Chapter

Advanced Modeling
Tools-II
Learning Objectives
After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
Use the Thread tool for creating external and internal threads.
Add drafts to models.
Add lip features.
Create thin wall features.
Create thin region features.
Create ribs.
Create web networks.
Create vent features.
Create mounting bosses.

8-2

Solid Edge for Designers (Eval Copy SE 01/09)

ADVANCED MODELING TOOLS

In this chapter, you will learn about some advanced modeling tools. The remaining advanced
modeling tools will be discussed in the later chapters.

CREATING INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL THREADS

Ribbon:

Solids > Hole > Thread

In Solid Edge, you can create internal or external threads using the Thread tool.
Internal threads are created in a hole or in circular cut features, whereas external
threads are created on the external surface of a cylindrical feature. Figure 8-1 and
Figure 8-2 show the internal threads and external threads, respectively. Note that you need
to select only standard size holes or cylinders to create threads. These standard sizes are
available in the Diameter edit box of the Hole Options dialog box that was discussed in
earlier. In Solid Edge, the threaded faces are shaded in green. To create threads, invoke the
Thread tool by choosing Solids > Hole > Thread from the Ribbon; the Thread Options
dialog box will be displayed, as shown in Figure 8-3. The options in this dialog box are
discussed next.

Figure 8-1 Internal threads

Figure 8-2 External threads

Figure 8-3 The Thread Options dialog box

Straight
This radio button is selected to create threads on a straight feature.

Taper
This radio button is selected to create threads on a tapered feature.

Advanced Modeling Tools-II

8-3

Taper angle
This edit box is available when you select the Taper radio button. You can enter the taper
angle in this edit box or select the predefined taper angles from the Taper angle drop-down
list.
After specifying the parameters in the Thread Options dialog box, this tool works in three
steps that are discussed next.

Select Cylinder Step

This step is automatically invoked when you exit the Thread Options dialog box. It enables
you to select the cylinder or hole to create threads.

Cylinder End Step

This step will be automatically invoked after you select a cylinder or a hole to create threads.
In this step, you need to select one of the ends of the selected cylinder or hole as the edge
from where the threads will be offset.

Parameters Step
This step enables you to specify the parameters of the thread that you want to create. The
options available in the command bar of this step are discussed next.

Offset
This edit box is used to specify the distance between the start of the thread and the cylinder
end selected in the second step.

Depth
This drop-down list is used to specify the depth up to which the thread will be created. The
options available in this drop-down list are discussed next.
To cylinder extent
This is the default option and it creates threads through the entire length of the cylinder
or hole.
Finite value
This option enables you to create threads upto a specified depth. If you select the Finite
value option, the Thread Depth edit box will be invoked below the drop-down list. You
can use this edit box to specify the depth value.

Type
This drop-down list is used to specify the type of thread that you want to create. The options
in this drop-down list are available depending on the size of the selected cylinder or hole.
You can select any option from this drop-down list to create threads.

Evaluation Copy
or information visit www
.cadcim.com
Copy.. Do not reproduce. F
For
www.cadcim.com

Tip. If you try to create threads on holes or cylinders with non-standard diameters,
a warning box will be displayed, informing you that this diameter is not listed in
the Holes.txt file.

8-4

Solid Edge for Designers (Eval Copy SE 01/09)

Note
If the hole or the cylinder feature that you selected does not have a standard diameter, then no
option will be available in the Type drop-down list and the threads will not be created.

Thread unit
This drop-down list is used to specify the unit of threads.

ADDING DRAFTS TO THE MODEL

Ribbon:

Solids > Draft

Adding a draft is the process of tapering the selected faces of a model for their easy
removal from casting during manufacturing the model. You can add a draft to a
model using the Draft tool. To do so, invoke the Draft tool from the Solids group of
the Ribbon; the Add Draft command bar will be displayed. Choose the Options button from
it; the Draft Options dialog box will be displayed, as shown in Figure 8-4. This dialog box
consists of four options to create draft. In this chapter, you will learn to create a draft using
the first two options of the dialog box. The remaining options will be discussed in the later
chapters.

Figure 8-4 The Draft Options dialog box

Creating a Draft Using the From plane Option

This is the default option for creating a draft and is selected by default in the Draft Options
dialog box. You can create a draft from a plane in the following three steps:

Draft Plane Step

When you invoke the Draft tool or exit the Draft Options dialog box after selecting the
option to create draft, this step is activated and you are prompted to click on a planar face or
on a reference plane. You can also create a new reference plane without clicking on the
planar face or a reference plane by using the Create-From Options drop-down list from the
Add Draft command bar. The draft plane is a plane whose normal is used to define the draft

Advanced Modeling Tools-II

8-5

Figure 8-5 Draft added with top face as the

draft plane

Figure 8-6 Draft added with bottom face as the

draft plane

Select Face Step

This step will be automatically invoked as soon as you define the draft plane. This step
enables you to select one or more faces on which the draft will be added. You can use the
options in the Select drop-down list to select the faces to draft. Next, enter the draft angle in
the Draft Angle edit box. Note that you cannot enter a negative draft angle value because
you need to define the side of the draft in the next step.
After setting the parameters in the command bar in the Select Face step, right-click to
accept the selection and then choose the Next button from the command bar to proceed to
the next step. You can also right-click again to proceed to the next step.

Draft Direction Step

This step enables you to define the direction of the draft. In this step, once the edge of the
draft plane is selected, a two-sided arrow will be displayed on it. This arrow is used to define
the direction of the draft. You can move the cursor in the drawing window and specify a point
to define the direction of the draft. Figures 8-7 through 8-10 show the draft directions and
the resulting drafts.

Creating a Draft Using the From edge Option

The method of creating a draft from an edge is similar to that of creating a draft from a
plane. The only difference is that in the edge draft, you are allowed to select an edge from
where the draft angle will be measured. This is done in the Select Parting Geometry Step
that is invoked after the Draft Plane step. Note that out of all the selected faces, the draft will
be added only to the face from which the selected edge will pass.

Evaluation Copy
or information visit www
.cadcim.com
Copy.. Do not reproduce. F
For
www.cadcim.com

angle. Figures 8-5 and 8-6 show the draft added to a model. In both figures, all parameters
are the same, except the draft plane. In Figure 8-5, the top planar face is selected as the draft
plane and in Figure 8-6, the bottom planar face is selected as the draft plane.

