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Lesson

5 Positional Form Features

Purpose

This lesson introduces Form Features that can be associatively positioned


from other features.

Objectives

Upon completion of this lesson, you will be able to:


• Create Hole, Boss, Pocket, Pad, Slot, and Groove features.

• Position features. 5
• Edit the parameters and position of features.

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P o s i t i o n a l For m Features

Creating Form Features


Form features are used to add detail to a model. These features include holes,
slots, bosses, pads, pockets and groove s. Form features are fully associative
to the geometry and parameter values used to create them. These features
can be accessed by choosing Insert? Design Feature or by adding them to the
Form Feature toolbar.

5
Placement Face
All form features require a placement face. For a groove, the placement face
must be cylindrical or conical. For all other form features, the placement face
must be plana r. This planar placement face defines the X-Y plane of the
coordinate system for the feature being created. Features are created normal
to the placement face.
A datum plane may be used as the planar placement fac e. In the following
example, the datum plane is used as the Planar Placement face for the hole
feature.

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P o s i t i o n a l F o r m Features

Horizontal and Vertical Reference


The Horizontal Reference defines the X axis of the feature coordinate
system. Any linear edge, planar face, datum axis, or datum plane that can
be projected onto the planar placement face may be selected to define the
horizontal direction.
A Horizontal Reference is required to define the length direction of form
features having a Length parameter (slot, rectangular pocket, and pad). It
is also required to define horizontal or vertical positioning dimensions for
features that do not initially require a Horizontal Reference (holes, bosses,
and cylindrical pockets).

1 — Planar Placement Face


2 — Horizontal Reference
3 — X Length of Feature

If there are no selectable objects to define a horizontal direction, you can


specify a Vertical Reference instead. The horizontal direction will be inferred
as being perpendicular to it.

Feature Coordinate System


The WCS will move automatically to facilitate the creation of a feature based
on the selected placement face and reference direction. The coordinate system
being represented is called a Feature Coordinate System (FCS) and is stored
with the feature definition. The WCS will return to the FCS orientation when
you edit the position of the feature.

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P o s i t i o n a l For m Features

Positioning Form Features


Positioning dimensions are distance values measured along the placement
face. They may be used to place the form feature at the proper location on the
placement face. These dimensions should be considered as constraints, or
rules, that the geometry must obe y.

1 — Horizontal 6 — Angular
2 — Vertical 7 — Point onto Point
3 — Parallel 8 — Point onto Line
4 — Perpendicular 9 — Line onto Line
5 — Parallel at a Distance

Only the dimension types that apply to the feature being creating
will be displayed.

Positioning dimensions are not required, but it is recommended that they be


added when features are created for ease of future editing.

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P o s i t i o n a l F o r m Features

Hole

This option is used to create simple, counterbore, and countersink holes in


an existing solid. The middle portion of the dialog contains fields to enter
parameters and will vary depending on the type of hole that is chosen. The
dialog below appears for the Simple hole type.

Hole Creation Procedure

• Choose the Hole icon (Insert? Design Feature? Hole).

• Choose the Type (Simple, Counterbore, or Countersink).

• Select the placement face. If a datum plane is selected choose the Reverse
Side button as required.

• Select the thru face if applicable.

• Key in the required parameter value s.

• Choose OK or Apply.

• Create positional dimensions as required.

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P o s i t i o n a l For m Features

Hole Types

Simple 1 – Diameter
2 – Depth
3 – Tip Angle

Counterbore 1 – C-Bore Diameter


2 – C-Bore Depth
3 – Hole Depth

Countersink 1 – C-Sink Diameter


2 – C-Sink Angle
5 3 – Hole Depth

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P o s i t i o n a l F o r m Features

Boss

The Boss feature is used to add a cylindrical shape with a specified height to
a model, having either straight or tapered sides.

1 — Diameter
2 — Height
3 — Taper Angle

A positive or negative value may be entered depending on which way the wall
is to incline. A zero value results in a vertical cylinder wall.
5

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P o s i t i o n a l For m Features

Positioning Terminology

• Fully Specified — The feature is uniquely located by the positioning


dimensions specified.

• Underspecified — The feature position is not completely constrained.

• Overspecified — The feature has had more positioning constraints


applied to it than are necessar y.

