Chapter 3

Adding Constraints
and Creating
Procedures in the
Part Modeler
Learning Objectives
After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
• Add geometric and dimensional constraints.
• Understand the concept of well constrained sketches.
• Create new procedures.
• Create new construction planes.
• Create added procedures.
• Create holes, fillets, chamfers, and drafts.
• Create patterned procedures.
• Edit procedures.
3-2 EdgeCAM for Manufacturers

CONSTRAINING SKETCHES
In the previous chapter, you learned to draw and edit the sketches in the sketcher environment.
In this chapter, you will learn to apply constraints to sketches in order to restrict their degrees
of freedom and make them stable. The stability ensures that the size, shape, and location of
the sketches do not change unexpectedly with respect to the surroundings. You should always
constrain the sketches to restrict their degrees of freedom. You can do this by applying
logical constraints to the sketch. Some of these are applied automatically while drawing. In
EdgeCAM, you can also apply dimensions while drawing by selecting the check boxes next to
the value spinners. You also need to add additional dimensional constraints, if required,
using the tools in the Application Menu toolbar.

In EdgeCAM, the tools to apply logical constraints and dimensions are present in the Assign
2d Constraints dialog box, shown in Figure 3-1. This dialog box is invoked using the Assign
2d Constraints tool. Various logical constraints are discussed next.

Figure 3-1 The Assign 2D Constraints dialog box

Applying Logical Constraints

Menu: General Construction > Constraints > Assign 2D Constraints
Toolbar: Application Menu > Assign 2D Constraints
Logical constraints are applied to the sketched elements to define their size and
position with respect to the other elements. They are applied using two methods,
automatic constraining and manual constraining. While drawing the sketch, some
constraints are automatically applied to it, if the Automatic constraints button is chosen in
the Locate toolbar. For applying constraints manually, you need to invoke the
Assign 2d Constraints dialog box by choosing the Assign 2d Constraints button from the
Application Menu toolbar and selecting the appropriate option.
Adding Constraints and Creating Procedures in the Part Modeler 3-3

The logical constraints options in the Assign 2D Constraints dialog box are discussed next.

Fix Constraint
This constraint is used to fix the orientation or location of the selected curve or point
with respect to the coordinate system of the current drawing. If you apply this
constraint to a line or an arc, you cannot move them from their current location.
However, you can change their length by selecting one of their endpoints and then dragging
it. If you apply this constraint to a circle or an ellipse, you cannot edit them by dragging.

Datum Constraint
Applying the Datum constraint ensures that the selected entity will not change its
orientation when the other entities are constrained with respect to this entity. However,
you can drag a datum entity to modify it.

Horizontal Constraint
The Horizontal constraint is used to make the selected line segment, ellipse axis, or
a spline horizontal irrespective of their original orientation. When you invoke this
constraint, you will be prompted to select a line, an ellipse, or a spline. If you select
them, they will become horizontal.

Vertical Constraint
The Vertical constraint is similar to the Horizontal constraint, with the difference
that this will force the selected entities to become vertical.

Coincident Constraint
This option forces two selected entities to coincide with each other. You can coincide
two points, a point and a line, a point and a curve, or a point and a spline. If you
apply the coincident constraint between two arcs or two circles, the centers will coincide
and not the endpoints. Also, the radius of the two curves will become equal. Note that the
first or the second entity selected should be a point. The points include the endpoints of a
line or an arc or the center point of a circle.

Concentric Constraint
This option forces the selected arcs or circles to share the same center point. The
curves that can be made concentric include arcs, circles, and ellipses. On invoking
this constraint, you will be prompted to select the first arc, ellipse, or circle. After
making the first selection, you will be prompted to select the second arc, circle, or ellipse.

Parallel Constraint
The Parallel constraint forces the selected entity to become parallel to the specified
entity. The entities to which this constraint can be applied are lines and ellipses. On
invoking this constraint, you will be prompted to select the first line or ellipse. After
making the first selection, select the second line or ellipse.
3-4 EdgeCAM for Manufacturers

Perpendicular Constraint
This option is used to make two entities perpendicular to each other. The entities
can be two lines or a line and an ellipse. Select the two entities; the entities will
become perpendicular to each other.

Equal Radius
This option is used to change two circles, two arcs, or a circle and an arc of different
radii into curves with the same radius. To apply this constraint, choose the Equal
Radius button from the Assign 2d Constraints dialog box and select two arcs from
the drawing area.

Equal Length
This option forces two lines to become equal in length. To apply this constraint,
choose the Equal Length button from the Assign 2D Constraints dialog box and
select the two lines in succession from the drawing area.

Tangent Constraint
The Tangent Constraint makes the selected entities tangent to each other. After
invoking this constraint, first select a line, an arc, or a spline. Next, select an arc or an
ellipse to which the tangency has to be maintained.

Note
If you try to manually apply any constraints that are already applied automatically, a warning
box will be displayed stating that the entity already has the constraint of this type.

Tip. You can apply a constraint to a sketched element or between two or more than
two entities. You can also apply it between a sketched element and an edge or a
vertex of the model.

Applying Dimensional Constraints

Menu: General Construction > Constraints > Assign 2D Constraints
Toolbar: Application Menu > Assign 2D Constraints

After drawing sketches and adding relations, dimensioning is the most important
step in creating a design. As mentioned earlier, EdgeCAM is a parametric software.
This property of EdgeCAM ensures that irrespective of the original size, the selected
entity is driven by the dimension value you specify. Therefore, when you apply and modify
a dimension of an entity, it is forced to change its size in accordance with the specified
dimension value. In EdgeCAM, while creating a sketch, if you select the check box next to
the spinners that define dimensions such as radius, height, length, and so on, the dimensional
constraints will be applied automatically. In addition to this, dimensional constraints can also
be added by using various tools in the Assign 2d Constraints dialog box. When you dimension
the entities, the Driven check box will be available. Select the check box to make the dimension
a driven dimension. The driven dimension will be discussed later in this chapter. Various
tools in the Dimension area of the Assign 2d Constraints dialog box are discussed next.
Adding Constraints and Creating Procedures in the Part Modeler 3-5

Minimum Distance Dimensioning

To dimension the shortest distance between two entities, the Minimum Distance
Dimension tool is used. To apply this constraint, choose the Minimum Distance
Dimension button from the Assign 2d Constraints dialog box. Choose two points
from the drawing area; the dimension will be attached to the cursor. Move the cursor and
place the dimension at an appropriate place using the left mouse button. Enter the new
value in the spinner above the Apply button and choose the Apply button. You can select two
points, a curve and a point, or a position on a curve.

Horizontal/Vertical Dimensioning
These two tools are used to add the horizontal or vertical dimensions to a selected
line or between two points. The points can be endpoints of lines or arcs, or the center
points of circles, arcs, ellipses, parabola, or hyperbola. Choose the Horizontal or
Vertical Distance Dimension button from the Assign 2d Constraints dialog box.
Next, select the two points for which dimensioning is required; the dimension will be
attached to the cursor. Move the cursor and place it at an appropriate position, as
shown in Figure 3-2. Enter the new value in the spinner above the Apply button and choose
the Apply button.

Length Dimensioning
This type of dimensioning is used to measure the actual length of a line. You cannot
use the Horizontal or Vertical Distance Dimension button to measure an inclined
line. With the Length Dimension button, you can directly select the inclined line to
apply the dimension. Choose the Length Dimension button from the Assign 2d Constraints
dialog box. Next, select the line from the drawing area; the dimension will be attached to the
cursor. Move the cursor parallel to the line and place the dimension at an appropriate place,
as shown in Figure 3-2. Enter a new value in the spinner and choose the Apply button.

Figure 3-2 Applying the horizontal, vertical, and

length dimension to inclined lines

Tip. You can also enter the arithmetic symbols directly into the value spinner. For
example, if you have a dimension as a complex arithmetic function such as
(220 *12.5)-3+150, enter the statement instead of entering the final result.
3-6 EdgeCAM for Manufacturers

Angular Dimensioning
To apply angular dimensions
between two lines, choose the Angle
Dimension button from the Assign
2d Constraints dialog box. Next, select the
two lines in succession; the dimension will
be attached to the cursor. Place the angular
dimension and enter the new value in the
spinner in the Assign 2d Constraints dialog Figure 3-3 Angular dimension displayed according
box. You need to be very careful while to the dimension placement point
placing the angular dimension. This is
because depending on the location of the dimension placement, the interior angle, exterior
angle, major angle, or minor angle will be displayed. Figure 3-3 illustrates various angular
dimensions depending on the dimension placement.

Radial Dimensioning
A radial dimension is applied to dimension a circle or an arc in terms of its radius. To
apply the radius dimension, choose the Radius Dimension button from the Assign
2d Constraints dialog box. Select a circle or an arc to dimension; the radial dimension
will be attached to the cursor. Using the left mouse button, place the dimension at an
appropriate place, as shown in Figure 3-4. Enter the new value in the spinner and choose
Apply.

Dimensioning an Ellipse
This type of dimensioning is used to measure the semimajor and semiminor axis of
an ellipse. Choose the Minor/Major Radius Dimension button from the Assign 2d
Constraints dialog box. Next, move the cursor near the ellipse and select it as it gets
highlighted. The dimension will be attached to the cursor. Place it at an appropriate
place using the left mouse button. Enter a new value in the spinner, if required, and
choose the Apply button.

Figure 3-5 shows the sketch after applying the dimensions discussed above.

