation of the other items see BOM information

Status bar

Custom Steels

If you click on icon Library Data Manager starts to modify the description and the rules to create the bill of materials.

Custom Steels Library

Steel Cut Settings

Custom Steels alt >

Steels components have a drop down section that enables you to set the properties of the cut end to the element. These are the items and the options available in this section:

  • Start Section - This check is used to activate the cut into start, there are two options, the first is a combo box for select the orientation of the cut at step of 90°, the second is a text box for define the angle of inclination.
  • End Section - This check is used to activate the cut at the end, there are two options, the first is a combo box for select the orientation of the cut at step of 90°, the second is a text box for define the angle of inclination.

Create Attach Points

Custom Steels

Steels components have a three buttons that enables you to set the attachment points of the steels associated to the other steels. In fact IPROSteels can automatically create and associate start and end to any steels placed in the scene. These are the items and the options available in this section:

  • First button - align the new element with the reference.
  • Second button - align alongside the head of the reference.
  • Third button - align over the head of reference.

By clicking on the buttons repeatedly, the element that is being placing, will rotate with respect to the four faces in the side or in the head.

Second bt - align alongside the headThird bt - align over the head
SteelsSteels

Placement of Associated Steels

The Custom Steels has some useful behaviors which improve your productivity. In fact when you drop the tool over an existing steels component, Custom Steels automatically gets the existing parameters and associate the new component to the existing one. Furthermore, if you activate Create Attach Points, the new steels will be connected to the end.

Custom Steels along a 2D or 3D path

Automatically positions Custom Steels along a 2D or 3D path, even with the ability to offset.

Before drop the command in the scene, select a 2D profile or a 3D curve, then select Place Along Selected Path, this creates as many custom steels as there are lines in the path and cuts off the ends at the bisector.

Custom Steels

Edit of Steels length

You can change the length of the steels editing the component with a double click. Anyway if you select the IShape length of the component, you can change it dragging the handle in the desired position. Furthermore all the BOM Information, Part Name and Custom Data are updated.

How to create a custom library

In the Profiles folder (path: ..\ICMechanical\Library\Profiles) you can create a personal folder in which to save your profiles a FileName.ics file with the profile, and a FileName.jpg file with the preview image to be shown in the dialog box (if the .jpg is not present, the preview of .ics is used).

Custom Steels

How to create a multiple profiles for choose detail

  • Create two or more Intellishape into a same Part,
  • in each 2d section draw the appropriate profile steel,

Custom Steels

  • the 2D cross section and Intellishape must all be in the same position,
  • the center of the profile must match the origin of the 2d section,
  • change the name of the Intellishape and prefix it with the symbol _ (the name given to intellishape is what shows up in the combo box),
    • Intellishape named _@Trim is a special name for will be used as cutting element in the trim functions (and is not displayed in the combo box),
  • suppress all the Intellishape except the one is to be used as default.

The data structure behind Custom Steels

All components Custom Steels has behind him one data file - IPROLib_BOM.ini placed in the Profiles folder (path: ..\ICMechanical\Library\Profiles).

This file is used to manage the automatic generation of PartNumber, Description and Custom data.

As you can see, under each FolderName it is possible to place several records. Every record refers to a particular file.

You can add the name of your folder and fill in the various fields; if you do not, the data (Name, PartNumber, Description, Material) to fill in the BOM will be as set in each individual file.

Every record contains these fields:

  • FolderName -> Folder containing the 3D file
  • ComponentName-> Name of the Component
  • PartNumber-> Code of the Component
  • Description -> Description of the Component
  • CustomDataFile-> DataFile containing the custom data to add for this kind of component more info
  • Material -> Directly assigns the material in the CustomProfiles.dat file more info
  • MaterialFile -> Material file to show in the Material ComboBOX, if not specified the CustomProfiles.dat file is loaded

You can edit this file with Library Data Manager

For example, this is the structure of a IPROLib_BOM.ini file

# Parameters used in these schema are:
#	<C>	FileName of element
#	<L>	Sizebox Length of the component
#	<N>	Folder of element
#	<M>	Material
#	<A1>	Start taper Angle for Steels
#	<A2>	Start orientation Angle for Steels
#	<O1>	End taper Angle for Steels
#	<O2>	End orientation Angle for Steels
#
# Character ";" is used as separator
#
# All other characters are left unchanged......
#
#	The <DEFAULT> record is used if the component name is not
#	defined inside the file. In other words, when you want apply
#	the same record to all the entries of a FolderName, 
#	set ComponentName as <DEFAULT>
#
# FolderName;	ComponentName;          PartNumber;		Description;      CustomDataFile;  Material;   MaterialFile
#
AluFlex Item;	<DEFAULT>;              ALU<C>x<L>;		ALUFLEX <C>x<L>;
Serie2000;		<DEFAULT>;              S2000<C>x<L>;	S2000 <C>x<L>;                                  Steel.dat
Bosch_Rexroth;	<DEFAULT>;              BOSCH<C>x<L>;	BOSCH <C>x<L>;                      DIN2440
Bosch_Rexroth;	38429035 Profil 60x60;	38429035;		Profil 60x60;
Bosch_Rexroth;	38429052 Profil 45x45;	38429052;	  	Profil 45x45;
...
...
FBV;	        Profilo30x30_1C;        P030030C1;		<C> H<L>;         CustomFBV1C.dat
FBV;	        Profilo30x30_2A;        P030030C2A;		<C> H<L>;         CustomFBV2A.dat
...
...

RailingsXT

RailingsXT alt > RailingsXT

With this command you can insert many different types of parametric railings into the scene.

Drag the command into the scene and set the options, to dimension the railing you can enter the values in the dialog.

Youtube video - RailingsXT
Tip

Drag on element If you drag the railing to the edge of an element, such as a landing or balcony, the size is detected and set automatically.

The dialog box is divided into several sections:

RailingsXT

Pillars (with base and extension), handrails, horizontal, vertical, panels and exterior; in each section you can select the element to be used and manage its dimensions and options.

Library Folders

The folders of the RailingsXT library are located in ..\ICMechanical\Library\RailingsXT in these folders you can save custom elements such as handrails, horizontals, panel, pillars, etc.

RailingsXT

In each folder are the 3D *.ics files and the corresponding *.dat (text file containing your preferred measurements).

How to customize RailingXT components

In order to adapt elements to the chosen dimensions, all the models that make up the railings must be parametric, and be saved in the respective folders of the library.

Assemblies or parts must contain these parameters:

  • one named L which defines the depth
  • one named W which defines the width
  • one named H which defines the height
  • one named S which defines the thickness

Furthermore, the position of the anchor will be used as an insertion point.

Here are some examples:

Square Round is a pillar part: Railings ex

in order to adapt the size to the railing, the part element must contain these parameters:

  • H - corresponds to the Height of the railing (minus W of the Handrail, if any)
  • W - L - S - are use for adapt the element to the Measure of pillar

Frontal01 is an assembly with a pillar stump and base plate: Railings ex

  • DY - corresponds to Y Offset of the edge
  • DZ - corresponds to Z Offset of the edge
  • W - L - S - are use for adapt the stump to the Measure of pillar

Panel01 is an assembly with a glass panel and clips: Railings ex

  • MinW - corresponds to the minium size for inser panel among two pillars
  • W - is use for adapt the element to the distance of two pillars
  • H - is use for adapt the element to the Height of railing (minus W of the Handrail and Horizontals, if any)

In the case of this panel there are other parameters for clip positioning and sizing.

Steel Stairs

SteelsS alt > SteelsS

This command is used to place in the scene a steel staircase assembly consisting of steps, side elements and landing platform.

Youtube video - Steel Stairs

Drag the command into the scene and set the options, to dimension the scale you can drag the handles of the preview or enter the values in the dialog.

Steel Stair PreviewSteel Stair
SteelsS SteelsS

The dialog is divided into four sections:

Stair Geometry

SteelsS

In the first section, you can set the overall dimensions of the stair (or you can drag the handles in the preview).

Lateral Elements

SteelsS

In the second section, it is possible to select the type of the lateral elements of the staircase, the size, the placement (both, only right, only left), and the position (inside or outside of the size); with the first icon you change the Steel Type, while with the second icon you can use a custom steel (how to create custom steel) SteelsS

when you choose to use custom steel profiles, the drop-down button for choosing the profile appears, a button also appears to set the size.

SteelsS

SteelsS

Step

SteelsS

In the third section, it is possible to select the type of stairs steps, the size, the offset with respect to the side elements and the minimum climb between the steps (or - slightly above - force the number of steps); with the info icon you can display a diagram for the correct sizing of the staircase. SteelsS

Landing

SteelsS

The fourth section is for the setting of the landing plate, it is possible to select the type (Straight, Right, Left or Centered) and set its size.

Library Folders

SteelsS

The first icon at the top left of the dialog opens the dialog for setting the folders of the Steel Stairs library: in these folders it is possible to save the custom elements such as laterals, steps, landings and railings.

Custom elements

In order to adapt elements to the chosen dimensions, all the models that make up the staircase must be parametric, and be saved in the respective folders of the library.

Here are two examples of Lateral Elements:

Lateral1 is a part with a front parametric section:

SteelsS

in order to adapt to the size of the staircase, the lateral elements must contain these parameters:

  • StairLength - corresponds to L of the stair geometry, is the length of the stair
  • StairHeight - corresponds to H of the stair geometry, is the height of the stair
  • Width - corresponds to W of the profile, it is the width of the Lateral Elem
  • Height - corresponds to H of the profile, is the height of the Lateral Elem
  • Thickness - corresponds to Th, is the thickness of the Lateral Elem
  • FrontalModel - equal to 1, indicates that the parametric section is in front (and therefore it is not the section of the custom steel)

Lateral2 is a part with lateral parametric section (section of the custom steel):

SteelsS

in this case the parameter Length (of the profile) does not correspond to the length of the stair, but is used to calculate the hypotenuse between the Length(L) and Height(H) of the stair.

  • Width - corresponds to W of the profile, it is the width of the Lateral Elem
  • Height - corresponds to H of the profile, is the height of the Lateral Elem
  • Thickness - corresponds to Th, is the thickness of the Lateral Elem
  • C - corresponds to C, is the size of the flange of the Lateral Elem

Here are two examples of Steps:

Step03_SM is a SheetMetal part:

SteelsS

to be able to adapt to the size of the staircase, the steps must contain these parameters (at part or assembly level):

  • Width - corresponds to W of the stair geometry, is the width of the stair
  • Depth - corresponds to d of the step, it is the depth of the step
  • Thickness - corresponds to th, is the thickness of the step

optional, only if there are screws

  • ScrewOffset - distance of the screw from the edge of the step

Step06-S_Bolt is an Assembly of a Step with Grid (simplified) and bolts, nuts and washers:

SteelsS

Railings

Railings alt > Railings

This command is used to place in the scene a railings assembly consisting of a railing post, handrail elements, intermediate rail and kick strip.

Youtube video - Railings

Drag the command into the scene and set the options, to dimension the railing you can drag the handles of the preview or enter the values in the dialog.

Tip

Drag on element If you drag the railing on the stair element such lateral or landing, the dimension and angle are setting in automatic.

Railings PreviewRailings Preview on Steel Stair
Railings PreviewRailings Preview on Steel Stair

The dialog is divided into four sections:

Railing Sizebox

Railing Sizebox

In the first section, Railing Sizebox, you can set the dimensions of the railing (or you can drag the handles in the preview). Change the orientation placement position (for the railing post and for the kick strip).

In the Railing Post combo box, you can select the post element for start, end, and intermediate (which can be disable), the number of intermediate posts to be placed, the start and end offset, and choose the positioning mode with respect to the selected steel position (vertical or perpendicular).

Handrail

Railing Handrail

In this section you can select whether to position the handrail, from the combobox select the element and set the start and end extension.

Intermediate Rail

Railing Intermediate Rail

Section for selecting the intermediate rail from the combobox, and set the distance from the bottom.

Kick strip

Railing Kick strip

Section for selecting the kick strip.

Library Folders

Railing folders

The first icon at the top left of the dialog opens the window for setting the folders of the Steel Stairs library: in these folders it is possible to save the custom elements such as railing, handrail, intermediate and kick strip.

Custom elements

In order to adapt elements to the chosen dimensions, all the models that make up the railings must be parametric, and be saved in the respective folders of the library.

Assemblies or parts must contain these parameters: Height - corresponds to H of the railing Angle - used to adapt the element to the angle of the staircase (if Vertical is set as Placement) Furthermore, the position of the anchor will be used as an insertion point, and in the case of tubular profiles an attachment point called Handrail must also be defined on top of element in order to position the handrails correctly.

And it is also needed two parameters must be defined in the assembly/part one named L which defines the depth and one named W which defines the width, these parameters are used to correctly position the intermediate elements and the kickstrip.

Here are some examples:

Railings ex

Example 1 is a part of simple railing post:

Railings ex

in order to adapt the size to the railing, the part element must contain these parameters:

  • Height - corresponds to H of the railing
  • Angle - it is use for adapt the element to the angle to the stair

Railing 40x40 is an assembly with a railing post and base plate:

Railings ex


Railing 42 T L is an assembly with tubolar railing post and a side plate:

Railings ex

In the case of a side railing post, there must be an attachment point to the base positioned in the center of the railing with the name Railing, this attachment point is used together with the parameters L and W to correctly position the intermediate elements and the kickstrip.

Railings Assemblies

Railings alt > Railings

This command is used to place a parametric railing assembly in the scene.

Drag the command into the scene and set the options, to dimension the railing you can enter the values in the dialog.

Tip

Drag on element If you drag the railing on the stair element such lateral or landing, the dimension and angle are setting in automatic.

Railings ParametersRailings Preview on Steel Stair
Railings paramRailings Preview on Steel Stair

The dialog is divided into two sections:

Railing Sizebox

Railing Sizebox

In this section, you can set the dimensions of the railing and change the orientation placement position (for the railing post and for the kick strip).

Railing combo

In the combo box, you can select the railing assembly.

Parameter grid

Railing Sizebox

This table shows the parameters relating to the railing selected with the values that can be modified by the user.

Library Folders

Railing folders

The icon at the top left of the dialog opens the window for setting the Steel Stairs library folders: in this folder you can save the railing assembly.

Custom Assembly Railing

In order to adapt railing to the chosen dimensions, the assembly that make up the railing must be parametric, and be saved in the respective folder of the library.

The assembly must contain at least these parameters: Length - matches to L of the railing Height - matches to H of the railing Angle - used to adapt the element to the angle of the staircase (if the railing was released on a sloped side profile) and all other parameters required to properly size the railing

Tip

if the comment column is filled with parameter descriptions, they will be shown in the dialog box as a tooltip

furthermore, the position of the anchor will be used as an insertion point.

Here are some examples:

Railings Assy ex

Tubes_lateral is an assembly with tubolar railing and a side plate:

Railings Assy ex

in order to adapt the size to the railing, the assembly must contain these parameters:

  • Length - matches to L of the railing
  • Height - matches to H of the railing
  • Angle - it is use for adapt the element to the angle to the stair

and the assembly and parts can contain other parameters:

  • other params - are use for drive the railing
Tip

if the comment column is filled with parameter descriptions, they will be shown in the dialog box as a tooltip

Set BOM Settings

Set BOM Settings alt > Set BOM Settings

With Set BOM Settings you can change the BOM settings for the whole scene, drag the tool into the scene and choose which settings you want to change.

You can change the UserName to:

  • Part Number, Description
  • Add a prefix to the Name or PartNumber
  • Set the encoding mode to: Automatic, Set by User, PartNumber Auto code and Description by User, PartNumber by User and Description automatic.

Set BOM Settings

Youtube video - Set BOM Settings

Operativity

  1. Drag the command into the scene to change the settings for all steels.
  2. Or, first select the steels whose BOM settings you want to change,
  3. Then drag and drop the command into the scene.

Create Steel Cap and Tube Cap

Steel Cap alt > Steel Cap

With Create Steel Cap (and Tube Cap) you can add the cap part to the steel by dragging the tool over the chosen end of the steel (at the beginning or end).

Youtube video - Create Steel Cap and Tube Cap

Steel Cap

Profile Type

From the combobox it is possible to choose the section of the cap profile between: Equal, Sharp corners, Chamfered corners, Filled corners. And you can choose if Create Attach Points for link the cap to the steel.

Steel Cap Type

Parameters

Steel Cap

  • Thickness - Select or type the thickness of the plate.
  • Steel Dimension - This two textbox detect the size of the steel on which the command is drop, and you can edit it values.
  • Offset - External offset value.
  • Chamfer/Round - Chanfer/Round value, the text box changes according to the profile choice.

Steel Cap

  • Create Holes - If the check is active, you can enter the values of the four holes, diameter and distances.

BOM Information

Steels

The bottom section of the dialog contains the items useful to set the information related to the component. The section is divided in two parts: BOM Information and Custom Information.

BOM Information section contains the same options of the other components, but there is this option more:

User Name Prefix - This check button controls the enable state of the text item placed on the right. If this button is checked, any string placed in the text item will be used as prefix of the User Name.

Note

When the tool is positioned on one of the first four steel types and moved accordingly, the part number prefix changes. Steel caps are categorized by their location: at the Base (prefix F), at the Top (prefix T), and at the End (prefix E). The options for Prefix Name and Prefix Part Number are filled automatically and correctly.

For a detailed explanation of the other items see BOM information

Create Steel Stiffener

Steel Stiffener alt > Steel Stiffener

With Create Steel Stiffener you can add the stiffener part to the steel, drag the command to the chosen end of the steel.

Steel Stiffener

Profile Type

From the combobox it is possible to choose the section of the stiffener profile between: Equal, Sharp corners, Chamfered corners, Filled corners. And you can choose if Create Attach Points for link the stiffener to the steel.