• Target Solid — The solid body that a Boolean operation acts upon. In the
context of a Form Feature it is the solid body that the Hole, Slot, Pocket or
Groove will subtract from, or a Boss or Pad will unite with.

• Target Edge — An edge on the Target Solid that is selected for positioning
purposes.

• Tool Solid — The solid representation of the feature being defined


by the current operation. In the context of a Form Feature it is the
representation of the Hole, Slot, Pocket, Pad, Boss, or Groove that will be
5 subtracted from or united with the Target Solid.

• Tool Edge — An edge on the Tool Solid that is selected for positioning
purposes.

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P o s i t i o n a l F o r m Features

Positioning Methods

Horizontal

Specifies the hori zontal distance between two points, one on the target solid
and the other on the tool solid. Horizontal is measured along the X-axis of the
feature coordinate system (the Horizontal Reference). As edges are selected,
the nearest valid point is selected (midpoints are not selectable).

1 — Horizontal Reference
2 — Target Edge (End Point)
3 — Tool Edge (Tangent Point)

Vertical

Specifies the vertical distance between two points, one on the target solid and
the other on the tool solid. Vertical is measured along the Y-axis of the feature
coordinate system (perpendicular to the Horizontal Reference). As edges are
selected, the nearest valid point is selected (midpoints are not selectable).

1 — Horizontal Reference
2 — Target Edge (End Point)
3 — Tool Edge (Arc Center)

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P o s i t i o n a l For m Features

Perpendicular

Sp ecifies the shortest (normal) distance between a linear edge on the target
solid (also datum pla nes or axis) and a point on the tool solid. The linear
target edge is always selected first.

1 — Target Edge
2 — Tool Ed ge (Arc Center)

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Point onto Line

Specifies that the distance between an edge on the target solid (also datum
planes or axis) and a point on the tool solid is zero.
1 — Target Edge (Datum Plane)
2 — Tool Edge (Arc Center)

Point onto Line is the same as the Perpendicular positioning


dimension with the value automatically set to zero. You can change it
to a non-zero value when you edit the feature.

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P o s i t i o n a l F o r m Features

Parallel

Specifies the shortest distance between two points, one point on the target
solid and the other point on the tool solid. As edges are selected, the nearest
valid point is selected (midpoints are not selectable).

1 — Target Edge (Arc Center)


2 — Tool Edge (Arc Center)

Point onto Point

Specifies the distance between a point on the target solid and a point on the
tool solid is zero. This is commonly used to align arc centers (concentric) of
cylindrical or conical features. This method fully constrains their location
since rotation is not a degree of freedom for cylindrical or conical features.
1 — Target Edge (Arc Center)
2 — Tool Edge (Arc Center)

Point onto Point is the same as the Parallel positioning dimension with
the value automatically set to zero. You can change it to a non-zero
value when you edit the feature.

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P o s i t i o n a l For m Features

Activity — Positioning Holes an d Bosses

In this activity, you will create and position hole and boss features.

Step 1: Open the form_feature_1 part.

Step 2: Start the Modeling application. (Start→Modeling)

Step 3: Create a boss.


Choose Insert? Design Feature? Boss.
5
Key in the following values:

Diameter = 2
Height = .125
Taper Angle = 0

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P o s i t i o n a l F o r m Features

Select the top face of the block (1) as the placement face.

Choose OK (MB2).

Notice Perpendicular is already selected.


Select edge (2) and enter a value of 4.
Select edge (3) and enter a value of 3.
Choose OK. (MB2)

Step 4: Create a simple thru hole.

Choose the Hole icon. (Insert→Design Feature→Hole)

Choose Simple for the hole Type.

Key in a Diameter of 1.

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P o s i t i o n a l For m Features

Select the top face of the boss (1) as the placement face and the
bottom face of the block as the thru face.

Choose Apply.

Choose Point onto Point.

Select the top edge (2) of the boss.

Choose Arc Center.

Step 5: Create a counterbore thru hole.

Choose Counterbore for the hole Type.

Key in the following values:

C-Bore Diameter = 1
C-Bore Depth = .5
Hole Diameter = .5

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P o s i t i o n a l F o r m Features

Select the top face of the block as the placement face and the
bottom face of the block as the thru face.

Choose Apply.

