SolidEdge8 Vol1 PDF

C O U R S E
G U I D E
Solid Edge Fundamentals

Volume 1
MT01413
Version 8
This document replaces MT01413 Version 7.
Copyright
2000
Unigraphics Solutions, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
Software, file formats and audiovisual displays may be used pursuant to the applicable Software License
Agreement and contain confidential and proprietary information of Unigraphics Solutions Inc. which is
protected by copyright and trade secret law. Such materials may not be reproduced or transferred to
other documents or used or disclosed to others for manufacturing or for any other purpose except as
specifically authorized within the terms of the Software License Agreement, or as specifically
authorized in writing by Unigraphics Solutions Inc.
Restricted Rights Legend

Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in DFARS
252.227-7013 (Oct. 1988), DFARS 252.227-7014 (June 1995), FAR 52.227-19 (June 1987), and any
successor or similar regulation, as applicable.
Unpublishedrights reserved under the copyright laws of the United States.
Unigraphics Solutions Inc.
13736 Riverport Drive
Maryland Heights, MO 63043
Warranties and Liabilities

All warranties given by Unigraphics Solutions Inc. regarding software are set forth in your Software
License Agreement, and nothing stated in, or implied by, this document or its contents shall be
considered or deemed a modification or amendment of such warranties.
The information and the software discussed in this document are subject to change without notice and
should not be considered commitments by Unigraphics Solutions Inc.. Unigraphics Solutions Inc.
assumes no responsibility for any error that may appear in this document.
The software discussed in this document is furnished under a license and may be used or copied only in
accordance with the terms of the license.
No responsibility is assumed by Unigraphics Solutions Inc. for the use or reliability of software on
equipment that is not designated for software operability by Unigraphics Solutions Inc. or its affiliated
companies.
Trademarks
Solid Edge is a trademark of Unigraphics Solutions, Inc. Microsoft, the Windows logo, Visual Basic,
Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. IntelliMouse is a
trademark of Microsoft Corporation. MicroStation is a registered trademark of Bentley Systems Inc.
AutoCAD is a registered trademark of AutoDesk. TrueType is a registered trademark of Apple
Computer, Inc. Netscape is a trademark of Netscape Communications Corporation. All other brands and
product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
ii
T A B L E
O F
C O N T E N T S
Contents
Solid Edge Fundamentals Volume 1 ....................................................... i

Contents ................................................................................................... iii
Before You Begin .................................................................................... vi
Exploring Solid Edge ............................................................................... 1
Objectives ..............................................................................................................................3
Solid Edge Environments ......................................................................................................4
The User Interface .................................................................................................................5
Creating New Documents ....................................................................................................17
Creating Solid Models .........................................................................................................21
Help .....................................................................................................................................26
Using Learning Tools ..........................................................................................................29
Review .................................................................................................................................33
Activity Creating a Protrusion ..........................................................................................35
Activity - Creating a Revolved Protrusion...........................................................................51
Summary..............................................................................................................................62
2D Sketches and Layouts...................................................................... 63

Objectives ............................................................................................................................65
Definitions for Profiles & Sketches .....................................................................................66
Profile and Sketch Drawing Tools.......................................................................................68
Manipulating 2D Elements ..................................................................................................82
Geometric Relationships......................................................................................................85
IntelliSketch .........................................................................................................................93
Dimensions ..........................................................................................................................98
Relationship Assistant........................................................................................................107
Show Variability ................................................................................................................111
More on Profiles & Sketches .............................................................................................112
Save Profile as Sketch........................................................................................................118
Including Elements ............................................................................................................120
Editing and Modifying Sketches........................................................................................123
Sketch and Reference Plane Display .................................................................................125
Review ...............................................................................................................................126
Activity - Adding Relationships to Simple Sketches.........................................................127
Activity - Constructing a Model from Sketches ................................................................131
Activity - Using Construction Elements in Profiles (1) .....................................................157
iii
Table of Contents Solid Edge Fundamentals Course Guide Volume 1
Activity - Using Construction Elements in Profiles (2) .....................................................165

Summary............................................................................................................................171
Primary Features .................................................................................. 173

Objectives ..........................................................................................................................175
Introduction........................................................................................................................176
Feature WorkflowProtrusions and Cutouts....................................................................177
Swept Feature ....................................................................................................................200
Loft Feature .......................................................................................................................205
Holes ..................................................................................................................................211
Editing Profile Based Features ..........................................................................................217
Undo and Redo ..................................................................................................................218
Review ...............................................................................................................................220
Activity - Creating Profile Based Features ........................................................................221
Activity Creating a Loft Protrusion ................................................................................243
Summary............................................................................................................................258
Treatment Features .............................................................................. 259

Objectives ..........................................................................................................................261
Introduction........................................................................................................................262
Thin Wall ...........................................................................................................................263
Thin Region .......................................................................................................................268
Thicken Region..................................................................................................................269
Add Draft ...........................................................................................................................271
Round.................................................................................................................................276
Chamfers............................................................................................................................284
Copying Features ...............................................................................................................291
The Feature PathFinder......................................................................................................305
Review ...............................................................................................................................317
Activity - Constructing a Bracket ......................................................................................319
Activity - Constructing a Mouse Base ...............................................................................333
Summary............................................................................................................................350
Specialized Features............................................................................ 351

Objectives ..........................................................................................................................353
Introduction........................................................................................................................354
Helix Feature .....................................................................................................................355
Ribs ....................................................................................................................................358
Web Network.....................................................................................................................361
Lip/Groove Feature............................................................................................................363
Feature Libraries ................................................................................................................364
Embossing Text .................................................................................................................369
Review ...............................................................................................................................371
Activity - Creating a Helical Cutout ..................................................................................373
Activity - Using More Specialized Features ......................................................................379
Activity - Embossing Text .................................................................................................393
Summary............................................................................................................................398
Creating Drawings of 3D Models ........................................................ 399

Objectives ..........................................................................................................................401
Introduction........................................................................................................................401
Constructing Initial Drawing Views ..................................................................................407
iv
Table of Contents
Snapshot Views .................................................................................................................414

Principle Views..................................................................................................................416
Auxiliary Views.................................................................................................................417
Section Views ....................................................................................................................419
Detail Views ......................................................................................................................423
Broken Views ....................................................................................................................425
Edge Display......................................................................................................................427
Draw in View Command ...................................................................................................429
Draft View Command........................................................................................................430
Exploded Assembly Views ................................................................................................431
Manipulating Drawing Views............................................................................................432
In-Place Activation ............................................................................................................435
Updating Drawing Views ..................................................................................................436
Additional Drawing Sheets................................................................................................437
View Properties .................................................................................................................438
Reduce File Command.......................................................................................................440
Review ...............................................................................................................................441
Activity Drawing View Placement .................................................................................443
Activity - Assembly Drawing Creation .............................................................................457
Activity - Broken View Creation.......................................................................................467
Summary............................................................................................................................471
Dimensions and Annotations ............................................................. 473

Objectives ..........................................................................................................................475
Introduction........................................................................................................................476
Placing Dimensions ...........................................................................................................477
Placing Annotations...........................................................................................................491
Edge Display......................................................................................................................511
Review ...............................................................................................................................513
Activity - Retrieving and Placing Dimensions ..................................................................515
Activity - Placing Annotations ..........................................................................................533
Activity - Placing a Parts List ............................................................................................543
Summary............................................................................................................................548
Drawing Sheets .................................................................................... 549

Introduction........................................................................................................................551
Background Sheets ............................................................................................................551
Working Sheets..................................................................................................................555
Setting the Projection Angle ..............................................................................................558
Template Management......................................................................... 561

Introduction........................................................................................................................563
Customization ....................................................................................................................564
Tools, Options, Settings.....................................................................................................565
Creating and Modifying Styles ..........................................................................................582
Summary............................................................................................................................584
Orienting the Profile Window .............................................................. 585

Introduction........................................................................................................................587
Methods .............................................................................................................................587
Activity Orienting the Profile Window...........................................................................593
Table of Contents Solid Edge Fundamentals Course Guide Volume 1
Before You Begin
Who Should Read This Book

This course guide is for people who want to learn how to create parts, assemblies,
and drawings in Unigraphics Solutions Solid Edge.
Conventions
ALL CAPS
vi
Indicates keyboard keys, file names, and file

pathnames. For example, SHIFT + F1 means to press the
SHIFT key and F1 key at the same time.
M O D U L E
Exploring Solid Edge
Objectives ...................................................................................................3
Solid Edge Environments............................................................................4
The User Interface ......................................................................................5
Creating New Documents .........................................................................17
Creating Solid Models ..............................................................................21
Help ..........................................................................................................26
Using Learning Tools ...............................................................................29
Review.......................................................................................................33
Activity Creating a Protrusion...............................................................35
Activity - Creating a Revolved Protrusion................................................51
Summary ...................................................................................................62
Module 1 Solid Edge Fundamentals Course Guide Volume 1
UNIGRAPHICS SOLUTIONS
Do Not Copy
Exploring Solid Edge Module 1
Objectives
In this module we will explore the following:
The Solid Edge user interface.
Finding and opening Solid Edge documents.
Creating and saving of Solid Edge documents.
Solid Edge Help.
Solid Edge learning tools.
Do Not Copy
Solid Edge Environments

Solid Edge has five environments, Part, Sheet Metal, Assembly, X-Press Route,
and Draft. All but X-Press Route creates a different type of Solid Edge
document.
Solid Edge Part is used to construct individual part models. Part models are
constructed by adding and removing material from a base feature. Part
documents have the file extension .PAR.
Solid Edge Sheet Metal is used to construct individual sheet metal part models.
Sheet metal part models are also constructed by adding and removing material
from a base feature. Sheet metal documents have the file extension .PSM.
Solid Edge Assembly is used to build assemblies of existing parts and
subassemblies, or new parts can be modeled in the context of the assembly. Both
types of Solid Edge parts can be used to build an assembly. Parts can be used
that were not modeled in Solid Edge. 2D layouts can be drawn for conceptual
design of new assemblies. Parts are positioned in assemblies using assembly
relationships. Assembly documents have the file extension .ASM.
X-Press Route is included in the assembly environment if purchased. X-Press
Route provides the ability to route tubing throughout connect points within the
Solid Edge Assembly environment.
Solid Edge Draft allows quick creation of 2-D drawings using their 3D parts and
assemblies. 2D graphics can also be added to a drawing or 2D drawings can be
created without a 3D model. Draft documents have the file extension .DFT.
The Part, Sheet Metal, Assembly, and Draft environments simplify the work
users perform in Solid Edge by giving them a clear view of their design data and
a well-organized set of commands. Solid Edge opens the correct environment for
the document selected and automatically moves from one environment to the
other as specific tasks are performed. For example, by double clicking on a part
when working in the Assembly environment, the Part environment is
automatically opened. Movement between environments is quick and easy
because they have a similar layout and share many commands and productivity
tools.
When the Solid Edge program group is selected, a distinct icon for each
environment will be shown, with the exception of X-Press Route which is within
the Assembly environment. To open Solid Edge, click the icon for the desired
environment to work in.
Do Not Copy
The User Interface