Steel Stiffener Type

Parameters

Steel Stiffener

  • Thickness - Select or type the thickness of the plate.
  • Side 1/2 - The combobox on the right can be used to choose the positioning side.
  • Offset Inside - Value of internal offset.
  • Offset Outside - Value of external offset.
  • Triangular Shape - Set the triangular profile, available only for T and L steels.
  • Reinforcement - Dimensions of the reinforcement, if the length is 0 it will not be extended beyond the dimensions of the steel (and the width will have no effect), available only for H and and C steels.
  • Off. O1 and 02 - Offset value of indentations, available only for H.
  • Chanfer/Round - Chanfer/Round value, the text box on the right changes according to the profile choice.

Steel Stiffener

  • Create Holes - If the check is active, you can enter the values of the four holes, diameter and distances.

BOM Information

Steels Stiffener BOM

The bottom section of the dialog contains the items useful to set the information related to the component. The section is divided in two parts: BOM Information and Custom Information.

BOM Information section contains the same options of the other components, but there is this option more:

User Name Prefix - This check button controls the enable state of the text item placed on the right. If this button is checked, any string placed in the text item will be used as prefix of the User Name.

Note

When the tool is positioned on one of the first four steel types and moved accordingly, the part number prefix changes. Steel caps are categorized by their location: at the Base (prefix F), at the Top (prefix T), and at the End (prefix E). The options for Prefix Name and Prefix Part Number are filled automatically and correctly.

For a detailed explanation of the other items see BOM information

Extend Steels

Steel Extend alt > Steel Extend

With the Extend Steels command, you can extend (or cut) two steels with each other or to a face.

Youtube video - Extend Steels

Operativity

  1. Drag and Drop the command in the scene,
  2. Select the first Steel,
  3. Select the second steel to extend, (or Select the face to use as reference, and confirm)
  4. Select the type of join between the two steels,
  5. Confirm your choice.
Tip

If you want to apply join type 1, select first the two steels and then release the command in the scene with the right mouse button; this way you avoid all choices and no window appears.

Trim at intersection

Steel Multi Trim alt >

With the Trim at intersection command, it is possible to trim the selection of steels with two or more steels at their intersection.

Youtube video - Trim at intersection

Operativity

  1. Select one or more Steels what you want cut,
  2. Drag and Drop the command into the scene.
Tip

If you drag the command with the right mouse button, a dialog box appears where you can set the minimum distance of influence of the command action (i.e. the intersection control distance) and also set the tolerance for the cut.

Steel QuickTrim

Trim Steels

Steel Trim alt > Steel Trim

With the Trim Steels command, you can trim (or extend) one or more steels with one or two steels as a reference for the cut.

Steel Trim

Youtube video - Trim Steels

Operativity

  1. Drag and Drop the command into the scene,
  2. Select one or two Steels to use as trim references,
  3. Select one or more steels to trim,
  4. Confirm your choice.

You can also define a start and end tolerance for the trim and if you want any connected steels to be disconnected.

3 Corner Miter

3 Corner Miter alt >

The 3 Corner Miter tool enables users to cut three steel beams at their intersection.

Operativity

  1. First select the three steels you want to cut,
  2. Then Drag and Drop the command into the scene.
Youtube video - 3 Corner Miter

Quick Trim

Steel QuickTrim alt >

Quick trim allows you to cut or extend selected steels to the first intersection (in both directions).

Operativity (single steel)

  1. Drag and drop the tool onto the steel you want to cut.
Tip

If you want to trim or extend only one side of the steel, drag and drop the tool to the desired end while holding down the Alt key.

Youtube video - Quick Trim

Operativity (multi steels)

  1. First select the steels you want to cut,
  2. Then Drag and Drop the tool into the scene.
Tip

If you drag the tool with the right mouse button, a dialog box appears where you can set the minimum distance of influence of the tool action (i.e. the intersection control distance) and also set the tolerances for the cut.

Steel QuickTrim

Cut Steels

Cut Steels alt >

With the Cut Steel command, you can cut steel into two parts by entering the distance (and possibly the offset before and after cut) from the beginning (or using TriBall) or you can cut multiple steels together.

Operativity (single cut)

  1. Drag and Drop the command onto steel,
  2. Insert distance, or placing triball and drag,
  3. Confirm your choice.

Cut Steels

Operativity (multi cuts)

  1. Drag the command into the scene with the right mouse button,
  2. Select one or two Steels to use as cutting references,
  3. Select one or more steels to be cut,
  4. Confirm your choice.

Cut Steels

Detach Steels

Steel Extend alt > Disconnect steels that are connected to each other with attachment points.

Youtube video - Detach Steels

Operativity (single steel)

  1. Drag and Drop the command onto steel.

Operativity (multi steels)

  1. Select steels,
  2. Drag and Drop the command into the scene.

Connect Closed Steels

Steel Extend alt > Connect the steels that had been disconnected with their attachment points (if any).

Youtube video - Connect Closed Steels

Operativity

  1. Select steels that you want connect,
  2. Set the infuence area to search attachment points,
  3. Drag and Drop the command into the scene.

Connect Steels

Splined Shaft

Splined Shaft alt > Splined Shaft

Youtube video - Splined Shaft

Parameters

Splined Shaft

  • Normative - Combo for select the rule.
  • Material - Using this combo box, the user could select the code of the material related to the component.
  • Shaft Diameter - Combo for select the internal diameter.
  • Ext. Diameter - Text box for insert the internal diameter (only for Splined Hub).
  • Length - Text box for insert the length.

Splined Shaft

BOM Information

The bottom section of the dialog contains the items useful to set the information related to the component.

Splined Shaft

The section is divided in two parts: BOM Information and Custom Information. For a detailed explanation see here BOM information

The data structure behind Splined Shaft

Every component defined in the User Interface has behind him some data files which contain properties and parameters related to the component itself. These files are placed in the folder of the standard rule. The main files associated to the family of components are the followings: SplinedShaft.ini and UNIxxxx.dat

For example, this is the structure of a SplinedShaft.ini file

#
#  Name	    |FileTable       | Description      	       | CodeConf                      | Descr                                       | Material
UNI 8953 SL | UNI8953sl.dat  | Splined shaft LIGHT Series  | Splined SL <N>x<Dmin>x<Dmax>  | Splined Shaft UNI 8953 SL <N>x<Dmin>x<Dmax> | Steel.dat
UNI 8953 SM | UNI8953sm.dat  | Splined shaft MEDIUM series | Splined SM <N>x<Dmin>x<Dmax>  | Splined Shaft UNI 8953 SM <N>x<Dmin>x<Dmax> | Steel.dat
UNI 8953 HSL| UNI8953Hsl.dat | Splined hub LIGHT Series    | Splined HSL <N>x<Dmin>x<Dmax> | Splined hub UNI 8953 SL <N>x<Dmin>x<Dmax>   | Steel.dat
UNI 8953 HSM| UNI8953Hsm.dat | Splined hub MEDIUM series   | Splined HSM <N>x<Dmin>x<Dmax> | Splined hub UNI 8953 SM <N>x<Dmin>x<Dmax>   | Steel.dat

The UNIxxxx.dat files, contain the fields of the standard values related to Splined Shaft normative; the structure of the files are self-explaining.

## ========================================== 
## * Fronema Srl  -  PARAMETRIC LIBRARY
## ==========================================
##
##  Cylindrical grooves parallel sides internal centering - LIGHT Series
##
##  Order	Name  Description
##		0	DMin -> Minimum diameter shaft
##		1	DMax -> Maximum diameter shaft
##		2	B    -> L dente
##		3	N    -> N denti
##      4   DEex -> External diameter splined hub
##
<UNIT> MM
#
# DMin | DMax | B  | N  | DExt
23     | 26   | 6  | 6  | 0
26     | 30   | 6  | 6  | 0
28     | 32   | 7  | 6  | 0
32     | 36   | 6  | 8  | 0
36     | 40   | 7  | 8  | 0
42     | 46   | 8  | 8  | 0
...

Gears

Gears alt > Gears

Youtube video - Gears

The Gears tool is used to create Spur, Rack, Bevel, Sprocket or Pulley in the scene or when you edit an existing component.

Youtube video - Gears

Components

The family of gears can be selected using the tabs.

Gears

You can change the type of gears clicking of the option buttons placed under the preview.

Parameters

Gears

  • Transmission Rate - This text box is available when drop spur on an existing one and use it for define rate.
  • Modulus - This combo box contains all the values related to the modulus available.
  • Teeth - This box lets you choose the number of teeth.
  • Material - Using this combo box, the user could select the code of the material related to the component.
  • Fast Mode - Select this check for positioning an schematic component.
  • Authored Mode - Select this check to deny acces to intellishape.

BOM Information

The bottom section of the dialog contains the items useful to set the information related to the component.

Gears

The section is divided in two parts: BOM Information and Custom Information. For a detailed explanation see here BOM information

The data structure behind Gears

Every component defined in the User Interface has behind him some data files which contain properties and parameters related to the component itself. These files are placed in the folder of the standard rule. The main files associated to the family of components are the followings: Main_NAME of Comp.ini and TableNAME.uni

Every record contains these fields:

  • TableName-> File containing the data values useful to build the component
  • Description -> Description of the Standard Rule
  • MaterialFile -> Default materials allowed for this kind of component
  • CodConf -> Configuration of Code
  • and other Fields specific for each components

For example, this is the structure of a Main_Spurs.ini file

#TableName	 | Description                      | Material      | CodeConf	| Density
tb_Spur1.uni | Ruote dentate cil. mozzo laterale| C 45 UNI 7845	| RDM<Z><M>	| 7.88
tb_Spur2.uni | Ruote dentate cil.			    | C 40 UNI 7845	| RD<Z><M>	| 7.88
tb_Spur3.uni | Ruote dentate cil. in ghisa		| G 20 UNI 5007	| RDG<Z><M>	| 7.0

Under each section it is possible to place several records; every record refers to a particular rule.

The TableNAME.uni files, contain the fields of the standard values related to gears normative; the structure of the files are self-explaining.

#M	 |  Z	| D1	| DM	| B     | A
1.00 |  12	| 0.00	| 9.00	| 15.00	| 25.00
1.00 |  13	| 0.00	| 10.00	| 15.00	| 25.00
....
1.50 |  28	| 12.00	| 30.00	| 17.00	| 30.00
1.50 |  29	| 12.00	| 30.00	| 17.00	| 30.00
....
....
6.00 |  24	| 0.00	| 110.0 | 60.00	| 80.00
6.00 |  25	| 0.00	| 110.0 | 60.00	| 80.00

Place Belt

Belt alt >

The Place Belt tool is used to place automatically belt around a selection of pulley.

Belt

Youtube video - Place Belt

Operativity

  1. Drag and Drop the command into the scene,
  2. Select two or more Pulley to use as references,
  3. Optional, Set BOM information,
  4. Confirm your choice.
Tip

If you want to apply directly the belt, select first the pulleys and then release the command in the scene with the right mouse button; this way you avoid all choices and appears only the last dialog.

Youtube video - Place Belt
Note

If the position of the pulleys has been changed, it is possible to regenerate the size of the belt simply by double clicking on the belt itself (or right click and choose Add-on Properties)

BOM Information

The bottom section of the dialog contains the items useful to set the information related to the component.

Belt

The section is divided in two parts: BOM Information and Custom Information. For a detailed explanation see here BOM information

The data structure behind Belt

All the data files related to belt are placed in the folder ..\Norme\Gears\Belts\Pulleys

This is the list of the files contained in the folder and a description of their structure:

  • Belt_AT.dat
  • Belt_GT.dat
  • Belt_HTD.dat
  • Belt_T.dat

These files contain the standard values related to Belt normative.

es. This is Belt_T.dat

## ========================================== 
## * Fronema Srl  -  PARAMETRIC LIBRARY
## ==========================================
##
##-------------------------------------------------------------------
#P  | Wid | Thic | Code | Description                       | Coding
2.5 | 6   | 0.6  | T2.5 | Cinghia dentata Passo metrico "T" | <W> <C>-<L>
5   | 10  | 1    | T5   | Cinghia dentata Passo metrico "T" | <W> <C>-<L>
....

The structure of the files are self-explaining.

Springs

Springs alt >

The Springs tool is used to create Springs in the scene or when you edit an existing component.

Springs

Youtube video - Springs

Components

The family of Springs can be selected using the tabs.

Springs

Parameters

Springs

  • Type - This combobox let you set normal or endless Springs.
  • Wire Diam. - This combo box contains all the values related to the wire diameter available.
  • Coil Diam. - This box lets you choose the coil diameter.
  • Sizebox - These two text boxes are used to define the two diameters, internal and external
  • Pich - With this combobox you select the pitch
  • Unstressed length - Length of spring unstressed, with the two tab upper the parameters let you change the state of the spring and you can select the compressed mode in this case, the label becomes purple to indicate the status changed (and the spring will be colored red)
    Note

    These are the parameters of the Compression Spring, the Extension and Torsion Springs differ in some parameters.

  • Material - Using this combo box, the user could select the code of the material related to the component.
  • Fast Mode - Select this check for positioning an schematic spring without wire.
  • Lock Mode - Check to deny acces to intellishape.
  • Show Ax - If selected, a small cylinder will be created to identify the axis of the spring.
  • Use ACIS - Select this check to use the ACIS kernel instead of PARASOLID as the modeling engine.

BOM Information

Spring BOMThe bottom section of the dialog contains the items useful to set the information related to the component.

Springs

The section is divided in two parts: BOM Information and Custom Information. For a detailed explanation see here BOM information

The data structure behind Springs

Every component defined in the User Interface has behind him some data files which contain properties and parameters related to the component itself. These files are placed in the folder of the standard rule. The main files associated to the family of components are the followings: BOMConfig.ini and TypeOfSpring.dat

BOMConfig.ini file, contain the data values useful to build the Code

1	| Compression spring	| CS<dw>x<D>x<L0> - <R>
2	| Extension spring      | ES<dw>x<D>x<L0> - <R>
3	| Torsion spring	    | RS<dw>x<D>x<A> - <R>

TypeOfSpring.dat file, contain the data values useful to build the component

#	dw	->	Wire Diameter
#	D	->	Coil Diameter
#	s	->	Pitch
#	L0	->	Height Uncompressed
#	Ln	-> 	Height Compressed
#
#dw		|		D	|	s		|	L0		|	Ln
0.20	|	2.90	|	1.00	|	7.50	|	2.48
0.20	|	2.50	|	1.40	|	8.20	|	2.07
0.25	|	3.20	|	1.81	|	10.60	|	2.61
0.50	|	11.00	|	4.00	|	14.50	|	4.20
0.50	|	6.00	|	2.76	|	35.00	|	9.22
0.50	|	5.50	|	1.74	|	6.60	|	3.24
....

Shaft Key

Shaft Key alt > Shaft Key

The ShaftKeys tool is used to create ShaftKey on the shaft part. This dialog box is displayed every time you drop the ShaftKey tool in the scene or when you edit one.

Youtube video - Shaft Key

The ShaftKey can be placed also on cylindrical parts, drop the tool on an circular edge or face and the ShaftKey inherits the shaft dimensions.

Youtube video - Shaft Key

Components

Shaft Key

You can change the type of ShaftKeys clicking of the combo box Normative placed into parameters.

Parameters

Shaft Key

  • Unit - This box lets you choose the measure unit.
  • Normative - Using this combo box, the user can select the correct rule.
  • Hollow Mode - This box lets you choose between the hollow mode: none, active, only hollow (in this case the ShaftKey is not positioned). When the user activates the hollow, the check control of the Chamfer is activated to do so on the edge of the groove.
  • Material - Using this combo box, the user could select the code of the material related to the component.
  • Shaft Diam. - This combo box contains all the values related to the selected rule. When the user drags a component over on circle edge (for example, if the user drags a ShaftKey over a shaft) the ShaftKey inherits the shaft dimensions.
  • other Fields specific for each components

BOM Information

ShaftKey BOMThe bottom section of the dialog contains the items useful to set the information related to the component.

Shaft Key

The section is divided in two parts: BOM Information and Custom Information. For a detailed explanation see here BOM information

The data structure behind ShaftKey

Every component defined in the User Interface has behind him some data files which contain properties and parameters related to the component itself. These files are placed in the folder of the standard rule. The main files associated to the family of components are the followings: ShaftKey.ini and FileName.dat

Every numbered section is related to an icon of the component in the User Interface, and every record contains these fields:

  • Name -> Component name that appears in the combo
  • FileTable -> File containing the data values useful to build the component
  • TypeKey -> Type of ShaftKey
  • Description -> Description of the Standard Rule
  • CodeConf -> Configuration of Code
  • Descr -> Configuration of the Description
  • MaterialFile -> Data file containing the materials allowed for this kind of component

For example, this is the structure of a ShaftKey.ini file

#
#  Name	   |FileTable	   |TypeKey| Description			 | CodeConf		  |	Descr 		  |	Material
#
DIN 6885 A | DIN6885A.dat  |  0    | Parallel Key Low Type	 | <b>x<h>x<l><T> |	KK<b>x<h>x<l> |	Steel.dat
DIN 6885 B | DIN6885B.dat  |  1    | Parallel Key Hight Type | <b>x<h>x<l><T> |	KR<b>x<h>x<l> |	Steel.dat
DIN 6887   | DIN6887.dat   |  2    | Taper key with gib head | <b>x<h>x<l><T> |	KR<b>x<h>x<l> |	Steel.dat
DIN 6888-1 | DIN6888-1.dat |  3    | Woodruff key		     | <b>x<h>x<l><T> |	KR<b>x<h>x<l> |	Steel.dat
DIN 6888-2 | DIN6888-2.dat |  3    | Woodruff key		     | <b>x<h>x<l><T> |	KR<b>x<h>x<l> |	Steel.dat

Under each section it is possible to place several records; every record refers to a particular rule.

The material data file contains all the materials available for the component. All the material files are stored in the folder Norme.

The FileName.dat files, contain the fields of the standard values related to ShaftKey normative; the structure of the files are self-explaining.