8-6

Solid Edge for Designers (Eval Copy SE 01/09)

Figure 8-7 Defining the draft direction using an

inclined line on the upper horizontal edge

Figure 8-8 Resulting draft

Figure 8-9 Defining the draft direction

Figure 8-10 Resulting draft

ADDING RIBS TO THE MODEL

Ribbon:

Solids > Thin wall > Rib

Ribs are defined as thin wall-like structures used to bind the joints together so that
they do not fail under an increased load. In Solid Edge, ribs are created using an
open profile, refer to Figures 8-11 and 8-12.
The process of creating ribs is completed in four steps, which are discussed next.

Sketch Step
This step enables you to select a sketching plane for drawing the profile of the rib feature.
You can also select an existing profile using the Select from Sketch option from the
Create-From Options drop-down list. It is recommended that the profile of the rib feature
should be extruded symmetrically. Therefore, you need to select the sketching plane
accordingly for drawing the profile.

Figure 8-11 Open profile to create a rib

8-7

Figure 8-12 Resulting rib feature

Draw Profile Step

This step will be automatically invoked when you select the sketching plane for drawing the
profile of the rib feature.

Direction Step
This step will be automatically invoked when you select the profile and accept it or draw the
profile and exit the sketching environment. This step enables you to define the direction of
the rib creation, and therefore, you are prompted to click to accept the displayed side or
select the other side in the view. The feature can be created in a direction normal to the
profile or parallel to it. If you move the cursor in the drawing window, a dynamic preview of
the rib feature will be displayed in various directions. Note that the rib feature will be
successfully created only if you define that side for the feature creation in which the profile
meets the faces of the existing features. If the feature cannot be created, an error symbol will
be displayed, as shown in Figure 8-13. Figure 8-14 shows the preview of the direction in
which the rib feature will successfully be created.

Figure 8-13 Preview of the direction in which

the rib will not be created and the error symbol

Figure 8-14 Preview of the direction in which the

rib feature will be created

Evaluation Copy
or information visit www
.cadcim.com
Copy.. Do not reproduce. F
For
www.cadcim.com

Advanced Modeling Tools-II

8-8

Solid Edge for Designers (Eval Copy SE 01/09)

Side Step
The Side Step button will be active in the command bar. Choose this button to define the
direction of the rib creation. In the Side Step, you are allowed to specify the side of the
sketching plane on which the rib will be created. You can move the cursor on either side of
the profile to define it. As mentioned earlier, it is recommended to create rib symmetrically
on both sides of the sketching plane. To create a symmetric rib, move the cursor close to the
profile; the preview of the symmetric rib will be displayed, as shown in Figure 8-15. Next,
click to create the symmetric rib.

Figure 8-15 Preview of the symmetric rib

Note that in Direction Step and Side Step, some additional options are available in the
command bar. These options are discussed next.

Extend Profile
This button is chosen by default and is used to extend the rib feature to the adjacent features,
even if the profile does not extend to them. Figure 8-16 shows an open profile for creating
the rib. As is evident in this figure, the open profile does not extend to the adjacent
features. Figure 8-17 shows the rib feature created using the same profile with the Extend
Profile button chosen. As is evident in this figure, the rib feature has been extended to the
adjacent features.

No Extend
This button is chosen when you do not want to extend the rib to the adjacent faces. Figure 8-18
shows the profile and the resulting rib created by choosing the Extend Profile button and
Figure 8-19 shows the rib feature created by choosing the No Extend button.

Extend to Next
This button is chosen when you want to extend the rib to the next features in the direction
that you specified in the Direction Step. Figure 8-20 shows the rib feature created using
this option.

Figure 8-16 Open profile not extended to

the adjacent features for creating rib feature

Figure 8-18 Rib feature extended to the adjacent

faces using the Extend Profile button

8-9

Figure 8-17 Rib feature extended to the

adjacent features

Figure 8-19 Rib feature not extended to the

adjacent faces using the No Extend button

Finite Depth
This button is chosen when you want to extend the rib to a finite depth in the direction that
you have specified in the Direction Step. You can specify the depth of the rib in the Depth
edit box that is displayed below the Thickness edit box when you choose the Finite Depth
button. Figure 8-21 shows the rib feature created using this option.

Thickness
This edit box is used to specify the thickness of the rib feature. The default thickness is 0.25
and you can enter any desired thickness value for the rib in this edit box. You can also select
the predefined thickness values using the Thickness edit box.

Depth
This edit box will be available when you choose the Finite Depth button. It is used to specify
the depth of the rib when you want to extend it to a finite depth.

Evaluation Copy
or information visit www
.cadcim.com
Copy.. Do not reproduce. F
For
www.cadcim.com

Advanced Modeling Tools-II

8-10

Solid Edge for Designers (Eval Copy SE 01/09)

Figure 8-20 Rib feature created by extending the

profile to the next features

Figure 8-21 Rib feature created up to a finite

depth

ADDING THIN WALL FEATURES

Ribbon:

Solids > Thin Wall

By adding the thin wall feature, you can scoop out the material from a model and
make it hollow from inside. The resulting model becomes the structure of walls with
a cavity inside. You can also remove some of the faces of the model or apply different
wall thicknesses to some of them. Figure 8-22 shows the model with the thin wall feature
added and the front face removed.

Figure 8-22 Model with the thin wall

feature added
This tool works in the following three steps:

Common Thickness
This step enables you to specify the common thickness for the thin wall feature. You can also
specify the side of the solid toward which the thin wall will be created. The options in the
command bar under this step are discussed next.

Advanced Modeling Tools-II

8-11

The Offset Outside button is chosen to define the wall thickness outside the model with
respect to its outer faces. In this case, the outer faces of the model will be considered as the
inner walls of the resulting thin wall feature.

Offset Inside
The Offset Inside button is chosen by default and is used to define the wall thickness inside
the model with respect to its outer faces. In this case, the outer faces of the model will be
considered as the outer walls of the resulting thin wall feature.

Symmetrical
The Symmetrical button is chosen to calculate the wall thickness equally in both the directions
of the outer faces of the model.

Common thickness
This edit box is used to specify the common thickness for the thin wall feature.