Verify Perpendicular is selec ted.


Select edge (1) and enter a value of 1.5.
Select edge (2) and enter a value of 1.5.
Choose OK (MB2).

Step 6: Create another counterbore hole.

Verify that Counterbore is still selected.

Verify the following values:

C-Bore Diameter = 1
C-Bore Depth = .5
Hole Diameter = .5

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P o s i t i o n a l For m Features

Select the top face of the block as the placement face and the
bottom face of the block as the thru face.

Choose Apply.

Verify Perpendicular is selected.


Select edge (1) and enter a value of 1.5.
Select edge (2) and enter a value of 1.5.
Choose OK (MB2).

Step 7: Create a simple hole.

Choose Simple

Key in the following values:

Diameter = .25
Depth = 1
Tip Angle = 0

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P o s i t i o n a l F o r m Features

Select the top face of the block as the placement face in the
approximate locati on shown (1).

Choose Apply.

Choose Horizontal .
Select a front edge (2) of the block as the
Horizontal Reference, select the edge of the boss (3) as the
target edge, and choose the Arc Center option.

Key in a value of 1.375 and press Enter.

Choose Vertical.

Select the edge of the boss again as the target edge and choose
the Arc Center option.

Key in a value of 1.25.

Choose OK.

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P o s i t i o n a l For m Features

If the placement face was selected near the right or back of


the block, the hole may initially be positioned on the wrong
side of the target edge. The location where you select the
placement face will determine the initial feature location.
Always select the placement face approximately where you
want the feature to be located. If the hole is on the wrong
side of the target edge, you will have to change the
positioning dimension to a negative value.

Step 8: Create another simple thru hole that is aligned with the edges of
the front face of the block.

Verify the Simple hole type is selected.

Key in a Diameter of 1.

Select the right face of the block (1) as the placement face and
left face (2) as the thru face.
5

Choose OK.

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P o s i t i o n a l F o r m Features

Choose Point onto Line .


Select the front edge (3) of the block.

Choose Perpendicular .
Select the bottom right edge (4).

Key in a value of 1.5 and choose OK.

Step 9: Create another hole in the corner of the part.

Choose the Hole icon. (Insert→Design Feature→Hole)

Verify the Simple hole type is selected.

Key in a Diameter of 7.

Select the top face of the block as the placement face and
bottom face as the thru face.

Choose OK.

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P o s i t i o n a l For m Features

Choose Point onto Point .

Select the back right corner of the block (1).

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The completed part should appear as shown.

Step 10: Close the part.

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P o s i t i o n a l F o r m Features

Slot

This option allows you to create a slot in a solid body as if cut by a milling
machine tool. In each case, the shape of the cutting tool corresponds to the
slot type and dimensions.
The slot feature will be created so that the axis of the cutting tool is normal to
the face or datum plane selected. Initially, the path of the slot will be parallel
to the selected Horizontal Reference.
There are several different slot types available. You will be prompted for the
parameters that apply to the type of slot chosen.

Rectangular Slot
The Rectangular slot type uses a tool that has cylindrical end faces and will
produce sharp edges along the bottom of the slot.
1 — Length
2 — Width
3 — Depth

The Width of the rectangular slot represents the diameter of the cylindrical
cutting tool.
The Depth of the slot is measured in a direction parallel to the tool axis from
the placement face to the bottom of the slot. Depth values must be positive.
The Length is measured parallel to the horizontal reference (X in the feature
coordinate system). Length values must be positive.

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P o s i t i o n a l For m Features

Other Slot Types

The other available slot profiles are shown below.

Ball-End

U-Slot

T-Slot

Dove-Tail

Creating a Thru Slot


The Thru Slot option can be applied to all slot types and extends the length of
the slot along the placement face in the direction of the horizontal reference
5 between two specified faces.
You will be prompted to select starting and ending thru faces instead of a
length paramete r. The two thru faces cannot be parallel to the placement face.
The rectangular slot shown below was created with the Thru Slot option
enabled. The selected starting and ending thru faces are shaded.

You should not dimension to the end arcs of the slot when positioning a Thru
Slot. The length of a Thru Slot is determined by the selected thru faces. The
only positioning dimension required is to locate an edge or centerline along
the length of the slot (tool) to a target edge or datum. Parallel at a Distance
can be used to constrain the feature and control the two remaining degrees of
freedom.