#
# DMin   DMax	b	   	h	   	l		t1	
#
6	|	8	|	2	|	2	|	6	|	1.2
6	|	8	|	2	|	2	|	8	|	1.2
6	|	8	|	2	|	2	|	10	|	1.2
6	|	8	|	2	|	2	|	12	|	1.2
6	|	8	|	2	|	2	|	14	|	1.2
6	|	8	|	2	|	2	|	16	|	1.2
6	|	8	|	2	|	2	|	18	|	1.2
...
...

Grooves

Grooves alt > The Grooves tool is used to create grooves or chamfers on the shaft part. Grooves

Youtube video - Grooves

This dialog box is displayed every time you drop the Grooves tool on the part or when you edit (the Intellishape) an existing one.

Grooves

  1. Edge selected for Chamfer
  2. Edge selected for Groove Grooves can be placed only on cylindrical parts, drop the tool on an circular edge (otherwise you will be shown a warning message).

Components

Grooves

Grooves

You can change the type of Grooves by clicking a drop down button Normative and Type.

Parameters

Grooves

When you change the type of the Grooves, the dialog box updated the values text box.

In this box, it shows a warning message if the Groove is not compatible with the diameter of the shaft.

The data structure behind Grooves

Every component defined in the User Interface has behind him some data files which contain properties and parameters related to the component itself. These files are placed in the folder of the standard rule. The main files associated to the family of components are the followings: Grooves.ini and *.dat

Every record contains these fields:

  • ID -> the number is related to the component in the User Interface
  • StandardName -> Component name that appears in the combo Normative
  • Table -> File containing the data values useful to build the component
  • FormName -> Name that appears in the combo Type
  • FormType -> Type of Groove This is the structure of a Grooves.ini file
#ID	| StandardName | Table		    |FormName|   FormType
#
1	|	UNI 4386   | Form_E_UNI.dat	|	E	 |	1
2	|	UNI 4386   | Form_F_UNI.dat	|	F	 |	2
3	|	DIN 509	   | Form_E_DIN.dat	|	E	 |	1
4	|	DIN 509	   | Form_F_DIN.dat	|	F	 |	2
5	|	DIN 509	   | Form_G_DIN.dat	|	G	 |	3
6	|	DIN 509	   | Form_H_DIN.dat	|	H	 |	4
7	|	DIN 76-1   | Form_A_DIN.dat	|	A	 |	5
8	|	DIN 76-1   | Form_B_DIN.dat	|	B	 |	5

The *.dat files, contain the fields of the standard values related to Groove normative; the structure of the files are self-explaining.

#
#DMin|	DMax     |	r	 |	t	 |	b	 |  c	 |	t1	 |  a
#
0	 |	1.6		 |	0.1	 |	0.1	 |	0.5	 |	0.8	 |	0.1	 |	0
1.6	 |	3		 |	0.2	 |	0.1	 |	1	 |	0.9	 |	0.1	 |	0
3	 |	10		 |	0.4	 |	0.2	 |	2	 |	1.1	 |	0.1	 |	0
10	 |	18		 |	0.6	 |	0.2	 |	2	 |	1.4	 |	0.1	 |	0.2
18	 |	50		 |	1	 |	0.2	 |	2.5	 |	1.8	 |	0.1	 |	0.8
50	 |	80		 |	1.6	 |	0.3	 |	4	 |	3.1	 |	0.2	 |	1.1
80	 |	125		 |	2.5	 |	0.4	 |	5	 |	4.8	 |	0.3	 |	1.9
125	 |	9999999	 |	4	 |	0.5	 |	7	 |	6.4	 |	0.3	 |	4

Boss Thread1

Boss Thread1 alt > The BossThread 1 tool is used to Boss Thread whit run-out and cylinder on the shaft part. This dialog box is displayed every time you drop the BossThread 1 tool on the part or when you edit an existing BossThread.

Boss Thread1

The BossThread 1 can be placed only on cylindrical parts, drop the tool on an circular edge or face (otherwise you will be shown a warning message).

Youtube video - Boss Thread1

Settings

Boss Thread1

The items included in this box enable you to save the current setting of the BossThread. This enables you to recall them quickly in future sessions. The buttons included in this section enable you to save, remove or apply any saved setting.

Components

You can change the type of Boss Thread 1 by clicking a drop down button Normative (currently no standard is available, values must be entered by hand).

Parameters

Boss Thread1

  • Diameter - This option is used to select the required diameter for the Boss Thread.
  • Length - This option is used to insert or to select the length of the Boss Thread.

Boss Thread1

  • Diameter - This option is used to select the required diameter for the Run-Out.
  • Length - This option is used to insert or to select the length of the Run-Out.

Boss Thread1

  • Diameter - This option is used to insert the required diameter for the base Cylinder.
  • Length - This option is used to insert or to select the length of the base Cylinder.

Boss Thread1

  • Pitch - This option shows the Thread Pitch of the BossThread. To enable this item, you have to check the Edit option.
  • Chamfer - This combo let you select if you want create a chamfer at top of bossthread.
  • Thread Mode - This combo let you select at right or left for the thread.
  • Callout - If you want assign the callout in the 2D drawing, check this option.

The data structure behind BossThread

The BossThread 1 command is completely manual, so all diameters and lengths must be entered manually, only the pitch is driven by the file Pitch.dat (file containing the values of the available pitch) that is in the folder ../Norme/BossTherad/.

Boss Thread

Boss Thread alt > The BossThread tool is used to Boss Thread on the shaft part. This dialog box is displayed every time you drop the BossThread tool on the part or when you edit an existing BossThread.

Boss Thread1

The BossThread can be placed only on cylindrical parts, drop the tool on an circular edge or face (otherwise you will be shown a warning message).

Youtube video - Boss Thread

Settings

Boss Thread

The items included in this box enable you to save the current setting of the BossThread. This enables you to recall them quickly in future sessions. The buttons included in this section enable you to save, remove or apply any saved setting.

Components

You can change the type of Boss Thread by clicking a drop down button Normative (Standard, GAS, NPT mm and inch).

Parameters

Boss Thread1

When you change the type of the Boss Thread, the dialog box updated the value text box.

  • Diameter - This label shows the measured diameter shaft, if you check the box Man., you can change it. In other cases is used to select the required diameter for the Boss Thread.
  • Total Length - This option is used to insert or to select the length of the Boss Thread (including the length of the run-out). With the option at right you can see the measurement in inches or millimeters.
  • Taper Angle - This option shows the draft angle of the BossThread.

Boss Thread1

  • Create Run-Out - If checked let you create an run-out.
  • Diameter - This option is used to select the required diameter for the Run-Out.
  • Length - This option is used to insert or to select the length of the Run-Out.

Boss Thread1

  • Pitch - This option shows the Thread Pitch of the BossThread. To enable this item, you have to check the Edit option.
  • Chamfer - This combo let you select if you want create a chamfer at top of bossthread.
  • Thread Mode - This combo let you select at right or left for the thread.
  • Callout - If you want assign the callout in the 2D drawing, check this option.

The data structure behind BossThread

Every component defined in the User Interface has behind him some data files which contain properties and parameters related to the component itself. These files are placed in the folder of the standard rule. The main files associated to the family of components are the followings: BossThread.ini and *.dat

Every record contains these fields:

  • Name -> Component name that appears in the combo Normative
  • DataFile -> File containing the data values useful to build the component
  • Callout -> Prefix to be assigned to the callout
  • 0=MM 1=Inches -> unit of measure
  • RunOutFile -> File containing the data values useful to build the runout

This is the structure of a BossThread.ini

## ============================================================================ 
## * IRONPROXT -  PARAMETRIC LIBRARY  -  Fronema Srl *
## ============================================================================
#
# Name   |  Data File               |Callout| 0=MM 1=Inches	|  RunOutFile
Standard | ThreadDiameters.dat		|  M	|  0	    	|  RunOut.dat	
GAS      | GASThreadDiameters.dat	|  G	|  0	    	|
NPT_IN 	 | NPTDiameters.dat		    |  NPT	|  1	    	|
NPT_MM 	 | NPTDiametersMM.dat		|  NPT	|  0	    	|

The *.dat files, contain the fields of the standard values related to Boss Thread normative; the structure of the files are self-explaining.

This is the structure of a NPTDiameters.dat

## ============================================================================ 
## * IRONPROXT -  PARAMETRIC LIBRARY  -  Fronema Srl *
## ============================================================================
##
## NPT Thread Diameters                 
## 
## separator field is TAB
## Units are in inches
##          
## Outsider_Diam  NominalSize 	Pitch1	Pitch2   Length    Taper Angle
0.383 				1/8			0.03571 	0	0.15630 	1.79
0.518 				1/4			0.05262 	0	0.23661 	1.79
0.656 				3/8			0.05262 	0	0.25000 	1.79
0.825 				1/2			0.05262 	0	0.32126 	1.79
1.041 				3/4			0.07143 	0	0.37520 	1.79
...
...

Tools Catalog

This catalog contains numerous tools for managing components, such as parametric components, external link manager, configuration manager, insert, replacement, and export parts, face export to DXF, and much more.

Subsections of Tools Catalog

Kernel Manager

Kernel Manager ico Dragging this command in the scene, we can change the modeling kernel of all parts in the scene, or alternatively only selected.

Youtube video - Kernel Manager

To change the kernel of all parts, select the item father (“Parasolid Parts” or “ACIS Parts”) and then click on the arrow above the list:

Violet Arrow -> changes from Parasolid to ACIS,

Blue Arrow <- change by ACIS to Parasolid.

To change the kernel only some parts, simply select it from the list and then click on the arrow to change the kernel.

kernel manager

With the buttons below parts lists, you can perform some operations:

Kernel Manager ico

  • Suppress the selected parts
  • Remove the suppression of selected parts
  • Suppress all unselected parts
  • Highlight the selected parts

External Link Manager

External Link Manager ico The External Links Manager gives you the full control over all linked files in a scene.

Youtube video - External Link Manager

The command has to be dragged to an empty area of the scene.

external link manager

external link manager

In dialog box there are three buttons with which you can either unlink a specified part or unlink all files in the entire scene (also with the possibility of unlink the children parts), or save with the name all parts.

Youtube video - External Link Manager

external link manager

The other four buttons allow you to: save the selected link file to another location (or rename the linked file), exchange the link with another file, open the linked file, save the selected part. These buttons are enabled only if you select an item in the tree view.

Note

When exchanging the link with another file, a dialog box allows you to choose how to replace the element. external link manager

In the bottom of the dialog, we have three tab to view the parts, those Linked and Not Linked

external link manager

Also on the Not Linked tab is a tree view for selecting parts you want to save externally, there are also two controls: one for choosing whether to save all files in a single folder, and the other whether you want the exported part to be moved (based on the element’s own anchor) to the origin of the new file.

Note

ico>< The new part number can also be assigned via the numbering tool, see here for how to use it.

external link manager

The Element Selection menu is useful for quickly selecting elements (Select All, Select Assemblies, Select Parts, Select Sheet Metal Parts, Delete Selection) to export externally. It also contains an option to exclude IPROFasteners and an option to manage the Linked Mirrored elements, with the option of not Selecting or Unlinking them.

While the icons above the grid are respectively for:

  • Fill the grid, to set by rules all new part names, part numbers and file names
  • Search and Replace text, to rename in bulk: part name, part number, file name and folder.

external link manager

And the tab Linked Files with a list of all files linked.

external link manager

external link manager In the tab Linked, the command Save all to New File, open a new dialog where you can manage the save of the linked parts, setting the new name and new part number, the destination folder and the file name.

This data can be changed individually for each part/assembly, selecting the relative cell within the grid and entering the new data, or by adjusting the controls placed on the top of the window you can automate some procedures.

Furthermore, if the source folder contains the 2D files of relating to linked parts, you can copy and update the links to the new file and the new folder.

All these options affect the behavior of the below grid:

external link manager

  • Export All Files in the Same Folder: When this option is active, the value inserted in the “New Path” column, will be copied for all the rows in the grid

  • Set FileName Equal to UserName: When this option is active, the value inserted in the “New Name” column, will be copied in the “New File Name” column. In other words the exported file will have the FileName equal to the UserName of the element.

  • Set FileName Equal to PartNumber: When this option is active, the value inserted in the “New PartNumber” column, will be copied in the “New File Name” column. In other words the exported file will have the FileName equal to the PartNumber of the element.

  • Set UserName Equal to PartNumber: When this option is active, the value inserted in “New PartNumber”, will be copied in the “New Name” column.

  • Keep the Same FileName for Identical Links: When this option is active, the value inserted in the “New Path” or “New FileName” columns, will be automatical copied in all the rows related to the links of the element. In other words, all the linked element will have the same folder and the same filename set automatically.

  • Keep the Same Data for Identical Links: When this option is active, any change in the “New PartNumber” and “New Name”, will be automatically copied to all the linked elements

  • Save also current Scene: When this option is active, also the main opened model will be inserted in the grid, and it will be possible to set any fields related to save options.

  • Copy 2D files: This option does not affect the behavior of the grid. When this option is enabled, all ICD, EXB, and DWG files (whose filename is the same as the filename of the ICS file) in the source folder will be copied to the destination folder.

  • Reassociate 2D linked files: This option doesn’t affect the behavior of the grid. When this option is active, at the end of the save/copy process, the reassociation process between 3D files and ICS files will be executed. This process runs automatically IronCAD in background and open, modify and save all the .icd files in the destination folder.

    Caution

    This process can require several time to be completed!

    Furthermore, any error or prompt for “Corrupted Styles” fill put in pause the process, waiting the input from the user.

  • Copy All Other Files in Scene Folder: This option doesn’t affect the behavior of the grid. This option is active when is set the “Save Also current Scene” option. When this option is active, all the files (e.g. Pdf, Word, Excel, DXF) in the source folder, will be copied to the destination folder.


external link manager Also, with the Search and Replace button you can rename in bulk: New PartName, New PartNumber, New FileName and New Folder.

external link manager

Isolate Elements

Isolate Elements The Isolate Elements tool manages the visibility of the elements of your project. It works in two modes, for StatusColor/Category or via dialog.

Youtube video - Isolate Elements

Operativity

  • with the left mouse button:
    • Drag in the scene with the left mouse button, the dialog box opens to select the elements according to the StatusColor or Category. Isolate Elements
  • Dialog box, with the right mouse button:
    • Drag in the scene with the right mouse button, opens the dialog box to manage the saved states (or the interactive stored states).
    • Here you can add, rename or remove states; add or remove items from a saved state, save or update camera orientation.
    • To activate a status double-click on the name. Isolate Elements
Youtube video - Isolate Elements

Ghost Manager

Ghost Manager

The Ghost Manager tool manages the visibility of the elements of your project. It works in two modes, for StatusColor/Category or via dialogue.

Operativity

  • with the left mouse button:
    • Drag in the scene with the left mouse button, the dialog box opens to select the elements according to the StatusColor or Category. Ghost Elements
  • with the right mouse button:
    • Drag in the scene with the right mouse button, opens the dialog box to manage the ghost saved states (or the interactive stored states).
    • Here you can add, rename or remove ghost states; add or remove items from a saved state, save or update camera orientation.
    • To activate a ghost status double-click on the name. Ghost Elements

Find Suppressions

Find Suppressions

Dragging the command in the scene, a window appears with a list of parts/assemblies suppressed in the active scene, useful for finding all suppressed parts in a large assembly.

Youtube video - Find Suppressions

The buttons at the top of the dialog, allow to:

  • highlight the selected items in the scene,
  • unsuppress the selected items,
  • suppress the selected items,
  • delete the selected items.

Find Suppressions

Fix Anchors

Fix Anchors

This tool allows you to reset all of the anchors of elements of the scene (or active selection) in fixed mode (disallow drag). If you want to fix also the anchors of intellishapes, drag the command in the scene with the right mouse button.

Youtube video - Fix Anchors

Fix Anchors

Fix Anchors

Text 3D

Text 3D This tool can create a 3D text part or 2D profile with all fonts avaible in the system.

Youtube video - Text 3D

3D text tool

If you drag on an existing part, you can also choose to create a cutting or extrusion, and you can get value to write the text from: PartNumber, Description, CustomData or Parameters.

3D text shapes

On the left side of the dialog box there are buttons to choose font, size and styles; below them is the area where you write text.

3D text area

While in the right part of the dialogue there are two zones, the first to define the Shape (part, intellishape or 2d profile), if you want to create a shape for each letter, whether to use the BSpline for the curves and the level of facet; the second to define the SizeBox of the text, the aspect lock and the alignment for the multiline.

For edit the text and values, right clic on intellishape and select Add-on Properties…

This is an example of the features available.

3D text example

Get Coordinates

Get Coordinates Get coordinates, returns the coordinates of the points selected in the scene.

Youtube video - Get Coordinates

Drag each time the command to the desired point, the window will be increased the list of selected points.

Tip for detecting the coordinates of multiple objects

If you drop the tool in to the scene with an active selection and hold down the Shift key, all selected elements will immediately be transferred to the grid.

Youtube video - Get Coordinates

Get Coordinates

In the top of the dialog are icons for:

  • delete a line
  • export the list to Excel
  • export the list to DXF file
  • display global coordinates
  • display local coordinates
  • display coordinate from the anchor of the element
  • display an arrow pointing to the selected point

Get Coordinates anim

Tip for detecting COG coordinates

Also, when you dragging while holding right mouse button, the coordinates of COG are detected.

Youtube video - Get Coordinates
Info

When exporting to DXF, you can set the graphic characteristics by editing the DXFTemplate.dxf file

This is a standard DXF file which can be edited for the client’s purpose; it is used as a template to export the coordinates (obtained from the model) in DXF. It is located in the ..\Drawing folder in the Templates folder that you set up in the General tab.

ProDrill

ProDrill

PRODrill tool, get every IntelliShapes named Drill (e.g. HWDrill, DrillHERE…), and it use it to “drill” every parts that has an interference with the HWDrill IntelliShape.

Youtube video - ProDrill

ProDrill

Operativity

  • Drop the tool into the scene to apply the drill cuts for all parts.
  • Select the assembly first, then release the tool into the scene to apply drill cuts only to the parts in the assembly.