Figure 3-4 Radial dimensioning of a circle and Figure 3-5 The sketch with all the dimensions
an arc
Adding Constraints and Creating Procedures in the Part Modeler 3-7

CONCEPT OF FULLY CONSTRAINED SKETCHES

It is necessary for you to understand the concept of fully constrained sketches. While creating
a model, first draw the sketch of the base feature and then create the other features. After
creating the sketch, add the required relations and dimensions to constrain it with respect to
the sketched entities and the surrounding environment. Once you add the required relations
and dimensions, the sketch may exist in any one of the three states discussed below.

Fully Constrained
A fully constrained or well constrained sketch is the one in which all the entities of the sketch
and their positions are well defined by relations or dimensions, or both. Also, all the degrees
of freedom are defined using relations and dimensions. As a result, the sketched entities
cannot move or change their size and location unexpectedly. On the other hand, if a sketch
is not fully constrained, it can change its size or position at any time during the design
because all the degrees of freedom are not defined completely.

Over Constrained
An over constrained sketch is the one in which some of the dimensions, relations, or both
conflict or they have exceeded their required number. Therefore, you need to delete the
extra and conflicting relations or dimensions. You should not create the feature with an over
defined sketch. You can change an over constrained sketch into a fully constrained or under
constrained sketch by deleting the conflicting relations or dimensions. The process of deleting
the over defining relation or dimension is discussed later in this chapter.

Under Constrained
An under constrained sketch is the one in which some of the dimensions or relations are
not defined and the degrees of freedom are not well constrained. In these sketches, the
entities may move or change their size unexpectedly. You can add some required constraints
to make them well constrained.

Tip. In EdgeCAM, it is not necessary to fully constrain the sketches before converting
them into the features of the model. However, it is recommended that you fully
constrain the sketches before proceeding to create the feature.

Deleting an Over defined Constraint

In EdgeCAM, when a manually added
constraint over defines a sketch, the
Overconstrained Dialog dialog box is
displayed, as shown in Figure 3-6. It informs
you that the geometry is over defined and
you need to delete some constraints. To
delete a constraint, select it from the
Constraint List drop-down list and choose
the Delete button. If you choose the Delete
All button, all the constraints applied will Figure 3-6 The Overconstrained Dialog dialog
be deleted. box
3-8 EdgeCAM for Manufacturers

Driving and Driven Dimensions

A dimension is called a driving dimension if it can force an entity to change its length and
orientation. While adding a dimension, select the Driven check box in the Assign 2d
Constraints dialog box to make a dimension driven dimension. A driven dimension is one
whose value depends on the value of the driving dimension. It is displayed in the parenthesis
and cannot be modified. If you change the value of the driver dimension, the value of the
driven dimension changes automatically.

Editing a Dimension
In EdgeCAM, on moving the cursor near a dimension, a name is displayed. This is the
default name assigned to the dimension. You can modify the name and value by invoking the
Enter Distance Value dialog box, as shown in Figure 3-7. To invoke this dialog box, move the
cursor near the dimension and double-click. Enter a new value in the value spinner and a
name in the Name edit box. To find the value from a given mathematical expression, enter
the same directly instead of calculating and entering the final result. Select the Driven
Dimension check box to make the dimension the driven dimension. It will be displayed in
parenthesis, as shown in Figure 3-8.

Figure 3-7 The Enter

Distance Value dialog box Figure 3-8 The cursor selecting the driven dimension

Note
The name assigned to a dimension should be unique. You cannot assign the same name to two
different dimensions.

Models of the same shape but different dimensions can be made by writing equations.
Equations are mathematical expressions in which the parameters are equated with the algebraic
or trigonometrical functions. To create equations, first assign a name to the dimensional
constraint. Then, name the second dimensional constraint and relate its value to the first
entity by specifying the name of the first entity in the parenthesis followed by mathematical
expressions. For example, to create a rectangle of different width and height, double-click on
the width dimension and name it as Width. Enter a new value in the value spinner, if required.
Then, double-click on the height dimension and enter the expression = {Width}/2. Also,
enter the name Height. When you change the value of the width, the height is also modified
automatically. Also, when you move the cursor near the height dimension, the modified
name, Height, is displayed.

Note
In the EdgeCAM Part Modeler, move the cursor to the yellow-shaded region of the spinner and
right-click. Select the Equation option to invoke the Equation dialog box.
Adding Constraints and Creating Procedures in the Part Modeler 3-9

Editing a Constraint
Menu: General Construction > Constraints > Edit 2D Constraints
Toolbar: Application Menu > Assign 2D Constraints > Edit 2D Constraints

Certain constraints are applied automatically

when you perform an editing operation. This
may prevent you from performing some
operations. For example, when you mirror an entity,
a symmetric constraint will be automatically applied.
This will prevent you from performing the trim
operation effectively. To remove a constraint, choose
the Edit 2d Constraints button from the Application
Menu > Assign 2D Constraints toolbar; the Edit
Constraints dialog box will be displayed, as shown in
Figure 3-9. Next, select the curve from the drawing
area; all the constraints defining the curve will be
displayed in the Constraint types on curve list box.
Select a particular constraint; the entities on which
this constraint is applied will be highlighted in the Figure 3-9 The Edit Constraints dialog
drawing area. Choose the Delete button to remove box
the selected constraint from the active construction
plane. If you choose the Delete List button, all the constraints of the selected entity will be
removed. Choose the Delete All On Plane button to remove all the constraints in the active
construction plane.

If you have applied a dimension to the selected entity, it will be termed as Distance in the
Constraint types on curve list box. Modify the value by selecting it in the list box. When you
select Distance, the Value spinner and the Name edit box will be available. Enter a new value
in the Value spinner and a name, if required, in the Name edit box. Select the Driven check
box to make the dimension a driven dimension. If you have specified equations to any
dimensions in the Value spinner, there will be a button available instead of the spinner. If you
select the button, the Equation dialog box will be displayed. You can change the equation in
the dialog box. Choose the Apply Change button to preview the modified dimension and
choose the Close button to accept the changes.

CREATING BASE FEATURES

The sketches that you have drawn until now can be converted into base features by choosing
3D Construction > New Component from the menu bar. The primary feature created from
the sketch is called the base feature. Then some more features are added, if required, to
complete the model. When you choose any tool from the New Component cascading menu,
the sketching environment is converted into the modeling environment. When you create a
feature, a node with the name, Component-1 is created in the Model window. A new feature
is added under the node. So, create the base feature only with the tools in New Component.

Based on the sketch for the new component, the resulting feature can be a solid, surface,
sheet, or a shell feature. If the sketch drawn is an open sketch, then you can create only the
3-10 EdgeCAM for Manufacturers

Surface or the Sheet feature. The characteristics of the different features that can be created
are discussed next.

Solid & Shell Sheet Surface

Need closed Sketch can be Sketch can be

sketch closed or open closed or open

Has definite Has definite N/A

mass properties mass properties

Has definite Has definite N/A

volume volume

Thickness more Thickness less No thickness

than 12 mm than 12 mm

Two different solid Two different sheets Two different

bodies can be joined can be joined surfaces can be
by a boolean operation by a boolean operation healed

Shelling is a method of creating a hollow model with walls of a specified thickness and a
cavity inside.

Note
1. You can also select the tools from the Application Menu toolbar to create the base feature.
2. The tools to create the base feature are grouped together in the Application Menu toolbar
in the New Component Extrude flyout.

CREATING EXTRUDED FEATURES

Menu: 3D Construction > New Component > Extrude
Toolbar: Application Menu > New Component Extrude

After drawing and dimensioning the sketch, choose the New Component Extrude
button from the Application Menu toolbar; the New Component Extrude dialog
box will be displayed, as shown in Figure 3-10. Specify the depth and direction in the
corresponding spinners and choose the OK button. You can preview the feature displayed in
the temporary graphics by choosing the Preview button.

The spinners, drop-down lists, and radio buttons in each tab are discussed next.

Extrude Tab
The drop-down lists and spinners in the Extrude tab are discussed next.

Direction
The Direction drop-down list provides the options to define the termination of the extruded
Adding Constraints and Creating Procedures in the Part Modeler 3-11

Figure 3-10 The New Component Extrude dialog box

feature. While creating the base feature, some of the options in this drop-down list will not be
used. The options to define the termination of the base feature are discussed next.

Up/Down
The Up or Down option is used to define the termination of the base feature by specifying
the depth of extrusion. The depth of extrusion is specified in the Depth spinner in the
Up or Down area. If you enter the draft angle in the Draft spinner, the resulting feature
will have a taper. Select the Draft out check box to taper the resulting feature outward.

Both
This option is used to create the base feature by extruding the sketch on both directions
of the plane on which the sketch is drawn. The depth of the feature in both directions will
be specified separately in the Depth spinner in the Up and Down areas. You can enter
the draft angle for the feature in the Draft spinner to create a taper. Select the Draft out
check box to taper the resulting feature outward.

Next Face
The Next face option is used to extrude the sketch from the sketching plane to the next
surface that intersects the feature. If a draft angle is required for the feature, it is entered
in the Draft spinner.

To Face
The To Face option is used to define the termination of the extruded feature up to a
selected face or surface. When you select this option from the drop-down list, the Choose
Face button is available. Choose this button to select the face or the surface from the
drawing area. If a draft angle is required for the feature, it is entered in the Draft spinner.

To Face w/Offset
This option is used to define the termination of the extruded feature on a virtual surface
created at an offset distance from the selected surface. When this option is selected from
3-12 EdgeCAM for Manufacturers

the drop-down list, the Choose Face button is available. Choose the button to select the
surface from the drawing area. Set the offset distance in the Offset spinner. If a draft
angle is required for the feature, it is entered in the Draft spinner.

To Plane
The To Plane option is used to define the termination of the extruded feature to another
plane or face. Choose the face or plane using the Choose Face button. The draft angle is
specified in the Draft spinner, if a taper is needed in the feature.