Open Faces
This step will be automatically invoked when you specify the common thickness and press
ENTER. In this step, you can specify the face that you want to remove from the thin wall
feature. You can use the Select drop-down list to define the selection method. After specifying
the faces to be removed, choose the Accept button and then choose the Preview button to
preview the thin wall feature. Figure 8-23 shows a thin wall model with the front and left side
faces removed.

Figure 8-23 Thin wall model with the front

and left faces removed

Unique Thickness
Generally, this step is not required to create thin wall feature. Therefore, it is not invoked
automatically. You need to choose this step to invoke it. You can use this step to select the
faces to which a different wall thickness is applied. After selecting the face or faces, specify
the unique thickness value in the Unique Thickness edit box in the command bar and
press ENTER. Again, select another face or faces to which you want to add different wall
thicknesses and specify the wall thickness in the edit box. Continue this process till you have

Evaluation Copy
or information visit www
.cadcim.com
Copy.. Do not reproduce. F
For
www.cadcim.com

Offset Outside

8-12

Solid Edge for Designers (Eval Copy SE 01/09)

selected all faces to which you want to add different wall thicknesses. Figure 8-24 shows a thin
wall model with an open face and a unique thickness added to the left and bottom faces.

Figure 8-24 Thin wall model with different

wall thicknesses

ADDING THIN WALL TO A PARTICULAR REGION

Ribbon:

Solids > Thin Wall > Thin Region

Sometimes, you may need to add the thin wall feature to a particular region instead
of the complete model. For example, refer to the model shown in Figure 8-25. You
can do this using the Thin Region tool.
The Thin Region tool works in the following four steps:

Faces To Thin Step

This is the first step and it is activated automatically when you invoke the Thin Region tool.
In this step, you can select the faces of the region to add the thin wall feature and specify the
common thickness. Note that while selecting the faces, you need to make sure that they result
in a closed volume. For example, to create the thin wall region shown in Figure 8-25, you
need to select the top curved face, side tangent faces, back face, and the front face of the
region, as shown in Figure 8-26.

Open Faces Step

This step will be automatically invoked when you exit the previous step. In this step, you can
select the faces that you want to remove from the thin wall region. For example, to create the
model shown in Figure 8-25, you need to remove the front face.
Note
When you create the thin region feature, if the face that you selected to remove is still displayed,
then you will need to edit the feature and select the face to be removed again in the Open Faces
step.

8-13

Figure 8-25 Model with the thin wall feature added to a particular region

Figure 8-26 Selecting faces to create a thin wall region

Capping Faces Step

Capping face can be considered as the face that defines the termination of the thin region. It
is not necessary to select a capping surface. You can select any face of a model or an existing
surface to define the capping faces. You can also define an offset value from the capping face
using the Offset edit box that is displayed in the command bar under this step. Figure 8-27
shows a surface used as the capping face and Figure 8-28 shows the same surface used as the
capping face, but with an offset of 2. You will learn more about surfaces in the later chapters.
Figure 8-29 shows the preview of the model with the top planar face used as the capping face
with an offset of 5.

Evaluation Copy
or information visit www
.cadcim.com
Copy.. Do not reproduce. F
For
www.cadcim.com

Advanced Modeling Tools-II

8-14

Solid Edge for Designers (Eval Copy SE 01/09)

Figure 8-27 Surface used as the capping face

Figure 8-28 Surface used as the capping

face with an offset of 2

Figure 8-29 Top face used as the capping

face with an offset of 5

Unique Thickness Step

This step is used to define different thicknesses to the selected faces and it works similar to
the Unique Thickness step in the Thin Wall tool.

ADDING A LIP TO THE MODEL

Ribbon:

Solids > Thin Wall > Lip

The Lip tool is used to add a lip to the model by adding material along the selected
edges, or by adding a groove to the model by removing the material along the
selected edges. The amount of material to be added or removed is defined by a
rectangle whose width and height can be specified on invoking this tool.
The Lip tool works in the following two steps:

Select Edge Step

This step allows you to select the edge along which you want to add a lip or groove. You can
use the options in the Select drop-down list to select an individual edge or a chain of edges.

Advanced Modeling Tools-II

8-15

This step enables you to specify the direction and size of the lip feature. When this step is
invoked, the Width and Height edit boxes will be displayed. Specify the width and height of
the rectangle, which defines the profile of the lip, in these edit boxes.
After specifying the width and height of the lip, move the cursor in the drawing window. You
will notice that an orange colored rectangle is displayed at the start of the edge. Move the
cursor around the start of the edge to specify various locations of the lip. Note that if the
rectangle is inside the feature, the resulting feature will be a groove and if the rectangle is
outside the feature, the resulting feature will be a lip. Figures 8-30 through 8-33 show
different positions of the rectangle and the resulting lip features.

Figure 8-30 Location of the rectangle

Figure 8-31 Resulting lip feature

Figure 8-32 Location of the rectangle

Figure 8-33 Resulting lip feature

CREATING WEB NETWORKS

Ribbon:

Solids > Thin Wall > Web Network

The Web Network tool enables you to create a network of web using open entities, as
shown in Figures 8-34 and 8-35.

Evaluation Copy
or information visit www
.cadcim.com
Copy.. Do not reproduce. F
For
www.cadcim.com

Direction Step

8-16

Solid Edge for Designers (Eval Copy SE 01/09)

Figure 8-34 Thin wall model and a

network of lines

Figure 8-35 Resulting web network

This tool is similar to the Rib tool and works in the following four steps:

Sketch Step
This step enables you to select a sketching plane for drawing the profile of the web network.
You can also select an existing profile using the Select from Sketch option from the
Create-From Options drop-down list.

Draw Profile Step

This step will be automatically invoked when you select the sketching plane for drawing the
profile of the web network.

Direction Step
This step will be automatically invoked when you select the profile and accept it or draw the
profile and exit the sketching environment. This step enables you to define the direction in
which the web network will be created. It is recommended to define the direction of the web
network toward the bottom of the part.
You can specify the thickness of the webs in the web network in the Thickness edit box. The
functions of the other buttons in the command bar of this step are the same as those in the
Rib tool. Figure 8-36 shows a web network in which webs are not extended. Figure 8-37 shows
a web network in which webs are extended, but defined up to a finite depth.