ProDrill

ProDrill Naming Rules

  1. Part whose names starts or end with _ are not drilled.
  2. HWDrill element that contains the char + drills also element described at point 1.
  3. HWDrill that contains #1 in the name, drills only elements that are in the same assembly.
  4. HWDrill that contains #2 in the name, drills only element that are in different assembly.
  5. HWDrill whose name start with @ , don’t drill.
  6. HWDrill whose name start with # or contain _NS_ , drills elements and remain visible itself.
Note

If there is a mix of ACIS and Parasolid parts in a scene, the drilling operation will be slower.

Tip

You can use a Kernel Manager tool to recognize and convert all parts in Parasolid

Visibility ProDrill

Visibility ProDrill

This tool shows/hides all ProDrill features in all parts of the scene.

Operativity

  • Drop it in the scene with the left button to show all the HWDrill.
  • Drop it in the scene with the right button to hide all the HWDrill.

Visibility ProDrill

Remove Drill Holes

Remove DrillHoles

This tool removes all features of Drill holes in all parts of the scene, drop it into the scene to run it.

Youtube video - Remove Drill Holes

Suppress Manager

Suppress Manager

The SuppressManager tool allows you to Suppress (Unsuppress, Select and Delete) Parts, Hole and IntelliShapes based on various criteria such as Status Color, Category,Dimensions, Weight, Volume and Color. Also the tool, allows you to create Configurations from the selection results.

Drag the command to the scene to activate, the dialog is divided into five tabs:

By Status Color

Search parts based on the Status Color,

It allows you to create a Configuration from the result of the selection.

Suppress Manager - Parts

By Category

Search parts based on the Category,

It allows you to create a Configuration from the result of the selection.

Suppress Manager - Parts

Parts

Search parts based on the size (or Based equivalent Volume), you can click on the cube with the arrows to detect the dimensions of the part selected in the scene.

It allows to:

  • Suppress (Unsuppress, Select or Delete) smaller or larger parts of the stated values.
  • Suppress or Unsuppress the Fasteners.
  • Suppress or Unsuppress the Holes.
  • Create a Configuration from the result of the selection.

Suppress Manager - Parts

Youtube video - Suppress Manager

Weight

Search parts based on a weight range. It allows to Suppress (Unsuppress, Select or Delete) parts included or not included of the stated values.

It allows you to create a Configuration from the result of the selection.

Suppress Manager - Weight

Holes

Search holes (and the H IntelliShapes) based on the size (or Based equivalent Volume), you can click on the cube with the arrows to detect the dimensions of the part selected in the scene. It allows to Suppress (Unsuppress, Select or Delete) smaller or larger holes of the stated values. It allows you to Suppress All Holes. It allows you to Unsuppress All Holes.

Suppress Manager - Holes

Youtube video - Suppress Manager

IntelliShapes

Search IntelliShapes based on the size (or Based equivalent Volume), you can click on the cube with the arrows to detect the dimensions of the part selected in the scene. It allows to Suppress (Unsuppress, Select or Delete) smaller or larger IntelliShapes of the stated values. It allows you to exclude from the search Blends, Chamfers and Drafts

Suppress Manager - IntelliShapes

Color

Search for parts by color, you can click on the color preview to select the color of the selected part in the scene. It allows to suppress (Unsuppress, select or delete) equal or different parts with the indicated values (R, G, B and tolerance).

It allows you to create a Configuration from the result of the selection.

Suppress Manager - Color

Youtube video - Suppress Manager

Set Smoothness

Set Smoothness This tool let you setting the Surface smoothness for all parts of the scene (or active selection), drag in scene and enter a value to specify surface smoothness of facets.

Set Smoothness

Set Smoothness finish

Difference between smoothness 10 and 50

Smoothness 10 and 50

Youtube video - Set Smoothness

Double Bend

Double Bend The Bouble Bend Tools is similar to Add Curved Stock in Sheet Metal catalog, the difference is that this tool add an parametric double bend, so you just have to enter the required values for add it at existing sheet metal.

Double Bend

For edit the values, right clic on intellishape and select Modify DoubleBend Parameters…

Double Bend example:

Double Bend example

Youtube video - Double Bend

Config by Property

Config by Property

The Config by Property tool allows you to create Configurations based on certain Custom Data present in the elements of the current scene.

The dialog box is divided into three parts, the upper one there are icons for deleting, adding or removing the custom search rules, an icon to save the search presets, and a combo box to choose presets saved; in the middle, the grid with the customdata to search inside the scene, and at the bottom a text field to specify the name to be assigned to the configuration.

Config by Property

Youtube video - Config by Property

Export Elements

Export Elements

This tool allow to export a part or assembly to multiple formats at once.

Drag the tool onto the part (or into the scene, to export selected parts or assembly) and select the files formats.

The left side of dialog allows you to select the file formats to be exported, while the individual tabs set the options for the chosen formats.

Export Elements Step

At the bottom of the dialog box, you choose how to construct the file name and destination folder.

Export selected parts to separate files

If you want to export each part to a separate file, you must first select the parts and then drop the tool into the scene, a file will be created for each selected part.

Youtube video - Export Elements

Face to DXF

Face to DXF This tool allow to export a face of part to a DWG/DXF file.

Youtube video - Face to DXF

Operativity

  • Drop the tool on to the face of the part with the left button, select the destination folder and the dwg/dxf format. (the file name is the same as the part name)

Save as Face to DXF

  • Drop the tool on the part face with the right button to open the dialog where you can choose options:
    • Select Faces
      • you can export an additional 2D sketch shape
      • with hold the Shift key, add or subtract other faces
      • select all parallel faces to the first choice
      • select all coplanar faces to the first choice
    • Settings
      • options for the file name, if it is a SheetMetal part and how to write the data in dxf.

Save as Face to DXF

Note

Export BSpline

We suggest to set the Export BSpline as Arcs, only in the case that it’s required by the CNC system. In all other cases, keeping the Export BSpline as Arcs unchecked will ensure that the geometry will be exported correctly. Please verify the exported file before to deliver it, in the case that you check the Export BSpline as Arcs option.

After saving the file the result will be shown. (If you check “Execute IPROCadViewer after export” they will be opened in the CAD viewer ).

Face to DXF

Youtube video - Face to DXF

The settings and info to be written to the dxf file are also found in the IPROSettings dialog.

Tip

You can set the default parameters on Utils tab in global settings Configuration.

And you can set the Templates folder on General tab

These are the templates used by the application:

BendNames.ini
This file contains the Label name variables for upward and downward Bend.

BendStyles.ini
This file contains the variables for setting styles for Layers, Colors and Lines.

ExportFaceDimStyle.ini
This file contains some DXF variables that you can set. As example, it’s possible to change the DecimalPlace, the TextHeight, the TextAlignement and other variables related to DXF. This file is used when you export directly the parts to the DXF.

UnfoldDimStyle.ini
This file is similar to the previous and it’s used when you export the parts using an icd file

UnfoldTemplateEmpty.icd
Is the template used to export unfolded parts using the icd file

DXFTemplate.dxf
Is used by the Get Coordinates tool. This is a standard DXF file that can be modified for the customer purposed. We use it when the coordinates get from the model are to be exported in DXF.

Profile to DXF

Profile to DXF This tool allow to export a section of intellishape to a DWG/DXF file.

Youtube video - Profile to DXF

Operativity

Drop the tool onto the intellishape of the part, select the destination folder and the dwg/dxf format.

(the dxf file name is set with the part name)

Save as Face to DXF

After saving the file will be shown the result.

Face to DXF

Youtube video - Profile to DXF

The settings and info to be written to the dxf file are also found in the IPROSettings dialog.

IPROSettings DXF

Create Params by Excel

Create Params by Excel This tool allows you to import parameters from an MS Excel sheet and assign them to the part in order to drive it.

Youtube video - Create Params by Excel

Operativity

  • Drop the tool on the part to which you want to assign the parameters, choose the cells of the parameters and their values.

Create Params by Excel

  • For Edit params

    • Right click on the part and choose Open MSExcel file that controls the Parameters… to open the file directly.
  • For Update params

  • For Show params

    • Right click on the part and choose Show Parameters Controlled by MSExcel… to open the dialog where you can view the associated excel file and the cells used,

    Create Params by Excel

    by clicking on the folder or file cell, you can choose a new excel file from which to take the parameter to be associated with the field.

Create ProActive Parts

Create ProActive Parts

PROActiveParts is a powerful tool useful to manage parametrical parts. PROActiveParts allow you to set and incapsulate into a parametrical part all the values related to the parameters. These values are indexed by the PartNumber. Furthermore also CustomValues and a Preview Picture can be set and stored inside the parametrical part.

Youtube video - Create ProActive Parts

When a parametrical part has been transformed to a PROActivePart, the user can change it double cliking on it (or right click and choose Add-on Properties).

How to create and manage PROActiveParts

In order to create a PROActivePart, you have to create a parametrical part. Here is a Parameter Table related to a simple parametrical part:

Parameter Table

When it will be transformed in PROActivePart, all the parameter values owned by the Part D1, d, Dm, L and T will be managed by ICMechanical.

How to create PROActiveParts

To start the PROActivePart tool, drag the “Create PROActive Part” item from the Tools catalog, and drop it over the parametrical part. In alternative, you can select before the part, then drag and drop the item in the scene. This dialog will be displayed:

Ipro Active Parts Dialog How you can see, the columns of the grid in the dialog are PartNumber, Description and the names of the parameters defined in the part (only those contained in the part are shown, and only the free ones, i.e. without expressions that bind them to others). At this point the user can fill the grid with all the values related to parameters, or he can import them from an external MSExcel file.

Before to evaluate the import/export functionalities, we will describe the commands available on the dialog box:

BT rows This group of buttons allow the user to create, rename or delete the groups grid.

This allows parameters to be managed in different grids (called Groups); which will be shown in the part selection dialog.

BT rows

BT rows This group of buttons allow the user to move, insert or delete the rows of the grid.

BT custom data This group of buttons are used to add, remove, rename and update a Custom column in the grid, add color, and load or add new parameters.

Custom columns are used to set values that will be transferred to the CustomData of part. User can add and delete these columns, but he cannot add or delete columns related to parameters or BOM Information.

BT color This button adds a column to define color; it is useful for associating a color to be applied to the element related to each record.

BT param This button shows a dialog with the names of the parameters associated with the part, you can then add them all to the grid, or just the selected ones.

How you can see, every column has an icon that describes the type of data. Column Icon

BT unit This option is used to define in what Unit of Measure are to be considered the parameter values inserted.

BT Name This text box is used to assign a name at the ProActive Dialog, and will be visible at the top of the dialog. BT Name

BT material This option is used to select the Material for the part.

BT image The buttons included in this toolbar are used to create, select an existing image and preview the Picture to be associated to the PROActivePart.

BT export These buttons are used to create a 2D drawing (based on a chosen icd model) for each row of the table and export them to pdf or dwg files separately.

BT import export These buttons are used to import or export the data contained in the grid. Using the import functionality you can import all the parameter and custom values from an existing MSExcel file.

As example, here is a valid MSExcel table that you can import: Excel file

How you can see, the first row contains all the Names related to the columns. During the import, every column name will be evaluated and associate to the correspondent parameter name. Every column that will not match with a parameter, will be managed as Custom Data. In the above example, the columns “Supplier” and “Note” will be Custom Data.

After the import of the above MSExcel file, the dialog will similar to this image: Excel import

The user can still edit any value, add or remove any Custom column and move change the order of the rows. If the user double click on the Row Counter, the values of the parameters in the row will be transferred to the parameters in the part.

When the user clicks on Apply or on the OK button all the information on the grid, and the Preview image will be elaborated and stored inside the part. In other words the part has become a PROActivePart.

At the bottom of the dialog box are two tabs for management:

In addition, one or more cells in an Excel file can be linked to the fields.

Excel import

The user can also create complex expressions (based on the data extracted from the part) to assign to variables or use to fill in the properties.

Excel import

This button is a simple help to explain the use of tags in cells:

Excel import

  • @ means any numeric parameter value can be entered manually, insert a value after @, it will be use as default.
  • [...] means that the user can choose from a series of defined values, the values must be inserted between the characters [ ] and must be separated by a semicolon ;
  • <...> means that the parameter value can be entered manually between a min and max value, the values must be inserted between the characters < > and must be separated by a semicolon ;

Excel import

The last button activates automatic sizing of the grid columns. If the user clicks it, the columns fix the current size.

Excel import

Operativity

When the user double click on a PROActivePart, or when he drop it inside a scene, this dialog will be displayed:

IPROActiveParts Dialog

Using the PartNumber option (and/or other group options if present), the user can select the type of part to use, and all the parameters and customs will be filled with the right values.

Tip

You can change which data to use as a search, in the data edit container grid, simply drag the column you want to use to the first position.

Tip

If you want to create the PartNumber or Description with some grid data insert the parameter name between < > while if you want to add a CustomData in between <@ >

PartNumberDescriptionD1dDmLT
pin <Dm> <L>flange bushes <DM>x<L> th=<T>574446323.3
will be returns as:will be returns as:
pin 4632flange bushes 46x32 th=3.3574446323.3

Data button < Also, if you click the Data button, the dialog will expand and you will see the grid containing all the data and you can select and apply the values by double clicking on the grid:

IPROActiveParts Dialog expanded

Note

ico>< This button (displayed only if excel data values are used) allows you to update the parameters associated with an MS Excel data file.

ico>< In addition, if the user clicks on the Settings … button, the On Drop dialog will be opened and you can choose how to display the ActiveParts dialog box; the choices are:

  • Always
  • Only when you release in the background
  • Never

IPROActiveParts Dialog expanded

Edit data

ico>< This button allows you to position all the elements contained in the grid by applying all the values in succession, when you click, a dialog appears to define how to position the elements in the scene.

All elements

ico>< This button activates automatic sizing of the grid columns. If the user clicks it, the columns fix the current size.

ico>< This button allow you the edit the data contained in the grid. If the user click it, the dialog described at the beginning of this page will be displayed.

ico>< It is also possible to hide some columns; this operation also hides the values in the dialog box.

Set MsExcel Parameters

Set MsExcel Parameters It allows you to assign the value of cells of Excel files to the parameters of a part.

Set MsExcel Parameters

Operativity

  • Drop the tool on the part,
  • A dialog box appears with the available fields (parameters), click on the Folder or File cell and select the Excel file,
    • A new dialog box appears showing the Excel sheets,
  • Select the cell you want to assign to the parameter and confirm.
  • Repeat for each field you want to assign.

Set MsExcel Parameters < At the end of the operation close the dialog box, an icon with the fx symbol appears near the anchor to indicate that an excel file is associated with the part.

Set MsExcel Parameters

For Show params

Right click on the part and choose Show Parameters Controlled by MSExcel

For Update params

Right click on the part and choose Update Parameters Controlled by MSExcel or use the tool Update MSExcel Parameters.

For Edit MSExcel file

Right click on the part and choose Open MSExcel file that controls Parameters… to open the file directly.

Tip

If the Excel file and the IronCAD file are not in the same directory, add (at the bottom of the dialog) the folders to search for Excel files.

Note

To remove the association with the Excel file, right click on the part choose Show Parameters Controlled by MSExcel and clear the grid, even just the Folder column.

Elements along 3D Path

Elements along 3D Path

With this tool you can position an element (part, assembly or intellishape) along a 3D curve or 2D sketch.

Youtube video - Elements along 3D Path

Operativity

  • Select the element and the path (curve or sketch),
  • Drop the tool into the scene.

In the dialog, set the number of copies, the distance (or even distribution) and if necessary the offset.

Elements along 3D Path

It is also possible to change the orientation in tangency along the curve with respect to the X and Z axes of the element anchor (each click on the arrow rotates the object in steps of 90 ° with respect to the chosen axis).

The positioning of the element along the path is done with respect to its anchor, as well as rotations.

Replace Element

Replace Element

This tool allows you to replace one or more elements with another from an external file or present in the same scene.

Youtube video - Replace Element

From external file

Operativity

  • Select the element (part or assembly) to be replaced and then drop the tool into the scene,
  • select the file you want to insert,

In the dialog box displayed you can set how to replace elements:

Replace Element

  • all linked elements,
  • or only the selected element.

Elements that have the same PartNumber:

  • all the elements,
  • only elements in the same parent (assembly).

Elements that have the same UserNumber:

  • all the elements,
  • only elements in the same parent (assembly).

The inserted element will be automatically linked to the original, if you don’t want it, you can unlink it after replacement.

Replace in place

If you want to use the tool to replace elements with an element present in the active scene, release the tool with the right mouse button,

Replace Element

the dialog box is similar to the previous one but allows you to choose the element to be used for the replacement directly in the active file.

Operativity

  • Select the element (part or assembly) to be replaced and then drop the tool into the scene with the right mouse button,
  • set the element replacement mode,
  • select the element that will replace the previous ones.
Tip

If you want, you can keep the element linked to the replaced elements (works only in the same file, does not link a part in an external file).

Youtube video - Replace Element

Insert Element

Insert Element

With this tool you can insert an element from your library of files into the scene.

Youtube video - Insert Element

Insert Element

Operativity

  • Drop the tool into the scene.

In the dialog box, you can, in the first combo box, select the User Library folder that contains the element you want to insert,

Insert Element

then in the second combo box, select the item you want to insert.

Insert Element

Tip

If you want to insert the element as linked, select the option above.

Note

The User Libray folder is normally set in ..\ICMechanical\UserLibrary but you can set it wherever you want, use the IPROSetting tool to do it.

Create Tabs and Slots

Create Tabs and Slots

Create Tabs and Slots This tool allows you to add tabs and slots to both sheet metal and innovative parts.

Youtube video - Create Tabs and Slots

Operativity

  • Drop the tool on the edge you want to add the tabs to.

In the dialog box you can select type and set the dimensions:

in the first combo box, select the type of tab you want to add,

Create Tabs and Slots

See here for how to add your Tab.