Type Tab
The options in the Type tab (Figure 3-11) are discussed next.

Figure 3-11 Options in the Type tab of the New Component

Extrude dialog box

Body type Area

The radio buttons in the Body type area decide the type of body to be generated. If the
sketch is closed, it can be converted into any one of the four bodies. Select the radio button
depending on the requirement. However, if the sketch is open, it will be converted only into
a sheet or a surface body. The characteristics of the four types of solid bodies have been
discussed earlier.

Figure 3-12 shows the base feature created by selecting the Solid radio button. Figure 3-13
shows the feature created by selecting the Sheet radio button.

Offset direction Area

The radio buttons in the Offset direction area will be available if you select the Sheet or the
Surface radio buttons from the Body type area, as shown in Figure 3-11. The offset
direction specifies the thickness of the shell or the sheet generated. The thickness of the
material is calculated from a neutral plane. Here, the sketch drawn will act as the neutral
plane. The radio buttons in the Offset direction area are discussed next.
Adding Constraints and Creating Procedures in the Part Modeler 3-13

Figure 3-12 Feature created with the Solid Figure 3-13 Feature created with the Sheet
radio button selected radio button selected
In
Select this radio button to add the material inside the sketch.

Out
Select this radio button to add the material outside the sketch.

Mid
Select this radio button to add the material equally on both sides of the sketch.

Distance
Select this radio button to thicken the surface on both sides to the specified distance.

Thickness
This spinner is used to specify the thickness of the shell or the sheet body.

Inset/Outset
This spinner specifies the thickness of the sheet on both sides of the sketch. The Inset spinner
specifies the thickness of the material toward the axis from the sketch. The Outset spinner
specifies the thickness of the material away from the axis and the sketch.

Caps Area
The Caps area will be available only if you select the Sheet or the Surface radio buttons.
Select the Start and End check boxes to cap the ends with the same thickness as of the sheet
or the surface.

The Fillet tab is selected to automatically fillet the edges of the top and bottom faces. Select
the Start and the End check boxes to fillet the lower and upper edges, respectively. The fillet
radius is specified in the corresponding spinners.

If you select the Copy profile check box, a copy of the profile used to create the base feature
will be created. It will be visible after you create the base feature.
3-14 EdgeCAM for Manufacturers

CREATING BASE FEATURES BY REVOLVING SKETCHES

Menu: 3D Construction > New Component > Revolve
Toolbar: Application Menu > New Component Extrude > New Component Revolve
The sketches you have drawn can also be converted into base features by revolving
using the New Component Revolve tool. This tool is in the Application Menu
toolbar. Using this tool, you can revolve the sketch about the selected revolution axis.
The revolution axis can be an axis, a line of the sketch, or an edge of another feature. Whether
you use a centerline or an edge to revolve the sketch, the sketch should be drawn on one side
of the axis.

In EdgeCAM, the right-hand thumb rule is used while determining the direction of revolution.
The right-hand thumb rule states that if the thumb of your right hand points in the direction
of the axis of revolution, the direction of the curled fingers will determine the default direction
of revolution.

After you have completed drawing and dimensioning the sketch, choose the New Component
Revolve button from the Application Menu > New Component Extrude toolbar; the New
Component Revolve dialog box will be displayed, as shown in Figure 3-14. Choose the Select
Axis button from the Axis area; the Lines and the Points radio buttons will be available.
Select the radio button depending on the requirement and select the axis from the drawing
area. To select a line as the axis, move the cursor near it and press the left-mouse button as it
gets highlighted. To select the axis through points, move the cursor in the drawing area and
select two points individually as they get highlighted. When you select the axis, the Select
Axis button will change to Change Axis button and the selected axis will be described next
to it.

Figure 3-14 The New Component Revolve dialog box

Adding Constraints and Creating Procedures in the Part Modeler 3-15

The spinners in the Direction area are used to define the angle of revolution about the
selected axis. As mentioned earlier, the default direction of revolution is given by the right-hand
thumb rule. The Direction 1 spinner is used to specify the angle to revolve the sketch on any
one side of the plane on which it is drawn. Similarly, the Direction 2 spinner is used to
specify the angle of revolution on the other side of the plane. However, the direction of
revolution can be changed by selecting the Flip Direction button. The Remove Redundant
Edges check box is used while revolving the sketch in both directions. If this check box is
selected, the revolve feature in both the halves will be merged. If it is cleared, the resulting
feature will have two different sections.

The radio buttons and the spinners available when you choose the Type and the Fillet tab
are the same as those of the New Component Extrude feature. Figure 3-15 shows the base
feature created in one direction by selecting the Solid radio button. Figure 3-16 shows the
base feature created in one direction by selecting the Sheet radio button.

Figure 3-15 Solid feature created by revolving Figure 3-16 Sheet feature created by revolving
the sketch through an angle of 180-degrees the sketch through an angle of 180-degrees

DYNAMICALLY ROTATING THE VIEW OF THE DRAWING

Menu: View > View Rotate
Toolbar: Viewing > View Rotate

In EdgeCAM, you can dynamically rotate the model in the 3D space to view it from
all the directions. This allows you to visually maneuver around the model so that all
its features can be clearly viewed. This tool can be invoked even when you are using
some other tool. For example, you can invoke this tool when the New Component Extrude
dialog box is displayed, and then freely rotate the model in the 3D space to see the preview.

To rotate the model freely in the 3D space, choose the Rotate View button from the Viewing
toolbar; the cursor will be replaced by the rotate view cursor. Press and hold the left mouse
button and drag the cursor to rotate the view. Alternatively, you can rotate the view by pressing
and dragging the right-mouse button. You can also rotate the model without invoking the
Rotate View tool. To do so, press and hold the right mouse button down and drag the cursor.
3-16 EdgeCAM for Manufacturers

CREATING PRIMITIVE FEATURES AS BASE FEATURES

EdgeCAM provides you a set of primitive features, which can be used as base features. These
can be used to create models of simple geometries such as a slab, cone, or sphere. To create
the primitive features, you need to specify the parameters that control the basic dimension of
the geometrical shape. This process can be effectively used to create basic solid models in a
lesser time. The tools used to create primitives models are in the Application Menu toolbar.
The procedure to create the primitive features is discussed next.

Creating a Slab
Menu: 3D Construction > New Component > Slab
Toolbar: Application Menu > New Component Extrude > New Component Slab

The Slab tool is used to create a box of the

specified length, width, and height. To create
a box as the base feature, select a plane. Then,
choose the New Component Slab button from the
Application Menu > New Component Extrude
toolbar. Specify a position to place the slab using the
left mouse button; a Slab of default dimensions will
be displayed. Also, the Slab dialog box will be
displayed, as shown in Figure 3-17. Enter the
dimensions of the slab in the Length[X], Width[Y], Figure 3-17 The Slab dialog box
and Height[Z] spinners. Specify a name for the slab,
if required, in the Name edit box and press ENTER.

Creating a Sphere
Menu: 3D Construction > New Component > Sphere
Toolbar: Application Menu > New Component Extrude > New Component Sphere
To create a sphere as the base feature, select
the New Component Sphere button from
the Application Menu > New Component
Extrude toolbar. Specify the center of the sphere in
the drawing area; a circle with the cursor attached to
its periphery will be displayed. Also, the Sphere
dialog box will be displayed, as shown in Figure 3-18.
Enter the radius of the sphere in the Radius dialog
box. Specify a name for the sphere, if required, in
the Name edit box and choose the OK button. You Figure 3-18 The Sphere dialog box
can also move the cursor and locate the radius using
the Locate toolbar.

Creating a Cone
Menu: 3D Construction > New Component > Cone
Toolbar: Application Menu > New Component Extrude > New Component Cone
Adding Constraints and Creating Procedures in the Part Modeler 3-17

To create the base feature of a conical

shape, choose the New Component
Cone button from the Application
Menu > New Component Extrude toolbar.
Specify the center of the base circle of the cone
using the left mouse button; the base circle of
the cone, with the cursor attached to its
periphery will be displayed. Also, the Cone
dialog box will be displayed, as shown in
Figure 3-19. Enter the radius of the base circle
in the Base radius spinner. You can also move Figure 3-19 The Cone dialog box
the cursor and locate the radius using the
Locate toolbar. Next, define the cone by specifying its height or by specifying the angle
between the slant height and the vertical height. To define a cone by its height, enter the
value in the Height spinner, the angle will be calculated automatically and vice versa. To
create a truncated cone, specify the radius in the Top radius spinner. You will notice the
height is also modified automatically.

Creating a Cylinder
Menu: 3D Construction > New Component > Cylinder
Toolbar: Application Menu > New Component Extrude > New Component Cylinder
To create a cylinder as the base feature, select
the New Component Cylinder button from
the Application Menu > New Component
Extrude toolbar. Specify the center point of the
cylinder; a circle of default radius will be displayed.
Also, the Cylinder dialog box will be displayed, as
shown in Figure 3-20. Specify the radius of the
cylinder in the Radius spinner and the height of the
cylinder in the Height spinner. Enter a name for the Figure 3-20 The Cylinder dialog box
cylinder in the Name edit box, if required, and choose
OK. After specifying the center, you can also move
the cursor and locate the other end of the axis and the radius using the Locate toolbar.