Microsoft Windows users will find the Solid Edge interface comfortable and
familiar. Since Solid Edge is a Windows application, many of the commands
behave the same. However, the intuitive Solid Edge interface makes it easy to
learn new commands and concepts regardless of experience with Windows.
The Solid Edge user interface contains a menu bar, toolbars, and ribbon bars that
make it easy to access commands and set options. It also contains other userfriendly features that aid in the learning of commands, manipulation of windows,
specifying colors, and selecting elements.
Do Not Copy
Menu Bar
The Solid Edge menu bar contains the same menus as most other Windows
applications. By clicking the name of a menu, the software displays a set of
commands for the active Solid Edge environment. To select a command from a
menu, click on the icon for that command.
Commands that are available for use display in dark type as active, while others
are ghosted. Ghosted menu options are not active. In the following figure, the
Physical Properties command is unavailable and is a lighter shade than the
available commands.
Toolbars
The Main toolbar contains commands commonly used for manipulating
documents, printing documents, and manipulating views. The Main toolbar in
each Solid Edge environment also contains tools and utilities designed to simplify
the workflow in that environment. Like menu commands, toolbar buttons that are
active can be clicked, while ghosted ones cannot.
The following toolbar is the Main toolbar for the Part environment:
Do Not Copy
Once a command has been selected, the toolbar changes to show only what is
needed to execute the steps of that command. The toolbar below is for the profile
step of the protrusion command.
An environment specific (Part, Sheet Metal, Assembly) toolbar, displayed on

the left side of the window, contains the main commands used in each
environment. Use these commands to construct part models, build assemblies,
and produce drawings. Once a command is selected from the environment
toolbar, the toolbar changes for tools specific to the current command.
Do Not Copy
A toolbar button with a small black arrow in the bottom right corner contains a
fly-out. Fly-outs gives access to other closely related commands. To display the
fly-out, click the toolbar button and hold the left mouse button until the fly-out
appears.
Ribbon Bars
Most commands have ribbon bars associated with them. These are dynamic
dialog boxes that help to quickly set command options. Some ribbon bars are
also a guide through the command sequencing. These are called SmartStep
ribbon bars. For example, the SmartStep ribbon bar displays when the Protrusion
command is selected. The steps used to construct a protrusion are located on the
left side of the ribbon bar. The current step is highlighted.
ToolTips
When holding the mouse cursor over a toolbar button, the command name
displays in a ToolTip near the mouse cursor. Ribbon bars also have ToolTips to
help locate ribbon bar control.
Do Not Copy
Command Descriptions
When the mouse cursor is over a command, a brief description of the command
displays in the prompt field at the bottom left of the working area window.
Windows
Solid Edge displays graphics in one or more windows. In the Part, Sheet Metal,
and Assembly environments, the default window contains an isometric view of
the part or assembly. In the Draft environment, the default window contains a 2D
view of a drawing sheet. Solid Edge automatically creates new windows when
certain commands are selected.
Multiple Solid Edge documents can be open at one time. Use the Window
command on the Menu bar to get a list of the open documents and the windows
that are used to display them. The active document has a check mark next to it.
The New Window command creates a new window with the same contents as the
active window. The new window becomes active and appears on top of all the
other windows. If the contents of the open document in one window are changed,
the other windows that contain the same document reflect the changes. The open
windows can be minimized and displayed as icons in the Solid Edge workspace.
Automatically re-size and arrange windows with the Arrange command on the
Window menu. Arrange all windows, or only windows displaying the active file.
The arrangement options are tiled, horizontal, vertical and cascade.
Do Not Copy
Windowing Commands
These commands on the main toolbar will allow magnification or repositioning of
the graphics on the screen. The commands: Zoom Area, Zoom Out, Fit and Pan
are frequently used window commands.
Zoom Area: This command allows users to click and draw a rectangle that
defines the window viewing area. Whatever is inside the rectangle will be
displayed on the screen. Typically, it is used to zoom in to have a closer
view of graphics.
Zoom: This command allows users to zoom in and out with a single click of
the mouse. The position of the mouse determines the new center of the
window and the graphics are zoomed out about that point. By pressing and
holding the left mouse button, the mouse can be moved to dynamically zoom
in or out. This command is also available by holding the CTRL key down
and pressing the right mouse button.
Fit: This command scales all graphics to be displayed in the window. This
command is usually performed after a Zoom Area command. The Fit
command allows all of the graphics to be visible after the viewing of the
zoomed in area is completed.
Pan: This command allows the view area on the screen to move. This is
done by positioning the mouse over the graphics and clicking the mouse.
Then move the mouse to a new location on the screen and click again. It
will appear that the graphics have moved, but actually it is the viewing area
that moved, not the graphics. Press and hold the mouse button to pan the
window dynamically. This command is also available by holding the CTRL
and SHIFT key down and pressing the right mouse button.
10
Do Not Copy
Dynamic Viewing Commands
Along with the windowing commands on the main toolbar, are tools to rotate or
re-orient the view of the part.
Rotate: Rotates the view of a part or assembly by selecting an axis or part

edge about which to rotate the view. The part or assembly can be dragged
with the mouse cursor, or type an angle in the Rotation Angle field on the
Define View ribbon bar to rotate it. Holding the up/down arrow keys will
rotate the part in increments of 15 degrees. A free rotate is also available
when you hold the SHIFT key and right mouse button down.
Note: To return a view to the original orientation, press the Home key on the
keyboard while in this command.
Spin About: Selects a part face and then spins the part or assembly about
an axis that is normal to or lying on the face. The part or assembly can be
dragged with the mouse cursor, or type an angle in the Rotation Angle box
on the Define View ribbon bar.
Look at Face: When a face of a model is selected with this command the
view is rotated to be parallel to the selected face.
11
Do Not Copy
Common Views: To look at a face or rotate a model, use the following

dialog. To define the view, click the corresponding faces, arrow or points
on the Common Views dialog box.
Note: To return a view to the original orientation press the Home key on the
keyboard while in this command.
Named Views
The Named Views command found on the View menu allows saving and
managing different view orientations using the Views dialog box.
12
Do Not Copy
The Editing Table and buttons on the Views dialog box are as follows:
NameNames a view to be saved.
DescriptionEnters a description of the view saved.
ApplySets the active window to a selected saved view.
RedefineRedefines a saved view using the view in the active window.
DeleteDeletes a view selected on the Views dialog box.
Shading
The Shade command on the main toolbar allows toggling between a shaded
model and a Visible/Hidden line representation of the model.
Format View
Format View allows quick access to the Format View dialog box, which controls
parameters such as rendering, hidden-line appearance, lighting, perspective and
other viewing options.
13
Do Not Copy
Toolbar Size
The toolbar size can be changed to a larger setting. This can make it easier to see
the buttons and tool bars. This is done by selecting the Toolbars command on the
View menu. The Toolbars dialog box is displayed with the available options. By
selecting the Large Buttons option, then clicking OK, all of the buttons and
toolbars in the current environment will increase in size.
14
Do Not Copy
Color Options
Customize colors in Solid Edge using the Options command on the Tools menu.
The Colors tab on the Options dialog box controls the screen display colors.
15
Do Not Copy
QuickPick
To select an object located near other objects, use the QuickPick toolbar. Move
the mouse cursor over the elements and pause. When an ellipsis (three dots)
appears beside the mouse cursor, click the left mouse button to display the
QuickPick toolbar. Move the mouse cursor over each button on this toolbar,
objects that can be selected highlight. To select a highlighted element, click the
toolbar button.
16
Do Not Copy
Creating New Documents

A new document can be created in Solid Edge by using the New command on
the Main toolbar or the File menu.
The New command displays the New dialog box. The files on the General tab
represent the document templates available to create a new document from.
Templates
Solid Edge comes with four default templates: NORMAL.PAR for Part
documents, NORMAL.PSM for Sheet Metal documents, NORMAL.ASM for
Assembly documents, and NORMAL.DFT for Draft documents. When a new
document is created, it is given a temporary filename with the same extension as
the template selected. For example, if a new document is created using the
NORMAL.PAR template, the document is given the default name PART1.PAR.
A permanent name can be defined for the document the first time it is saved with
the Save or Save As command.
New templates are created by setting desired parameters and saving the file in the
template folder within the Solid Edge product.
17
Do Not Copy
Saving Documents
Save a document by performing one of the following processes.
Click the Save button

on the Main toolbar or the Save command on the
File menu to save the document and continue working in it.
Click Save As on the File menu to specify a document name and location
using the Save As dialog box.
Click Close on the File menu to close the document without exiting Solid
Edge. If the document has been changed since it was last saved, specify
whether to save the changes before the document is closed.
Click Exit on the File menu to close all documents and exit Solid Edge.
The first time a document is saved, Solid Edge automatically opens the Save As
dialog box. The Save In box allows the user to specify the folder to save the
document in. Change the default document name by typing a new name in the
File name box. Click the Save button to save the document.
The default Save in field can be changed by editing the properties of the Solid
Edge program icon. Click the icon in the Solid Edge program group, click
Properties on the File menu, and then edit the Working Folder in the Properties
dialog box.
18
Do Not Copy
Opening Documents
If a document's name and location are known, it can be opened by doubleclicking its name in Windows Explorer. To open a document recently worked on
in Solid Edge, click its name in the recently-used files list on the Solid Edge File
menu.
To open a document where the name and location are not known, use the Open
command on the File menu. The Open command displays the Open File dialog
box.
The Look In box specifies the drive and folder to search for the document.
Different disk drives can be specified, including network drives, and folders for a
document. When a disk drive is selected, folders on this drive will be displayed.
Likewise, sub-folders and top-level documents display when a folder is selected.
The type of documents displayed can be specified in the Open File dialog box
with the Files Of Type box.
19
Do Not Copy
The buttons at the top of the Open File dialog box allows the changing of the
folder to the parent folder, connect and disconnect network drives, and change
how documents display in the dialog box.
Other dialog box options are as follows:
Option
Does this
File Name
Specifies the document to open
Files of Type
Specifies the type of document to open
Find
Starts the document search using the search criteria specified
Read only
Opens a document with read only privileges
Preview
Displays graphic preview of the document selected
Properties
Displays specific properties of the document selected
When a document is selected, Solid Edge indicates the document availability at

the bottom of the dialog box. The availability may be read-write or read-only.
Note: The type of document selected determines the Solid Edge environment that
will be opened. For example, if in the Part Environment and an assembly
document is selected, the Assembly environment will be entered.
20
Do Not Copy
Creating Solid Models

Solid models are created using 2D cross sections called profiles. Decide which
creation tool (command) to use before actually beginning the solid. These tools
create what is called the Base Feature of the part. Each of these methods require
creating a 2D cross section(s) of the feature, then the profile is projected, rotated,
swept along a path, or lofted. The following are a brief examples of the Solid
Edge commands used to start a model.
Protrusion - Used to push or project the cross section a linear distance.
21
Do Not Copy
Revolved Protrusion - Used to rotate the cross section around an axis.
Swept Protrusion - Used to sweep the cross section along a path.
22
Do Not Copy
Lofted Protrusion - Used to transition from one cross section to another.
The 2D cross sections are called profiles in Solid Edge. The profile(s) for
creating a new part, or Base Feature, must be closed.
23
Do Not Copy
Reference Planes
When a part document is created, three rectangles in the working area are
displayed. These rectangles are called reference planes. Think of reference
planes as 2D sketching planes in a 3D environment. Anytime 2D profiles are to
be drawn, a reference plane must be chosen first, in which to draw on. There are
three default Reference Planes in Solid Edge Part. They are oriented in 3D space
relative to a top, front and right view. If other orientations are needed, new
Reference Planes can be defined and created. Also, Reference Planes can be
generated from planar faces of existing part geometry.
Reference Planes aid in the location of geometry in 3D space.
24
Do Not Copy
The Profile Environment