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P o s i t i o n a l F o r m Features

Pocket

The pocket feature is used to create a cavity in a solid bod y.


There are three types of pockets:
• Cylindrical (not covered in this lesson)

• Rectangular

• General (not covered in this lesson)

Rectangular Pocket

This option allows a rectangular pocket to be defined to a specified depth, with


or without a floor and/or corner radius, having either straight or tapered walls.
The following paramete rs may be specified:
1 — Length
2 — Width
3 — Depth
4 — Corner Radius
5 — Floor Radius
6 — Taper Angle

The pocket is initially oriented so that the Length is parallel to the


selected Horizontal Reference.

Pocket features may be positioned from a tool edge or from the centerlines
provided for this purpose.

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P o s i t i o n a l For m Features

Pad

This option allows a raised pad on a solid body.


There are two types of pads:
• Rectangular

• General (not covered in this less on)

Rectangular Pad
This option allows a rectangular pad to be defined to a specified height, with
or without a corner radius and/or taper.
The following paramete rs may be specified:
1 — Length
2 — Width
3 — Height
5 4
5
— Corner Radius
— Taper Angle

The pad is initially oriented so that the Length is parallel to the


selected Horizontal Referenc e.

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P o s i t i o n a l F o r m Features

Additional Positioning Methods

Parallel at a Distance

Specifies that a linear edge on the target solid (also a datum plane or datum
axis) and a linear edge on the tool solid must be parallel and at a given
distance. This is typically used for features with length (slot, pocket or pad).
1 — Target Edge
2 — Tool Edge (Cen terline of Slot)

Using Parallel at a Distance will solve two of the three degrees of freedom
necessary to fully specify a feature having a length (rotation and translation
in one direction). Adding another Parallel at a Distance or Line onto Line
dimension would overspecify the location of the feature.
To fully specify the feature in the example an additional positioning
dimension is required to solve the final degree of fr e e d o m (i.e. Horizontal,
Vertical, Perpendicular).

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P o s i t i o n a l For m Features

Line onto Line

Specifies that the distance between a linear edge on the target solid (or a
datum plane or datum axis) and a linear edge on the tool solid is zero and
they are constrained parallel to each other. This is typically used for features
with length (slot, pocket, or pad).
1 — Target Edge (Datum Plane)
2 — Tool Edge (Cen terline of Slot)

5
Using Line onto Line will solve two of the three degrees of freedom necessary
to fully specify a feature having a length (rotational and translation in one
direction). Adding another Line onto Line or Parallel at a Distance dimension
would overspecify the location of the feature. To fully specify the feature in
the above example an additional positioning dimension is required to solve the
final degree of freedom (i.e. Horizontal, Perpendicular, or Point onto Line).
Line onto Line is the same as the Parallel at a Distance positioning
dimension with the value automatically set to zero. This zero value
can be changed to a non-zero value when editing the feature.

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P o s i t i o n a l F o r m F e at u r e s

Angular

Specifies that a linear edge on the target solid (also a datum plane or datum
axis) and a linear edge on the tool solid must be at a given angle to each other.
The angle is measured in a counte r-clockwise direction (with respect to the
feature coordinate system), from the ends of the edges nearest to where they
are selected.
1 — Target Edge
2 — Tool Edge (Edge of Pocket)

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P o s i t i o n a l For m Features

Parameter Entry Options

Parameter Entry Options let you easily define your model parametrically as
you specify values during feature creation. They are accessed by choosing
the “down-arrow” icon located next to many of the parameter entry fields
throughout the Modeling application.
Options are provided to let you specify a value based on a formula, a reference
to an existing value, or a derived value from a measurement without having to
copy and paste or reenter the values.

You can use these options to easily lookup functions and define relationships
5 between features. You can use values that already exist in your model,
making downstream changes easier and in agreement with your design
intent.

Referencing Existing Parameters


Choosing the Reference option will display a Parameter Selection dialog
and allow you to select an existing feature. Once a feature is selected, it’s
parameters are listed in a dialog. Selecting one of the parameters and
choosing OK will insert it into the entry field.

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P o s i t i o n a l F o r m Features

Activity — Creating Po ckets and Slots


In this activity, you will locate a pocket and slot using the Line onto Line and
Parallel at a Distance positioning methods.