Creating a Torus
Menu: 3D Construction > New Component > Torus
Toolbar: Application Menu > New Component Extrude > New Component Torus

To create a torus as the base feature, choose the New Component Torus button from
the Application Menu > New Component Extrude toolbar. Specify the center of
the torus in the drawing area; a torus of default radius will be displayed. Also, the
Torus dialog box will be displayed, as shown in Figure 3-21. Specify the radius of the torus in
the Major Radius spinner. Specify the radius of the tube in the Minor Radius spinner. Enter
a name for the torus, if required, in the Name edit box and choose the OK button. You can
also move the cursor and locate the radius using the Locate toolbar.
3-18 EdgeCAM for Manufacturers

Figure 3-21 The Torus dialog box

Figure 3-22 shows the slab, sphere, and the truncated cone generated using the corresponding
tools. Figure 3-23 shows the cylinder and the torus created using the New Component
Cylinder and the New Component Torus tools from the Application Menu toolbar.

Figure 3-22 The slab, sphere, and the truncated Figure 3-23 The cylinder and the torus
cone

MODIFYING THE VIEW ORIENTATION

In EdgeCAM, you can change the view orientation using
some predefined standard views or user-defined views. To
invoke these standard views, choose the Views button from
the Viewing toolbar; the Display View dialog box will be
displayed. You can select the required standard view from
the list. Select the Add button to save a view other than
the standard view. When you choose the Add button, the
Add display view dialog box will be displayed. Enter a name
in the edit box and choose the OK button; the name will
be displayed in the dialog box, as shown in Figure 3-24.
You can also change this name by choosing the Rename
button. To rename an added view, select it from the dialog
box and choose the Rename button; the Rename display
view dialog box will be displayed. Enter the name and Figure 3-24 The Display View
choose OK. Select the Zoom Extents check box to fit the dialog box with an added view
display of the view on the screen. Select the Maintain view’s
position/scale check box to maintain the scale of the solid.
Adding Constraints and Creating Procedures in the Part Modeler 3-19

DISPLAY MODES OF THE MODEL

EdgeCAM provides you with the various predefined modes to display the model. You can
also select any of these display modes from the Display Mode toolbar. These modes are
discussed next.

Wireframe
When you choose the Wireframe button; all the hidden lines are displayed, along
with the visible lines in the model. Sometimes, for complex models, it becomes difficult
to recognize the visible lines and the hidden lines, if you set this display mode.

Wireframe HLD
When you choose the Wireframe HLD button, the model will be displayed in the
wireframe and the hidden lines in the model will be displayed as dashed lines.

Wireframe HLR
When you choose the Wireframe HLR button, the hidden lines in the model will not
be displayed. Only the edges of the faces visible in the current view of the model will
be displayed.

Shaded
In this mode, the model is shaded and the edges of the model are not displayed.

Shaded w/HLD Edges

The Shaded w/HLD Edges mode is used to display the shaded model with the hidden
lines displayed as dashed lines.

Shaded w/HLR Edges

When you choose this mode, the model is shaded and all the hidden lines of the
model are removed.

Perspective View
Using this button, you can display the model using the perspective viewing. Once
you choose this button, it will be active until you select it again to clear it.

IMPORTANCE OF SKETCHING PLANES

In the previous section, you created a sketch on the principal planes. But most of the mechanical
designs consist of multiple sketched features that lie on different planes. On the basis of the
design requirement, you can select any one of the principal planes to create the basic feature.
To create additional sketched features, you need to select an existing plane or a planar surface
or you need to create a new plane that will be used as the sketching plane.
3-20 EdgeCAM for Manufacturers

Creating New Planes

In EdgeCAM, there are ten methods of creating new planes. In this book, you will learn some
of these tools. To create new planes, choose the Construction Planes button from the
Application Menu toolbar; the Construction Planes dialog box will be displayed. When you
define the parameters for the creation of a new plane, the Transform button will be available.
Choose the Transform button to expand the dialog box, as shown in Figure 3-25. The spinners
in the Plane Offset area are used to modify the position of the new plane. The Translation
spinners are used to move the new plane along the X, Y, and Z directions. The Rotation
spinners are used to rotate the plane along the X, Y, and Z axes. Choose the Reset X-Form
button to revert to the default position. The options to create new planes using the
Construction Planes dialog box are discussed next.

Figure 3-25 The Construction Planes dialog box

Creating a Plane on a Planar Surface

The On Planar Face option is used to create a plane on the existing planar surface.
As this option is selected by default, move the cursor over any surface and select it as
it gets highlighted.

Creating a Plane Using the Position - Line Option

The Position - Line option is used to create a plane that passes through two edges or
lines, an edge and a point, or three points. The selected point can be a sketched
point or a vertex. Note that you need to hold the SHIFT or CTRL key down to
make multiple selections. To create a plane using this option, choose the Position - Line
button from the Construction Planes dialog box. Select the first entity from the drawing
area; the name of the selected entities will be displayed in the dialog box. Next, hold the
CTRL key down and select the second and third entities, if needed; the preview of the plane
will be displayed. Choose the OK button to create the plane. Select the Associative check
box to make the orientation of the new plane relative to the referenced entities. Figure 3-26
shows the plane created by selecting three points.
Adding Constraints and Creating Procedures in the Part Modeler 3-21

Creating a Plane Tangent to a Surface

The Tangent to Face at Position option is used to create a plane tangent to a selected
non-planar surface. On selecting this option, you will be prompted to select a
non-planar surface. Select the surface from the geometry area; the U-Value and V-Value
spinners will be available and they can be used to place the plane at the required position.
The system divides the diameter and the height of the surface into ten parts. U-Value is used
to snap a point along its diameter and V-Value is used to snap a point along its height. Set the
value in the spinners and choose the OK button. Select the Associative check box to make
the orientation of the new plane relative to the referenced entities. Figure 3-27 shows the
plane created tangent to a selected cylindrical surface.

Figure 3-26 Plane created by selecting three Figure 3-27 Plane created tangent to the selected
points curved surface

Creating a Plane Normal to a Curve

The Normal to Curve option is used to create a plane that is perpendicular to the
selected curve. On selecting this option, you will be prompted to select the reference
curve. Select a curve or an edge of a feature from the geometry area. Select the Chain
check box to select the chain of curves. Select the Chain Tangent check box to select the
curves that are tangential to the endpoints of the selected curve. Specify the number of
planes required in the Total Planes spinner. To create the plane at an offset, choose the
Transform button. Enter the offset distance in terms of the percentage from the initial position
in the Distance % spinner. If you have multiple planes, the plane to be offset is specified in
terms of the number in the Plane spinner. Figure 3-28 shows the plane created normal to a
spline curve and positioned at its start point.

Note
To select an edge as the reference curve, select the feature or the component from the Model
window.

Creating a Plane at an Offset from an Existing Plane/

Planar Face
Choose the Offset button from the Construction Planes dialog box to create a plane
at an offset from an existing plane or planar surface. On selecting this button, you
3-22 EdgeCAM for Manufacturers

will be prompted to select a plane or a planar surface. Select a reference entity from the
geometry area; the Total Planes and Distance spinners will be available in the dialog box.
Enter the number of planes required in the Total Planes spinner. The offset distance is
specified in the Distance spinner. Select the Associative check box to make the orientation
of the new planes relative to the selected reference. Figure 3-29 shows the plane created at an
offset from the reference plane.

Figure 3-28 Plane created normal to a spline Figure 3-29 The plane created at an offset from
the reference plane

Creating a Plane Parallel to an Existing Plane and Passing

Through a Point
The Position Parallel to Plane option is used to create a plane that is parallel to a
reference plane or planar face and passes through a specified point. To create a
plane using this option, select the Position Parallel to Plane option from the
Construction Planes dialog box; you will be prompted to select a plane or a planar surface
and a sketched point or a vertex. Select the plane from the graphics area. Next, press and
hold the CTRL key down and select the point through which the plane has to pass; the plane
will be created, as shown in Figure 3-30. You can also select the principle plane as the reference
plane.

Creating a Plane Tangent to a Non-planar Face and

Parallel to a Planar Face
The Tangent to Face-Parallel to plane option in the Construction Planes dialog
box is used to create a plane tangent to the selected surface and parallel to a selected
reference plane or planar face. To create a plane using this option, choose the Tangent
to Face-Parallel to plane button from the Construction Planes dialog box; you will be
prompted to select a non-planar surface and the reference plane, in any order, from the
geometry area. On selecting the entities, temporary planes will be created. Choose the OK
button to create the plane, as shown in Figure 3-31.

Note
For multiple selections, use the SHIFT key.
Adding Constraints and Creating Procedures in the Part Modeler 3-23

Figure 3-30 Plane created passing through a point Figure 3-31 Plane created tangent to a nonplanar
and parallel to a reference plane surface and parallel to a planar surface

CREATING BOSS/CUT/DIVIDE FEATURES

Most engineering designs consist of more than one feature. So, after creating the base feature,
you have to add or remove material to complete the design. These added features will be
known as the second feature, the third feature, and so on. In EdgeCAM, the base feature is
created using the options in the New Component tool. If you use the options in the New
Component tool to create the second feature, a new component will be created and the
Component-2 node will be added in the Model window. Also, Component-2 will be considered
as the new base feature that is to be joined with Component-1 using the Boolean operation.
So, it is recommended that you choose the Boss/Cut/Divide tools from the Application Menu
toolbar to create the additional features. Also, the sketches for these added features will be
drawn on the new plane. The Boss option is used to add the material and the Cut option is
used to remove the material from the feature. The Divide option is used to divide the surface
into two or more solid bodies.

Creating Boss/Cut Extrude Features

Menu: 3D Construction > Boss/Cut/Divide > Extrude
Toolbar: Application Menu > Boss/Cut/Divide Extrude
To create the extruded cut, join, or divide feature, invoke the Boss/Cut/Divide Extrude
tool in the Application Menu toolbar; the Boss/Cut Extrude dialog box will be
displayed, as shown in Figure 3-32. Select the Boss radio button to add the material
to the base feature or the plane on which the sketch is drawn. If you select the Cut radio
button, the material will be removed from the base feature. If the sketch for this feature was
drawn on a face of an existing feature, the target body will be automatically selected. However,
if the sketch is drawn on a principle plane, then the Set Target button will be displayed on
the left of the OK button in the dialog box. You need to choose this button and select a target
body to add or remove the material.