Web Network Step

This step is used to add a draft to the webs in the web network. It works similar to the
Treatment Step in the Protrusion tool.
Tip. To select multiple individual entities, refer to Figure 8-34, select the Single
option from the Select drop-down list and then drag a box around the entities to
select them.

Figure 8-36 Web network with webs not

extended

8-17

Figure 8-37 Webs defined up to a finite depth

CREATING VENTS
Ribbon:

Solids > Thin Wall > Vent

The Vent tool enables you to create a vent in an existing model by defining the
boundary of the vent, ribs and spars in the vent. This tool is available only after you
have drawn the sketch for the vent. Figure 8-38 shows a model and a profile that
define the boundary. Note that in the vent, all the vertical lines are selected as ribs and all
the horizontal lines are selected as spars. Figure 8-39 shows the resulting model with the
vent.
To create the vent, invoke the Vent tool; the Vent Options dialog box will be displayed, as
shown in Figure 8-40.

Vent Options Dialog Box

The options in this dialog box are discussed next.

Saved settings
This drop-down list displays the list of settings that you have saved. By default, this drop-down
list is blank. To save a setting, set the parameters in this dialog box, enter a name for the set
parameter in the Saved settings edit box, and then choose the Save button. The saved settings
will also be displayed on choosing the down arrow on the right of the Options button in the
command bar. You can delete the unwanted settings by selecting them from this drop-down
list and choosing the Delete button.

Thickness Ribs/Spars
These edit boxes are used to specify the thickness of the ribs and spars. Figure 8-41 shows a
vent with the thickness of ribs and spars as 2. Figure 8-42 shows a vent with the thickness of
ribs and spars as 5. You can have the same or different thickness values for the ribs and spars.

Evaluation Copy
or information visit www
.cadcim.com
Copy.. Do not reproduce. F
For
www.cadcim.com

Advanced Modeling Tools-II

8-18

Solid Edge for Designers (Eval Copy SE 01/09)

Figure 8-38 Parameters of the vent

Figure 8-39 Resulting model with the vent

Extension Ribs/Spars
These edit boxes are used to specify the distance by which the ribs and spars will extend
beyond the boundary of the vent. You can have the same or different extension values for the
ribs and spars. Figure 8-43 shows the ribs and spars without extension and Figure 8-44 shows
the ribs and spars extended beyond the boundary.

Offset Ribs/Spars
These edit boxes are used to specify the distance by which the ribs and spars will be offset
from the face on which the profile is projected. You can specify the same or different offset
values for the ribs and spars. Figure 8-45 shows the ribs and spars starting at some offset from
the face on which the profile is projected.
Note
If the offset value of the ribs and spars is more than the thickness of the face on which the profile
of the vent is created, then the feature may not be created.

8-19

Figure 8-40 The Vent Options dialog box

Figure 8-41 Ribs and spars thickness as 2

Figure 8-42 Ribs and spars thickness as 5

Depth Ribs/Spars
These edit boxes are used to specify the depth of the ribs and spars. You can have the same or
different depth values for each of them. Figures 8-46 and 8-47 show vent features with different
depth values for ribs and spars.

Draft angle
The Draft angle check box is selected to add a draft to the ribs and spars in the vent. The
draft angle can be specified in the edit box available on the right of this check box. You can
also specify whether the draft should be specified from the outside or the inside edge, and
whether the draft should be outward or inward. You can do so by selecting the required radio
button below the Draft angle edit box.

Evaluation Copy
or information visit www
.cadcim.com
Copy.. Do not reproduce. F
For
www.cadcim.com

Advanced Modeling Tools-II

8-20

Solid Edge for Designers (Eval Copy SE 01/09)

Figure 8-43 Ribs and spars not extended

Figure 8-44 Ribs and spars extended beyond

the boundary

Figure 8-45 Ribs and spars starting at an

offset from the top face

Figure 8-46 Ribs and spars depth = 2

Figure 8-47 Ribs depth = 4, spars depth = 6

Advanced Modeling Tools-II

8-21

The Round & fillet radius check box is selected to add rounds and fillets to the vent. The
radius of the round and fillet can be specified in the edit box available on the right of this
check box. Figure 8-48 shows a vent with fillets and rounds.

Figure 8-48 Vent with fillets and rounds

After specifying the parameters in the Vent Options dialog box, this tool works in the following
four steps:

Select Boundary Step

This step will be activated when you exit the Vent Options dialog box. In this step, you can
select a chain of entities that will act as the boundary of the vent. You can also select the
options in the Select drop-down list to select a chain of entities or an individual entity.

Select Ribs Step

This step will be automatically invoked when you accept the boundary in the Select Boundary
Step. In this step, you can select closed or open entities to define the ribs in the vent. After
selecting the entities, right-click to accept the selection.

Select Spars Step

This step will be automatically invoked when you accept the entities to define the ribs in the
Select Ribs Step. In this step, you can select the entities that you want to use as spars in the
vent. You can select closed or open entities to define the spars. After selecting the entities,
right-click to accept the selection.

Extent Step
This step is used to specify the side and the extent of the vent. You can use the buttons in the
command bar of this step to define the extent.

Evaluation Copy
or information visit www
.cadcim.com
Copy.. Do not reproduce. F
For
www.cadcim.com

Round & fillet radius

8-22

Solid Edge for Designers (Eval Copy SE 01/09)

CREATING MOUNTING BOSSES

Ribbon:

Solids > Thin Wall > Mounting Boss

The Mounting Boss tool enables you to create mounting boss features, which are
used in plastic components to accommodate fasteners. Figure 8-49 shows a model
with four mounting boss features.

Figure 8-49 Model with four mounting

bosses
To create mounting boss features, invoke the Mounting Boss tool; the Mounting Boss
command bar will be displayed. It is recommended that before proceeding further, you set
the parameters of the mounting boss features in the Mounting Boss Options dialog box, as
shown in Figure 8-50. This dialog box is invoked on choosing the Options button from the
Mounting Boss command bar.

Mounting Boss Options Dialog Box

The options in this dialog box are discussed next.

Saved settings
This drop-down list displays the list of settings that you have saved. By default, this drop-down
list is blank. To save a setting, set the parameters in this dialog box, enter a name in the
Saved settings edit box, and then choose the Save button. The saved settings will be
displayed on choosing the down-arrow on the right of the Options button in the command
bar. You can delete unwanted settings by selecting them from this drop-down list and choosing
the Delete button.