Placement

Create Tabs and Slots Here you can choose the type of placement between:

  • Evenly Spaced - choise of copies and distance calculated automatically
  • Distance Spaced - choise of distance copies auto
  • Fixed Spaced - choise of distance and copies
  • Center Spaced - choise of distance and copies from centre
  • Edge Length - equal tu the edge
  • Custom - choice of distance between each tab
  • Custom & Length - choice of the distance between each tab and also of the length of each tab

The distance and the number of tabs vary according to the choice of placement.

Offset

Create Tabs and Slots In this section you can set the starting and ending offset, the icon on the right allows you to swap the start and end.

Dimensions Tab

Create Tabs and Slots Here you can set all the dimensions based on the chosen tab (so some boxes may be inactive).

  • Length of the tab.
  • Height of the tab.
  • Reduction of the tab height (but not of the slot).
  • Round/Chamfer size.
  • Radius of the hole at the base.

Slot Type and size

Create Tabs and Slots

In this section, you chose type and set the clearance spaces around the tabs, these are the dimensions that will create the slot hole on the opposite element.

Create Tabs and Slots The padlock on the right allows you to enter values that are all the same.

(The size of the cut boundary is represented with a semi-transparent yellow shape)

Edit Remove and Update Tabs

To change tab settings, select an IntelliShape-level tab, right-click IntelliShape and select Edit Tabs.

Similarly, if you want to delete all the tabs on the border, right-click IntelliShape and choose Remove Tabs.

Create Tabs and Slots

If the element has changed size (thickness or dimension), you can update all tabs in the part, right click on the part and choose Update Tabs

Youtube video - Create Tabs and Slots

How to create a new Tab

In order to create your tabs and slots, the models must be parametric, and be saved in the folder of the library.

Here are two example of Tab and Slot:

Tab1.ics is a part with a one parametric section:

The IntelliShape named Tab creates the tabs on the element on which you drop it, and must contain these parameters:

Create Tabs and Slots

  • L - corresponds to Length of the Tab
  • H - corresponds to Height of the Tab
  • R - corresponds to Round or Chamfer if present
  • RH - corresponds to base Hole Radius if present

Thickness isn’t present because it’s calculated from the element on which the command was dragged.

Slot3.ics is a part with a one parametric section:

The IntelliShape named SMDrill creates slots on the neighboring element on which the tab is released, and contain these parameters:

Create Tabs and Slots

  • L - corresponds to Length of the Tab
  • TH - corresponds to the tolerance to be added to the height
  • TL - corresponds to the tolerance to be added to the length
  • RC - corresponds to base Hole Radius if present

W = Thickness it’s calculated from the element on which the command was dragged.

Note

The Libray folder is normally set in ..\ICMechanical\Library\Tabs and ..Library\Slots but you can set it wherever you want, use the IPROSetting tool to do it.

Tip

If you want a preview to appear in the combo box, you need to add a .jpg file with the same name as the .ics file, this is an example: Create Tabs and Slots

Update Tabs

Update Tabs

Update all elements with Tabs&Slots.

Youtube video - Update Tabs

Operativity

  • to update all elements in the scene, drop the tool into the scene.
  • to update only one element, drop the tool on the element.
  • to update only the elements of a selection, first select the elements, then drop the tool into the scene.

Create Explosion

Create Explosion

Create Explosion

With this command it is possible to create different types of exploded views, which are saved in the configurations.

Youtube video - Create Explosion

Operativity

  • Drop the tool into the scene to create an exploded view of all elements.
  • To create an exploded view of only the selected elements, first select the elements, then drop the tool into the scene.
  • Now drag the slider or type the explosion percentage, and dynamically see the result.

Options

The icons at the top allow you to:

Create Explosion

  • Set a new selection to explode:
    • useful for redefining the elements to explode from now on.
  • Remove items from selection…
  • Add items to the selection…
  • Show active selection:
    • useful for seeing the elements that are subject to the explosion.
  • Show TriBall in the center of the explosion:
    • useful for redefining the center point from which to start the explosion.

You can explode elements from:

Create Explosion

  • the center of the footprint of all elements
  • following the Z direction of each element (Z is the long green whisker on the Anchor)
  • following the negative Z direction of each element

Explode Assembly to treat as Part: if you check this box, you also explode the elements in these assemblies.

Create Explosion

Configuration Name: set a name to the configuration to assign to this explosion.

Create Explosion

Create Explosion Lines

Create Explosion Lines

Create Explosion Lines

Tool to create, show, suppress or delete explode lines of an Exploded configuration.

The lines can be continuous or dashed.

Operativity

  • Drop the tool into the scene and set the lines.

Views Manager

Views Manager

Views Manager

Useful tool for saves and restores camera status, active configuration and item visibility. This tool also stores the suppression status of the elements. It is a kind of “enhanced” Camera and Configuration Save, with a preview image and some text fields to use for documentation. All this information (images and text) can be exported to an MSExcel or MSWord document.

Operativity

  1. Drop the tool into scene,
  2. Adjust the view, hide or suppress unnecessary elements , or select the configuration and then click Save Current View/Configuration,
  3. Add view title, description and note,
  4. Repeat step 2 and 3,
  5. Export to MsWord or MsExcel,
  6. or save all images in one folder.

Views Manager

The buttons are used for:

  • Move the saved view Before or After,
  • Save the current view,
  • Update and save the selected view,
  • Delete the current view,
  • Set the size of the image to be saved,
  • Export the History of Views,
  • Export all images in one folder.
Youtube video - Views Manager

Views Manager

In the left side of dialog there are a buttons for:

  • set the target camera,
  • use TriBall for set target point,
  • set the view orientation with Z axis,
  • set angle of rotation view,
  • buttons for rotation by angle,
  • set step of pan view,
  • buttons for move view by step.
Youtube video - Views Manager
Info

You can use IPROCamera Manager - Place IPROCamera to create, place and manage cameras.

Import Profiles from Scanner

Import Profiles from Scanner

Import and manage points from the scanner.

Operativity

  • Drop the tool into scene, and choose file to import:

Import Profiles from Scanner

  • automatically generates profiles,

Import Profiles from Scanner

  • and creates an extrusion or loft from a selection of profiles.

Import Profiles from Scanner

Youtube video - Import Profiles from Scanner

Regenerate Scene

Regenerate Scene

Similar to the Regenerate tool in Tools/Operations Ribbon, but in this case it regenerates all elements of the 3D scene without making any selection.

Operativity

  • Drop the tool into scene.

Data Catalog

This is the catalog containing numerous tools for managing component data, such as the bill of materials manager, material, color, and category settings, component search, and much more.

Subsections of Data Catalog

Numbering PartNumbers

Numbering PartNumbers ico Element Numbering, allows you to assign an incremental code to an element or selection of elements, by setting a prefix for the project and the increments for the series, you can also assign a category.

Youtube video - Numbering PartNumbers

The command generates, for each project, a report in Excel format that contains the list of codes assigned to the part/assembly and the relative information (code, file name, element name, type, description, material, date, user).

Tip

The directory path where is the file is defined in dialog ICMechSettings - Global Setting -> Numbering

Numbering Part Numbers

Select one or more parts and drag the command to the scene.

In the dialog that appears you choose the project and the series (and possibly a category) to be assigned to the selection, the code will be shown in the bottom box and confirming will be applied to the part.

At the top of the dialog we find four icons for managing the numbering.

Configure Numbering Projects <

Configure Numbering

Numbering Projects - Number Series

In the Projects tab you assign the project name and number, while in the Series tab you set the minimum starting number value, the length of the field, the fill character, the prefix and the postfix.

Reserve Series Number <Reset Counter <

Reserve Series Number & Reset Counter

Reserve Qta Series - Set New Sart

In these dialogs you can reserve coding numbers, or you can assign a new initial value.

Edit Categories <

Edit Categories

Numbering Categories

From this dialog it is possible to manage the list of categories.

Set Material

Set Material

With the command Set Material can apply a material to a part or a selection of parts or assembly.

Youtube video - Set Material

Drag the command on the part to which you want to set the material.

If you want to assign the same material to a selection or an assembly, first select the parts or assembly and then drag the command to an empty area of the scene.

Set Material

Note

The Set Material tool is used for all elements that are “generic” parts (no ICMech elements).
For ICMech elements, (Steels, bolts, etc) use the material file defined in that tool, see Library Data Manager

In the window that appears you can select the material to be applied by selecting it from the drop-down menu Material name.

Set Material

Also you can set the weight (clicking on the icon which appear) and in this case the density will be calculated accordingly.

Set Material

If the selection is a assembly, you can set the material for all the parts of the assembly, while clicking on the Kilogram icon will show the current weight.

Set Material

Edit Material Files

The Edit Material Data button opens the dialog box where you can manage the materials.

Set Material

Here you can add or delete a material category, edit a material by assigning it a name and a density, and also set the graphic appearance by choosing the transparency, color and or texture, you a code and description, can also assign a Caxa hatch type and assigning.

Set Material

Tip

The list of materials is stored in several files that you find in the folder ..\ICMechanical\Materials
You can also change in which directory you store the files, in DataFiles -> Material

Code Generator

Code Generator Code Generator allows you to automatically generate and assign UserName, PartNumber and Description according to variables related to the model, so that the edit of the model even the Name, PartNumber and Description will be updated to the new value.

Youtube video - Code Generator

In the upper left there are four icons to load and save a configuration, set the current rules as defaults and remove any predefined settings, just below four text fields in which to write the data generation rules, while on the left the buttons with the label, which when pressed show a preview of the assigned value.

Code Generator

at the bottom of dialog box, there are two tabs:

CustomData Tab, which defines the CustomData to add to the element and how to generate them.

  • Name - name to be assign to the CustomData
  • Expression - rule to define the value to be assigned to the CustomData
  • Value - value generated by rule and placed in the CustomData

Example of custom data get from expressions.

Code Generator CustomData

Variables Tab, defines variables to be used to compose the User Name, PartName and Description.

Code Generator - Get From

  • Variable - name to be assigned variable
  • Get from - data from which to take the value
Variables in Column Get From:
Variables Type:returns:option Name:
CustomData Valuevalue of the CustomDatathe name of the CustomData contained in the element
Material Namematerial name of the element
User Namename of the element
Sizebox Height of Elementtotal height of the element
Sizebox Length of Elementtotal length of the elementSM_Unfold returns the L dimension of the unfolded sheet metal
Sizebox Width of Elementtotal width of the elementSM_Unfold returns the W dimension of the unfolded sheet metal
Thickness of SheetMetalthickness value of sheet metal
Weight of Elementweight value of the elementtype of measurement Kg g lb oz
Weight of Element in Waterweight value of the element in watertype of measurement Kg g lb oz
Parameter Valueparameter valuename of the Parameter contained in the element
Volume of Elementvolume value of the element
Shell Featurethickness value of the shelled part
Thickness of IPROSteelthickness value of steels that have this property
Code of SheetMetalsheet metal code value
Part Numberpart number of the element
Descriptiondescription of the element
Sweep Path or Extrusion Section Lengthvalue of the length of the guide curve (3D curve or 2D sketch) of the sweep
3D Curve Lengthvalue of the length of the 3D curve
Document Propertiesfile property valuename of the Properties contained in the file
Element Surfacesurface value of all faces of the part
Global Position XX value of the absolute position
Global Position YY value of the absolute position
Global Position ZZ value of the absolute position
Longest Value of Sizeboxthe longest value (among L W H) of the sizebox
Number of Itemsnumber of linked elements (both internal and external)
Quantityquantity of the element
  • Name - the possible name of the data if available
    • ex. for Parameter Value, the name of the Parameter
    • ex. for weight you can choose the type of measurement Kg g lb oz
    • ex. for sizebox length and width, SM_Unfold returns the L and W dimension of the unfolded sheet metal part
  • Dec. - number of decimal to consider (If the Dec. value is negative, trailing zeros will be removed)
  • Len. - length of the field (-1 undefined)
  • Fill Chr - fill with this character (if Len.> 1)
  • Value - value found by Get From

For edit the Code Generator, right clic on the part and select Open Codification dialog…

Example of construction of user name, part number and description.

Code Generator Anim

Update all GenCode Parts

Update all GenCode Parts

Updates all parts with Code Genator.

If in the project, there are many parts to the CodeGenerator, drag this tool on the scene and will update all.

GenCode update

GenCode finish update

Count Parts

Count Parts A simple tool to count all the parts of your project, drop it into the scene and here’s the result :-)

Count Parts

Youtube video - Count Parts
Tip

If you drag with the left button, it counts all parts in the scene.

If you drag with the right button, it counts only those that are not suppressed.

Count Elements

Count Elements

Tool to count all elements in the scene (total is shown in parentheses), grouping them by type, such as: Assemblies, Empty Assemblies, Parts, Structured Parts, Surface Parts, Reference Parts, Sheet Metal Parts, Facet Parts, 3D Curves, External Links, Fasteners, Steels (also these are divided by type and the total length is shown), Pipes and Flanges.

Drag and drop the command into the scene and here is the result.

By right-clicking on the group, you can Select, Suppress or Unsuppress them.

Count Elements

Count by PartNumber

Count by PartNumber

This tool counts all the elements of the scene and writes in each part a custom data called “Quantity” with the total value based on the sum of the part number.

Drop it into the scene for execute. Count by PartNumber

Search Equal Elements

Search Equal Elements This tool searches and counts all the elements in the scene have the same Name or PartNumber.

Youtube video - Search Equal Elements

Operativity

  • Select the element(s) whose quantity you want to know,
  • drop the tool in the scene,
  • choose whether you want to count the elements by Name or by PartNumber
  • click on the lens icon to count the elements.

Search Equal Elements

Search by Geometry Equality

Search by Geometry Equality This tool searchs all parts that are geometrically equal, to a selected reference part.

Youtube video - Search by Geometry Equality

Operativity

  • Select the element whose equal ones you want to find,
  • drop the tool in the scene,
  • click the Lens icon to find and count all equal elements.

or:

  • Drop the tool in the scene,
  • select the element whose equal ones you want to find,
  • click the Part icon to recognize the geometry of the element,
  • click the Lens icon to find and count all equal elements.

The property values of the elements found are editable, and activating the “Keep Equal Column Value” control allows the values to be kept equal.

Search by Geometry Equality

Check BOM Data

Check BOM Data This tool is used to check items that have the same shape but different bill of materials data, or that have different shapes but the same bill of materials data.

Youtube video - Check BOM Data

Operativity

  • Drop the tool in the scene,
  • check the mismatches found.

The property values of the elements found can be modified, so you can correct the values and, by clicking on the “Run DataCheck again” icon, you can check if any other discrepancies have been found.

Check BOM Data

ProActive Manager

ProActive Manager >

ProActive Manager is a big piece of the ICMechanical, is a utility that quickly and easily manages the properties of the elements, such as Name, Description, Code, Material etc… It allows you to create BOMs in the 3D scene, you can create them easily and in many different ways with a lot of settings.

ProActive Manager

There is also Configurations management, Search functions and a number of small smart tools built in. With this tool you can work directly on the BOM in the 3D scene and add, delete and modify the Properties of parts and assemblies very quickly and easily!

Subsections of ProActive Manager

ProActive Manager Dialog

ProActive Manager

ProActive Manager >

Drop the ProActive Manager icon from the Tool Catalog into the scene, or click the icon in the Add-ins tab, in the IC Mechanical group; this dialog will open.

ProActive Manager

1 Left

In the Left Side scene management, here you can choose how to view the scene browser, in fact the icons in the upper part are used to turn on/off, suppress…

While in the bottom edge there are four tabs, the first is the Scene Browser, the second By Type is a tree divided by type of elements grouped automatically into: assemblies, parts, sheetmetals, 3D curves, external links, fasteners and steels; the third tab Included in BOM separates the elements included or not included in the bill of material; finally, the fourth tab Serach containing the results of the search function. see more here…

2 Right

On the Right Side there are also here some tabs whose number changes according to what is selected in the browser on the left.

There is the Scene tab which shows the properties of the open * .ics file. The BOM tab to manage the data of the bill; the Element tab which shows the geometric data of the elements. The Configuration tab that manages the configuration of the file and finally the Search tab, where you can search and manage searches for elements in the open file. see more here…

3 Bottom

In the Bottom Side of the dialog the Bill Of Materials is shown (normally it is hidden, to show it you have to create a BOM ).

Above the BOM grid there are icons for Exporting the BOM, printing it and managing its display, while below, one or more BOM tabs, with the name of the selected file or assembly, and in square brackets which [BOM configuration name] was used to create it. see more here…

To view the BOM you want, you need to create a configuration and set it in BOM settings to choose what to include, and how to format the different columns, etc.

Subsections of ProActive Manager Dialog

Left panel - Browser

ProActive Manager

Icons

In the upper left part of the dialog box, there are some icons to control the tree view display:

ProActive Manager

ico><
Some icons appear in the TreeView to indicate that the elements contains particular information:
Assembly Name in Bold Blue Font - it means it has AutoNaming
ico>< - it means it has Attachments
ico>< - it means it has Revisions
ico>< - it means it has PostIt Note
ico>< - it means it has Status Color
ico>< - it means it is a linked file and ico>< the path.