The options in the Extrude, Type and Fillet tabs are the same as those in the New Component
Extrude dialog box. The options in the Boss/Cut options tab are available when you choose
the Surface radio button from the Type tab. These options are used to divide the base feature.
The radio buttons in the Fence area of the Boss/Cut options tab are discussed next.
3-24 EdgeCAM for Manufacturers

Figure 3-32 The Boss/Cut Extrude dialog box

Both
Select this radio button to keep both the surfaces.

In Front
This radio button is selected to keep the front portion of the surface.

Back
Select this radio button to retain the back surface of the selected surface.

Auto
This radio button is available only if both the entities are surfaces. If you select this radio
button, the software selects the best surfaces to retain.

Multibody Cut
Select this check box if the cut has to pass through multiple bodies.

Creating Boss/Cut Revolve Features

Menu: 3D Construction > Boss/Cut/Divide > Revolve
Toolbar: Application Menu > Boss/Cut/Divide Extrude >Boss/Cut/Divide Revolve

The sketches drawn on the new planes are converted into features by rotating them
about an axis. Choose the Boss/Cut/Divide Revolve tool in the Application Menu >
Boss/Cut/Divide Extrude toolbar; the Boss/Cut Revolve dialog box will be displayed,
as shown in Figure 3-33. Select the Boss radio button to add the material. If you select the
Cut radio button, the material will be removed. Set the parameters and choose the OK
button. The options in the Extrude, Type, and Fillet tabs are the same as the New
Component Extrude dialog box. Also, the options in the Boss/Cut options tab are the same
as that of the Boss/Cut Extrude dialog box.
Adding Constraints and Creating Procedures in the Part Modeler 3-25

Figure 3-33 The Boss/Cut Revolve dialog box

Figure 3-34 shows the profile and the additional feature created by the Boss/Cut Extrude
tool. Figure 3-35 shows the section view of the model with the sketch and the additional
feature created by the Boss/Cut Revolve tool.

Figure 3-34 Feature created by the Boss/Cut Figure 3-35 Feature created by the Boss/Cut
Extrude tool Revolve tool

ADVANCED MODELING TOOLS

EdgeCAM provides you various advanced modeling tools that help in creating a better and
accurate design by capturing the design intent in the model. For example, instead of creating
a hole by the cut revolve options, you can place a hole directly at the required location using
the Drill Hole option. The advanced modeling tools are discussed next.

Creating Fillets
Menu: 3D Construction > Feature > Fillet Blend
Toolbar: Application Menu > Fillet Blend Feature
3-26 EdgeCAM for Manufacturers

The fillet tool is used to round an internal or external face or an edge of a model. You
can also use the advanced fillet options to add advanced fillets to the model. In
EdgeCAM, you can add fillets as a feature to the model using the Fillet Blend Feature
tool. As discussed earlier, you can also add fillets within a sketch. But adding fillets to a sketch
is not a good practice from the design point of view. This is because you have to keep the
sketch as simple as possible. To create a fillet, choose the Fillet Blend Feature button from
the Application Menu toolbar; the Fillet Blend Parameters dialog box will be displayed.
Enter the fillet radius in the Radius spinner and select the edges from the drawing area.
Choose the OK button; the fillets will be created according to the specified radius. To create
a fillet at different edges and of different radii, choose the Apply button, change the radius
and select the other edges. The Go Back button is used to revert the fillet applied. If the
Propagate check box is selected, you can select the chain of tangential edges connected by
selecting any one of the edges.

Note
To select the loop of edges, move the cursor near a corner and press the left mouse button when
the cursor changes to the loop cursor.

To create a fillet of different radii, select the Variable Radius check box; the expanded form
of the dialog box will be displayed, as shown in Figure 3-36. Also, the start point and the
endpoint of the fillet will be represented as nodes at the vertices. The buttons and the spinners
in the Variable Radius Options area are used to create fillets of different radii and are
discussed next.

Figure 3-36 The Fillet Blend Parameters dialog box

Up/Down Arrows
The up and down arrows allow you to choose the nodes created. The selected node will be
highlighted in the graphics window and on the model. You can select the node directly from
the graphics window also.
Adding Constraints and Creating Procedures in the Part Modeler 3-27

Position Spinner
The value in the position spinner decides the placement of the node. The check boxes next
to it are used for defining the method of placement and are discussed next.

Zero Slope
Select this check box if you do not require a slope at the selected node.

Length
Select this check box to position the node using the current measuring units.

Linear
Select this radio button to position the node in terms of the percentage of its length.

Note
1. You can select all the three check boxes also.
2. You can also specify the position and slope by selecting the corresponding check boxes for
each node.
3. The radius for each node is specified in the radius spinner after selecting the node in the
graphics window.

Add Vertices
If you have selected multiple edges, the nodes will be at only two ends. Select the Add Vertices
button to create nodes at all the vertices between the two existing nodes.

Add
Choose the Add button to create additional nodes between the vertices of the selected edge.
The nodes will be created to the right of the selected node. If you have multiple nodes, select
the node from the graphics window that represents the vertex of the selected edge.

Del
This button is used to remove a node from an edge. Choose this button after selecting the
node from the graphics window.

Remove All
Choose this button to remove all the nodes except those at the ends.

When the radius of the fillet is too large, the

fillet spreads over the adjacent faces. This can
be controlled by choosing the Options button
from the Fillet Blend Parameters dialog box.
On choosing the Options button, the Blend
Options dialog box will be displayed, as shown
in Figure 3-37. The radio buttons in the
Blend Options dialog box are discussed next.

Figure 3-37 The Blend Options dialog box

3-28 EdgeCAM for Manufacturers

Smooth overflow Area

never
If you select this radio button, the fillet is created only on the selected face.

at different convexity
Select this radio button to make the fillet curve flow over the other surface only if the face
curvature points in a different direction.

at any convexity
Select this radio button to make the fillet curve flow over any adjacent surface.

Cliff overflow Area

never
If this radio button is selected, the blend goes beyond the face and it is extended or
trimmed.

at different convexity
Select this radio button to make the cliff flow over the opposite surface if the face curvature
points in a different direction.

at any convexity
Select this radio button to make the fillet curve flow over an adjacent surface.

Notch overflow
Select this check box to make the fillet flow over a cliff and an edge.

Cliff Edge End Overflow

Select this check box to trim the fillet if it flows over the other edge.

Figure 3-38 shows the fillet created by selecting the never radio button from the Blend
Options dialog box. Figure 3-39 shows the fillet created by selecting the at any convexity
radio button from the Blend Options dialog box.

Figure 3-38 Fillet created by selecting the never Figure 3-39 Fillet created by selecting the at any
radio button from the Blend Options dialog box convexity radio button from the Blend Options
dialog box
Adding Constraints and Creating Procedures in the Part Modeler 3-29

Creating Chamfers
Menu: 3D Construction > Feature > Chamfer
Toolbar: Application menu > Fillet Blend Feature > Chamfer Feature
Chamfering is defined as a process in which the sharp edges are bevelled in order to
reduce the area of stress concentration. The process also eliminates the sharp edges
and corners that are not desirable. In EdgeCAM, a chamfer is created using the
Chamfer Feature tool in the Application Menu > Fillet Blend Feature toolbar. When you
invoke this tool, the Solid Chamfer dialog box will be displayed, as shown in Figure 3-40.
The radio buttons in the Method area decide the type of chamfer creation. The spinners in
the Values area specify the dimension for the parameters to create a chamfer. Select the
radio button from the Method area, based on the parameters of the chamfer, as shown in
Figure 3-41. Enter the corresponding chamfer distance and angle in the spinners in the
Values area. Next, select the edge to which the chamfer has to be applied and choose the OK
button; the chamfer will be created. To create the chamfer at different lengths and different
angles, choose the Apply button, change the dimensions, and select the other edges. The Go
Back button is used to revert the chamfer applied. If the Propagate check box is selected,
you can select the chain of tangentially connected edges by selecting any one edge from the
chain. Select the Flip check box to toggle between the edges. Various types of chamfer options
in the Solid Chamfer dialog box are discussed next.

Figure 3-40 The Solid Chamfer dialog box Figure 3-41 Parameters of the chamfer

2 Offsets
This radio button is selected by default and is used to apply chamfers to an edge, as shown in
Figure 3-42. Enter the chamfer distance in the Offset1 and Offset 2 spinners.

Offset + Angle
Select this radio button to apply the chamfer by specifying the chamfer distance from one
face on a selected edge and at an angle with the adjoining face, as shown in Figure 3-43.
Enter the chamfer distance in the Offset spinner and the angular value in the Angle spinner.

Chord + Angle
Select this radio button to apply the chamfer by specifying the chamfer length and the angle
it makes with one of the selected faces. Enter the length of the chamfer in the Chord spinner
and the angle in the Angle spinner.
3-30 EdgeCAM for Manufacturers

Chord Sym
This radio button is selected to create a chamfer of a specified chord length and a constant
angle (45-degrees) on both the faces. Enter the chord length in the Chord spinner.

When you choose the Options button, the Blend Options dialog box will be displayed. The
functions of the options are the same as those discussed in the Fillet Blend Parameters
dialog box.