Once the appropriate command and reference plane has been selected, a new
window is created. The new window is a flat, 2D view used for creating the
profile. Along with the new profile window, Solid Edge also changes the feature
toolbar to a drawing toolbar with 2D drawing tools such as lines and arcs.
Geometry associated with the profile will be flat (2D), however other views such
as the isometric can also be used to draw a valid profile. The resultant geometry
will be projected onto the plane defined initially.
Once the Profile is completed, click the Finish button on the ribbon bar to return
to the feature command.
25
Do Not Copy
Help
Solid Edge Help provides easy access to descriptive information about the
product, procedures, and command summaries any time during a design session.
Activate Help by clicking Solid Edge Help Topics on the Help menu.
If users are familiar with AutoCAD, they can benefit from specialized Help
topics for AutoCAD users. For topics on customizing Solid Edge, click
Programming with Solid Edge on the Help menu.
26
Do Not Copy
Searching Help
The Contents, Index, and Search tabs on the Help dialog box can be used to find
the information needed.
The Contents tab displays books that organize Help topics by content. The
outline presented on the Contents tab helps to quickly discover relationships
between topics and move easily from overview discussions to detailed, step-bystep procedures. To display a topic on the Help Contents tab, double-click the
book beside the topic. Then click on the subject to bring up the help text.
The Index tab gives an alphabetical index to search for Help information. To find
an entry, scroll through the index entries or type a word to jump to it. When an
index entry is selected, a list of related topics is displayed. If there is only one
related topic, it is displayed automatically.
The Search tab searches for any word in the Help topic text. The word list can be
scrolled through or a word can be typed to move immediately to it. When a word
is selected, a list of topics containing that word is displayed.
27
Do Not Copy
Context-Sensitive Help
Context-sensitive help
commands in Solid Edge.
allows quick access to information about the
When the Context-Sensitive Help button is clicked on the main tool bar, the
cursor changes to a question mark, and any command selected will bring up help
text for that command. This command can also be activated at any time by
keying in SHIFT+F1.
The displayed topic gives a brief description of the command, and access to
related topics and procedures.
28
Do Not Copy
Using Learning Tools

Whats New
The Whats New option displays welcome screen for Solid edge environment
currently active. The picture below is for the Part environment.
Whats New: Lists the changes made since the last release of Solid Edge per
environment.
29
Do Not Copy
View a brief presentation on the active environment to better understand the

focus and features avaialble to the user.
Start a tutorial to get a better understanding of the environment capabilities by

applying some of the functionality in a structured, or guided, session.
Learn about the other Help tools available in Solid Edge.
Exit the Welcome billboard and start using Solid Edge.

Frequent users may not want to see this form every time they start a Solid Edge
environment. If so, make sure the Show this screen option on the bottom of
the form is clear. This will bypass this welcome screen when starting the
environment.
Tutorials
The tutorials included in Solid Edge walk the user through modeling parts,
building assemblies, and creating drawings. A tutorial can be started from Solid
Edge Express or by clicking Tutorials on the Solid Edge Help menu.
Each tutorial provides step-by-step instructions, helpful illustrations, and
examples that make it easy to become familiar with Solid Edge.
30
Do Not Copy
Tip of the Day

Useful tips about using Solid Edge can be accessed from the Solid Edge help
menu. To see another tip, click the NEXT TIP button.
For tips indexed by subject, click the MORE TIPS button.
31
Do Not Copy
Typical Workflow for Part Model Creation

(Simplified)
The chart below shows the basic workflow for creating a 3D model. Another
method of creating a part within the context of an assembly will be discussed
later.
32
Do Not Copy
Review
1. What is the function and location of the Menu bar, Main toolbar,
bar, and Environment-specific toolbar?
Ribbon
2. What is the function of QuickPick?

3. What are the five default templates delivered with Solid Edge?
4. List 2-ways to open a document. List 3-ways to save a document.
5. List the environments that make up Solid Edge.
6. How can information on the Protrusion command be found?
7. What must be drawn first to derive the base feature of a solid model?
8. What is the Smartstep Ribbon Bar?
33
Do Not Copy
34
Do Not Copy
Activity Creating a Protrusion

Objectives
After completing this activity, users will be able to:
Create and save a new file.
Create a solid model with the Protrusion command.
Create a Profile by keying in the lengths.
Perform basic window manipulations.
Define part properties.
In this activity, the following solid model will be generated with the Protrusion
command by creating a profile and then extending it.
35
Do Not Copy
1. Open the Solid Edge Part environment.

This model will be constructed in metric units. To determine if you are in metric
or English units, select the Properties option, and then the units tab.
If Solid Edge was loaded with metric units, go to step 2 now.

If Solid Edge was loaded with English units, click the More tab in the New File
dialog box and double-click the NORMMET.PAR template.
36
Do Not Copy
2. On the Main toolbar, click the Help command.

Note: The cursor is now displayed with a question mark attached.
3. On the Feature toolbar, click the Protrusion command
information.
to display the help
Note: The help topic for any command can be displayed as needed during the lab
activities.
4. Take a moment to review the description of the Protrusion. Now select the
HOW TO button from the help window. When the information has been
reviewed, click the X button in the upper right corner of the Help window to
close the help. Now a protrusion will be created.
5. On the Feature toolbar, click the Protrusion command.
37
Do Not Copy
6. Notice that the ribbon bar changes to display the steps for the Protrusion
command.
Notice the Draw option on the protrusion ribbon bar is the default mode.
All options for any command are always found on the Ribbon Bar.
7. Move the cursor over the reference planes in the Part window and click on the
front reference plane when it highlights.
Note: The system creates a new window and displays the front reference plane
parallel to the window.
8. Click the Line command.
Note: Pay close attention to the prompt field in the lower left corner of the Solid
Edge Part environment. Notice the system is prompting the user to click for the
first point of the line.
38
Do Not Copy
9. Position the mouse in the lower left corner of the Profile window, and click to
place the first point of the line as shown in the following figure.
10. Notice the Length field is highlighted in blue. Type 150 for the length of the
line, then press the Enter key on the keyboard. Anytime a field is highlighted
in blue it will take a key entry automatically, the field does not have to be
clicked to edit.
The length of the line is now locked at 150mm, and the system is prompting the
user to select the second point of the line.
11. Move the cursor to the right of the first point and make sure the Horizontal
Indicator is displayed (the small symbol to the right of the cursor shown
below), and then click to place the line.
39
Do Not Copy
12. Without starting the line command over, create the second line by typing 25
in the Length field and pressing the ENTER key on the keyboard.
Move the cursor above the last point and make sure the Vertical Indicator is
displayed. Click the left mouse button once to place the second line.
13. Create the next line by typing 125 into the Length field and press the ENTER
key on the keyboard.
40
Do Not Copy
Place a line horizontal to the left by moving your mouse in that direction. Once
the horizontal indicator is displayed, click the left mouse button to place this line
segment.
14. Create the next line by typing 100 into the Length field and then placing a
vertical line by moving the mouse above the previous line and giving a left
mouse click once the vertical indicator (to the right of the mouse) appears.
41
Do Not Copy
15. Place the next line by moving the cursor to the left until the Horizontal
symbol and the Vertical Indicator are both displayed. If the gray dashed line
as shown below is not displayed, brush (move the mouse over) the first line
segment and then back up to this position. The gray dashed lines should reappear.
16. To complete the profile, return the cursor to the starting position and make
sure the End Point symbol is displayed, and then click the left mouse button
to place the line.
Note: Do not click when the Point on Element symbol is displayed (line with an
arrow). This will cause a gap between the endpoints of the two lines.
42
Do Not Copy
17. A fillet will now be added to the profile.
Click the Fillet command.
18. Type 15 into the Radius field on the ribbon bar.
43
Do Not Copy
19. Select the two inside line segments, which make the inside corner of the
profile. Upon selecting the second segment, the fillet will automatically be
placed.
20. Click the Finish button
on the ribbon bar to finish the profile.
44
Do Not Copy
21. Move the cursor into the Part window and notice the system is ready to define
the distance of the protrusion. Type 400 into the Distance field on the ribbon
bar and press the ENTER key on the keyboard.
22. Move the cursor in the Part window to the left and to the right of the profile.
Notice the system will allow placement of the part 400 mm in front of or
behind the profile.
located on the far right of the ribbon
23. Click the Symmetric Extent button
bar. This creates the protrusion centered about the profile, instead of in front
of or behind the profile.
24. At this point the system is still in the Protrusion command. This allows the
ability to backup to a previous step in the ribbon bar if a change to the part is
needed.
25. Click the Finish button on the ribbon bar to complete the Protrusion. This
will accept the protrusion as a finished feature.
45
Do Not Copy
26. On the Tools menu, click Hide All - Reference Planes. This turns off the
display of the reference planes to help clean up the view of the part.
27. On the Main toolbar, click the Fit command

the entire part.
46
Do Not Copy
to re-size the view to display
28. On the Main toolbar, click the Shade command
29. On the File menu, click the Properties command.
47
Do Not Copy
30. Click the Project Tab and type the following information.
31. Click the Summary Tab and type the following information.
32. Click the OK button to dismiss the Properties dialog box.
48
Do Not Copy
33. On the File menu, click the Close command.
34. Since the file has changed after this activity first started, the following
message is displayed. Click Yes to save the changes. All model information
(including the text typed on the properties tabs) will always remain with this
file. This information can also be used the in Bill of Material reports or in
document searches.
49
Do Not Copy
35. Reopen the file and click the Save As button. The Save As dialog box is
displayed.
36. Make sure the Save in field is set to the Drawing Files folder and type
BRACKET as the part file name, then click the Save button.
This completes the first activity.
50
Do Not Copy
Activity - Creating a Revolved Protrusion

Objectives
In this exercise, the revolved protrusion model will be completed in metric units.
1. Close all Part files, then create a new document by clicking the New button.
Click the Normal.Par template, then click OK.
Note: If Solid Edge was loaded with English units, click the More tab in the New
File dialog box and double-click the NORMMET.PAR template.
2. On the Feature toolbar, click the Revolved Protrusion command.
Notice that the Ribbon bar changes to display the steps for the Revolved
Protrusion command.
51
Do Not Copy
3. Move the cursor over the reference planes in the part window and click on the
front reference plane.
Note: After selecting this plane, the system creates a new profile window and is
displayed with the front reference plane parallel to the window (the display of
this front reference plane is turned off to reduce screen clutter). The cross hairs
in the center of the window are the edge view of the top and right reference
planes.
4. Before starting to draw, make sure the Midpoint option in IntelliSketch is
active. On the Tools menu, click the IntelliSketch command.
52
Do Not Copy
5. Make sure the box beside the word Midpoint contains a check mark. If it does
not, click in the box to display the check mark, and then click the OK button.
6. Click the Line command.