Actions

ico>< - Select in the Scene the selected TreeNodes
ico>< - Update the TreeViews, Refresh, Expand and Collapse All
ico>< - Select Element in BOM Grid (only active when there is a BOM grid)
ico>< - Hide Selected Elements, Hide Unselected and Show All
ico>< - Ghost Selected Elements, Ghost Unselected, UnGhost All
ico>< - Zoom on Selected Item
Each click rotates the view by 90 degrees, but if the item is selected in the scene, the first click shows it in the browser and in the BOM tab
ico>< - Set Trasparent All Other Parts
ico>< - Suppress All Other Parts
ico>< - Suppress/UnSuppress the Selection
ico>< - Exchange Selection
ico>< - Create new configuration (only active when use Suppress All Other Parts)

BOM Management

icons to manage the BOM:

ProActive Manager

ico>< - Create BOM
ico>< - BOM Settings
ico>< - Open Settings Dialog…
ico>< - Open BOM Configuration Manager…

Utils

and some utility icons:

ProActive Manager

ico>< - Search by Properties
SearchThe results will be shown in the Search tab (see bottom of this page)
ico>< - Set TreeView Sort Option
TreeView SortSorts by PartName, Creation date, PartNumber or Category; the last option sets the new sorting to the SceneBrowser
ico>< - Search and Replace Text inside elements
dialog ico>< - Rename Children Parts (active only when an assembly is selected)
dialog

Tabs

In the bottom edge there are four tabs:

Scene Browser

It is the same tree view as the scene

ProActive Manager

By Type

Is a treeview divided by type of elements grouped automatically into: assemblies, empty assemblies, parts, sheetmetals, 3D curves, external links, fasteners and steels; it is also possible - with the right click - to Suppress/Unsuppress all elements in the group.

ProActive Manager

Included in BOM

Shows the elements included in the BOM, or those not included or see them both (with the combobox below you can choose how to see them)

ProActive Manager

This tab containing the results of the search function;

search for a multiple fields:

ProActive Manager

search for a Status filter:

ProActive Manager

or the result of Search by Properties.

ProActive Manager

Note

For how to set the search function see here .

Right panel - Properties

ProActive Manager

On the right side there are some tabs whose number changes according to what is selected in the browser on the left.

Scene

This tab shows the properties of the opened file (in the top grid), while in the bottom tab “Scene Properties” you can edit them or add new ones, if you want to always add the same properties in all scenes, see here.

ProActive Manager02

BOM

In the BOM tab, you manage all the data that will be used to compile the Bill Of Materials, such as PartNumber, Description and User Name (you can also change it in the browser on the left, click on the name and click again to edit), also you can set Material Name, Color and Category, while in the bottom of the tab you manage the Custom Data.

ProActive Manager

ico>< - Search Next Part with the same PartNumber
ico>< - Serach Previous Part with the same PartNumber
ico>< - Set Status Colors on the selected elements see here

import bom

ico>< - Include or ico>< Exclude Element in BOM

ProActive Manager

(If the icon in BOM is disabled, also the fields PartNumber, Description and Quantity will be disabled.)

ico>< - Set User Quantity
If it’s active, in the grid below the quantity row is activated (the item “Computed by IronCAD” disappears) and the quantity can be entered manually

Available only for Assemblies

ico>< - ico>< - Assembly Expansion in BOM

Expand or Treat as Part, for All connected instances or Only for this Assembly

ProActive Manager

Utility and Custom Data

In the left column, you can enter the Name of the CustomData, or if you click on the dropdown menu, you can choose the name from a custom list (that you can create and modify by clicking on the <New...> field) see here for set default name

CustomData

While, in the right column enter the Value of the CustomData, again if you click on the drop down menu, you can choose the value from a custom list (which you can create and modify by clicking on the <New...> field), in addition there are two other special fields:

  • <Get From Parent> If you select this option, the value of the current CustomData is obtained from the one with the same name from the parent assembly and set in the CustomData value of the part.
  • <Set To Children> When you select this option, the current CustomData value of the assembly will be set in all child items that have a CustomData with the same title as the assembly.
    These options only copy CustomData values. Copied values do not remain “linked” to the original selected value

the icon in the name cell ico>< - Deletes the CustomData field, both the name and the value
the icon in the value cell ico>< - Sets and links the current value from an Excel cell

By typing Alt+d in a CustomData or Property field, the current date will be inserted.

Utility Icons

CustomData

ico>< - Set current UserName using PartNumber
ico>< - Set current UserName using Description
ico>< - Set current PartNumber using UserName
ico>< - Set current Description using UserName
These four tools also work with an active multiple selection in the browser.

ico>< - Set UserName using CustomValueSchema
ico>< - Set All UserNames using CustomValueSchema
ico>< - Set CustomValueSchema
Sets the field to choose to change the user name:

CustomValueSchema

ico>< - Numbering Selected Elements, read more here…
ico>< - Import CustomData, import custom data from Excel file, CVS or Text file
ico>< - Export CustomData, export custom data to a CVS or Excel file (all CustomData or DefaultTitles)
ico>< - Update Excel -> Custom fields, update custom data fields linked to an Excel file, or vice versa.

CustomData Excel

Custom Data fields that are linked to Excel are yellow and there are two icons in the cell, one ico>< to view the Excel file and the other ico>< to remove the link.

Other tabs

BOM Other tabs

In the bottom area of the BOM tab, in addition to the Custom Data fields, there are also tabs for: Revision History, PostIt Note and Attachements. And here you can add or edit all these properties very quickly.

Element

In this tab you can see the geometric data of the element such as sizebox and position, and it is also possible to change the Material Name and then calculate the volume and weight and the center of gravity (if the selection is a 3D curve, it shows the length of the curve).

ProActive Manager

Configurations

The tab shows the present configurations of the file and here you can also manage them.
To manage the configurations you can also see Configurations Manager.

ProActive Manager

Here you can search and manage searches for elements in the open file, you can search across multiple fields and with different conditions, you can search only for certain elements by selecting the icons in the top bar, and you can also save the search conditions to reuse them in other files.

ico>< - Start Search
ico>< - Clear Search TreeView
ico>< - Clear Search Grid
ico>< - Add Search Condition
ico>< - Remove Search Condition
ico>< - Save, Delete, Apply Search Condition
ico>< - Search by Status Colors
ico>< - Include/Exclude Elements in the Search
ico>< - Search Case Sensitive

ProActive Manager

Note

The results of the search function are displayed in the Search tab on the left see here.

Bottom panel - BOM Grid

ProActive Manager

In the Bottom Side of the dialog the Bill Of Materials is shown, normally it is hidden, to show it you have to create a BOM.

Icons

Above the BOM there are some icons to control the grid:

ico>< - Update BOM and Import from Excel

import bom

ico>< - Export Grid BOM in txt format or in other formats:
see here how to set Export BOM

export bom

ico>< - Print Preview Grid BOM (open dialog)

print preview

ico>< - Print Grid BOM (directly)
ico>< - Autoresize All Columns during resizin of the dialog
ico>< - Auto Fit all the columns of the BOM
ico>< - Save the Template file of Columns Layout
ico>< - Restore the Columns Layout usin Template file

ico>< - Show Parent CustomData to Children Elements
ico>< - Clear Parent CustomData to Children Elements
Show/Clear Assembly CustomData in Children Parts, only if you have enabled the “Inherited by Children” setting in a BOM configuration.

ico>< - Toggle Selection Mode
Allows you to select multiple grid cells, useful for copying and pasting them in other areas or in other applications such as Word, Excel…

ico>< - Set Custom Sort

sort

Normally to sort the grid you can click on the column name, with Set Custom Sort you can sort the grid by more than one column.

sort setting

ico>< - Set Row Filter

Row Filter

When the option is enabled, a new icon appears at the top of the rows, clicking on which brings up a menu for selecting a quick filter or a custom one.

Row Filter setting

ico>< - Open the BOM in a new dialog, (is up there on the right), effectively detaching the BOM grid in a separate window; this behavior can be set as the default choice in BOM Settings -> BOM Option Grig
ico>< - Close BOM, (is up there on the right) closes the active BOM grid.

ProActive Manager

At the bottom of the BOM there are one or more BOM tabs, with the name of the selected file or assembly, and in square brackets which [BOM configuration name] was used to create it.

In the example above there are two ones, the first of the entire file and the second of the Shaft assembly only, both with the configuration [Material_Weigth].

To view the BOM you want, you need to create a configuration and set it in BOM settings to choose what to include, and how to format the different columns, etc.

Create BOM

ProActive Manager

To create a BOM, the file (the red IronCAD icon) or an Assembly in the Scene Browser must be selected, then click the Create BOM button.

The dialog box expands at the bottom and the BOM is shown.
For an explanation of the icons, see here.

Each created BOM will appear in a new tab showing at the bottom (if it is not already an existing one, in this case it is updated).

ProActive Manager

The tab name is composed of the name of the selected file or assembly and enclosed in square brackets the name of the [ BOM configuration ] used to create it.

In the example above there are two ones, the first of the entire file CX500 Transmission.ics with the configuration [Default] and the second of the Shaft assembly only, with the configuration [Material_Weigth].

Tip

To close the active BOM tab, click the red cross icon on the right side.

Config BOM

ProActive Manager

To create a custom BOM (to set the data you want to show and which types of attributes to include in the bom) click on the BOM Configuration Manager… button.

ProActive Manager

This is the default configuration with the three standard lines; PartNumber, Quantity and Description.

In the left part of the dialog there is the list of configurations, while on the right the list of attributes of the selected configuration (which will generate the bill of materials).

ProActive Manager

To create a new configuration click on the first button on the top left, then name the new configuration by two slow clicks on the name to change it.

To add more rows, click in the next available row in the Title column and enter a name. The title is the name of the column itself in the BOM.

ProActive Manager

Then select - in the Get value from… column - the property (Part Property) to link to that column in the BOM. A drop-down menu appears where there are several properties to choose from.

Show all Variables available in Column Get From:

For some properties it is necessary to fill in the Option column.

Variables Typereturnsoption Name
Quantityquantity of the elements
PartNumberpart number of the element
Descriptiondescription of the element
CustomData Valuevalue of the CustomDatathe name of CustomData contained in the element, if different respect the Title
Material Namematerial name of the element
User Namename of the element
Sizebox Height of Elementtotal height of the element
Sizebox Length of Elementtotal length of the elementonly for sheetmetal, SM_UNFOLD = returns the length of the unfolded sheet
Sizebox Width of Elementtotal width of the elementonly for sheetmetal, SM_UNFOLD = returns the width of the unfolded sheet
Thickness of SheetMetalthickness value of sheet metal
Total Weight of Elementsweight value of all elements
External Linked Statusstatus of external link element true/false
External Linked Filepath of the external link element
Scene Propertiesfile property valuethe name of Property contained in the file, if different from the Title
Combo 1the result is get from an expression string.ex: <Description> - <Sizebox Length> x <Sizebox Width>
Longest Value of Sizeboxthe longest value (among L W H) of the sizebox
Parameter Valueparameter valuethe name of Parameter contained in the element, if different from the Title
Expression 2this field evaluate an expression using the MSExcel syntaxex: CONCATENATE ([Description] , "-" , "Tot.Weight gr.=" , ([Qty]*[W]*1000))
Expression Hidden 2like expression, but the result is not visible in the gridex: [Qty]*[W]*100 (Qty and W are Title)
Position X - RelativeX value of the relative position
Position Y - RelativeY value of the relative position
Position Z - RelativeZ value of the relative position
Position X - AbsoluteX value of the absolute position
Position Y - AbsoluteY value of the absolute position
Position Z - AbsoluteZ value of the absolute position
Row Counterthis value BOM row index+ starting value (optional, otherwise it starts from 1)
Surface of Elementsurface value of all faces of the partinsert unit of measure: mmq cmq mq ftq inq ydq (default mmq)
in case of tube, rectangular, and square hollow steels calculate only the external surface
+TopFaces also calculates the area of the faces at the top and bottom of the steel
Volume of Elementvolume value of the element
Weight of Element in Waterweight value of the element in water
Mass Densitymass density value of element
Weight of Elementweight value of the elementto calculate Steels without cuts <STEEL_RAW>
Length of Sweepvalue of the length of the guide curve of the sweep
Where Usedthe part number of the parent assembly
Status Color Markerthe status of elementsee here how use Status
Area of Unfold SM Partthe area of unfolded sheet metal0 or empty for real unfolded face area
1 for bounding box unfolded face area
Perimeter of Unfold SM Partthe perimeter of unfolded sheet metal0 or empty for external perimeter
1 for internal perimeters (es. the holes or cuts)
2 for the sum of external and internal perimeters
SMBend infoobtain the number and radius of bends of a sheet metal partONLYQTY for obtain only the number of bends
Price in IPROBOMPriceListobtain the price stored in the file IPROBOMPriceList.xlsxsee here how use PriceList
Element IDreturns the ID of the elementthe text entered as an option will be prefixed to the ID number

FieldTags accepted
1. ComboInsert in the Option field the required values enclosed in < > brackets, brackets and contained string will be replaced by the value, all other text will remain unchanged, tag available are: <PartNumber> <Description> <@CustomName> <Sizebox Height> <Sizebox Legth> <Sizebox Width> <MaterialName> <Quantity> <ElementName>
2. ExpressionInsert in the Option field the required expression, the value of Title must to be enclosed in [name of title] bracket, all MS Excel expression are valid
all fieldif you add <ADDTOCUSTOM> in any Option field, the Title of the field will be added to the CustomData and will be filled with the value found in Get From
if you add <SUM> in any numeric Option field, it will sum all numerical values

The Format column set the format to display data in the BOM and is automatically filled with the correct value:

  • %s for text string,
  • %i for integer,
  • %f.2 for floating where the number after the dot indicates the number of decimals,
  • %fc.2 for custom floating where the character after fc is the decimal separator.

The Count By column is used to control which property is used to count parts/assemblies with similar properties. The number is added and displayed in the list column of the BOM (Quantity) unlike the bom in the 2D drawing, any value can be used here!

With Ref. for StructuredBOM, you can control which property should be primary, using multiple selections in Count by. It is therefore possible to summarize in the BOM with more than one property (but it is only possible when using the Multi Level BOM type).

Inherited by Children means that this field (if “Get Value from…” is set to “CustomData Value”) can be used to set the value of the father in the child parts; it should be used in conjunction with the commands in the BOM grid “Show Parent CustomData to Children Elements” and “Clear Parent CustomData to Children Elements”.

Sum Column allows you to sum all the values of the column and in BOM grid a row with the totals of this column will be added.

The order of the Title column from top to bottom is also the order of the columns of the BOM grid from left to right.

ProActive Manager

The icons on the left are for: ico><

  • create a new configuration
  • save the configuration
  • save configuration with a new name
  • open a saved configuration
  • delete configuration

The icons on the right are for: ico><

If you turn on the advanced setting, the dialog box expands down and there are three sections here:

ProActive Manager

Export BOM

If you directly export the BOM to txt or cvs file, you can set the separator character for the fields, the character of the decimal separator, the path (if the path is not set, the file will be saved in the current folder) and the name of the file to export the BOM, see here how for Export BOM.

MSExcel Export Settings

If you export the Bill of Materials to an Excel file, you can designate a specific initial template file and sheet for the BOM to be exported to. This feature allows for greater customization and efficiency in the export process.

Folder for VirtualCode Datafiles

If you want to replace real PartNumbers with virtual codes, enter the search path here.

Subsections of Config BOM

Management of Price

ProActive Manager

Possibility to manage the prices related to elements in the ProActveBOM. All the prices and the rules about the price calculation are store in the file IPROBOMPriceList.xlsx, stored in the ..\Prefs\ folder of IC-Mechanical.

The meaning of the fields is:

  • PriceCode/PartNumber: This is the key search about the price; it could be a custom data named PriceCode or, if the custom doesn’t exist, the PartNumber of the element.
  • Price: It’s the unitary price to be used for the elaboration.
  • Unit of Measure: That is a integer value that define the way to calculate the final price; at the moment, the available values are:
    • 1 - Unit Price
    • 2 - by Linear Meter
    • 3 - by Square Meter
    • 4 - by Cube Meter
    • 5 - by Kg Weight
    • 20 - by Linear Millimeters
    • 30 - by Square Millimeters
    • 40 - by Cube Millimeters

In order to have the Price reported in the BOM, it’s necessary to define a field in the BOMConfig related to the Price:

ProActive Manager

  • All the parts or assemblies (treated as part) are elaborated in order to get a price.

When the field related to Price is defined, the elements in the scene are elaborated in this way:

  1. If the element has a custom data named PriceCode, this will be used to search a correspondence with the first column of the Excel file.
  • If PriceCode is not defined, it will be used the value of PartNumber.
    • If in Option of GetValue in IPROBOMPriceList you use <MATERIAL> tag, will be used the value of Material.
    • If in Option of GetValue in IPROBOMPriceList you use <PARTNAME> tag, will be used the value of PartName.
    • If in Option of GetValue in IPROBOMPriceList you use <PARTNUMBER> tag, will be used the value of PartNumber.
    • If in Option of GetValue in IPROBOMPriceList you use <MyCustomTitle> tag, will be used the value of MyCustomData
  1. After the calculation, the resulted price will be reported on the grid.
  2. If the correspondence is found, the price is calculated using the properties (Unit=quantity, Linear=length, Square=area, Cube=volume, Kg=weight) of the element.
Info

Price calculation is also done using the “formula” in Excel’s Price column; this allows the use of a formula within square brackets [ ], where the valuation variable is defined by the % character.

For example, one can evaluate the price based on whether the length (or weight) is greater or less than a given value.

Examples of formula are:

  • [IF(% > 200, 20, 10)]
  • [SWITCH(%; 100;10;200;20;300;30; 500)]
  • [IFS(% >= 300; 30; % >= 200; 20; %>=100; 10; TRUE; 1)]

As example this formula:
[IF(% > 200, 20, 10)] with Unit of Measure set to 20,it means:

If the calculated Length is greather of 200 mm, use the price 20. In other case use 10.

ProActive Manager

Note

When the element is an assembly, all the children’s elements are evaluated, and the sum of the prices is reported in the grid. ProActive Manager

BOM Settings and Preset

ProActive Manager

Before creating the BOM, you can select a configuration to use, a filter by category, the types of items to display in the BOM and some other options. First, click the drop-down menu (arrow) on the BOM Settings button.

ProActive Manager Configuration

Choose which BOM configuration to use (how to create the configuration).

ProActive Manager Category

Choose an optional filter by Category (how to create the Category filters).

ProActive Manager Status

Choose an optional filter by Color Status (how to use Color Status).

ProActive Manager Type

The BOM Type of the flyout menu allows you to check which parts and how should be displayed in the BOM and how to create the BOM itself.

ProActive Manager Options

The BOM Options of the flyout menu allow you to include additional BOM data and set other options.