Figure 3-42 Chamfer created using the Figure 3-43 Chamfer created using the Offset +
2 Offsets option Angle option

Adding a Draft to the Faces of the Model

Menu: 3D Construction > Feature > Draft
Toolbar: Application Menu > Fillet Blend Feature > Draft Feature

A draft is defined as the process of adding a taper angle to the faces of the model.
Adding a draft to the faces of the model is one of the most important operations,
especially for the components that need to be cast, molded, or formed. To create a
draft surface, choose the Draft button from the Application Menu > Fillet Blend Feature
toolbar; the Draft Feature dialog box will be displayed, as shown in Figure 3-44. Select the
reference plane from the model, as the Ref Plane button is chosen by default. Next, select
the faces to be drafted as the Target Face button is automatically chosen. Enter the draft
angle in the Angle spinner. Choose the +/- button in the spinner to give a negative value. On
choosing the Preview button, the draft to be created will be displayed, as shown in Figure 3-45.
Choose OK after setting the required parameters. The options in the Draft Faces drop-down
list are used to define the faces to be selected as the target surface. The options are discussed
next.

Only Selected Faces

This option allows you to apply a draft to the selected face.

All Faces
This option is selected to apply a draft to all the faces adjoining the reference plane.

Faces Outside Ref Plane

This option is selected to apply a draft to the surfaces outside the reference plane.
Adding Constraints and Creating Procedures in the Part Modeler 3-31

Faces inside Ref Plane

Select this option to apply a draft to the surfaces inside the reference plane.

All filleted Faces

Select this option to apply a draft to the filleted faces adjoining the reference plane.

Figure 3-44 The Draft Feature dialog box Figure 3-45 Draft feature to be created

Creating a Shell Feature

Menu: 3D Construction > Feature > Shell
Toolbar: Application Menu > Fillet Blend Feature > Shell feature
The Shell tool is used to scoop out the material from the model and remove the
selected faces, resulting in a thin walled structure. To create a shell feature, choose
the Shell Feature button from the Application Menu > Fillet Blend Feature toolbar;
the Shell dialog box will be displayed, as shown in Figure 3-46. Enter the required wall
thickness in the Thickness spinner. Select the Inward check box to make the wall inside
the selected face. Select a face that you need to remove from the model. The Change Open
Face(s) button is used to change the selected face.

To create a multithickness shell feature, select the Enable Multi Thickness check box and
choose the Multi-Thickness tab. Hold the SHIFT key down and select the faces to apply a
different thickness. The selected surfaces will be numbered in the order of selection and
displayed in the window. Select the surface from the window and change the thickness by
entering a new value in the Thickness spinner. Select the Change M-Thick Face(s) button to
change the selected faces, if any. A model shelled with a different wall thickness is shown in
Figure 3-47.

Creating a Linear Array

Menu: 3D Construction > Feature > Linear Array
Toolbar: Application Menu > Fillet Blend Feature > Linear Array
As discussed in the previous chapter, you can arrange the sketched entities in a
rectangular arrangement or pattern. In the same manner, you can also arrange the
3-32 EdgeCAM for Manufacturers

Figure 3-46 The Shell dialog box Figure 3-47 Shell feature with variable thickness

features, faces, and bodies in a

rectangular pattern. To create a linear
pattern, choose the Linear Array
button from the Application Menu >
Fillet Blend Feature toolbar; the
Linear Array dialog box will be
displayed, as shown in Figure 3-48. The
Select Planar Face Reference button
is selected by default, so select the plane
in which the arrayed components will
be placed. Now, the buttons in the
Selected Items area will be available.
Choose the Procedures button to select
the feature from the Model window. To
select a particular face, choose the
Faces button and select the feature or
the face to be arrayed from the Model
window or from the geometry area. Set
the distance and the number of
instances required along the horizontal
axis in the X Offset spinner and the X
Instances spinner, respectively. Also,
set the distance and the number of
instances required along the vertical
axis in the Y Offset spinner and the Y Figure 3-48 The Linear Array dialog box
Instances spinner, respectively. If the
instances are to be placed at an angle, set the angular value in the Angle spinner in the
X-Direction and Y-Direction areas. The Select X Edge and Select Y Edge buttons are used
to select an edge in order to arrange the instances in the specified angle with respect to the
horizontal and vertical axes, respectively. Choose the Reset Edge button to revert back to the
Adding Constraints and Creating Procedures in the Part Modeler 3-33

initial position. Figure 3-49 shows the feature to be arrayed and Figure 3-50 shows the resulting
linear array.

Figure 3-49 The feature to be patterned Figure 3-50 Resulting linear array

Creating a Circular Array

Menu: 3D Construction > Feature > Circular Array
Toolbar: Application Menu > Fillet Blend Feature > Circular Array

You can also create instances

of the features, faces, and
bodies and arrange them in a
circle. This is called a circular array. It
is also called the polar array. To create
a circular array, choose the Circular
Array button from the Application
Menu > Fillet Blend Feature toolbar;
the Circular Array dialog box will be
displayed, as shown in Figure 3-51. The
Select Reference Axis button is chosen
by default. Select the reference axis
about which the circular pattern will
be created. To select the axis of a
cylinder or a cone, select the
nonplanar surface of the cylinder or
the cone. Alternatively, select a planar
face and a point. After selecting an
axis, choose the Procedures button or
the Faces button from the Selected Figure 3-51 The Circular Array dialog box
Items area. Select the procedure or the
faces to be arranged from the Model window. You can also select from the model environment.
When you select the procedures or the faces, they will be listed in the window below the
buttons. Specify the number of copies required in the Angular Instances spinner. Also, specify
the angle at which the copies are to be placed in the Angular Offset spinner. Choose the
+/- button to assign a negative value. Choose the Preview button to view the proposed
arrangement and choose the OK button to accept it.
3-34 EdgeCAM for Manufacturers

To create instances radially, set the number of copies in the Radial Instances spinner. Also,
set the radial offset distance in the Radial Offset spinner. To remove any selected face or
procedure, select it in the Selected Items list box and choose Remove. Choose the Remove
all button to clear the entire selection. Figure 3-52 shows the feature to be patterned and
Figure 3-53 shows the resulting circular array.

Figure 3-52 The feature to be patterned Figure 3-53 Resulting circular array

Creating Simple Holes

Menu: 3D Construction > Feature > Drill Hole
Toolbar: Application Menu > Fillet Blend Feature > Drill Hole

The Drill Hole option is used to add standard holes such as counter bore, counter sink,
simple, and tapered holes. Before creating holes, define their location using the
Point tool and make sure it is selected. Next, choose the Drill Hole Feature button
from the Application Menu > Fillet Blend Feature toolbar; the Drill Hole dialog box will
be displayed, as shown in Figure 3-54. Selecting the Copy Point(s) check box forces the point
to become a part of the feature. If you select the Create X and Y seams check box, the drill
seams will be created in the 2d drawing file while creating the manufacturing drawing. The
Diameter Depth radio button is selected to specify the shoulder depth of the hole. The Point
Depth radio button is selected to specify a hole up to the tip. Select the hole standard required
from the Standard drop-down list. Also, select the standard size of the hole type from the
Nominal Size drop-down list. The dimensioning units are selected from the Units area. To
create a hole of a specified depth, select the Blind radio button and enter the value in the
Depth to Shoulder spinner. Select the Through radio button to create a through hole. Also,
specify the number of walls to drill if there are multiple walls. Select the Tapped check box to
expand the dialog box. The tapping parameters will be specified in the expanded area. The
size of the drill required to create the thread is entered in the Drill Size spinner. Set the pitch
of the thread in the Pitch/TPI spinner. Select the Full Depth check box to create full length
holes. To create the thread up to a particular depth, specify it in the Depth spinner. Select
the Right or the Left radio button to specify the direction of the thread.

Note
To know the name of a spinner in the dialog box, move the cursor in the value region; the name
of the spinner will be displayed.
Adding Constraints and Creating Procedures in the Part Modeler 3-35

Figure 3-54 The Drill Hole dialog box

Various options for creating a hole are discussed next.

Creating Simple Holes

To create a drill hole, choose the Simple
Hole button; the parameters for the
simple hole will be displayed in the
graphics window, as shown in Figure 3-55. Also,
the points on the selected surface will be
highlighted. Specify the parameters in the
corresponding spinners and choose the OK
button. Figure 3-55 The parameters for the drill holes

Creating Tapered Holes

To create a tapered hole, choose the
Tapered Hole button; the parameters
for the tapered hole will be displayed
in the graphics window, as shown in Figure 3-56.
Also, the points on the selected surface will be
highlighted. Specify the parameters in the
corresponding spinner and choose the OK
button. Figure 3-56 The parameters for the tapered
holes
3-36 EdgeCAM for Manufacturers

Creating Counter Sink Holes

To create a counter sink hole, choose
the Counter Sink Hole button; the
parameters for the counter sink hole
will be displayed in the graphics window, as
shown in Figure 3-57. Also, the points on the
selected surface will be highlighted. Specify
Figure 3-57 The parameters for the counter sink
the parameters in the corresponding spinner
holes
and choose the OK button.

Creating Counter Bore Holes

To create a counter bore hole, choose
the Counter Bore Hole button; the
parameters for the counter bore hole will be
displayed in the graphics window, as shown in
Figure 3-58. Also, the points on the selected
surface will be highlighted. Specify the
Figure 3-58 The parameters for the counter
parameters in the corresponding spinner and
bore holes
choose the OK button.

Creating Counter Drill Holes

To create a counter drill hole, choose
the Counter Drill Hole button; the
parameters for the counter drill hole
will be displayed in the graphics window, as
shown in Figure 3-59. Also, the points on the
selected surface will be highlighted. Specify Figure 3-59 The parameters for the counter
the parameters in the corresponding spinner drill holes
and choose OK.

Figure 3-60 shows the sectional view of a model with the tapered hole and the simple hole.
Figure 3-61 shows the sectional view of a model with the counter sink hole, counter bore
hole, and counter drill hole.