Step 1: Open the form_feature_2 part.

Step 2: Start the Modeling application. (Start→Modeling)

Step 3: Create and locate the rectangular pocket.

Choose Insert? Design Feature? Pocket. 5


Choose Rectangular.

Select the placement face (1) and horizontal reference (2) as


indicated below.

The design intent is that the length of the pocket be the same
as the Y Length of the block.

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P o s i t i o n a l For m Features

Choose the Parameter Entry Option down-arrow button.


next to the Length field and choose the R eference option.

Select the block feature from the graphics window.

Choose the BLOCK(0) Size Y parameter from the Parameter


Selection dialog and choose OK.

The parameter for the size of the block appears in the Length
field for the pocket. This “p-number” may be different in your
part.

Key in the remaining values:


Width = 1
Depth = .25
Corner Radius = 0
Floor Radius = 0
Taper Angle = 0

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Choose OK.

Choose Line onto Line and select the target (1) and the
tool (2) as indicated below.

Choose Point onto Line and select the target (3) and
the tool (4) as indicated below.

Choose Insert? Design Feature? Slot.

Verify the Thru Slot option is turned off and choose


Rectangular.

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P o s i t i o n a l For m Features

Select the placement face (1) and horizontal reference (2) as


indicated below.

5
The design intent is that the depth of the slot be the same as
the X Length of the block.

Key in the following values:

Length = 1
Width = .55

Press the Tab key to highlight the Depth field (or double-click
in the Depth field).

Choose the Parameter Entry Option down-arrow button


next to the Depth field and choose the R eference option.

Select the block feature from the graphics window.

Choose the BLOCK(0) Size X parameter from the Parameter


Selection dialog and choose OK.
The parameter, or “p-number” for the X Length of the block
will appear in the Depth field of the slot.

Choose OK.

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P o s i t i o n a l F o r m Features

Choose Parallel at a Distance and select the target (1)


and the tool (2) as indicated below. Key in a value of 1 and
choose OK.

Choose Perpendicular and select the target (3) and the


tool (4) as indicated below. Key in a value of 1.25.

Choose OK.

Step 4: Close the part.

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P o s i t i o n a l For m Features

Groove

The groove feature requires a cylindrical or conical placement face. A groove


can be thought of as a feature that would result from a part being cut in a
lathe. After specifying the groove parameters, you will be shown a preview of
the tool solid. The tool solid can be thought of as the path that the lathe
would make as it cuts the solid.

Positioning a Groove
You only have to position a groove along the axis of the cylindrical or conical
placement face. The Positioning dialog will not appear. Instead, you are only
required to specify a horizontal dimension along the axis by selecting a target
edge followed by a tool edge or centerline.
Two grooves are shown in the following example.
1 — Target Edge
2 — Tool Edge (or centerline)
5

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P o s i t i o n a l F o r m Features

Activity — Positioning a Groove

In this activity, you will create a groove feature and position it along the
axis of a cylindrical solid body.

Step 1: Open the groove_1 part.

Step 2: Start the Modeling application.


5
Step 3: Create and locate the groov e.

Choose Insert? Design Feature? Groove.

Choose Rectangular.

Select the outside cylindrical face as the placement face.

Key in the following values:

Groove Diameter = 2.25


Width = .25

Choose OK.

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P o s i t i o n a l For m Features

Select the front outside circular edge (1) as the target edge and
the centerline of the groove (2) as the tool edge.

Key in a value of 1.5 to position the groove and choose OK


(MB2).

Step 4: Close the part.

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Positional F o r m Features

Editing the Size and Location of Form Features


As features are created the parametric data is captured in expressions.
The parametric data consists of the actual feature size definition (i.e.
diamete r, height, length) as well as the positional data that is captured in
the positioning dimensions.

Edit Parameters
The Edit Parameters and Edit with Rollback options allow you to rede fine the
parameter values of any parametric feature and update the model to reflect
the new values. To edit the parameters of a feature:
• Select the feature to edit.
– With the cursor over the feature, choose MB3? Edit Parameters or
MB3? Edit with Rollback.

– Double-click on a feature. (The default action is Edit with Rollback.)