Subsections of BOM Settings and Preset

Status Color Filter

The Status Color Filter in the pop-up menu allows you to choose which parts to display in the BOM based on their assigned status.

ProActive Manager Status

You can choose to include/exclude all states or just some of them.

For how to activate the display of the Color States in the TreeView see here BOM Settings Dialog

ProActive Manager Status

For how to assign color status to elements, see here, for how to use the status in the BOM, see Config BOM, and for how to search for elements based on their status, see here.

BOM Type

The BOM Type of the flyout menu allows you to check which parts and how should be displayed in the BOM and how to create the BOM itself.

ProActive Manager

Top Level BOM

Displays only the elements in the top level of the Scene Browser or the elements below the selected assembly.

Only Parts BOM

Show parts only and excludes all assemblies that use the Expand option in BOM; however, assemblies that use Treat as Part are considered “parts” and appear in the BOM.

Flat BOM

It shows a flat structure as BOM Parts Only, but here you can also choose to include or not include the assembly using Treat as Part or Expand.

And whether to include in count the children parts of Assemblies not in BOM.

ProActive Manager

With the Options menu you can select how assemblies using the Treat as Part setting should be handled and whether they should be shown (or not shown) in the BOM.

Treatment

  • Treat as Assembly - forces all assemblies set to Treat as Part to expand (so ignore treats as part).
  • Treat as Part - then use Treat as Part just as they are set.

Add to BOM

  • Add the item to the BOM - then show these assemblies as parts in the BOM.
  • Don’t add the item to the BOM - so do not show these assemblies in the BOM.

Structured BOM (Stop on Assemblies Treated as Part)

It does not show parts that are included in assemblies set as Treat As Part. The generated BOM will manage the element numbers in different columns (Level 0, Level 1, etc.) thus re-applying the Scene Browser tree.

Multi Level BOM (Force Expand on All Assemblies)

Shows all elements below the selected layer, even if assemblies use the Treat as Part setting. This is a great way to create a complete list of projects with all components.

Multi Assemblies BOM

Automatically create multiple tabs with BOMs, where each tab is a BOM of each assembly in the 3D file.

The Level n° option allows you to set the depth of the search in the tree.

A super fast way to create multiple BOMs at once ;-)

Multi BOM by Category

Automatically create multiple tabs with BOMs, where each tab is a BOM divided by Category.

Youtube video - BOM Type
Tip

If you want to create a specific BOM configuration for each category, you must give the Configuration the same name as the category.

ProActive Manager

BOM Options

The BOM Options of the flyout menu allow you to include additional BOM data and set other options.

ProActive Manager

Include All CustomData

Adds a column for each custom data value found in parts/assemblies. Items that do not have a certain custom value will have one blank box per row, which can also be manually filled in directly in the paragraph list, it’s also an easy way to fill in the BOM.

Include Unfolded SheetMetal Parts

It also shows the Unfolded SheetMetal Parts in the BOM. By default these are not displayed in IronCAD unless they are explicitly unfold.

Include Suppressed Elements

It also includes all the off (suppress) parts/assemblies, so you can get a complete list of everything in the 3D scene.

Counts Parts using Assembly Number

It means that the number of a parts is calculated from the number of the assembly in which it is included and not how many parts are actually contained in the assembly.

Include Element having Empty PartNumber

Items that have no item PartNumber are also counted and give them a “ND_xxx” temporary serial number. This number is not actually saved in the item but is only displayed in the BOM.

Include Element having Empty Description

Items that have no item Description are also counted in the BOM.

Elaborate Children of Not in BOM Assemblies

Also considers parts of assemblies not in the BOM, so they are processed and shown in the BOM.

Compact Layout for Structured BOM

Merges the Levels columns of the BOM Structured and Multi Level into one and creates the numbering based on the nesting of parts and assemblies ex. 1, 1.1, 1.2… 2, 2.1, 2.2, 2.2.1, 2.2.2…

Set Category Filters

Set up filters for categories, so you can create BOMs that include/exclude certain categories.

ProActive Manager

Categories can be created with the Category tool or in the BOM tab of the ProActive Manager.

Update Excel->Custom during the BOM

If there are CustomData linked to the Excel file, they are updated automatically.

BOM Settings Dialog

ProActive Manager

In the BOM Settings dialog you can set the default values for the BOM Type and BOM Options for the Grid,

ProActive Manager

and for the export options to Excel.

ProActive Manager

File and CustomData Properties

You can also always and automatically assign additional properties to all files you open in: Default File Properties and/or Default CustomData Properties.

ProActive Manager

In CustomData, you can choose to assign them to assemblies only, parts only, or both; and the field name will be set automatically to the assembly or part see here for more options.

Work in BOM

ProActive Manager

Once the BOM is created, you can easily see which parts and assemblies do not have certain types of attributes or values and write them directly into the BOM cell.

All values written in the cells (which are actually the properties and customdata of the parts/assemblies) are added directly to each object, so there is no save button.

In the upper right part of the window is the BOM tab; there you can see (and also edit) all the properties of the selected part/assembly.

To view the properties of another part/assembly, double-click on another row in the BOM or select another part of the tree.

Changes made to the BOM grid are reflected in the BOM tab.

Double-clicking on a BOM cell updates and selects the corresponding element in the Scene Browser.

Export BOM

ProActive Manager

On the left side, directly above the BOM grid, there are three buttons dedicated to exporting and printing.

ico>< - Export Grid BOM in txt format or in other formats:

You can choose between:

  • MSExcel - exports the BOM to an Excel file
    • This item is visible only if multiple BOM sheets are open:
    • all Sheets to MSExcel files - exports all BOMs to separate Excel files.
    • all Sheets to a single Excel File - exports all BOMs to a single Excel file with each BOM in its own sheet.
  • PDF - exports only the BOM grid
  • PDF with Preview - exports the BOM grid and generates a preview of the element for each row
  • XPS - exports only the BOM grid
  • MSWord - exports only the BOM grid
  • CSV - exports only the BOM grid
  • Open File Automatically On Export - is an option that opens the file after exporting.
Tip

For exporting to Excel you can activate multiple options such as two preview types and file properties, see here.

ico>< - Print Preview Grid BOM (open dialog), creates a preview where you can see how the BOM grid looks on the press sheet and you can also print directly to the default printer.

ico>< - Print Grid BOM (directly), prints directly to the default printer without any preview.

If you want a different order of the grid columns, you need to open the configuration manager and change the order in the configuration list and then update the BOM again.

Add Post-It Note

Add Note The Add Post-It Note command allows you to add a written note to a part or assembly in the scene.

Add Note

Operativity

  • Drop the tool on the part,
  • A dialog box appears where you can add the date, username and note.

Add Note < At the end of the operation close the dialog box, an icon with the post-it symbol appears near the anchor to indicate that an note is associated with the part.

Add Note

To manage note (view and edit ) right-click on the part and choose Open Post-It Note…

While to delete Note, choose Remove Post-It Note.

Tip

To manage more easily which notes to delete, drop the tool with the right mouse button in the scene, a dialog box shows all the notes and here you have a button to delete the ones you want. Add Note

Add Attachment

Add Attachment

The Add Attachment command allows you to attach a file or web page to a part or assembly in the scene.

Youtube video - Add Attachment

Operativity

  • Drop the tool on the part,
  • For the assembly, first select it and then drop the tool into scene.

If you choose to attach a file, you can decide whether to connect it externally or embed it in the 3D file (in this case pay attention, the file of the 3D scene will become larger).

In the case of an external linked, the user can decide to copy the linked file to the 3D scene folder.

Add Attachment

The elements that have attachments are identified with the following icon:ico><

To manage attachments (view, edit or delete), right-click on the item and choose Open Attachement … from the item menu.

Manager Attachment

Youtube video - Add Attachment

Revision Manager

Revision Manager

The Revision Manager tool allows you to manage the revisions of parts and assemblies of the entire scene.

Youtube video - Revision Manager

The tool must be dragged to an empty area of the scene.

Revision Manager

The dialog box is divided into three areas, on the left the scene browser structure, on the top right the information on the selected part, on the bottom right the revision information of the part.

The buttons above the scene browser allow you to:

  • identify in the browser the part selected in the scene;
  • update the TreeView;
  • hide selection, hide unselected ones, show all;
  • zoom the selection (click cycling between standard views).

The two buttons on the right allow you to:

  • export the information of all the parts with revision to an excel file;
  • setting up revisions. Here you can choose the numbering mode (letters or numbers) the order of the review tabs and whether to export the images to the excel file as well.

Revision Manager

At the bottom, we have two tabs: Scene shows all parts, Revisions shows only parts with revision.

Note

Revision Manager < The item that has revisions is identified in the scene browser with this icon placed before the name.

Add Revision

In the Revision History section, clicking on the + button adds a revision, here you can enter the validity date, username, description of the revision and any notes.

Revision Manager

If there are any revisions, by clicking on the relevant tab you can see the related info; to the right of the date there is the button that allows you to open the file containing the revision.

Revision Manager

Note

When creating a revision, the part/assembly file is automatically saved in the Revisions folder inside the project folder, the file name will be: PartName _ Revision _ date.ics

Manage Revisions

Revision Manager

To manage the revisions, double click while holding down the Shift key in the gray area next to the icons,

Revision Manager

new icons will be appear:

ico>< - Edit the current revision
ico>< - Remove the selected revision
ico>< - Remove all revisions

Views Manager

Views Manager

Views Manager

Useful tool for saves and restores camera status, active configuration and item visibility. This tool also stores the suppression status of the elements. It is a kind of “enhanced” Camera and Configuration Save, with a preview image and some text fields to use for documentation. All this information (images and text) can be exported to an MSExcel or MSWord document.

Operativity

  1. Drop the tool into scene,
  2. Adjust the view, hide or suppress unnecessary elements , or select the configuration and then click Save Current View/Configuration,
  3. Add view title, description and note,
  4. Repeat step 2 and 3,
  5. Export to MsWord or MsExcel,
  6. or save all images in one folder.

Views Manager

The buttons are used for:

  • Move the saved view Before or After,
  • Save the current view,
  • Update and save the selected view,
  • Delete the current view,
  • Set the size of the image to be saved,
  • Export the History of Views,
  • Export all images in one folder.
Youtube video - Views Manager

Views Manager

In the left side of dialog there are a buttons for:

  • set the target camera,
  • use TriBall for set target point,
  • set the view orientation with Z axis,
  • set angle of rotation view,
  • buttons for rotation by angle,
  • set step of pan view,
  • buttons for move view by step.
Youtube video - Views Manager
Info

You can use IPROCamera Manager - Place IPROCamera to create, place and manage cameras.

Configurations Manager

Configurations Manager

Configurations Manager

Tool for easy configuration management. You can rearrange the order, create, rename and delete configurations, you can activate the chosen configuration (also by double clicking on the name in the grid).

Info

If there are externally linked files with configurations, see here to manage them.

Operativity

  • Drop the tool into scene, and choose what to do:
  • Create New Configuration:

Configurations Manager

  • Rename Configuration:

Configurations Manager

  • Advanced tools:

    • Copy Configuration: To create a copy of the active configuration on a new one or overwrite an existing configuration (if you activate the checkbox below, you can make a backup copy of the one you overwrite).

    Configurations Manager

    • Change Element In Configurations… : A way to add elements that belong to one configuration to others.

    Configurations Manager

    This allows you to add (show) selected elements with the same positions stored in another configuration to other existing configurations.

Youtube video - Configurations Manager

Managing Configurations and externally linked files

If there are externally linked files that themselves contain configurations, the dialog box changes, two new tabs are activated, and an option to manage the behavior of configurations between the main file and the linked files.

Configurations Manager

  • Apply Configuration to External Links: this optionallows you to apply configuration to all external linked files.

    Note

    The default behavior is to apply the same configuration names to external link files (so linked files must have the same configuration name as the main one).

  • Relation Between Link Configurations: in this tab you can define the relationships between external configurations and the main file configuration, so you can choose which configuration of the linked file to associate with that of the main file.

Configurations Manager

  • External Link Configurations: in addition, the tab allows you to directly apply the desired configuration of the externally linked file.

Configurations Manager

Set Category

Set Category

Set Category to one or more elements.

Set Category

Operativity

  • Select the elements you want to assign to a category,
  • Drop the tool into scene,
  • Chose a category from a menu and confirm.

The buttom to the right of the menu, opens a dialog for editing categories.

Set Category

the Categories.dat contains this data and is located in the ..\Prefs folder.

Set Color

Set Color

Set Color to one or more elements.

Set Color

Operativity

  • Drop the tool on the part,
  • Or Select the elements/assemblies you want to assign a color to, and drop the tool into scene,
  • Chose the color from a menu and confirm.
  • if check a Replace Surface Style, the surface that has a different color/texture such as a thread hole will also be colored.

The buttom to the right of the menu, opens a dialog for creating a Color group and/or editing colors.

Set Color

The Group of ColorNAME.dat files contain this data and are located in the ..\Materials\Colors folder.

Change Material to SheetMetal

Change Material to Sheet Metal

Change Material to Sheet Metal Command useful for managing sheet metal parts to change type and thickness based on the type grouping or individually one by one.

Also you can set the Description using the Stock Name and Code as Material.

Operativity

  • Drop the tool on the sheet metal part to change type and thickness,
  • Drop the tool into the scene to manage type and thickness for all sheet metal parts.
Youtube video - Change Material to SheetMetal

Config by Property

Config by Property

The Config by Property tool allows you to create Configurations based on certain Custom Data present in the elements of the current scene.

The dialog box is divided into three parts, the upper one there are icons for deleting, adding or removing the custom search rules, an icon to save the search presets, and a combo box to choose presets saved; in the middle, the grid with the customdata to search inside the scene, and at the bottom a text field to specify the name to be assigned to the configuration.

Config by Property

Youtube video - Config by Property

IPROCamera Manager

IPROCamera Manager

This tool is useful for managing IPROCamera, setting the FOV angle, rotation, and position of the selected camera.

IPROCamera Manager

Operativity

  • Drop the tool on the scene,

  • select camera from the drop-down menu: IPROCamera Manager

  • choose the correct FOV Angle (Field of View): IPROCamera Manager

  • adjust the camera position. IPROCamera Manager

Youtube video - IPROCamera Manager
Info

When you close the Camera Management dialog box, you can return to the previous standard view and choose to activate the display of all IPROCameras, so that you can easily reposition them with the Triball. IPROCamera Manager

Tip

This tool, used with View Manager is useful to create images or view for presentations or documentation.

Place IPROCamera

Place IPROCamera

This tool allows the user to place some IPROCamera parts in the scene and, when required to look at the model using from their position and height. Every IPROCamera can moved using the TriBall.

Place IPROCamera

Operativity

  • Drop the tool on the scene,
  • set the camera parameters: name, height and FOV angle (Field of View),
  • whit TriBall adjust positioning.
Youtube video - Place IPROCamera
Note

All cameras place are grouped in a special assembly named IPROCameras, you can use IPROCamera Manager to manage cameras.

Utils Catalog

In the catalog Utils you will find some tools that will ease your everyday use of IronCAD. They work as easy as the tools in the ICMechanical catalog, simply drag and drop the tools into the scene.

Subsections of Utils Catalog

Solid-Hollow Toggle

Solid-Hollow

The SolidHole Toggle is an easier way to change if a part or an intellishape should add or remove material. Select the part, or the hole or shape, that you want to switch. Then drop the tool into the scene.

Youtube video - Solid-Hollow Toggle

Youtube video - Solid-Hollow Toggle

Info

If you drop to tool with the Right Mouse Button, the selected shape will be copied before to be elaborated.

Youtube video - Solid-Hollow Toggle

Join IntelliShapes

Join IntelliShapes catalog icon

The Join IntelliShapes is a fast version of the Boolean command that can be found under the Shape menu. Simply select the parts that should be joined into one and then drop the Join Parts tool in the scene.

Youtube video - Join IntelliShapes

Youtube video - Join IntelliShapes

Info

If you drop to tool with the Right Mouse Button, the selected shape will be copied before to be elaborated.

Youtube video - Join IntelliShapes

Split IntelliShapes

Split IntelliShapes catalog icon The Split IntelliShapes makes the reverse action. Select the intellishapes of a part that you want to have as a stand alone part. Then drop the Split Intellishapes tool into the scene.

Youtube video - Split IntelliShapes

Youtube video - Split IntelliShapes

Info

If you drop to tool with the Right Mouse Button, the selected shape will be copied before to be elaborated.

Youtube video - Split IntelliShapes

TriBall on COG

TriBall on COG catalog icon The Triball on COG tool positioning the Triball on the centre of gravity to the part.

Youtube video - TriBall on COG

Operativity

  • to add The Triball on COG on single part, drop the tool on the element.
  • to add The Triball on COG on the assembly, first select the assembly, then drop the tool into the scene.

Sphere on COG

Sphere on COG catalog icon The Sphere on COG create a little sphere part with name CenterOfGravity on the centre of gravity.

Youtube video - Sphere on COG

Operativity

  • to add The Sphere on COG on single element, drop the tool on the part (in this case, will be create an Intellishape named CenterOfGravity into the part).
  • to add The Sphere on COG on the assembly, first select the assembly, then drop the tool into the scene.

Suppress Manager

Suppress Manager catalog icon With to the Suppress Manager it is possible to suppress and unsuppress parts and assemblies in a very fast way.

Operativity

The Suppress Manager has several behaviors that could be used in order to reach the user’s goal. These behaviors are related to the button of the mouse used in the Drag and Drop operation, here is the flow:

  • Using the left button of the mouse during the drag and drop:

    • If user drops the tool on a part
      • SuppressManager will suppress all the other part
    • If user drops the tool on the background
      • SuppressManager will restore the previous suppression state
  • Using the right button of the mouse during the drag and drop:

    • If there is an active selection
      • SuppressManager will suppress all the unselected parts
      • else
    • SuppressManager will unsuppress al the parts in the scene

Remove AddOn

Remove-AddOn catalog icon It removes the AddOn from any selected element. The AddOn is the intelligence added by ICMechanical to Screws, Steels and all other components included in ICMechanical.