Settings
The options available in this area are used to set the parameters of the mounting boss feature.
All these options have a grey arrow on the right that leads to a parameter in the preview
window. The preview window explains the use of the options available in the Settings area.
These options are discussed next.
Boss diameter
This edit box is used to specify the diameter of the mounting boss.

8-23

Figure 8-50 The Mounting Boss Options dialog box

Mounting hole
This check box is selected to create a hole on the top face of the mounting boss. On
selecting this check box, the Hole diameter and the Hole depth edit boxes available
below this check box will be activated and you can specify the diameter and the depth of
the hole in these edit boxes.
Stiffening ribs
This check box is used to create a mounting box with ribs. If this check box is not selected,
only a cylindrical feature will be created as the mounting boss. You can specify the
number of stiffening ribs in the edit box available on the right of this check box.
Offset
This edit box will be available only when you select the Stiffening ribs check box and is
used to specify the distance between the start of the rib and the top face of the mounting
boss.
Grade
This edit box is used to specify the angle of the top face of the ribs with respect to the top
face of the mounting boss.

Evaluation Copy
or information visit www
.cadcim.com
Copy.. Do not reproduce. F
For
www.cadcim.com

Advanced Modeling Tools-II

8-24

Solid Edge for Designers (Eval Copy SE 01/09)

Extent
This edit box is used to specify the extrusion depth of the top face of the ribs from the
cylindrical surface of the mounting boss.
Taper
This edit box is used to specify the taper angle value of the rib. Note that you can enter
only a positive taper angle value for the rib.
Thickness
This edit box is used to specify the thickness of the rib.
Add draft
This check box is selected to add a draft to the mounting boss. On selecting this check
box, the Draft angle edit box will be activated and now you can enter the draft angle in
this edit box. Figure 8-51 shows a model with mounting bosses without draft and
Figure 8-52 shows the mounting bosses with draft.

Figure 8-51 Mounting bosses without draft

Figure 8-52 Mounting bosses with draft

All rounds and fillets

This check box is selected to add rounds and fillets to the mounting boss. On selecting
this check box, the Radius edit box will be activated and now you can enter the radius
value in this edit box.
After setting the options in the Mounting Boss Options dialog box, this tool works in the
following three steps:

Plane Step
This step enables you to select a plane for placing the profiles of the mounting bosses. Note
that the profiles of the mounting bosses are placed at a planar face or a reference plane
parallel to the face on which you want to project them. The distance between the parallel
plane and the face on which the mounting bosses are projected defines their depth. It is
similar to extruding the profile from the parallel plane up to the face.

8-25

In this step, you need to place the profiles of the mounting bosses on a parallel plane and so
the Parallel Plane option is selected in the Create-From Options drop-down list. If the face
on which you want to project the profiles is curved, you can select the base reference plane
that is parallel to the face.

Mounting Boss Step

This step will automatically be invoked when you select the parallel plane. On doing so, the
sketching environment is invoked and the Mounting Boss Location button will be chosen in
the Features group of the Ribbon. In addition, the profile of the mounting boss will be
attached to the cursor. Now, you can place the profiles of the mounting boss on the selected
plane to place the mounting boss.
You can also modify the mounting boss options by choosing the Mounting Boss Options
button. This button will be available in the command bar when you choose the Mounting
Boss Location button from the Features group of the Ribbon. Figure 8-53 shows the profiles
for the four mounting bosses placed on a parallel plane.

Figure 8-53 Profiles for four mounting bosses

Extent Step
This step will automatically be invoked when you choose the Close Sketch button from the
sketching environment of the Mounting Boss step. In this step, you can specify the side for
creating mounting boss. You can move the cursor on the side of the face where you want to
project the profiles and click to accept the side. As soon as you specify the side, the preview of
the mounting boss will be displayed. If the feature is correct, you can choose the Finish
button to accept the feature; else, choose the Options button or the button of any other step
to modify the options.

REORDERING FEATURES
While working on designs, you may sometime need to reorder the features. By reordering,
you can change the sequence in which the features were created in the model. For example,
in the model shown in Figure 8-54, cavities were created first, followed by the thin wall feature.
As a result, a thin wall is also created around the cavities, resulting in a protrusion feature.
The original model required by you is the one shown in Figure 8-55.

Evaluation Copy
or information visit www
.cadcim.com
Copy.. Do not reproduce. F
For
www.cadcim.com

Advanced Modeling Tools-II

8-26

Solid Edge for Designers (Eval Copy SE 01/09)

To resolve this problem, Solid Edge allows you to change the order of the feature creation in
the model. You can move a feature before or after another feature. However, note that the
reordering is possible only between the features that are independent of each other. For
example, if a part of any feature is dependent on another feature, then you cannot reorder
the dependent feature above the parent feature.

Figure 8-54 Thin wall created around cavities

Figure 8-55 Original model required

In Solid Edge, the features are reordered using the docking window. Select the feature in the
docking window and drag it above or below the other features. If a feature cannot be dragged
above a feature in the docking window, then you cannot reorder the feature before it because
the selected feature is dependent on the feature above which you want to drag it. However, if
the feature is not dependent, a green arrow will be displayed on the left of the feature in the
docking window while you reorder it. Figure 8-56 shows the thin wall feature being dragged
above the cutout feature to reorder it before the cutout feature. When you reorder the thin
wall feature before the cutout, you will get the model, as shown in Figure 8-55.

Figure 8-56 Reordering

features in the docking window

Advanced Modeling Tools-II

8-27

TUTORIALS
In this tutorial, you will create the model shown in Figure 8-57. Its dimensions are given in
the drawing views shown in Figure 8-58. Save the model with the name given below:
\Solid Edge\c08\c08tut1.par
(Expected time: 30 min)

Figure 8-57 Model for Tutorial 1

Figure 8-58 Dimensions of the model for Tutorial 1

Evaluation Copy
or information visit www
.cadcim.com
Copy.. Do not reproduce. F
For
www.cadcim.com

Tutorial 1

8-28

Solid Edge for Designers (Eval Copy SE 01/09)

The following steps are required to complete this tutorial:

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Start a new part file and create the base feature on the top plane, refer to Figure 8-59.
Add the remaining protrusion features to the base feature, refer to Figure 8-60.
Add holes to the model, refer to Figure 8-61.
Create the rib feature, refer to Figure 8-63.
Save the model and close the file.

