Chapter 7.  PARTdesigner
7.1. Function
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7.1. Function

PARTdesigner is a parametric development system for factory standard parts and standard parts catalogs, which are provided in digital parts catalogs within PARTsolutions or web-based sites and services.

Characteristic features in key points:

  • With PARTdesigner is used to create drawings for factory standard parts and standard parts catalogs (2D or 3D).

  • Sketches, extrusions, rotations and geometrical operations lead to fully parametric geometries.

  • In the docking window configurator [Configurator], complex assemblies can be created from individual parts.

  • Instead of fixed dimension values, variables are set up for which specific values are stored in characteristic attribute tables. The characteristic attrib ute tables are created and managed in accordance with DIN 4000-1. This method has the advantage that a separate drawing does not have to be created for each component characteristic.

  • Due to the open format, especially company standards of larger companies can be displayed in a standardized system.

  • The PARTdesigner geometries can be transferred directly to a large number of common CAD systems via the PARTsolutions interfaces.

Functions are subdivided in 2 main issues:

  1. Create parts

    Geometries (*.3db files) and characteristic attribute tables (*.tab/tac files) together with dimension drawings and other information form the so-called project files [Project Files] (*.prj files).

  2. Build up assemblies from parts

    Complex assemblies [Assemblies] can be put together.

    A set of rules controls the assembly configuration.

    This states...

    • ...which connection components for the selected start element [Start element] in the PARTdataManager will be available,

    • ...at which points these parts can be added to the start element and among each other

    • ...and how the corresponding table should be dimensioned.

    Independent PARTdesigner parts without system of rules

    Independent PARTdesigner parts without system of rules

    Built up assembly with system of rules

    Built up assembly with system of rules

[Note]Note

Information for existing customers

You have already modelled parts in earlier versions of eCATALOGsolutions? Then you will recognize fundamental innovations at a glance.

With V12, the Configurator module was integrated into the PARTdesigner module. This means that assemblies can now be configured and set up directly in PARTdesigner.

With V11, the PARTeditor module was integrated into the PARTdesigner module.

All PARTeditor functions are now available in PARTdesigner so that annoying switching between different work surfaces is no longer necessary. You already know comfortable working with docking windows, which you can adjust in size and position, from PARTdataManager. This functionality is now also available in the PARTdesigner is now also available.

Even if you are working in one single user interface - which is more comfortable - be aware of the following facts:

  • A parametrically structured 3D model is created. This data is also saved in the 3db file type.

    And a feature table is created, the values of which are used to fill the parametric 3D model. The table data is still saved in the tab or tac file type.

  • In the Variable Manager there is a parameter Storage location [Save location] with the following list field options:

    • Only in geometry -> Data storage in 3db file

    • Only in table -> Data storage in tab/tac file

    • In geometry and table -> data storage both in 3db file and in tab/ tac file

    Depending on which mode you select before clicking Apply [Commit], the data is saved in the corresponding file type or in both.

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