Note: Pay close attention to the prompt field in the lower left corner of the Solid
Edge Part environment. Notice the system is prompting to click for the first point
of the line.
53
Do Not Copy
7. Position the cursor at the Midpoint of the horizontal reference plane and make
sure the Midpoint symbol is displayed, then click to place the first point of the
line.
Note: Do not click when the Point on Element symbol is displayed (line with an
arrow). This will place the point near, but not exactly on the midpoint.
8. Type 75 into the Length field on the Ribbon bar.
9. Move the cursor to the right of the reference plane and make sure either the
Horizontal or the Point On symbol (line with an arrow) is displayed. Click to
place the second point of the line as shown in the following figure.
10. Type 30 into the Length field and move the cursor upward until the Vertical
symbol is displayed, then click to place the second line.
54
Do Not Copy
11. Type 35 into the Length field and move the cursor towards the left and place
a horizontal line.
55
Do Not Copy
12. Click the Arc option on the Line ribbon bar, and type 15 for the Radius and
90 degrees for the Sweep angle.
13. Position the cursor directly on the end of the last line and then move the
cursor to the left. This tells the system to place the arc tangent to the end of
the line and locks it to the quadrant of the circle that is passed through. To
place the arc upward, make sure to position the cursor above the line, and
then click to place the arc.
Note: If the mouse is accidentally moved upward or downward from the end of
the line, the arc will be drawn perpendicular from the line.
56
Do Not Copy
14. While still in the same line command, create the next line; type 25 into the
Length field. Position the cursor above the arc until the Vertical symbol or the
Tangent symbol is displayed and click to place the line.
15. Move the cursor to the left until the Horizontal and Point On symbols are
displayed and click to place the line.
16. To close and complete the Profile, move the cursor onto the bottom line and
then to the left end of the line. Click when the Endpoint symbol is displayed.
Note: Do not click when the Midpoint symbol is displayed. This is the midpoint
of the reference plane where the profile was started, not the endpoint of the
57
Do Not Copy
profile line. Even though these two points are common, the endpoint of the last
line must be attached to the endpoint of the first. Otherwise, the system does not
consider the profile to be closed.
17. Click the Finish button.

18. The following error message will be displayed.
Note: Before the Revolved Protrusion command can be completed, an axis of

revolution must be defined.
19. Dismiss the error message box by clicking on OK.
20. Click the Axis of Revolution command from the profile feature toolbar (the
left toolbar).
58
Do Not Copy
21. Position the cursor on the vertical line on the left side of the profile, and click
to define the axis of revolution. Notice the line's symbology is changed to
represent a centerline. Only one axis of revolution for each revolved feature
is allowed.

23. Move the cursor into the Part window and notice the system is ready to
define the angle for the Revolved Protrusion. Click the Revolve 360 degrees
option
on the ribbon bar to complete the feature.
24. At this point the system is still in the Revolved Protrusion command. This
demonstrates the systems ability to backup to a previous step on the ribbon
59
Do Not Copy
bar if a change needs to be made to any step in the feature creation process
(plane, profile, or extent).
25. Click the Finish button on the ribbon bar to complete the Revolved
Protrusion.
26. On the Main toolbar, click the Fit command.
to display the entire part.
This will re-size the view
27. On the Tools menu, click Hide All - Reference Planes. This turns off the
display of the reference planes to help cleanup the view of the part.
60
Do Not Copy
28. On the Main toolbar, click the Shade command.
29. On the Main toolbar, click the Save command.

30. Save the file into the Drawing Files folder with the filename Guide.par.
31. Click the Close command from the File menu to close the document. It is a
good idea to close documents when finished.
This completes this activity.
61
Do Not Copy
Summary
The best way to get familiar with the Solid Edge is by using it. Experience with
Windows products adds familiarity to many of the commands in Solid Edge.
Tools such as IntelliSketch, QuickPick, and SmartStep ribbon bars also make it
easy to learn and use Solid Edge.
Things to remember:
When a value is typed, press the ENTER key afterwards.
The right mouse button can be used to get access to Shortcut menus and to
restart commands.
The prompt field located in the lower left of the Solid Edge window will help
guide you through a command sequence.
Feature Options are found on the Ribbon Bar.
The Smartstep Ribbon bar shows sequences for each command and is also
very useful when making edits.
62
Do Not Copy
M O D U L E
2D Sketches and Layouts
Objectives .................................................................................................65
Definitions for Profiles & Sketches ..........................................................66
Profile and Sketch Drawing Tools............................................................68
Manipulating 2D Elements .......................................................................82
Geometric Relationships...........................................................................85
IntelliSketch ..............................................................................................93
Dimensions ...............................................................................................98
Relationship Assistant.............................................................................107
Show Variability .....................................................................................111
More on Profiles & Sketches ..................................................................112
Save Profile as Sketch.............................................................................118
Including Elements .................................................................................120
Editing and Modifying Sketches .............................................................123
Sketch and Reference Plane Display ......................................................125
Review.....................................................................................................126
Activity - Adding Relationships to Simple Sketches................................127
Activity - Constructing a Model from Sketches ......................................131
Activity - Using Construction Elements in Profiles (1) ..........................157
Activity - Using Construction Elements in Profiles (2) ..........................165
Summary .................................................................................................171
64
Do Not Copy
2D Sketches and Layouts Module 2
Objectives
The purpose of this module is to provide a better understanding of the following:
What profiles and sketches are and how they are used
Degrees of freedom, and how to eliminate them
Draw simple Sketches
Use IntelliSketch when drawing Sketches
Control the size and shape of Sketches
Apply relationships to Sketches
Place and modify dimensions
How to use relationship assistant
The advantage to drawing profiles away from reference planes
65
Do Not Copy
Definitions for Profiles & Sketches

We will first define several terms that will provide a better understanding of the
lead in to solid model creation in Solid Edge. That lead in is the required 2D
geometry (profiles and sketches) necessary to derive solid models from.
Parametric Solid Edge is a parametric modeler. In Solid Edge a solid model is

constructed from several parametric features. Parametric features can be edited by
modifying the two-dimensional (2D) profiles that they were derived from. These
modifications are typically made by editing the dimensional values assigned to
the 2D elements within the profile. Also realize that the elements can have their
behavior modified by changing the geometric relationships assigned to them.
Profile A profile is one or more 2D elements drawn on a reference plane, or
part feature plane that is used to derive a part feature. In Solid Edge a profile is
drawn within the selected feature command. The profile must be completed and
meet all profile validation rules for the feature being constructed.
Tip: Draw profiles within a command when the feature being constructed is
simplistic in nature, and will not be needed for use in other features.
Sketch A sketch is similar to a profile, in that it serves the same purpose, but is
drawn outside of a feature command environment. A sketch can be used for
multiple features and is not checked for profile validation until it is used within a
feature command.
Tip: Draw sketches when there is a need for multiple feature use, multiple
profiles required for the feature being constructed, and when the profile
required involves a greater degree of complexity to construct.
66
Do Not Copy
Relationships Relationships are assigned to elements within profiles to control

the behavior of that element. There are two types of relationshipsdimensional
and geometric.
Tip: Once the profile has been drawn it is recommended that critical dimension
relationships be added before adding geometric relationships. This practice
will help retain the profiles proper proportions achieved while the elements
were being drawn.
Degrees of Freedom The number of ways in which an element of a profile can
change in an unpredictable manner. DOF are eliminated by applying
relationships to the element(s) to gain control of its behavior.
Tip: Consider the use of Relationship Assistant to help eliminate DOF. While
doing this always keep in mind the intent of the design for predictable
behavior of the profile.
67
Do Not Copy
Profile and Sketch Drawing Tools

Many types of 2D elements can be drawn in the Profile/Sketch windowlines,
arcs, and circles, as well as freeform shapes with smooth curves.
Other operations include the following:
Trim and extend elements
Add chamfers and fillets
Draw patterns of elements
Create precision graphics from a freehand sketch
Click a button on the Draw toolbar and begin drawing in the Profile/Sketch
window. Many drawing commands have ribbon bars that allow the typing of
information such as length, angle, and distance while drawing an element.
Axis of Revolution
Defines the axis of revolution of a revolved feature. This command is available
when you are in the Profile step for a revolved feature. You can define an
element, a part edge, a reference axis, or the edge of a perpendicular reference
plane as an axis of revolution.
68
Do Not Copy
Lines
To use the Line command, draw a line by positioning the mouse cursor in the
Sketch window, and then click to place each endpoint of the line. Click the right
mouse button to finish the current line and start a new line.
The Line command can also be used to draw an arc by clicking the Arc option on
the ribbon bar.
An arc can be placed tangent or perpendicular to the end of the line. The intent
zone (an X with a circle to represent four arc quadrants) controls the direction of
the arc. Simply drag the mouse away from the line in the direction to create the
arc.
Switching between Line mode and Arc mode can be performed at any time using
the buttons on the ribbon bar or the keyboard. Press L to draw a line or A to
draw an arc. After an arc has been drawn, the command automatically switches
back to Line mode. The circular indicator split into 4 quadrants is called the
intent zone. How the arc exits (which pie slice) determines the direction of the
arc and whether it is placed tangent or normal to the line. To change direction,
reenter the circle and exit in the desired quadrant.
69
Do Not Copy
Arcs
There are several commands available to draw arcs, but only one arc command is
displayed on the toolbar. The additional arc commands are located on a fly-out.
To access the fly-out buttons, position the cursor over the arc command on the
toolbar and press and hold the left mouse button. When the fly-out appears,
move the mouse over the command you want, and release the left mouse button.
Arc by Center Point

Using the Arc by Center command, an arc can be drawn by clicking to define the
center point, the start point, and then the sweep point.
Arc by Three Points

Using the Arc by Three Points command, arcs can be drawn in two ways. One
method requires the placement of the endpoints first, and then place a third point
between them to define the midpoint. The other method is to type in a radius,
define the endpoints, and then identify the side for placement.
Tangent Arc
The Tangent Arc command is used to draw an arc with its starting point tangent
to an existing element, such as a line. Place the mouse cursor over the element
the arc will be tangent to, and then click.
Note: If an existing element is not clicked on, this command works just like the
Arc by 3 Points command.
70
Do Not Copy
Circles and Ellipses
To draw a circle or ellipse, display the circle command fly-out and click the
button for the circle or ellipse command required.
Circle by Center
Using the Circle by Center command, first click to define its center point. Next,
click to define the radius or type the radius or diameter value in the ribbon bar.
Circle by Three Points

Using the Circle by Three Points command, a circle can be drawn by placing
three points along its circumference to define the location and size of the circle.
71
Do Not Copy
Tangent Circle
The Tangent Circle command draws a circle tangent to another piece of
geometry. Begin drawing a circle tangent to lines, arcs, or circles by first clicking
to establish the point of tangency between the circle being drawn and an existing
element. Next, place a second point to define which side of the element to place
the circle on.
Ellipse by Center
To use the Ellipse by Center command, begin by clicking to define the center of
the primary axis. Next, place a second point to define the length and orientation
of an axis of the ellipse, and then place a third point to define a point on the
perimeter of the ellipse.
72
Do Not Copy
Ellipse by Three Points

To use the Ellipse by Three Points command, begin by clicking to define the first
point of the primary axis. The second point defines the length and orientation of
the primary axis, and the third point is a point on the perimeter of the ellipse.
Rectangles
Using the Rectangle command, a rectangle is drawn by placing three points,
dragging across diagonally, or keying in the length, width and placement angle.
The Rectangle ribbon bar allows you to input the width, height and angle of the
rectangle. Click once for the lower left corner, and then place the rectangle.
As the following picture illustrates, a rectangle can be created with just two
points. Press and hold the mouse left button down and drag the mouse cursor at
an angle to define a second point, and release the mouse button.
73
Do Not Copy
Drawing Curves
Drawing a Simple Curve

The Curve command draws freeform curves from defined node points. Place at
least three node points to create a curve. Open or closed curves are drawn by
setting an option on the ribbon bar. The shape can also be drawn by pressing and
holding the left mouse button while dragging the mouse. Releasing the mouse for
the end point finishes the command.
74
Do Not Copy
Drawing with FreeSketch