Creating the Base Feature

1. Start Solid Edge in the Part environment and then select the top plane as the sketching
plane for the base feature, as shown in Figure 8-59.

Adding the Remaining Protrusion Features and Holes

1. Add the remaining protrusion features to the model, as shown in Figure 8-60.
2. Create holes in the model, as shown in Figure 8-61.

Creating the Rib Feature

Next, you need to create the rib feature. The profile for this rib is a single line. It is
extruded symmetrically on both sides of the sketching plane.

Figure 8-59 Base feature of the model

Figure 8-60 Model after adding

the remaining protrusion features

Figure 8-61 Model after adding holes

Advanced Modeling Tools-II

8-29

2. Select or create a reference plane passing through the center of the circular features in
the middle of the model.
3. Draw a single line for the rib feature and add the required relationships and dimensions
to it, as shown in Figure 8-62.
4. Exit the sketching environment; the Direction Step is activated and you are prompted to
click to accept the displayed side or select the other side in the view.
5. Enter the value 8 in the Thickness edit box and specify the direction, as shown in
Figure 8-63.

Figure 8-62 Profile for the rib feature

Figure 8-63 Specifying the direction of the rib

As soon as you specify the direction, the Side Step is invoked and you are prompted to
click to accept the displayed side or select the other side in the view.
6. Move the cursor close to the profile such that the preview of the rib feature is displayed
symmetrically in both directions of the sketch. Click at this stage.
7. Choose Finish from the command bar to
create the rib feature. The final model,
after creating the rib feature, is shown in
Figure 8-64.

Saving the Model

1. Save the model with the name and location
given below and then close the file.
\Solid Edge\c08\c08tut1.par
Figure 8-64 Model after creating the rib
feature

Evaluation Copy
or information visit www
.cadcim.com
Copy.. Do not reproduce. F
For
www.cadcim.com

1. Choose Solids > Thin Wall > Rib from the Ribbon; the Sketch Step is activated and you
are prompted to click on a planar face or on a reference plane.

8-30

Solid Edge for Designers (Eval Copy SE 01/09)

Tutorial 2
In this tutorial, you will create the model of the ice tray shown in Figure 8-65. Its dimensions
are given in the drawing views shown in Figure 8-66. Save the model with the name and the
location given below:
\Solid Edge\c08\c08tut2.par
(Expected time: 30 min)

Figure 8-65 Model for Tutorial 2

Figure 8-66 Dimensions of the model for Tutorial 2

The following steps are required to complete this tutorial:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.

Start a new part file and create the base feature on the top plane, refer to Figure 8-67.
Add a draft to the base feature, refer to Figure 8-68.
Add a thin wall feature to the model, refer to Figure 8-69.
Create a web network in the model, refer to Figures 8-70 and 71.
Add rounds to the sharp edges of the model, refer to Figure 8-72.
Add another thin wall feature, refer to Figure 8-73.
Save the model and close the file.

Advanced Modeling Tools-II

8-31

Creating the Base Feature

Adding the Draft to the Base Feature

You need to add a draft to the outer faces of the base feature using the top planar face of
the base feature as the draft plane.
1. Choose Solids > Draft from the Ribbon; the Add Draft command bar is displayed.
When you invoke the Draft tool, the Draft Plane Step is activated and you are prompted
to click on a planar face or on a reference plane.
2. Select the top planar face of the base feature as the draft plane; the Select Face Step is
invoked.
3. Select all the four side faces of the model to add the draft. Enter the value 12 in the Draft
Angle edit box and press ENTER.
4. Choose Next from the command bar to invoke the Draft Direction step. Move the cursor
in the drawing window and click when the lower half of the line is inside the model.
5. Choose the Finish button to create the draft and then choose Cancel to exit this tool.
The model, after adding the draft, is shown in Figure 8-68.

Figure 8-67 Base feature of the model

Figure 8-68 Model after adding the draft

Adding the Thin Wall Feature

Next, you need to scoop out the material from inside the model to create a thin wall
model. This is done using the Thin Wall tool. You also need to remove the top face of the
model while creating the thin wall.
1. Choose Solids > Thin Wall from the Ribbon; the Thin Wall command bar is
displayed and the Common Thickness step is activated. As a result, you are
prompted to key in a common thickness value.

Evaluation Copy
or information visit www
.cadcim.com
Copy.. Do not reproduce. F
For
www.cadcim.com

1. Start a new part file and then create the base feature of the model, which is a box of
100X40X14 size. The base feature of the model is shown in Figure 8-67.

8-32

Solid Edge for Designers (Eval Copy SE 01/09)

2. Enter the value 2 in the Common thickness edit box and press ENTER; the Open Faces
step is invoked and you are prompted to click on a face chain.
3. Select the top planar face of the model as the face to be removed and then right-click to
accept the selection.
4. Choose the Preview button and then choose Finish to create the thin wall feature. The
model, after creating the thin wall feature, is shown in Figure 8-69.

Figure 8-69 The model after adding the thin

wall feature

Creating the Web Network

Next, you need to create the web network to accommodate the ice cubes. To create the
web network, you need to use an open profile consisting of mutually perpendicular lines.
Note that this profile needs to be created on a reference plane located at an offset distance
of 2 from the top planar face of the thin wall model.
1. Choose the Web Network button from the Thin Wall flyout in the Solids group
of the Ribbon; the Web Network command bar is displayed and the Sketch Step
is activated. As a result, you are prompted to click on a planar face or on a
reference plane.
2. Define a plane parallel to the top planar face of the thin wall feature. The plane should
be offset 2 units in the downward direction.
3. Draw the profile of the web network, as shown in Figure 8-70.
4. Exit the sketching environment; the Direction Step is invoked and you are prompted to
click to accept the displayed side or select the other side in the view.
You will notice that in the preview, only one line is selected. But it is just for display.
While creating the web network, all lines will be used.
5. Enter 1 in the Thickness edit box and move the cursor to the lower side of the model to
create the web network in the downward direction.

8-33

Figure 8-70 Sketch for the web network

To add a draft of 8-degree to the web network, you need to invoke the Web Network step
manually.
6. Choose the Treatment Step below the Direction Step in the Web Network command bar.
Next, choose the Draft button from the Treatment step and then enter 8 in the Angle
edit box. Choose the Flip 1 button from the command bar to make sure that the draft is
applied in the outward direction.
7. Choose the Preview button and then choose the Finish button from the command bar to
complete the web network, see Figure 8-71.

