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Using Vendor E-Catalogs: Identifying Needed Components & Obtaining Component Model Files

The document discusses how component searches and obtaining component model files have changed from a pre-Internet process to a new online process. It describes three ways to perform online component searches: keyword searches, hierarchical searches through vendor catalogs, and shape-based searches. It also explains that CAD model files for components are now widely available online from vendors, engineering websites, and online communities in various file formats that can be downloaded and inserted into assembly models.

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91 views2 pages

Using Vendor E-Catalogs: Identifying Needed Components & Obtaining Component Model Files

The document discusses how component searches and obtaining component model files have changed from a pre-Internet process to a new online process. It describes three ways to perform online component searches: keyword searches, hierarchical searches through vendor catalogs, and shape-based searches. It also explains that CAD model files for components are now widely available online from vendors, engineering websites, and online communities in various file formats that can be downloaded and inserted into assembly models.

Uploaded by

toshugo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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MAE 455 Computer-Aided Design and Drafting


Using Vendor
e-Catalogs
Identifying Needed Components &
Obtaining Component Model Files
MAE 455 Computer-Aided Design and Drafting 2
Component Searches
Old way vs. New way
When manufacturing a product, a large percentage of components
are typically obtained from vendors, rather than being
manufactured in-house.
The designer is typically responsible for identifying the needed
components, and determining whether they will function properly
in the product.
The old pre-Internet way of performing these activities, was to:
1. Identify components in paper catalogs or on Microfiche
2. Draft the components by referencing vendor drawings
The new Information-age way of performing these activities is to:
1. Perform an Internet search for components.
2. Download model files and insert into assembly model
2
MAE 455 Computer-Aided Design and Drafting 3
Performing a Component Search
Searches can be performed in 3 ways:
Keyword search in Google, Yahoo or other search engine,
type in words that describe the component, being as specific as
possible.
Hierarchical search using GlobalSpec (www.globalspec.com),
Thomas Register (www.thomasnet.com), traceparts
(www.tracepartsonline.net), PARTSolutions (www.part-solutions.com) or
other hierarchically organized oracle, choose product category
starting at highest level and then be more specific as you work
your way down. Some sites allow specifying limits on engineering
and dimension parameters to narrow the search.
Shape-based search use 3DSearchIT, PartSolutions or other
shape search software to look through company records to find
existing components with shape similar to what you need.
MAE 455 Computer-Aided Design and Drafting 4
Downloading Model Files
CAD model files are available on the web
Vendors provide CAD models of the components they sell (e.g.,
www.mcmaster.com, www.reidsupply.com, www.8020.net).
Engineering web site companies host vendor model files (e.g.,
www.tracepartsonline.net).
On-line communities share model files on their web sites (e.g.,
www.wwufsae.com/Shared_FSAE_CAD_Library, www.3dcontentcentral.com)
These are available in different formats:
Bitmap Image (e.g., JPG, GIF)
2D Drawing (e.g., AutoCAD dwg)
3D Surface model (e.g., VRML)
Boundary-Representation models (dumb solid; e.g., IGES, STEP)
Solid model with construction history (i.e., can modify parameters, but
must be given in native CAD software-specific format)

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