The FreeSketch command can be used to draw lines, arcs and circles by
sketching them freehand with the mouse cursor. The interpretation of the
freehand sketch is controlled by ribbon bar options. The first two ribbon bar
buttons are Adjust On and Adjust Off. With Adjust On, the command interprets
whether a line should be horizontal or vertical, or if a line and arc should be
tangent. With Adjust Off set, the command draws the lines and arcs based
exactly on the sketch. The last four ribbon bar buttons control what type of
elements will be drawn. If lines and arcs are selected, the commands will only
draw lines and arcs.
Adding Fillets and Chamfers to Sketches
Fillets and Chamfers are accessed through a common fly-out.
75
Do Not Copy
Fillets
The Fillet command draws a fillet between two elements. The fillet is defined by
positioning the cursor over two intersecting elements, and then clicking and
moving the mouse cursor to position the fillet. Click again when the fillet is the
desired size. Fillets can also be drawn for elements that do not intersect. Click
each element, position the fillet, and then click.
Chamfers
The Chamfer command draws a chamfer between two elements. The fillet is
defined by positioning the cursor over two intersecting elements, clicking, then
moving the mouse cursor to position the chamfer. Chamfers can also be drawn
for elements that do not intersect. Click each element, position the chamfer, and
then click.
The default angle for the Chamfer command is 45 degrees. Users can change the
angle or setback distances on the ribbon bar.
76
Do Not Copy
Trimming and Extending Elements
The Trim and Corner Trim commands are accessed through a common fly-out.
Trim
The Trim command trims an element back to its intersection with another
element. Highlight the part to trim, and then click.
One or more elements can be trimmed by dragging the mouse cursor across the
part to trim.
77
Do Not Copy
Trim Corner
The Trim Corner command creates a corner by extending or trimming two
selected open elements.
Extending Elements
The Extend to Next command extends an open element to the next element. This
is done by clicking the element, and then clicking near the end to extend.
78
Do Not Copy
Construction Geometry
The Construction command allows an element to be labeled as construction only.

Construction elements are not considered as part of the shape to later be used on
the 3D solid. For example, the dotted 45 degrees lines in the following shape
help control the location of the tabs, but they are not used to make the 3D solid
model.
79
Do Not Copy
Offsetting Elements
Offset Command
The Offset command allows an element to be offset or copied parallel. Offset
does not select model edges, model edges can be offset through the Include
command. The ribbon bar controls options like the distance and whether to select
individual elements, or offset the entire shape (chain).
80
Do Not Copy
Symmetrical Offset Command

The Symmetrical Offset command draws geometry offset symmetrically from a
selected center line. A sample result and the options form are shown in the
following figures.
81
Do Not Copy
Manipulating 2D Elements
2D elements can be moved, rotated, mirrored, scaled, and deleted.
Each command, with exception of the delete, has a Copy option on the ribbon bar
to create additional geometry instead of manipulating the original elements. The
steps to manipulate elements are:
1. Select the 2D element(s) using the Select Tool.
2. Click the manipulation command.
3. Perform the appropriate actions using the ribbon bar and the prompts as a
guide.
Move
The Move command is used to move and copy elements. Once an element is
selected and the Move command is clicked, the ribbon bar provides the options
for moving or copying the element(s).
Once a user has specified whether to move or copy the element, define a location
to copy the element from. For example, if the element to be copied is a circle,
select the center of the circle as the location to copy from. Doing this will
attach the circles center to the mouse. The user can then define a location to
move or copy the circle to by moving the mouse to the desired location and
clicking the left mouse button. IntelliSketch can be used to help find the location
to select as the to location.
82
Do Not Copy
Rotate
The Rotate command is used to rotate or rotate and copy 2D element(s). The
Rotate command requires a center point for the rotation, and from to points.
Using IntelliSketch to locate the center point and the point to rotate from makes
using the Rotate command much more efficient.
Mirror
The mirror command is used to mirror 2D element(s) and mirror copy 2D
element(s) about a line or two points.
If the mirror line is drawn using IntelliSketch, the action is much simpler. The
ribbon bar can be used to input the angle of the line if drawn. Typically this is
not needed if IntelliSketch is used.
83
Do Not Copy
Scaling
The Scale command is used to increase or decrease the size of 2D elements
proportionally using a scale factor. Like the other manipulation commands, Scale
allows the user to scale and copy element(s).
A point is chosen on the screen to define where the scaling is centered.
Delete
The Delete command is used to remove 2D elements from the profile or sketch
window.
Undo and Redo

The Undo and Redo commands allow the user to undo and redo actions. This
makes it possible to recover from bad or unwanted actions such as deleting an
element by accident.
84
Do Not Copy
Geometric Relationships
Geometric relationships are used to control the orientation of an element with
respect to another element or reference plane. For example, a tangent
relationship between a line and an arc can be defined. If the adjoining elements
change, the tangent relationship is maintained between the elements.
Geometric relationships control how a Sketch will change when edits are made.
IntelliSketch, as previously discussed, displays and places geometric relationships
as a user draws. Other geometric relationships can be placed after the Sketch has
been drawn using the relationship commands on the toolbar.
Relationship Handles
Special symbols called handles are used to indicate the types of relationships that
have been applied to sketches. The geometric relationship handles are shown
below:
Collinear
Tangent
Connect
Symmetric
Concentric
Parallel
Equal
Perpendicular
Horizontal/Vertical
85
Do Not Copy
Note that more than one relationship may be required and displayed at the same
location on the profile. For example, on the previous figure, a Connect and
Tangent relationship are located on the top right of the profile where the arc and
line meet. Additionally, there are Horizontal and Vertical relationships
embedded in the middle of the Equal relationships in the lower right corner of the
profile.
Sometimes a relationship may exist, but is not displayed. For example, there is
also a Connect, Tangent and Vertical relationship on the small line below the
right side of the arc in the previous figure. These are not displayed because they
would overtake the elements, and all a user would see is a blob of relationships.
This happens when an elements size is small compared to the overall view. If
there are ever doubts about whether or not a relationship exists, just use the
Window Area command to zoom in closer. Then the relationships will be visible.
86
Do Not Copy
Another thing to note about the shape is the horizontal relationship across the
middle of the profile.
This represents that the midpoint of the left vertical line is Horizontal to the
endpoint of the right vertical line. This captures the actual length of the right
vertical line to be exactly half as long as the left line, or 40 mm. If a user tried to
place a dimension on the right line, it would be placed Driven, because its length
is already controlled. Relationships can be used to control the entire element, or
individual points of the element.
The next section explains each of the relationship types, along with some
examples.
Collinear
The Collinear command forces two lines to remain collinear. If the angle of one
of the lines changes, the other line also changes its angle and position to remain
collinear with the first line.
87
Do Not Copy
Connect
The Connect command holds endpoints to elements or endpoints to keypoints. A
connect relationship is applied by selecting the endpoints of two elements.
Establishing a connect relationship between element endpoints helps to draw a
closed Sketch.
Connect can also be used to connect the endpoint of an element to another

element, but not specifically at a given point such as an endpoint. This is referred
to as a point-on-element connection. The symbol for two points connected will
have a dot at the middle, but the dot will be missing when the connect is not tied
to the endpoint, creating a point-on-element connection. For example, the
endpoint of the top horizontal line on the right side of the profile is connected to
the vertical line, but not at the endpoint.
Care must be taken when using the IntelliSketch to draw profiles or build
relationships. Pay close attention to the symbols being shown. Otherwise, a user
might accidentally connect a lines endpoint to another element, rather than
joining the two endpoints. This will cause problems later when trying to use this
profile to build a base feature, since the profile is not closed.
88
Do Not Copy
Perpendicular
The Perpendicular command is used to maintain a 90-degree angle between two
lines.
Tangent
The Tangent command is used to maintain tangency between two elements.
89
Do Not Copy
Horizontal/Vertical
The Horizontal/Vertical command makes a line horizontal or vertical with respect
to the active reference plane. This relationship can also be applied between key
points.
Equal
The Equal command is used to maintain size equality between two similar type
elements. When this relationship is applied between two lines, their lengths will
be equal. When applied between two arcs, their radii will be equal.
90
Do Not Copy
Parallel
The Parallel command makes two lines share the same angled orientation.
Concentric
The Concentric command maintains the coincident centers for arcs and circles.
91
Do Not Copy
Symmetric
The Symmetric command is used to make elements symmetric about a line or
reference plane. The Symmetric command captures both the location of the
elements, and their size.
92
Do Not Copy
IntelliSketch
IntelliSketch is a dynamic sketching aid that finds and maintains geometric
relationships between element key points as elements are created and modified.
It also allows relationships to be defined between elements and reference planes.
As elements are sketched, symbols appear next to the mouse cursor indicating
geometric relationships. If the mouse is clicked, the relationship is applied as the
element is drawn.
IntelliSketch is activated when the user starts drawing. Relationship indicators
appear based on the mouse cursor location and the elements the mouse cursor has
touched.
Setting Relationship Indicators

The user defines which relationship indicators IntelliSketch recognizes with the
IntelliSketch command on the Tools menu.
93
Do Not Copy
Relationship Indicators
The symbols that IntelliSketch displays while drawing are called relationship
indicators. When the mouse cursor is moved across an element, relationship
indicators show key points on elements and relationships between elements. If a
keypoint is entered when a relationship indicator is displayed, that relationship is
applied.
The following picture shows the Point On Element, Center, Endpoint and
Midpoint relationship indicators. Midpoints can be found on lines and arcs.
As a line is drawn, the Vertical or Horizontal relationship indicators are displayed

when the line is vertical or horizontal with respect to the active reference plane.
When a Vertical or Horizontal relationship is applied, a relationship handle is

placed on the element.
94
Do Not Copy
Relationships can be established between elements. By specifying the endpoint

of one line as the first point of another, a Connect relationship is established. A
Connect relationship handle is placed where the two lines are endpoint connected.
Note: To activate the IntelliSketch display with respect to an element, just move
the cursor across the element. To restart IntelliSketch, click on the draw
command currently being used. To ignore IntelliSketch inputs, hold the Alt key
down while drawing.
Extended Relationships
Because IntelliSketch looks for theoretical extensions of elements, relationships
at theoretical intersections can also be established. For example, a line extends to
an infinite distance, and an arc extends to a complete circle. Use IntelliSketch to
establish a relationship between an element and these theoretical extensions. In
the example below, a line is placed tangential to the theoretical extension of an
arc.
95
Do Not Copy
Tolerance Zone
As the mouse cursor is moved across the screen, IntelliSketch recognizes
relationships for any element within the cursor tolerance zone. The circle around
the cursor cross hair or at the end of the cursor arrow indicates the size of the
tolerance zone.
Sometimes a larger tolerance zone can make it easier to locate elements and
relationships with IntelliSketch. Set the tolerance zone size on the Cursor tab of
the IntelliSketch dialog box. In the Locate zone box, increase or decrease the
pixels to make the tolerance zone larger or smaller.
Intent Zone
When certain elements are drawn, the region around the point clicked is divided
into intent zones. Moving the mouse cursor into one of these intent zones creates
a perpendicular or tangent orientation between the elements.
96
Do Not Copy
The intent zone size can be set on the Cursor tab of the IntelliSketch dialog box.
In the Intent Zone box, increase or decrease the pixels to make the intent zone
larger or smaller.
Review the section on Drawing a Series of Lines and Arcs to learn more about
how the intent zone operates.
97
Do Not Copy
Dimensions
Dimensions are used to label and control the size, location, and orientation of 2D
elements. Dimensions are typically placed on an element, even if the exact value,
such as its length, is keyed in when the element is created. The dimensions give
immediate feedback as to the size of the element. The dimensions can control the
size of the element. If a user needs to change its size, change the dimensions
value.
The dimension commands are located on the draw toolbar. This includes a flyout menu.
The first command, Smart Dimension, is used when the required dimension is
relative to a single element, such as a lines length, or an arcs radius. The
following dimensions can be placed using Smart Dimension.
98
Do Not Copy
The additional distance commands are used when a dimension is required