– Double-click the feature or use the MB3 popup menu in the Part
Navigator. 5
– Choose Edit? Feature? Edit Parameters and select the feature.

– Choose the Edit Feature Parameters icon and select the feature.

• Select the parameters to edit.


– Some parameters will appear in the graphics window.

– Any of the valid parameters types may be chosen from the Edit
Parameters dialog. This displays the original creation dialog where
the parameters may be edited.

• Choose OK until the editing dialogs are dismissed and the model updates.

Edit with Rollback


This option allows you to edit the parameters of a feature but it also
temporarily returns the model to its state when the feature was created. The
features that occur after the edited feature in the model history are hidden
from the display.
This simpli fies the display and makes it easier to select features to reference
when using the Parameter Entry options.

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P o s i t i o n a l For m Features

Edit Positioning

This option allows a feature to be moved by editing its positioning dimensions.


In addition, positioning dimensions may be added to features that are either
underspecified or were not given any positioning dimensions at the time
of creation.
Once the feature has been selected, the following options are offered based
upon the positioning status of the selected feature.

If the selected feature has no positioning dimension associated with


5
it, the Add Dimension option is automatically selected.

To edit the position of a feature:


• Select the feature to edit.
– With the cursor over the feature in the graphics window, choose
MB3? Edit Positioning.

– With the cursor over the feature in the Part Navigato r, choose
MB3? Edit Positioning.

– Choose Edit? Feature? Positioning and then select the feature to edit.

– Choose the Edit Feature Positioning icon and select the feature
to edit.

• Choose the type of edit (Add, Edit, or Delete).

• Select an existing dimension or new dimension type.

• Choose OK until the editing dialogs are dismissed and the model updates.

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P o s i t i o n a l F o r m Features

Add Dimension
This option may be used to add a positioning dimension to a feature.
When adding positioning dimensions, any edge (1) resulting from the
intersection of the feature being positioned (2) and a face on the target solid
(3) may not be selected as the tool edge.

The intersection edge is a child object of the tool and target solid’s face and
is defined by the boolean operation associated with the feature type being
created. The boolean operation does not occur until after the position of the
feature has been defined. Therefore, the intersection edge is not a valid
selection to specify location. 5
When adding positioning dimensions to a Thru Hole, no edges will be
selectable as the target edge because both edges are intersection edges. The
Identify Solid Face option is used to select the center of the cylindrical face (1).

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Valid target edges for positioning purposes must belong to features existing
in the feature creation list of the model before the feature being positioned.
In the example below the features are numbered in the order in which they
were created. Feature (2) may not be positioned using any face or edge from
feature (3). If an edge or face from feature (3) is selected as a target, a message
is displayed stating that you cannot select an object from a later feature and a
dialog will let you highlight those edges and faces which can be selected.

5
Edit Dimension Value

Features may be moved by changing the values of the feature’s positioning


dimensions.
To use this option:
• Select the dimension to edit (if there is only one positioning dimension, it
is selected automatically).

• Key in the new value.

Continue editing as many dimension values as desired. Once all the desired
dimension values have been edited, choose OK.

Delete Dimension
Use this option to delete a positioning dimension from a feature. The feature
will then remain in its current location as its position is no longer associated
to the model.

If you are replacing a dimension, add the new dimension before


deleting the old one. The Edit Positioning dialog is maintained when
you add a dimension but is automatically dismissed when you delete
a dimension.

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P o s i t i o n a l F o r m Features

Error Messages

If the model cannot be updated based on the new parameters or location of


the feature, the Edit During Update dialog will be presented. This dialog
provides several options for dealing with the failed update.

You can choose Show Current Model followed by the Show Failure
Area option to help identify the problem visually.

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P o s i t i o n a l For m Features

Editing Features with the Part Navigator

The Part Navigator is a powerful tool that may be used to identify and edit
features. Holding down MB3 on a feature node in the Part Navigator displays
a feature speci fic pop-up menu. This menu provides an alternative method to
edit the parameters and the position of a form feature.
To access the Part Navigato r, choose the icon on the resource bar on the right
side of the NX wind ow.

If the resource is bar is not visible, choose View ->Show Resource


Bar to turn it on.

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P o s i t i o n a l F o r m Features

Activity — Editing P o sitional Form Features

Step 1: Open the edit_feature_3 part.