Creating Rounds
1. Add a round of radius 1 to the inner edges of the cavities created by the web
network.
2. Next, add a round of radius 0.5 to the top face of the web network. The model, after
adding rounds, is shown in Figure 8-72.

Adding the Thin Wall Feature

Next, you need to add a thin wall feature such that all side faces and the bottom face of
the model are removed.
1. Choose the Thin Wall button from the Solids group of the Ribbon; the Thin
Wall command bar is displayed and the Common Thickness step is activated.
Hence, you are prompted to key in a common thickness value.
2. Enter the value 0.65 in the Common thickness edit box and press ENTER; the Open
Faces step is invoked and you are prompted to click on a face chain.
3. Select the four side faces and the bottom face of the model as the faces to be removed
and then right-click to accept the selection.

Evaluation Copy
or information visit www
.cadcim.com
Copy.. Do not reproduce. F
For
www.cadcim.com

Advanced Modeling Tools-II

8-34

Solid Edge for Designers (Eval Copy SE 01/09)

Figure 8-71 Model after creating the web

network

Figure 8-72 Model after adding rounds

4. Choose Preview and then the Finish button to create the thin wall feature. The final
model of the ice tray, after creating the thin wall feature, is shown in Figure 8-73.

Figure 8-73 Final model of the ice tray

Saving the Model

1. Save the model with the name and location given below and then close the file.
\Solid Edge\c08\c08tut2.par

Advanced Modeling Tools-II

8-35

In this tutorial, you will create the model of the cover shown in Figure 8-74. Its dimensions
are given in Figure 8-75. The outer fillet in Figure 8-75 is removed for the purpose of
dimensioning. The radius of this fillet is 8. A draft of 1-degree needs to be added to the base
feature of the model. The parameters of the mounting bosses are given next.
Boss diameter = 4, hole diameter = 2, hole depth = 5, rib offset = 3, rib grade = 10
degrees, rib extent = 1, rib taper = 10-degrees, rib thickness = 1.
Save the model with the name and the location given below:
\Solid Edge\c08\c08tut3.par

(Expected time: 45min)

Figure 8-74 Model for Tutorial 3

The following steps are required to complete this tutorial:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.

Start Solid Edge in the Part environment. Create the base feature on the front plane,
refer to Figure 8-76.
Add a draft to the base feature.
Add rounds to the sharp edges of the model, refer to Figure 8-77.
Add a thin wall feature to the model, refer to Figure 8-78.
Create two cutouts in the model, refer to Figure 8-79.
Create a web network in the model, refer to Figure 8-81.
Add mounting bosses to the model, refer to Figure 8-83.
Save the model and close the file.

Creating the Base Feature

1. Start Solid Edge in the Part environment and then select the front plane as the sketching
plane for the protrusion feature.
2. Create the profile of the base feature and extrude it symmetrically. The base feature of
the model is shown in Figure 8-76.

Evaluation Copy
or information visit www
.cadcim.com
Copy.. Do not reproduce. F
For
www.cadcim.com

Tutorial 3

8-36

Solid Edge for Designers (Eval Copy SE 01/09)

Figure 8-75 Dimensions of the model for Tutorial 3 with the fillets
removed for clarity

Adding Draft to the Base Feature

As mentioned earlier, the drafts are added for the easy removal of the component from
the casting. Therefore, you need to add the draft to the side walls of this model before
you proceed further. To add the draft to the side walls, you need to use the top face as the
draft plane.
1. Choose Solids > Draft from the Ribbon; the Add Draft command bar is displayed.
You need to add the draft with the top face of the base feature as the draft plane. By
default, the From plane option is selected to create the draft. Therefore, you do not need
to invoke the Draft Options dialog box.
When you invoke the Draft tool, the Draft Plane step is activated and you are prompted
to click on a planar face or on a reference plane.
2. Select the top planar face of the base feature as the draft plane; the Select Face step is
invoked.
3. Select all four side faces of the model to add the draft. Enter the value 1 in the Draft
Angle edit box and press ENTER.
4. Choose Next from the command bar to invoke the Draft Direction step. Move the cursor
in the drawing window and click when the lower half of the line is inside the model.

Advanced Modeling Tools-II

8-37

5. Choose the Finish button to create the draft and then choose Cancel to exit this tool.

Figure 8-76 Base feature of the model

Figure 8-77 Viewing the model from the

bottom after adding the draft and round

Adding the Thin Wall Feature

Next, you need to scoop out the material from inside the model to create a thin wall
model. This is done using the Thin Wall tool. You also need to remove the top face of the
model while creating a thin wall.
1. Choose Solids > Thin Wall from the Ribbon; the Thin Wall command bar is
displayed and the Common Thickness step is activated. Therefore, you are
prompted to key in a common thickness value.
2. Enter the value 2 in the Common thickness edit box and press ENTER; the Open Faces
step is invoked and you are prompted to click on a face chain.
3. Select the top planar face of the model as the face to be removed and then right-click to
accept the selection.
4. Choose the Preview button and then choose Finish to create a thin wall feature. The
model, after creating the thin wall feature, is shown in Figure 8-78.

Creating Cutouts
1. Create two cutouts in the model, as shown in Figure 8-79.

Creating the Web Network

Next, you need to create a web network by using an open profile consisting of two mutually
perpendicular lines. Note that this profile needs to be created on a reference plane
located at an offset distance of 2 below the top planar face of the thin wall model.
1. Choose the Web Network button from the Thin Wall flyout in the Solids group
of the Ribbon. The Web Network command bar is displayed and the Sketch Step
is activated. As a result, you are prompted to click on a planar face or
on a reference plane.