between different elements. For example, an overall distance or an angular
distance on the following shape requires selecting multiple lines, and cannot be
placed with Smart Dimension.
SmartDimension
The SmartDimension command places a dimension on any single element. When
an element is selected with the SmartDimension command, the dimension type
options on the ribbon bar activate, allowing the user to specify the type of
dimension.
The type of dimension placed depends on the element selected. For example,
when dimensioning an arc, the user can place a radius, diameter, length, or sweep
angle dimension. The default for an arc is a radius dimension.
99
Do Not Copy
For circles, a diameter dimension is the default SmartDimension. By moving the

cursor inside, or outside of the circle allows the placement of a radial or a linear
diameter dimension.
Distance Between
This command places a length dimension between key points of elements.
Stacked or chained configurations are placed according to the position of the
mouse cursor. IntelliSketch is used to locate key points to start or end a
dimension. Distance Between dimensions are placed vertically or horizontally
unless a measurement axis is set and the explicit dimension option is used.
100
Do Not Copy
Angle Between
This command places an angular dimension between two elements. When the
two elements are selected, the dimension is placed in one of four quadrants. As
the mouse cursor is moved, the dimension dynamically changes to another
quadrant. Click when the dimension is displayed in the preferred quadrant.
Coordinate Dimension
The Coordinate Dimension command places a dimension from a common origin
to one or more key points or elements. The coordinate dimensions are members
of a coordinate dimension group.
Coordinate dimensions can be placed in any order and on either side of the origin
with respect to the dimension axis. Coordinate dimensions can also be added to
an existing coordinate dimension group.
101
Do Not Copy
Symmetric Diameter
When constructing revolved protrusions or revolved cutouts, symmetrical
diameter dimensions can be placed. Symmetric diameter dimensions are placed
from the centerline and to the Sketch to be revolved. The dimension can be
displayed as a half or full dimension using the Half/Full option. The diagram
below shows the 3.000 dimension placed with the Full option and the 1.500
dimension placed with the Half option.
Format Dimensions
The Style option on the Format pull down allows the creation of new styles or the
modification of the default dimension formats. If these formats are saved in a
document template, they can be accessed in any document created from that
template. This makes it easy to define and implement dimension standards.
102
Do Not Copy
While a user can control the size and display of the dimensions, it is important to
realize that it is not required to place the dimensions the same as on a drawing
sheet. The dimensions in the part or sheet metal environment assist in controlling
the size and shape of the part. They do not have to conform to ANSI, ISO, or
company drawing standards. It is important not to waste time making the 2D
elements appear the same as a drawing sheet. As long as the user can clearly see
and edit the dimensions, they are useful in the part environment.
103
Do Not Copy
The Units tab on the Format Dimensions dialog box controls the value display of
a dimension.
Dimension Ribbon Bar

When the user clicks the Distance Between, Angle Between, or Coordinate
Dimension commands, the ribbon bar is displayed to help quickly define the
proper dimensions.
104
Do Not Copy
Driving/Driven
Use this option to specify whether a dimension is driving or driven. Driving
dimensions control the size and placement of geometry, while driven dimensions
reflect size and placement but do not control geometry.
Complement
Use this option to flip an angular dimension to the complement angle.
Dimension Orientation
The Dimension Orientation options work with the Distance Between dimension
command. The orientation can be set to Horizontal/Vertical, a direct line
between the 2 Points, or along a pre-defined Dimension Axis.
105
Do Not Copy
The Horizontal/Vertical option allows the placement of the dimension relative

to the reference planes horizontal or vertical axis.
The 2 Points option allows the placement of a dimension between two

elements using an implied line that runs between the two end points. The
dimension is placed parallel to the implied line.
The Dimension Axis option sets the dimensions orientation relative to an

axis the user defines. To take advantage of the Dimension Axis option, first
click the Dimension Axis option, and then select an element with the
Dimension Axis command located next to the Orientation field.
106
Do Not Copy
Relationship Assistant
Relationship Assistant will automatically generate dimensions and geometric
relationships on any profile. This is a quick method of dimensioning and setting
simple geometric relationships for any 2-D information brought into Solid Edge,
including information from other systems.
This can be a good method for many users to finish their profiles, or to get them
fully parametric. After applying all critical dimensions and relationships to the
profile, they can run the relationship assistant to apply any missing geometric or
dimensional relationships to help fully constrain the model. It is a good idea to
check the profile with the Show Variability command to check for degrees of
freedom.
To activate the Relationship assistant, from within Sketch or Profile, click the
Dimensions option under the Tools Menu, then click the Relationship Assistant.
107
Do Not Copy
Geometry Tab
The Geometry tab specifies what type of geometric relationships to apply to the
geometry in question. If the system finds any of these conditions in the profile,
that geometric relationship will automatically be applied.
If a Horizontal or Vertical geomtry condition is specified on this form, the system

will prompt (in the lower left hand corner of the window) for more information
about which element should be considered horizontal and which element is
vertical.
Dimension Tab
The Dimension tab specifies whether to apply dimensions at all or what type
elements are to receive dimensions. The scheme of dimension placement can be
specified.
108
Do Not Copy
Using the Relationship Assistant

The process for utilizing the relationship assistant is straightforward. Use the
Undo functionality to reset the profile or to un-apply the assistant results. The
process for applying the relationships is listed below.
Click the Relationship Assistant option under Tools.
Click the option form and choose which relationships and type of elements to
receive dimensions.
Select the profile elements to add to the select set.
Click the green check mark on the ribbon bar to accept this select-set. Select
the red X to clear the select-set.
If a Horizontal or Vertical relationship is to be placed, the user must specify

which elements represent those directions.
Relationships and Dimensions are placed.
109
Do Not Copy
110
Do Not Copy
Show Variability
The Show Variability command determines how 2D elements can change based
on their dimensions and relationships. This command is useful to see the types of
changes in profile shape allowed by degrees of freedom. To use this command,
under the Tools Menu, click Dimension, then Relationship Assistant. Highlight
the desired geometry with the select tool, which is active upon entering the
command. Once the desired geometry is selected, choose the Show Variability
command from the ribbon bar.
In the example below, the Show Variability command shows that the sketch can
vary in height and can move along the x-axis.
111
Do Not Copy
More on Profiles & Sketches

In Module 1 a brief explanation was given on what a profile is and how they are
used. Profiles will be examined in greater depth of Module 2.
Module 1 conveyed that profiles:
Are similar to a 2D cross section of a part, or feature of a part
Must be drawn on a Reference Plane
Have their own drawing environment once the desired command and
reference plane has been selected
Thus far in Module 2 the following topics have been examined:
Definitions used in the profile and sketch environments
What drawing tools are available and how to manipulate them
What geometric and dimensional relationships are and how theyre applied
How to benefit from the use of IntelliSketch
How to use Relationship Assistant and to check for variability
Profile/Sketch Reliability
What is a reliable profile?
A profile that when edited behaves in a predictable and expected manner
A profile with relationships placed to emulate the intent of the design
Why Relationships?
Without relationships applied to elements in a profile or sketch the behavior of
the individual elements would be totally unpredictable in 3D space. The
relationships applied help maintain the manner in which these elements behave
during modification.
112
Do Not Copy
Since it is required that a profile or sketch element be drawn on a reference plane

it assures that the element cannot move in the +Z, or Z directions of 3D space.
This leaves only X and Y directions in which an element can move. As
mentioned earlier in this module, we refer to this as degrees of freedom (DOF).
Examine the following elements; the line, arc, and circle, to determine the
degrees of freedom in each.
A line has 4-degrees of freedom
An arc has 5-degrees of freedom
A circle has 3- degrees of freedom
113
Do Not Copy
After examining these examples it should become clear why some thought must
be given to how relationships are applied. There are many combinations or
solutions for each element in a profile. You must determine the best solution to
meet the needs of the part design.
Where to Start
Probably the biggest concern encountered when starting a 3D solid model is
where to begin, and what is the first profile that should be drawn?
Here are some guidelines to consider when drawing a profile:
Breakdown the individual features within a part if at all possible. Sometimes

during conceptual design all the features within a part are unknown.
Breakdown whatever you know you must start with.
After breaking down the part consider what type of edits might be made to
the part if, and when, the design should change. This helps determine how
the features will be grouped to produce the part, thus what profile will drive
what feature, and be drawn first.
Profile Construction Tips
Keep the profile simple.
Whenever possible use a feature command to add detail to a solid model. Though
a single profile may involve a great deal of detail in a single step, the amount of
time necessary to eliminate all the degrees of freedom in a single profile can seem
insurmountable. Keep in mind, if the desire is to edit, suppress, or remove an
individual feature in a solid model, you will want that feature to be placed
separate of others.
114
Do Not Copy
Examine the following part and its many features. What would make the best
(simplest) profile for the base feature of this model?
Both of the examples in the following illustration would make the best base
feature profiles. These are easy to create, add relationships, and edit. Feature
commands would be used to add remaining detail to the part.
The examples in the following illustration would not be efficient profiles for the
base feature of the part. Both have excessive detail, which would make
relationship application, and later editing difficult.
This is what is meant by keeping the profile simple!
Review the feature modeling tools in Solid Edge that best fits the needs of the
feature to be constructed. Doing this could help simplify the profile and
determine whether or not a sketch should be used.
115
Do Not Copy
While drawing keep the profile as proportionally accurate as possible. A

good rule of thumb is to keep the profile approximately 75% of its actual size.
Doing this will provide better predictability when adding relationships or
editing dimensions.
When adding relationships it is recommended that critical dimensions be

placed first. Follow critical dimension placement with geometric
relationships.
Remain aware of design intent while applying relationships. Always strive

for predictability during profile editing.
Use Construction geometry to help control profile behavior during edits. The
construction elements serve as a structural skeleton for the profile. In the
following illustration the construction elements serve as a mechanism that
drives the actual profile elements to be used for a cutout.
Whenever possible use Include command to borrow elements from existing

geometry.
116
Do Not Copy
Draw off the model when the view is cluttered. This aids in keeping
IntelliSketch from picking up unwanted elements within the model. Use
relationships to position the profile after it is complete.
Evaluate the dependability of your profile through the use of Show

Variability in Relationship Assistant.
Test the profile by editing dimensions according to potential changes that

could occur later.
117
Do Not Copy
Save Profile as Sketch

It is recommended that any feature that requires a profile with any degree of
complexity be drawn in the Sketch environment. Sometimes were unaware of
this until we are deeply entrenched into a profile of a feature command.
Problems that arise when this happens can be:
The need to get out of the profile environment even though the profiles has
not been completed. Solid Edge requires that a profile meet the validation
rules necessary to complete the desired feature.
The need to use the profile for multiple feature types. This cannot be done if
a profile is drawn within a feature command.
If either of these scenarios appear while modeling a part in Solid Edge you will
be provided with the following message and options
Message indicating the validation rules violation.