Step 2: Start the Modeling application.

Step 3: Edit size parameters.

In the graphics window, select the hole feature indicated below.

With the cursor over the highlighted hole feature, click MB3
and choose Edit Parameters.

Choose Feature Dialog.

Cha nge the Diameter to .375 and choose OK twice.


Notice that both holes changed. This is because a referenced
parameter was established when the second hole was created.

Step 4: Edit the position.


In the graphics window, select the same hole as before.

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P o s i t i o n a l For m Features

With the cursor over the highlighted hole feature, click MB3
and choose Edit Positioning.

Choose Edit Dimension Value.

In the graphics window, select the positioning dimension that


equals 2.625 and change the value to 3.25.

Choose OK three times to finish the update.


Notice how both holes changed location. This is because a
referenced parameter was established when the second hole
5 was positioned.

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P o s i t i o n a l F o r m Features

Step 5: Change a hole type.


In the graphics window, select the counterbore hole indicated
below.

5
With the cursor over the highlighted hole feature, click MB3
and choose Edit Parameters.

Choose Change Type.

Choose Simple and choose OK.

Choose OK to accept the Diameter value of .3125.

Choose OK again to complete the edit of the hole.

Step 6: Change the positioning design intent.


In the graphics window, select the same hole that you just
edited.

With the cursor over the highlighted hole feature, click MB3
and choose Edit Positioning.

Choose Add Dimension.

Choose Perpendicular.

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P o s i t i o n a l For m Features

Select the front edge, as shown below, as the target edge.

Because the hole was created as a thru hole, you are limited in
what you can select for a tool edge. In cases where you cannot
5 select an appropriate tool edge or, if the resulting edge is not
a true circle (like shown at one end), you can use the Identify
Solid Face option.

Choose Identify Solid Face.

Select the cylindrical face of the hole as shown below.

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P o s i t i o n a l F o r m Features

Accept the dimension value by choosing OK. Notice the Status


line indicates that the feature position is overspecified.
There are two dimensions competing against each other. The
design intent was changed to locate the hole from the front
edge of the part so you will need to delete the old dimension
causing the overspecified condition.

Choose OK in the Positioning dialog.

Choose Delete Dimension.

Select the existing dimension causing the overspecified


condition and choose OK.

Step 7: Close the part.

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P o s i t i o n a l For m Features

Additional Positioning Techniques

Information? Feature
Choosing Information? Feature will display a Feature Browser dialog where
you can obtain detailed information about features in a model. Selecting a
feature and choosing OK or Apply will display an Information window.
Accessing the Info rmation pull-down menu options will not cancel feature
construction dialogs. This allows you to find necessary information needed
while creating new features.

You can also list information about a feature by highlighting it in the


graphics window, choosing MB3→Properties, and then choosing the
Information icon in the Properties dialog.

Display Dimensions
The Display Dimensions option in the Feature Browser temporarily displays
the parameters of size and location in the graphics window for the feature.
Refreshing the graphics window removes the temporary display of the
5
parameters.
Display Dimensions can also be accessed using the Part Navigato r.

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P o s i t i o n a l F o r m Features

Positioning from Edges


When you select an edge of the target solid to constrain a feature, a curve is
extracted to match that edge. This curve is maintained internally and is
linked to the target solid. If you modify the edge (for example, by adding a
blend), the constraint is maintained to the original edge.
Try to position features from edges before they are blended. This minimizes
potential update errors when blends are modified or deleted. You can use the
Make Current Feature option, within the Part Navigato r, to add the feature
before the blend feature in the Model History.

When positioning from edges, select edges that are less likely to be
affected by downstream features and editing operations. This will
reduce the chances of future model update failures.

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P o s i t i o n a l For m Features

Summary
In this lesson you were introduced to Form Features. Form features are used
to add detail to the model during creation. Form features are fully associative
to the geometry and parameter values used to create them. The different
form features are: Hole, Boss, Pocket, Pad, Slot, and Groove.
This lesson you:
• Identified a Placement Face.

• Identified a Horizontal Reference.

• Identified Target and Tool Solids.

• Created Hole, Boss, Pocket, Pad, Slot, and Groove features.

• Applied positioning dimensions form features.

• Edited parameters and positioning dimensions of form features.


5

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