Evaluation Copy
or information visit www
.cadcim.com
Copy.. Do not reproduce. F
For
www.cadcim.com

6. Add a round of radius 8 to the sharp edges of the model, as shown in Figure 8-77.

8-38

Figure 8-78 Model after creating the thin

wall feature

Solid Edge for Designers (Eval Copy SE 01/09)

Figure 8-79 Model after creating the cutouts

2. Define a plane parallel to the top planar face of the thin wall feature. The plane should
be offset 2 units inside the model.
3. Draw the profile for the web network, as shown in Figure 8-80.
4. Exit the sketching environment; the Direction Step is invoked and you are prompted to
click to accept the displayed side or select the other side in the view.
You will notice that in the preview, only one line is selected. But this is just for display.
While creating the web network, both lines will be used.
5. Enter 1 in the Thickness edit box and move the cursor to the bottom of the model to
create the web network in the downward direction.
6. Choose the Finish button from the command bar to complete the web network,
see Figure 8-81.

Figure 8-80 Profile for the web network

Figure 8-81 Model after creating the web network

Advanced Modeling Tools-II

8-39

Next, you need to create the mounting bosses. The profiles of the mounting bosses need
to be placed on a reference plane located at an offset distance of 10 from the top planar
face of the thin wall model.
1. Choose the Mounting Boss button from the Thin Wall flyout in the Solids group
of the Ribbon.
The Mounting Boss command bar is displayed and the Plane Step is activated. Therefore,
you are prompted to click on a planar face or on a reference plane. Note that you need to
define a reference plane parallel to the top planar face of the thin wall feature.
2. Define a plane parallel to the top planar face of the thin wall feature. The plane should
be offset 10 units inside the model.
As soon as you define the parallel plane, the Mounting Boss Step is activated and the
sketching environment is invoked. Also, the Mounting Boss Location button is chosen
by default in the Features group of the Ribbon in the sketching environment. Before you
place the mounting boss profile, you need to modify the parameters of the mounting
boss.
3. Make sure the Mounting Boss Location button is chosen in the Features group of the
Ribbon. Next, choose the Mounting Boss Options button from the command bar.
4. Set the parameters in the Mounting Boss Options dialog box based on the values given
in the tutorial statement.
5. Place three instances of the mounting boss profiles and then add the required dimensions,
as shown in Figure 8-82. It is recommended that you select the edge of the model as the
first entity and the mounting boss profile as the second entity to add the dimension.

Figure 8-82 Partial view of the model with

profiles for mounting bosses

Evaluation Copy
or information visit www
.cadcim.com
Copy.. Do not reproduce. F
For
www.cadcim.com

Creating Mounting Bosses

8-40

Solid Edge for Designers (Eval Copy SE 01/09)

6. Exit the sketching environment and specify the direction of the feature creation downward.
Choose the Finish button to complete the tool. The final model of the cover, after creating
the mounting bosses, is shown in Figure 8-83.

Figure 8-83 Final model after creating

the mounting bosses

Saving the Model

1. Save the model with the name and the location given below and then close the file.
\Solid Edge\c08\c08tut3.par

Advanced Modeling Tools-II

8-41

Answer the following questions and then compare them to those given at the end of this
chapter:
1. By adding the thin wall feature, you are allowed to scoop out the material from a model
and make it hollow from inside. (T/F)
2. The Vent tool enables you to create a vent in an existing model by defining only its
boundary. (T/F)
3. Internal threads are created in a hole or circular cut features, and external threads
are created on the external surface of a cylindrical feature. (T/F)
4. Ribs are defined as thin wall-like structures used to bind joints together so that they do
not fail under an increased load. (T/F)
5. The __________ features are used in plastic components to accommodate fasteners.
6. In Solid Edge, features are reordered using the __________.
7. __________ is a process of tapering the selected faces of a model for its easy removal from
casting while manufacturing.
8. After setting the options in the Mounting Boss Options dialog box, the Mounting Boss
tool works in __________ steps.
9. You can add a thin wall feature to a particular region of the model using the __________
tool.
10. In the Lip tool, the amount of material to be added or removed is defined by a __________
whose width and height you have specified by invoking this tool.

Evaluation Copy
or information visit www
.cadcim.com
Copy.. Do not reproduce. F
For
www.cadcim.com

Self-Evaluation Test

8-42

Solid Edge for Designers (Eval Copy SE 01/09)

Review Questions
Answer the following questions:
1. Which of the following tools enables you to create a network of web using open entities?
(a) Lip
(c) Web Network

(b) Rib
(d) Web

2. Which of the following tools enables you to add a taper to the selected faces of a model?
(a) Draft
(c) Rib

(b) Taper
(d) None

3. Which of the following tools enables you to create a vent in an existing model by defining
its boundary, ribs, and spars?
(a) Draft
(c) Rib

(b) Taper
(d) Vent

4. Which of the following tools is used to add a thin wall to the entire model?
(a) Draft
(c) Rib

(b) Thin Region

(d) Thin Wall

5. In which of the following steps you can place the profiles of the mounting boss on the
selected plane?
(a) Mounting Boss Step
(c) Profile Step

(b) Sketch Step

(d) None

6. Which of the following buttons is chosen to extend the rib feature to the adjacent features,
even if the profile does not extend to them?
(a) Extend Profile
(c) Both

(b) Extend
(d) None

7. The Lip tool enables you to add a lip to the model by adding the material or by adding
a groove to the model by removing the material. (T/F)
8. In Solid Edge, the threaded faces are shaded in blue color. (T/F)
9. In Solid Edge, you can add drafts using five options. (T/F)
10. In the Thin Wall tool, you can also remove some of the faces of the model or apply
different wall thicknesses to some of them. (T/F)

Advanced Modeling Tools-II

8-43

Exercises
Create the model shown in Figure 8-84. Its dimensions and drawing views are shown in
Figure 8-85. After creating the model, save it with the name and location given below:
\Solid Edge\c08\c08exr1.par
(Expected time: 30 min)

Figure 8-84 Model for Exercise 1

Figure 8-85 Dimensions of the model

Evaluation Copy
or information visit www
.cadcim.com
Copy.. Do not reproduce. F
For
www.cadcim.com

Exercise 1

8-44

Solid Edge for Designers (Eval Copy SE 01/09)

Exercise 2
Create the model shown in Figure 8-86. Its dimensions are given in Figure 8-87. Save it with
the name and the location given below:
\Solid Edge\c08\c08exr2.par
(Expected time: 30 min)

Figure 8-86 Model for Exercise 2

Figure 8-87 Dimensions of the model

Answers to Self Evaluation Test

1. T, 2. F, 3. T, 4. T, 5. mounting boss, 6. docking window, 7. Draft, 8. three, 9. Thin Region,
10. rectangle