Save the Profile Geometry in a Failed Feature this option will be necessary if
the feature was completed but the profile validation rules were not met during a
feature edit. Exiting the profile environment will be allowed but the feature will
undoubtedly fail which must be addressed later to make a valid solid model.
Save the Profile Geometry as a Sketch is available when the feature is being
constructed for the first time (not edited). This permits exiting from the profile
environment of a feature command without meeting the validation requirements,
but will save the profile in its current state as a Sketch. Therefore you are
permitted to stop drawing without losing any initial work.
118
Do Not Copy
Return to Profile Environment (default) is essentially a notification that the

validation requirements for the profile have not been met and permits the return
to profile.
Reminder! Even though a sketch can be saved without meeting the validation
requirements of a feature command, those requirements will have to eventually
be satisfied to complete the desired feature.
119
Do Not Copy
Including Elements
The Include command is another method to copy elements. However, it differs
from the other manipulation commands. It is used to copy, or borrow geometry
from another sketch, or edges of a solid model. The resulting geometry is
associative to the geometry in which it was derived from. When the original
geometry is modified the Included element(s) will update accordingly.
The ribbon bar for the Include command is shown in the following illustration.
The Select options on the ribbon are:
Single Wireframe selects individual edges or elements
Wireframe Chain (default) selects chained edges or elements
Tangent Wireframe selects chained edges or elements including those that

involve linear to curved elements where resulting intersections are tangent.
Single Face selects all outer edges on a single face. If used in conjunction
with Include Internal Face Loops on options dialog then all face edges
(external and internal) will be included.
Tangent Face Chain selects all edges of a face made up of multiple faces
where the conditions are tangent
Face Loop - selects all outer edges on a single face and a single internal loop
120
Do Not Copy
The options dialog for the Include command is shown in the following
illustration.
Include with offset will include and offset the selected edge(s)
Include internal face loops will include edges of selected face and all
internal loops of the face
The following options (Interpart Locate) work with In-place Activation through
Solid Edge Assembly environment.
Include from Assembly Layouts permits including elements from layouts

created in the Solid Edge Assembly environment
- Link to Layouts works in conjunction with Tools/Options Interpart tab
options
Include from Assembly Parts permits including edges of parts within

assembly
121
Do Not Copy
In the example, on the following sketch, there are more elements than are needed
to create a Protrusion as the base feature. The Protrusion command requires a
closed profile.
To copy the required geometry from the sketch, first click the Protrusion
command and select a reference plane. Then use the include command to copy
the outside edges to the Protrusions reference plane. The copied geometry is
associative to the original sketch. If the sketch profile is changed, the protrusion
will change. A chain-link symbol will be placed on the new profile elements,
indicating it has been included and linked to the original geometry.
122
Do Not Copy
Editing and Modifying Sketches

Elements can be edited and modified using the ribbon bar, or an element's
handles. When an element is changed, dimensions or relationships may cause
other elements to change.
Selecting Elements
When the Select Tool is active, there are several ways to select elements.
To select individual elements, click the left mouse button when the element is
highlighted.
To select multiple elements, press the CTRL or SHIFT key while selecting
the elements one at a time.
To select all 2D elements, press CTRL+A. (The Select Tool does not need to be
active for this to work)
To de-select an element, press the SHIFT or CTRL key while selecting the
element again.
To select multiple elements using a fence, drag the cursor to define a

rectangular fence. Using selection criteria can enhance fence selection.
123
Do Not Copy
Ribbon Bars
After an element has been selected, it can be modified by changing the values on
a ribbon bar. For example, the length of a line is changed by typing a new value
in the ribbon bar Length: box. To access an element's ribbon bar, click the
element with the Select Tool.
Handles
A relationship handle is represented by a solid square at the key point of an
element, such as the end of a line or at the center of an arc. Use relationship
handles to dynamically modify an element. First, specify the element with the
Select Tool. Then click and drag a handle to modify the element.
LinesClick and drag a handle to change the length or angle of a line.
Arcs
EndpointsClick and drag an endpoint to change the sweep angle of an
arc.
MidpointClick and drag a midpoint to change the radius of an arc.
Center pointClick and drag the center point to move an arc.
Fillets and ChamfersClick and drag the handle to change the size of a fillet
or chamfer.
124
Do Not Copy
Sketch and Reference Plane Display

The Feature PathFinder helps control which sketches and reference planes are
displayed on the screen. The Feature PathFinder can be displayed by clicking the
EdgeBar button located on the Main Toolbar.
By right clicking on Sketch displayed on the Feature PathFinder display box a

short cut menu will appear with several selections. In this case the Hide All and
Sketches would be clicked to control what is displayed in the working window.
Re-clicking the EdgeBar button on the Main Toolbar, or clicking the X button in
the upper right corner will turn off EdgeBar if desired.
125
Do Not Copy
Review
1. How does IntelliSketch help to create Sketches?
2. What is a layout used for?
3. What are intent zones?
4. What are geometric relationships used for?
5. What is the Show Variability command used for?
126
Do Not Copy
Activity - Adding Relationships to Simple

Sketches
Objectives
The purpose of this exercise is to provide a better understanding of the following:
Adding geometric and dimensional relationships to eliminate the degrees of

freedom on each element described
Verify that there are several methods that can be used when applying
relationships to profiles or sketches
Make use of the Show Variability function within the Relationship Assistant
command
1. To begin, create a new Part document using a metric template.

2.
On the Feature Toolbar, select the Sketch command.
3. Select the front view reference plane.
127
Do Not Copy
4.
Using the Line command, draw a line approximately sized and located as
shown in the following figure.
5.
Apply the relationships necessary to fully constrain the line. A relationship

can be applied between the line and a reference plane to prevent movement
in the X and Y directions.
6.
To confirm that the line has no degrees of movement use the Show
Variability function of the Relationship Assistant command to check.
128
Do Not Copy
7.
You will be prompted to Select the elements to be related or dimensioned

followed by clicking the green check mark on the ribbon bar to accept. The
number of relationships needed, if any, will appear on the ribbon bar in the
Relationships Needed box.
8.
On the main menu bar click Edit/Select All to highlight the line and
relationships, then press the Delete button on the keyboard. This should
remove everything in the active Sketch window.
9.
Repeat steps 4-8 but substitute the line for an arc, then a circle.
10. When completed click Finish on the ribbon bar to get out of Sketch
environment. Close file without saving.
129
Do Not Copy
130
Do Not Copy
Activity - Constructing a Model from Sketches

Objectives
After completing this activity, users will be able to:
Create 2D Sketches/Profiles.
Place and edit dimensions.
Place geometric relationships.
Use sketches to create solid models.
In the following activity, create the bracket part shown below by first drawing
sketches of the part. Then use these sketches to construct the individual features
of the solid model.

2. On the Feature Toolbar, select the Sketch command.
131
Do Not Copy
4. Select the Circle by Center command.

5. On the ribbon bar, type 50 in the Diameter box.
6. Move the mouse cursor and highlight the vertical reference plane, but do not
click.
132
Do Not Copy
7. Move the mouse up and click to place the center of the circle above, and
aligned to the vertical reference plane, as shown in the next figure.
8. Select the Line command.

9. Move the mouse to the right of the vertical reference plane, and highlight the
right end of the horizontal reference plane. Be sure the Endpoint symbol is
displayed, but do not click.
133
Do Not Copy
10. Move the mouse to the right, and click to place the first point of the line so
that it is aligned to the horizontal reference plane.
11. Move the mouse up, and click to place the second point of the line.
12. Select the Select Tool.

13. Select the vertical line placed in the previous step.
134
Do Not Copy
14. Select the Mirror command.

It may be necessary to press and hold the
left mouse button down over the Move command, to access the Mirror
command from the fly out. Notice that the Copy button on the Mirror ribbon
bar is active.
15. Use the mouse cursor to highlight the vertical reference plane. Notice that a
mirrored line is being displayed on the left side of the reference plane. Click
to place the line. A Symmetric relationship will be placed between the two
lines.
16. Select the Line command.
135
Do Not Copy
17. Move the mouse cursor to the top end point of the right line, and click to
place the first point of the line.
18. Move the mouse cursor to the right side of the circle. When both the Pointon symbol and the Tangent symbol are displayed, click to place the line.
19. Click the right mouse button once to restart the Line command. Repeat the
same steps to place another line from the top end point of the left line, tangent
to the upper left of the circle.
136
Do Not Copy
20. Click the right mouse button to restart the Line command. Place a line from
the bottom end point of the left line to the bottom end point of the right line.
21. Restart the Line command. Place a horizontal line that touches the two
vertical lines. Click each end of the line when the Point-on symbol is
displayed.
22. Select the Distance Between command.

23. On the ribbon bar, check the dimension orientation, and make sure it is set to
Horizontal/Vertical.
137
Do Not Copy
24. Place a dimension from the bottom line of the sketch to the last line placed in
the sketch. Once the dimension is placed, do not restart the command. Also,
do not worry about the value of the dimension, the exact value will be set
later.
25. Continue with the Distance Between command and select the vertex between
the right vertical line and the angled line. After the vertex is selected, notice
that either a stacked or string dimension can be placed, based on where the
mouse is positioned. Position the mouse to the right of the first dimension to
place a stacked dimension.
26. Restart the Distance Between command by clicking the right mouse button.
27. Select the By 2 Points option under the Orientation field on the ribbon bar.
138
Do Not Copy
28. Select the bottom horizontal line as the origin for the dimension, and then
select the top of the circle.
29. Move the mouse to the right, and place the dimension as shown below.
30. Select the Smart Dimension command.
139
Do Not Copy
31. Select the bottom line of the sketch, and place the width dimension.
32. While still in the SmartDimension command, select the circle, and place the
diameter dimension.
140
Do Not Copy
33. All of the dimensions needed to control the profiles in the sketch have been
to select the dimensions, and edit them to
placed. Use the Select Tool
the values shown in the following figure.
34. Select the Finish button to close the Sketch window.

Although the Sketch window is closed, the sketch dimensions can still be
edited by selecting them. The ribbon bar can be used to return to the Plane or
Profile step.
35. Select the Finish button to complete the sketch.
141
Do Not Copy
36. Select the Fit command to display the sketch.
37. On the Main toolbar, select the Save command.

38. In the Save As dialog box, make sure the Save in Field is set to Drawing
Files, and type Bracket2 in the File name box.
142
Do Not Copy
39. Select the Save button on the dialog box to save the file.
40. Select the Sketch command, and click on the top view reference plane.
41. Select the Circle by Center command.

42. On the ribbon bar, type 20 in the Diameter box.
43. Place four circles as shown below. The IntelliSketch alignment indicator can
be used to help place the circles. IntelliSketch will place horizontal/vertical
relationships between each circle placed.
143
Do Not Copy
44. Select the Distance Between command.

45. On the ribbon bar, check the dimension orientation, and make sure it is set to
Horizontal/Vertical.
46. Place the two inside dimensions using the reference planes as the origin for
the dimensions. Remember to click the right mouse button to reset the
Distance Between command when changing between the horizontal and
vertical dimensions.
47. Place the two outside dimensions with the Distance Between command.
144
Do Not Copy
48. Select the SmartDimension command.

49. Select one of the circles, and place a diameter dimension. This dimension
will only control the diameter of this circle, even though all four were placed
at the same time.
50. Select the Equal command.

be on the fly-out menu)
from the bottom of the feature toolbar (may
51. Place equality relationships between all of the circles. The equality
relationship is only placed between two elements at a time. For example:
select the circle with the dimension, then select another circle. Select the
dimensioned circle again, and select another circle. Repeat this for all of the
circles.
145
Do Not Copy
58. Use the Select Tool to edit the dimensions to the values shown below:
59. Select the Finish button

60. Select Finish button
to close the 2D-sketch window.

to exit the Sketch environment.
61. Save the file.