Operativity

  • to remove the addon from a single element, drop the tool on the part.
  • to remove the addon of a selection of elements, first select the parts, then drop the tool into the scene.
Tip

Drag the tool while holding down the:
Shift key: removes only Code Generator AddOn.
Alt key: removes (in addition to the AddOn) all part parameters as well.
Drag the tool with the Right Buttom Mouse: removes all AddOn from all parts of the assembly.

Warning

By removing the addon, the ICMechanical parts can no longer be modified with the tool that created them, but only with the standard IronCAD tools, in other word, the component become a simple model.

Export Unfolded Part

Export Unfolded Part catalog icon The Export unfolded part tool is a very convenient command for exporting sheets metal part to dxf or dwg files. It is possible to export a single sheet metal, a selection of sheet metal or all the sheets metal of the scene.

Export Unfolded Part catalog

Youtube video - Export Unfolded Part

Operativity

  1. to export a single sheet metal, drop the tool on the sheet to export.
  2. to export a selection of sheets metal, first select the sheets, then drop the tool into the scene.
  3. to export all sheets metal, drop the tool into the scene.
Note

When exporting a selection or all sheets, make sure you have assigned different PartName or PartNumber for each sheet, in case there are multiple sheets with same PartName and PartNumber only the first one will be exported.

After releasing the tool, a dialog box with optins appears, this is divided into three areas:

  1. Export in the Folder: where and how to export the file.

Export Unfolded Part catalog

  1. Drawing Settings: the format you prefer for export, how to construct the filename and if you want to create an ICD drawing in addition to a DXF/DWG file (the template file is in ../ICMechanical/Templates/Drawing/ UnfoldTemplateEmpty.icd).

Export Unfolded Part catalog

Note

We suggest to set the Export BSpline as Arcs, only in the case that it’s required by the CNC system. In all other cases, keeping the Export BSpline as Arcs unchecked will ensure that the geometry will be exported correctly. Please verify the exported file before to deliver it, in the case that you check the Export BSpline as Arcs option.

  1. Drawing Options: how and what to write in the DXF/DWG file (these options are not available if you choose Create ICD env.) Export Unfolded Part catalog

Elaborate Parallel Faces is useful if there are particular processes such as Counterbore Holes, Dimple, Lance, Semi-Pierce Protrusion…

Note

If the element is mirrored, the char M is added to the end of the exported file name. This is done in order to be sure that two parts having the same informations (PartName, PartNumber, Material etc.) but with different mirror state, are both exported to DXF/DWG.

Youtube video - Export Unfolded Part
Tip

If you check “Show exported files”, they will be opened in the CAD viewer once the export process is complete.

Tip

You can set the default parameters in the Utils tab of the global settings Configuration; and you can also set the Templates folder in the General tab.

In the ..\Templates\Drawing folder are the files for the settings and templates used by the application:

BendNames.ini
This file contains the variables for the label names for Bend up and down.

BendStyles.ini
This file contains the variables for setting styles for Layers, Colors and Lines.

ExportFaceDimStyle.ini
This file contains some DXF variables that you can set. As example, it’s possible to change the DecimalPlace, the TextHeight, the TextAlignement and other variables related to DXF. This file is used when you export directly the parts to the DXF.

UnfoldDimStyle.ini
This file is similar to the previous and it’s used when you export the parts using an icd file

UnfoldTemplateEmpty.icd
Is the template used to export unfolded parts using the icd file

DXFTemplate.dxf
Is used by the Get Coordinates tool. This is a standard DXF file that can be modified for the customer purposed. We use it when the coordinates get from the model are to be exported in DXF.

Selection to Configuration

Selection to Configuration catalog icon

The tool creates a configuration based on the active selection.

Youtube video - Selection to Configuration

Operativity

  • Part
    • drop the tool on the part, a configuration will be created with the Name of the part.
    • select the parts and drop the tool into the scene, a configuration will be created with the Name of the First selected part.
  • Assembly
    • select the assembly and drop the tool into the scene, a configuration will be created with the Name of the assembly.
Tip

If you want to set the Name or Property of the configuration drop the tool with Right Button Mouse. Selection to Configuration

Set Include in BOM Status

Set Include in BOM Status catalog icon

The tool add the elements at the Bill of Material.

Youtube video - Set Include in BOM Status

Operativity

Drop the tool into the scene all elements will be added to the BOM.

  • Part
    • drop the tool on the part you want add to the BOM.
    • select the parts you want to include in the BOM and drop the tool into the scene, the selected parts will be added to the BOM.
  • Assembly
    • select the assembly you want to add to the BOM and drop the tool into the scene, the assembly and all sub-assemblies and all contained parts will be added to the BOM.
Tip

This tool has two modes:
- with the left mouse button: adds elements to the BOM.
- with right mouse button: removes elements to the BOM.

Hide Elements

Hide Elements catalog icon

This tool hides the elements into the scene.

Youtube video - Hide Elements

Operativity

To Hide :

  • Part
    • drop the tool on the part for hidden it.
    • select the parts and drop the tool into the scene for hidden the selection.
  • Assembly
    • select the assembly you want hidden and drop the tool into the scene.

To Show : drop the tool into the scene for show all hidden elements.

Reset Sizebox

Reset Sizebox catalog icon

This tool reset the sizebox of the intellishape if it is wrong.

Reset Sizebox

Operativity

Drop the tool into the scene for reset sizebox for all elements.

  • Part
    • drop the tool on the part you want to reset sizebox.
    • select the parts you want to reset sizebox and drop the tool into the scene.
  • Assembly
    • select the assembly you want to reset sizebox and drop the tool into the scene, the assembly and all sub-assemblies and all contained parts will be repair.

Importing Wire from DataFile

Importing Wire from file

This tool imports a set of 3D coordinates from a file and creates a 3D curve.

Importing Wire from file

Youtube video - Importing Wire from DataFile

Operativity

  • Drop the tool into the scene,
  • select data files *.txt or *.dat,
  • the 3D curve is created.

The file format must have one point per line with an X, Y and Z values which must be separated by spaces, lines starting with # are ignored.

# file description
# X  Y  Z
-41  90  -10
-41  170  -10
-20  170  -10
20  112  -10
20  170  -10
...
...

Importing SketchPoints from DataFile

Importing Coordinate from file

This tool imports a set of 2D coordinates from a file and creates a 2D Sketch plane with the points.

Importing Coordinate from file

Youtube video - Importing SketchPoints from DataFile

Operativity

  • Drop the tool into the scene,
  • select data files *.txt or *.dat,
  • the 2D Sketch plane with the points is created.

The file format must have one point per line with an X and Y values which must be separated by spaces, lines starting with # are ignored.

# file description
# X  Y
-50  -50
-50  0
-50  50
0  40
50  50
40  0
50  -50
0  -40
...
...

Decompose Pattern

Decompose Pattern

This tool removes pattern instances and reduces them to linked instances.

Decompose Pattern

Operativity

  • Select the pattern you want to decompose and drop the tool into the scene.

Decompose Pattern

Warning

Warning: be careful with this tool, cannot be undone.

Disassemble Elements

Disassemble Elements

This tool disassembles all the assemblies in the scene or below the selected one.

Operativity

  • Drop the tool into the scene for disassemble All Assemblies.
  • Select the Assembly you want to disassemble and drop the tool into the scene.

Disassemble Elements

You can choose whether to disassemble the top assemblies in the scene as well, in this case delete all the assemblies in the scene, or in subasseblies.

Disassemble Elements

Disassemble Elements

Warning

Warning: be careful with this tool, cannot be undone.

Copy Profile to New Part

Copy Profile to New Part

This tool creates a new profile by copying it from the selected part.

Copy Profile to New Part

Operativity

  • Select the Cross-Section of the parts from which you want to copy profile,
  • drop the tool into the scene.

A new 2D-Profile has ben created.

Create Bend Plane

Create Bend Plane

This tool is to creating radius/curve profiles for tube curves.

Create Bend Plane

Operativity

  • Select the assembly of tubes you want to create a bend plane,
  • drop the tool into the scene.

New 2D sketches of the curvature planes, the points with the start and end of the tubes, or the sketch of the center line of the tubes will be created.

Note
  • if you drop the tool with the Left mouse button, the start and end points of the tubes will be created.
  • if you drop the tool with the Right mouse button, the center lines of the tubes will be created.
Tip

In addition, if you drop the tool with the Shift key pressed, you can the create of an Excel file containing the coordinates of the points.

Tip

If the pipe is made up of different parts, it is better to create an assembly, otherwise the start and end profiles of each single piece will be created.

Select all Linked Elements

Select all Linked Elements

Tool to select all linked elements within the scene.

Select all Linked Elements

Operativity

  • Part
    • drop the tool on the part you want to select all linked.
  • Assembly
    • select the assembly you want to select all linked and drop the tool into the scene.

Analyze Cylindrical Faces

Analyze Cylindrical Faces

This Tool allows you to return the number of holes grouped by radius.

Analyze Cylindrical Faces

Operativity

  • Drop the tool on the part you want to analyze.

The window that appears shows the list of cylindrical faces grouped by equal radius (in brackets there is the number of equal elements) , click on the items to highlight the holes.

Import DXF3D Scanned files

Import DXF3D Scanned files

This tool import dxf files create from Scanner, also supports 3D files from FlexiJet.

Import DXF3D Scanned files

Operativity

  • Drop the tool into the scene,
  • select *.dxf files to import.
Youtube video - Import DXF3D Scanned files
Tip

Dragging with the right button you can choose which elements to import. Import DXF3D Scanned files

Set Status Color

Set Status Color

This tool sets the status color on the selected elements.

Set Status Color

Operativity

  • Select elements,
  • drop the tool into the scene,
  • select the status and confirm.
Tip

To manage the elements with Status Color see Status Color Filter.

Set AutoNaming

Set AutoNaming

This tool sets the name (and keeps it linked to the assembly name) for all elements contained in the assembly.

Set AutoNaming

This tool works in two modes:

  • Only elements that match the name of the Assembly
    • it only changes the name part of the child elements that contain the same name as the parent assembly, it leaves the others unchanged.
  • All children use numbering items
    • while, in this case, it will change the name of all the elements by connecting it to that of the parent and completing it with the rules set in the dialog box.
Youtube video - Set AutoNaming

Operativity

  • Select assembly,
  • drop the tool into the scene to apply the default preset,
  • or drop with the right mouse button to open the dialog where you can set the naming rules (which will become the new default),

Set AutoNaming

right-click the assembly and select:

  • AutoNaming Settings… - to reopen dialog and change the rules,
  • Update Children Names - to update the names of parts, for example if new parts are added to the assembly,
  • Remove Auto Rename - to remove the tool from the assembly.

You can also use Remove AutoNaming to remove the tool.

Note

In ProActive Manager, assemblies that have AutoNaming are shown in Bold Blue Font Set AutoNaming

Tip

To set the default rule, you can drag the tool with the right mouse button into the scene, without any active selection, the dialog box will open, set the new rules and confirm.

Remove AutoNaming

Remove AutoNaming

This tool remove the Set AutoNaming.

Operativity

  • Select the assembly,
  • drop the tool into the scene to remove the AutoNaming tool,
  • or right-click the assembly and select Remove Auto Rename from the menu,

Set AutoNaming

Tip

To remove the automatic naming tool from many assemblies, first select the assemblies, then drag and drop the tool into the scene.

Detect Holes

Detect Holes

This tool detect and creates editable holes from an imported element (BREP).

Operativity

Single element:

  • drop the tool on an edge, to create the single hole,
  • drop the tool on the face, to detect and create all the holes on the face,
  • drop the tool in the scene, select the type of hole, and select edges or faces of the holes you want to create.

Multi element:

First select the part(s) then drop in the scene, to create the holes on the whole part.

Youtube video - Detect Holes
Tip

Shortcut:
Drop the tool with the Left mouse button, to create threaded holes.
Drop the tool with the Right mouse button, to create simple holes.

Remove Transparency

Remove Transparency

This tool remove transparency to parts in the scene.

Operativity

All element:

  • drop the tool in the scene to remove transparency from all parts.

Selected element:

  • Select the part(s) or assembly firts,
  • then drop the tool in the scene to remove transparency.
Youtube video - Remove Transparency
Tip

If transparency is applied only to some faces of the part, drop the tool while holding down the Right mouse button to remove the transparency of the faces as well. Note that in this case the processing will take longer, since it is necessary to check the every single face of the parts.

Remove Transparency

Statistics

Statistic

This tool reports any problems present in the part.

Statistic

Operativity

All element:

  • drop the tool in the scene to analyze all parts.

Selected element:

  • first select the part(s) or assembly,
  • then drop the tool in the scene to to analyze them.

Statistic

With the icons in the toolbar you can:

  • export the report to an Excel file
  • suppress the selected parts
  • unsupress the selected parts
  • delete selected parts
  • change the modeling kernel to fix the problem
  • hide the unselected parts
Youtube video - Statistics

Pipes Catalog

This is the catalog that contains the Pipes elements and some utility tools.

Subsections of Pipes Catalog

Pipe Elements

Pipe Elements ico

All pipe elements have the similar dialog box and the same structure of the data files.

When you release one component on the other, the new one sticks in the right position and automatically inherits some data, such as rule, size and thickness.

Dialog

Pipe Elements

The dialog box contains the choice of rule, type, size, thickness and material. A grid with parameters and values, below a preview of the item and data for the BOM.

The dialog can be expanded to the right to show all available values.

Youtube video - Pipe Elements

Pipe Elements

With the icon at the top right, you can choose when to show the dialog:

Always, Only when released in the background or Never.

Data Files

The data files are stored in ..\Library\Pipes\ ruleNAME \Pipes

  • here are the name.ini files, the files that contains the link to the name.dat file, and the rules to create PartNumber and Description.

  • while in the ..\Data subfolder there are name.dat files, these files contain the numerical data of the geometries of the elements.

Edit Data Files

Pipe Elements

The status bar reports the position of the data files of selected element.

If you click on name.ini Library Data Manager starts to modify the description and the rules to create the bill of materials.

Close to it, on the right, there is a button that enable you to edit the geometric data file name.dat, launching the Library Data Manager - Geometry…

Note

Part Number can also be generated using the Numbering tool

Cut Pipe

Cut Pipe ico

With the pipe cutter tool you can divide the pipe into two parts, also it can be used to cut and insert some elements.

Operativity

To Cut:

  • Drop the tool onto the tube,
  • select Only Cut the Tube,
  • enter the Offset distance from the base,
  • or use Triball to drag and place the blue cutting disc,
  • click OK to cut.

Cut Pipe

To Cut and Insert:

  • Drop the tool onto the tube,
  • deselect Only Cut the Tube,
  • enter the Offset distance from the base,
  • or use Triball to drag and place the blue cutting disc,
  • select element to insert:
    • Tee
    • Flange:
      • with Distance you can insert a empty space between the flanges
    • Library:
      • library items are in ..\Library\Pipes\ _Models\Library\dirNAME
      • you can insert element as linked, and you can rotate it by 180°
  • click OK to cut and insert.

Cut Pipe

Youtube video - Cut Pipe

Tip

You can change the UserLibrary Pipes in global settings Configuration and create your directory structure.

Place on Wire

Place on Wire ico

Place pipes and flanges along a 3D curve.

Place on Wire

Operativity

  • First select a 3D curve,
  • drop the tool on the scene,
  • select the type of curve, size and thickness,
  • if you want you can place the flanges at the end of the pipes,
    • choose the type of flange,
  • choose if you want to create an assembly,
  • click OK to cut.
Youtube video - Place on Wire
Tip

The tool automatically places the curves where the 3D path has an angle of 90°, if you create a fillet with a different radius a custom curve will be created.

Modify Pipe

Place on Wire ico

Change the size and thickness of a tube or assembly selection.

Place on Wire

Operativity

  • Select the items to change,
    • or select an assembly,
  • drop the command in the scene,
  • choose the new size and confirm.

Flanges Catalog

This is the catalog that contains the Flanges elements.

Flanges Catalog

Subsections of Flanges Catalog

Flange Elements

Flange Elements ico

All flange elements have the similar dialog box and the same structure of the data files.

When you release one component on the other, the new one sticks in the right position and automatically inherits some data, such as rule and size.

Dialog

Flange Elements

The dialog box contains the choice of rule, type, size and material. A grid with parameters and values, below a preview of the item and data for the BOM.

The dialog can be expanded to the right to show all available values.

Youtube video - Flange Elements

Flange Elements

With the icon at the top right, you can choose when to show the dialog:

Always, Only when released in the background, Never.

Data Files

The data files are stored in ..\Library\Pipes\ ruleNAME \Flanges

  • here are the name.ini files, the files that contains the link to the name.dat file, and the rules to create PartNumber and Description.

  • while in the ..\Data subfolder there are name.dat files, these files contain the numerical data of the geometries of the elements.

Edit Data Files

Flange Elements

The status bar reports the position of the data files of selected element.

If you click on name.ini Library Data Manager starts to modify the description and the rules to create the bill of materials.

Close to it, on the right, there is a button that enable you to edit the geometric data file name.dat, launching the Library Data Manager - Geometry…

Note

Part Number can also be generated using the Numbering tool

Mold Catalog

This is the catalog that contains the Molds elements.

Mold Catalog

Subsections of Mold Catalog

Mold Elements

Mold Elements ico

All mold elements have the same dialog box.

They are parametric components and use ProActive Parts.

Mold Elements

The dialog box contains the choice of size and material. A grid with parameters and values, below a preview of the item and data for the BOM.

The dialog can be expanded to the right to show all available values (and for editing).

Mold Elements

With the icon at the top right, you can choose when to show the dialog:

Always, Only when released in the background, Never.

Data Files

The data files are stored in each component, and follow the ProActive Parts rule.

Arch Catalog

This is the catalog that contains the Architectural elements.

Arch Catalog