Figure 3-61 The cross-section of a model with the

Figure 3-60 The cross-section of a model with counter sink hole, counter bore hole, and counter
the tapered hole and the simple hole. drill hole.
Adding Constraints and Creating Procedures in the Part Modeler 3-37

EDITING FEATURES OF THE MODEL

Editing is one of the most important aspects of the product design cycle. Almost all designs
require editing during or after their creation. As discussed earlier, EdgeCAM Part Modeler is
a parametric software. Also, the design created in EdgeCAM Part Modeler is a combination
of individual features integrated together to form a solid model. All these features can be
edited individually. For example, Figure 3-62 shows a base plate with simple holes.

To replace the four simple holes with four counter sink holes, you need to perform an editing
operation. Using the editing operation, you will change the simple holes to the counter sink
holes. For editing the holes, select the hole feature from the Model window and right-click to
invoke the shortcut menu. Choose the Edit Procedure option from the shortcut menu to
invoke the Drill Hole dialog box. Choose the Counter Sink Hole button and set the
parameters. The drilled holes will be automatically replaced by counter sink holes. Figure 3-63
shows the base plate with drilled holes modified to the counter sink holes.

Figure 3-62 Part with four simple holes Figure 3-63 Modified part with counter sink holes

To edit the sketch of a feature, click on the + sign on the left to expand the feature in the
Model window. Select the Profile node; the corresponding sketch will be available in the
drawing area. Using the standard sketching tools, edit the sketch and choose the Rebuild
button from the Standard toolbar to update the changes made in the sketch. You can also
select the Rebuild option by invoking the shortcut menu by right-clicking the mouse button.
Similarly, to edit the construction plane, choose the Profile node, right-click and select the
Edit Construction Plane from the shortcut menu. The Construction Planes dialog box will
be displayed. Enter the distance or the angle in the corresponding spinners in the Planes
offset area and choose the OK button.

Note
For a better display of the sketch, choose the 2D Wireframe button below the drawing area
while editing the sketch. Choose the Component button to view the model only and the All
button to view both the sketch and the model.
3-38 EdgeCAM for Manufacturers

Suppressing Features
Sometimes, you may not require a feature to be displayed in the model or in its drawing
views. Instead of deleting it, you can suppress the feature. When you suppress a feature, it
will not be visible in the model or in the drawing views. You can view the feature by
unsuppressing it. To suppress a feature, select it from the Model window, right-click and
clear the Enable Procedure option. Similarly, to unsuppress the feature, invoke the shortcut
menu and select the Enable Procedure option.

Note
If you suppress a feature that has other features dependent on it, the dependent features will also
be suppressed. Therefore, it is recommended that the dependent feature should be suppressed
before suppressing the parent feature.

TUTORIALS
Tutorial 1
In this tutorial, you will create the model and section it. The model is shown in Figure 3-64.
The views and dimensions of the model are shown in Figure 3-65. (Expected Time: 45 min)

Figure 3-64 Model for Tutorial 1 Figure 3-65 Dimensions of the model

The steps to be followed to complete this tutorial are listed next.

a. Create the base feature of the model by revolving the sketch around its central axis, refer
to Figure 3-66 and Figure 3-67.
b. Draw the sketch for the second feature on the top face of the base feature and extrude it
to the given dimension, refer to Figures 3-68 and 3-69.
c. Create the revolve cut feature, refer to Figures 3-70 and 3-71
d. Create a counter bore hole using the Drill Hole Feature tool, refer to Figure 3-72.
e. Create a hole using the Drill Hole Feature tool and pattern it using the Circular Array
tool, refer to Figure 3-73.
f. Apply the fillet and section the model.
Adding Constraints and Creating Procedures in the Part Modeler 3-39

Creating the Base Feature

First, you will create the base feature of the model by revolving the sketch created on the
XZ Plane (front).

1. Start a new model application by choosing the New button from the Standard toolbar.

2. Select the XZ Plane (front) plane from the Model window and choose the Set
the View to Const. Plane button from the Viewing toolbar.

3. Draw the sketch of the base feature on the XZ plane. Add the required relations and
dimensions to the sketch, as shown in Figure 3-66.

4. Invoke the New Component Revolve tool from the Application Menu > New
Component Extrude toolbar. Choose the Select Axis button and select the left
vertical line of the sketch as the axis for the revolve feature.

5. Set 360-degrees as the angle of revolution in the Direction 1 spinner. Select the Type tab
and select the Solid radio button from the Body Type area, if it is not already selected.

6. Select the Remove Redundant Edges check box and choose OK.

7. Choose the Shaded w/HLR Edges button from the Display Mode toolbar.

8. Choose the Views button from the Viewing toolbar; the Display View dialog box is
displayed. Select the Isometric View option and choose Close. Now press and hold the
right mouse button and drag the mouse. A 3D view of the base feature created, after
revolving the sketch, is shown in Figure 3-67.

Figure 3-66 Sketch for the base feature Figure 3-67 3D View of the base feature

Creating the Second Feature

The second feature of this model is an extruded feature. It is created by extruding the
sketch created on the top planar face of the base feature.
3-40 EdgeCAM for Manufacturers

1. Select the top planar face of the base feature as the sketching plane, draw the sketch for
the second feature, and apply the required relations and dimensions to it, as shown in
Figure 3-68.

2. Invoke the Boss/Cut/Divide Extrude tool from the Application Menu toolbar.
Select the Up option from the Direction drop-down list.

3. Set the Depth spinner in the Up area to 60 mm and choose OK; the model is created, as
shown in Figure 3-69.

Figure 3-68 Sketch for the second feature Figure 3-69 Second feature added to the model

Creating the Third Feature

The third feature of the model is created by revolving the sketch using the Cut option.
The sketch for this feature is created on the XZ Plane (front).

1. Select the XZ Plane (front) plane from the Model window and choose Set the View to
Const. Plane button from the Viewing toolbar.

2. Choose Wireframe from the Display Mode toolbar. Draw the sketch for the
revolved cut feature and apply the relations and dimensions to it, as shown in
Figure 3-70.

3. Invoke the Boss/Cut/Divide Revolve tool from the Application Menu > Boss/
Cut/Divide Extrude toolbar and select the Cut radio button.

4. Choose the Select Axis button and select the vertical line of 117 mm as the axis of
revolution. Set 360-degrees as the angle of revolution in the Direction 1 spinner.

5. Choose the Type tab. Select the Solid radio button from the Body type area. Next, select
the Remove Redundant Edges check box.

6. Choose the Set Target button and select the base feature. Choose OK. The third feature
is created. Choose the Shaded w/HLR Edges button from the Display Mode toolbar; the
model is displayed, as shown in Figure 3-71.
Adding Constraints and Creating Procedures in the Part Modeler 3-41

Figure 3-70 Sketch for the revolve cut feature Figure 3-71 Third feature added

Creating the Hole Feature

The holes are created by choosing the Hole Drill Feature button. Before choosing the
Hole Drill Feature tool, you need to specify the location of the hole.

1. Locate two points on the top surface of the second feature to create the 15 mm diameter
hole. You can make the points concentric with the arcs.

2. Invoke the Drill Hole Feature tool and select the Custom option from the
Nominal Size drop-down list. Set the value as 15 mm in the Drill diameter
spinner.

3. Select the Diameter Depth radio button and set the value of 25 mm in the Depth to
shoulder spinner and choose OK; the holes are created, as shown in Figure 3-72.

To create holes along 126 BCD, you need to select the top surface of the base feature,
draw a circle, and place the points at an angle using the Line tool. Then convert the
circle and the line to construction entities.

4. Select the top face of the feature and draw a circle of radius 63 mm using the Circle tool.
The center of the circle should be at the origin.

5. Place a point on the circle at an angle close to 45-degrees and apply the coincident
relation to it.

6. Draw two lines, one passing through the center of the circle and the point, and the
other passing through the center and coincident to the X-axis.

7. Apply a dimension of 45-degrees between the two lines.

8. Hold the CTRL key down and select the lines and the circle and right-click to invoke the
shortcut menu.
3-42 EdgeCAM for Manufacturers

9. Choose the Toggle Construction option from the shortcut menu.

10. Invoke the Drill Hole Feature tool. Select the Custom option from the Nominal Size
drop-down list and set the value as 15 mm in the Drill diameter spinner.

11. Select the Diameter Depth radio button and set the value of 25 mm in the Depth to
shoulder spinner and choose OK. The hole is created on the top surface of the model.

Next, you need to create the circular pattern of the hole using the Circular Array tool.

12. Invoke the Circular Array tool and select the face of the hole with a 39 mm
radius in the second feature; an axis is created.

13. Choose the Procedure button and select the hole created in step 11.

14. Set the angular instance as 4 and the angular offset as 90 degrees in the corresponding
spinners and choose OK.

15. Invoke the Fillet Blend Feature tool from the Application Menu toolbar. Select
the Propagate check box.

16. Move the cursor near the bottom edge of the second feature. Press the left-mouse button
when the edge is highlighted.

17. Set 5 mm in the Radius spinner and choose the OK button. The model, after creating
the hole and the fillet, is shown in Figure 3-73.

Figure 3-72 Model after creating the holes Figure 3-73 Model after creating four holes and
the fillet
Adding Constraints and Creating Procedures in the Part Modeler 3-43

Creating a Sectional View

To create the sectional view, you need to draw a rectangle on the XZ Plane (front) plane
and extrude it using the Cut option.

1. Select the XZ Plane (front) plane from the Model window and choose the Set the View
to Const. Plane button from the Viewing toolbar.

2. Using the Rectangle tool, draw a rectangle that encloses the entire model.

3. Choose the Boss/Cut/Divide Extrude button from the Application Menu toolbar.

4. Select the Cut radio button and set the value as 90 mm in the Depth spinner.

5. Choose the Set Target button and select a surface on the model. Reverse the direction by
clearing the Flip button, if required.

6. In the Name edit box, assign the name as Section view and choose OK. The isometric
view of the sectional view is shown in Figure 3-74.

7. Choose the Section view feature from the Model window and right-click.

8. Clear the Enable Procedure option from the shortcut menu displayed. The isometric
view of the final model is displayed, as shown in Figure 3-75.

Figure 3-74 Sectional view of the model Figure 3-75 Isometric view of the model

Saving the Model

1. Choose the Save button from the Standard toolbar and save the model with the name
given below.

\My Documents\EdgeCAM\c03\c03tut01

2. Choose File > Close from the menu bar to close the document.
3-44 EdgeCAM for Manufacturers

Tutorial 2
In this tutorial, you will create the model whose dimensions are shown in Figure 3-76. The
solid model is shown in Figure 3-77. (Expected time : 30min)

Figure 3-76 Dimensions for Tutorial 2 Figure 3-77 Model for Tutorial 2

The steps to complete this tutorial are listed next.

a. Create the base feature by extruding the sketch drawn on the XZ Plane (front) plane,
refer to Figures 3-78 and 3-79.
b. Extrude the sketch created on the XY Plane (top) plane to create a cut feature, refer to
Figure 3-81.
c. Create a plane at an offset distance from the XY Plane (top) plane.
d. Draw a sketch on the newly created plane and extrude it to the selected surface, refer
Figure 3-83.
e. Create a counterbore hole using the Drill Hole Feature tool, refer to Figure 3-84.
f. Create the holes using the cut feature, refer to Figure 3-85.
g. Save the document and close it.

Creating the Base Feature

It is evident from the model that its base comprises a complex geometry. You need to
create the base feature and then apply the cut feature to the base of the model to get the
desired shape. The sketch of the base feature needs to be created on XZ Plane (front).
After drawing the sketch, you need to extrude it using the Both option from the Direction
drop-down list to complete the feature creation.

1. Start a new EdgeCAM document and select the XZ Plane (front) plane as the construction
plane.

2. Using the standard sketching tools, draw the sketch of the base feature and then apply
the required relations and dimensions to the sketch, as shown in Figure 3-78.
Adding Constraints and Creating Procedures in the Part Modeler 3-45

3. Invoke the New Component Extrude tool and select the Both option from the
Direction drop-down list.

4. Set the value as 75 mm in the Depth spinners in the Up and the Down areas.

5. Choose the Type tab and select the Solid radio button from the Body type area.

6. Choose the OK button and rotate the component using the View Rotate button or by
holding down the right mouse button.

7. Choose the Shaded button and the Views button from the Viewing toolbar; the
Display View dialog box is displayed. Select the Isometric View option and
choose OK. The model is displayed, as shown in Figure 3-79.

Figure 3-78 Sketch for the base feature Figure 3-79 Base feature of the solid model

Creating the Cut Feature

Next, you need to create a cut feature to get the required shape of the base feature. The
sketch for this cut feature is to be created using a construction plane defined tangent to
the curved face of the previous feature.

1. Choose the Construction Planes button from the Application Menu toolbar
and choose the Tangent to Face at Position button from the Construction
Planes dialog box.

2. Select the upper curved face of the existing feature and set the value as 0.5 in the U-Value
and V-Value spinners. Choose OK to create the plane.

3. Using the recently drawn plane as the sketch plane, draw the sketch for the cut feature
and apply the required relations and dimensions to the sketch, as shown in Figure 3-80.

4. Choose the Boss/Cut/Divide Extrude tool from the Application Menu toolbar
to invoke the Boss/Cut Extrude dialog box. Change the current view to the
isometric view.
3-46 EdgeCAM for Manufacturers

5. Select the Cut radio button. Select the Through All option from the Direction
drop-down list. Also, select the Flip check box, if required.

6. Choose the Type tab and select the Surface radio button from the Body type area.

7. Choose the Boss/Cut Options tab and select the In Back radio button from the Fence
area.

8. Choose the OK button. The isometric view of the model, after creating the base feature,
is shown in Figure 3-81.

Figure 3-80 Sketch for the cut feature Figure 3-81 Cut feature added to the feature

Creating a Plane at an Offset Distance and Extruding the Feature

After creating the base feature of the model, you need to create a plane at an offset
distance of 150 mm from the XY Plane (top). This newly created plane is used as a
sketching plane for the next feature.

1. Choose the Construction Plane button from the Application Menu toolbar to invoke
the Construction Planes dialog box.

2. Choose the Offset button and select the XY Plane (top) plane from the Model
window as the reference plane.

3. Set the value of 1 and 150 mm in the Total Planes and Distance spinner, respectively,
and choose OK; the plane is created.

4. Draw the sketch of the circle and apply the dimensions, as shown in Figure 3-82.

5. Invoke the Boss/Cut/Divide Extrude tool; the Boss/Cut Extrude dialog box is displayed.

6. Select the To Face option from the Direction drop-down list. Choose the Choose Face
button and select the top curved face of the base feature.

7. Choose the Type tab select the Solid radio button from the Body type area.
Adding Constraints and Creating Procedures in the Part Modeler 3-47

8. Choose the Set Target button. Select the same face and choose OK; the feature will be
created, as shown in Figure 3-83.

Figure 3-82 Sketch created for the third feature Figure 3-83 Model after adding the third feature

Creating the Counter bore Hole

Next, you need to create the counter bore hole using the Drill Hole Feature tool.

1. Select the top surface of the extrude feature created in the last step and place a planar
point at the center of the top surface using the Point tool.

2. Select the Drill Hole Feature tool to invoke the Drill Hole dialog box. Choose
the Counter Bore Hole butto. Enter the name as C.Bore in the Name edit box.

3. Select the Custom option from the Standard drop-down list. Set the value of 100 mm in
the CBore/CSink Diameter spinner. Also, set 20 mm in the Head depth spinner.

4. Set the value as 75 mm in the Drill diameter spinner. Select the Through radio button
and choose OK. The counter bore hole is created as shown in Figure 3-84.

To create the drill hole on the base feature, you need to select the top surface of the base
feature and place two points to locate the drill hole. Then, create the hole using the Drill
Hole Feature tool.

5. Select the top surface of the base feature; a construction plane is created.

6. Choose the Point button and place two points for the holes to be created. Add dimensions
to them.

7. Invoke the Drill Hole Feature tool; the Drill Hole dialog box is displayed. Choose
the Simple Hole button. Enter the name as Holes 25x2 in the Name edit box.

8. Select the Custom option from the Nominal size drop-down list and set the value of
25 mm in the Drill Diameter spinner.
3-48 EdgeCAM for Manufacturers

9. Select the Through radio button. Check the preview by selecting the Preview button
and choose OK. The final model is shown in Figure 3-85.

Figure 3-84 Counterbore hole added to the model Figure 3-85 Final model

Saving the Model

1. Choose the Save button from the Standard toolbar and save the model with the name
given next \My Documents\EdgeCAM\c03\c03tut2

2. Choose File> Close from the menu bar to close the document.

Self-Evaluation Test
Answer the following questions and then compare them with the answers given at the end
of this chapter:

1. A sketch drawn for the first time in the sketching environment is drawn on the
XZ Plane (front) plane. (T/F)

2. If the sketch is open, it will be converted into

(a) Sheet (b) Surface

(c) Both (d) None

3. Which relation forces the selected arc to share the same center point with the center
point of another arc?

(a) Coincident (b) Concentric

(c) Coradial (d) Merge Points

4. Only dimensional constraints can be applied while drawing a sketch. (T/F)

5. You cannot modify the Driven dimension. (T/F)

Adding Constraints and Creating Procedures in the Part Modeler 3-49

6. Using __________ tool, you can create a simple hole, tapered hole, counterbore, and
countersink hole.

7. The __________ check box is selected to select the chain of curves while creating fillets.

8. In EdgeCAM, you cannot create a multithickness shell feature. (T/F)

9. When you choose the __________ button, all the hidden lines will be displayed along
with the visible lines in the model.

10. You can invoke the View Rotate tool while the other tool is in operation. (T/F)

Review Questions
Answer the following questions:

1. The __________ dialog box will be displayed when the constraint added over define the
sketch.

2. Which is the correct method to add an equation to a dimension?

(a) =[l]*2 (b) {l}*2

(c) =(l)*2 (d) ={l}*2

3. You cannot edit the sketch of a sketched feature. (T/F)

4. You cannot rename a feature in the Model window. (T/F)

5. Before creating a hole feature, you need to specify the location by points. (T/F)

6. Which check box is selected to remove the edges generated by revolving a sketch?

(a) Remove redundant edges (b) Edges

(c) Remove Edges (c) None

7. To create a sphere, revolve a circle along its center. (T/F)

8. To invoke the Equation dialog box, move the cursor in the spinner, right-click, and
select the Equation option. (T/F)

9. By default, the __________ radio button is selected in the Chamfer dialog box.

10. To transform a plane, choose the __________ button in the Construction Planes dialog
box.
3-50 EdgeCAM for Manufacturers

Exercise
Exercise 1
In this exercise, you will create the model shown in Figure 3-86. The dimensions of this
model are also shown in the same figure. (Expected time: 30 min)

Figure 3-86 Model for Exercise 1 and its dimensions

Answers to Self-Evaluation Test

1. F, 2. Both, 3. Concentric, 4. F, 5. T, 6. Drill Hole, 7. Propagate, 8. F, 9. Wireframe, 10. T