62. Select Feature PathFinder from the Main toolbar.
63. Select the Show Sketch button in PathFinder
, and then click the right
mouse button to select Sketch 2. The Shortcut menu is displayed.
146
Do Not Copy
64. On the Shortcut menu, select the Hide option to turn off the display of Sketch
2.
65. Select the Protrusion command.

147
Do Not Copy
67. Select the Fit command.

68. On the Tools pull down menu, select Hide All - Reference Planes.
69. Select the Include command.
70. Include the outside elements from the sketch that are labeled with an X in the
next figure.
71. Select the Trim command.

72. Select the lower portion of the circle as marked with an X in the next figure.
The bold area in the image below should highlight. When it does, select this
element for trimming (the full circle will be trimmed to an arc with endpoints
connected to the two angled lines).
148
Do Not Copy
73. Select the Tangent relationship command.

74. Select the intersection between the line and the arc to place the Tangent
relationship.
75. Place another Tangent relationship on the other side of the arc.
76. Select the Finish button to close the Profile window, and return to the next
step in the Protrusion command.
77. Select the Symmetric option on the far right side of the SmartStep ribbon bar,
and type 25 in the Distance box, then press Enter on the keyboard.
78. Select the Finish button to complete the protrusion.
79. Save the File.

149
Do Not Copy

81. On the Protrusion ribbon bar, in the From box, select the Last option to
construct this protrusion using the same reference plane specified for the first
protrusion.
82. Select the Include command.

83. Include the elements from the sketch that are labeled with an X as shown in
the next figure.
84. Select the Trim command.
150
Do Not Copy
85. Trim the two lines as shown in the next figure by pressing the left mouse
button down and dragging the mouse across the top of the two end lines.
Note: When the mouse button is released, the trim is completed. Notice the
Link symbol on the two vertical lines has moved.
86. Select the Finish button to complete the profile step.

, and type 160 in the
87. Select the Symmetric option on the ribbon bar
Distance box. Then press Enter on the keyboard to create the protrusion.
151
Do Not Copy
89. Once the protrusion is completed, notice the Protrusion command is still
active. Select the Select From Sketch option on the ribbon bar.
90. Select the circle on the top of the sketch.
91. Select the Check Mark on the ribbon bar to accept the circle. You can also
press Enter on the keyboard.
152
Do Not Copy
92. Select the Symmetric option in the ribbon bar

, and type 60 in the
Distance box. Then press Enter on the keyboard to create the protrusion.

94. Select the Show All Sketches option from the Tools pull-down menu at the
top of the window. This will display Sketch 2. Feature PathFinder could also
have been used to display the sketch.
95. Select the Cutout command.
96. Select the Select From Sketch option on the ribbon bar.
153
Do Not Copy
97. Select the four circles from Sketch 2.
98. Select the green Check Mark on the ribbon bar to accept the circles.
99. Select the Through-Next option on the ribbon bar.
100. Position the mouse so the arrow on the circle points up as shown, and click
to accept.
154
Do Not Copy
101. Select Finish to complete the cutouts.
102. Close and save the file when completed.
155
Do Not Copy
156
Do Not Copy
Activity - Using Construction Elements in

Profiles (1)
Objectives
Using construction elements to simplify profile or sketch construction
Draw the profile away from reference planes to prevent accidental or

unwanted relationships applied between profile elements and a reference
plane
In this exercise we will examine a specific feature within a part. The part will not
be constructed in this exercise, but the profile for the specific feature will. To
simplify the creation of profiles, a construction element will be used in the Sketch
drawing environment. Construction elements aid in profile creation, but are
ignored by profile validation checks. In this case, the construction element used,
will serve as a skeletal element that helps drive the other elements in the profile.
Examining the Problem

Examine the hex shaped feature in the following illustration of the socket.
The hex shape would probably require the longest profile drawing time. Why?
Several lines needed (6)
All lines equal in length
Several lines at specific angles

157
Do Not Copy
Most importantly, the need to locate this profile on the center of the
cylindrical part feature
Consider some methods for drawing this profile that would include the criteria
previously mentioned and how relationships would be applied.
In other words, how would you draw the profile for the hex feature?
After giving some consideration to the methods you would use, construct the
profile using the following steps in this exercise. When finished, decide which
methods would be the most efficient. If the answer is one of yours,
congratulations, youre grasping the concepts of profile creation. If the answer is
ours, then good, youve learned something from this exercise.

4. Click the Pan command. Click and hold the left mouse button at the center or
intersection of the reference planes. Move the cursor to the lower right corner
of the Sketch window. This moves the reference planes out of the way and
prevents unwanted relationship placement between a profile element and a
reference plane.
158
Do Not Copy
5. Click the Circle by Center command. Draw the circle as shown in the
following illustration.
6. Place a diameter dimension on the circle and edit its value to be 80mm.
159
Do Not Copy
7. Click the Construction command. Select the circle, this will toggle it to a
construction element. Observe the change in line style (phantom). This
element will now be ignored by profile validation.
8. Click the Line command. Draw 6-lines that form a hexagon as shown in the
following illustration. DO NOT CONNECT ANY LINES TO THE
CONSTRUCTION CIRCLE.
9. Click the Connect relationship command. Apply a connect relationship from

each vertex (endpoint of line segment) on the hexagon to the construction
circle.
160
Do Not Copy
10. Click the Equal relationship command. Apply an equal relationship between
the top horizontal line and each of the other lines in the hexagon. Since the
connects have already been placed, equal relationships will only be allowed
on 5 of the 6 line segments, though all will be equal.
11. The profile should have only 2-degrees of freedom left. Use the Show
Variability function of the Relationship Assistant command to verify.
161
Do Not Copy
12. You will be prompted to Select the elements to be related or dimensioned

followed by clicking the green check mark on the ribbon bar to accept. The
number of relationships needed (2) will appear on the ribbon bar in the
Relationships Needed box.
13. To eliminate the final 2-degrees of freedom we will anchor the center of the
profile (circle) to the midpoint of either reference plane being displayed.
Click the Connect relationship command to do this.
Note: Only one dimension was used to complete this profile. Now that
necessary the relationships have been applied to eliminate all degrees of freedom,
we can swap relationships to help attain design intent. In other words, the single
dimension applied to the profile could be swapped out for another. For instance,
the dimension required may be across flats as shown in the following illustration.
162
Do Not Copy
14. Delete the diameter dimension and add the dimension across flats.
15. This completes this exercise.
163
Do Not Copy
164
Do Not Copy
Activity - Using Construction Elements in

Profiles (2)
Objectives
Using construction elements to simplify profile or sketch construction
Use the construction elements to drive the resulting geometry (cutout)
In this exercise we will examine a specific feature within a part. The part will not
be constructed in this exercise, but the profile for the specific feature will. To
simplify the profiles creation a construction elements will be used in the Sketch
drawing environment. Construction elements aid in profile creation, but are
ignored by profile validation checks. In this case, the construction element used,
will serve as a skeletal element that helps drive the other elements in the profile.
Prerequisite: Activity Using Construction Elements in Profiles (1) of this
Module
165
Do Not Copy
Examining the Problem

Examine the patterned cutout feature in the following.
The cutout must sweep 90-degrees and 4 are required. Therefore, a narrow web
of material must exist between them to avoid having breakout between each one.
To accomplish this construction elements will be used to locate the cutout,
provide the mechanism for the sweep angle, and help provide the distance
between each cutout.
Consider some methods for drawing this profile that would include the criteria
previously mentioned and how relationships would be applied.
In other words, how would you draw the profile for this feature?
After giving some consideration to the methods you would use, construct the
profile using the following steps in this exercise. When finished, decide which
methods would be the most efficient. If the answer is one of yours,
congratulations, youre grasping the concepts of profile creation. If the answer is
ours, then good, youve learned something from this exercise.

166
Do Not Copy
4. Click the Pan command. Click and hold the left mouse button at the center or
intersection of the reference planes. Move the cursor to the lower right corner
of the Sketch window. This moves the reference planes out of the way and
prevents unwanted relationship placement between a profile element and a
reference plane.
167
Do Not Copy
5. Click the Line command. Draw the 3 lines as shown in the following
illustration.
Add the dimension, and edit its value as shown
Make each of the lines construction
Using the Equal relationship, make each of the angled lines equal to the
horizontal line
6. Click the Offset command.
Offset the 2 angled lines by 10mm, set in Distance box on ribbon bar
Offset Select box should be set to Single on ribbon bar
168
Do Not Copy
7. Click the Arc by Center command. Place two arcs as shown in the following
illustration.
Both arc center point origins should be the midpoint of the horizontal
construction line
Small arc point 2 should be on the left angled line, point 3 on the right
angled line
Large arc point 2 should connect to end point of left angled line, point 3
connected to the end point of the right angled line
Edit the values of the arcs to those shown in following illustration
8. Click the Trim command.
Trim away the offset lines below the small arc as shown in the following
illustration
169
Do Not Copy
9. The profile should have only 2-degrees of freedom left. Use the Show
Variability function of the Relationship Assistant command to verify.
10. Click the Connect command and place a connect relationship between the
midpoint of the horizontal construction line and the midpoint of a reference
plane. This will anchor the profile and eliminate any remaining degrees of
freedom.
11. Edit the dimension values as shown in the following illustration. Next,
change back to original values. This profile/sketch is now ready to be used in
a feature function such as cutout.
12. This completes this exercise.
170
Do Not Copy
Summary
The key to successful 3D parametric modeling is to building models that can be
edited based on the intent of the design. The profiles and sketches throughout the
model drawn are what drives the features within the model. When drawing these
profiles and sketches thought should be given as to how the profile or sketch will
behave when edited. If the resulting edits are predictable based on the design
intent success will be attained with the 3D model. Maintaining this thought
process will help determine how relationships will be applied to the profiles or
sketches. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the geometric and dimensional
relationships, and how and when they should be applied, is crucial when drawing
profiles and sketches.
It is recommended that the following considerations be given when making the
decision to draw a profile within a command, or a sketch outside of a command.
Profile: Draw profiles within a command when the feature being constructed is
simplistic in nature, and does not require multiple uses.
Sketch: Draw sketches when there is a need for multiple feature uses, multiple
profiles required for the feature being constructed, and when the profile required
involves a greater degree of complexity to construct.
When Solid Edge Assembly is discussed later in this course youll learn that a 2D
layout can be drawn within the assembly environment. This is similar to
sketching, meaning that a complete design layout can be drawn without profile
validation rules being enforced. Later, the individual part models can be
constructed when the layout is completed.
It is important to remember that even though profile validation rules dont apply
to sketches and assembly layouts at the time theyre being created, they will
eventually have to comply before they can help derive many features.
171
Do Not Copy
172
Do Not Copy
M O D U L E
Primary Features
Objectives ...............................................................................................175
Introduction ............................................................................................176
Feature WorkflowProtrusions and Cutouts ........................................177
Swept Feature .........................................................................................200
Loft Feature ............................................................................................205
Holes .......................................................................................................211
Editing Profile Based Features ..............................................................217
Undo and Redo .......................................................................................218
Review.....................................................................................................220
Activity - Creating Profile Based Features ............................................221
Activity Creating a Loft Protrusion .....................................................243
Summary .................................................................................................258
174
Do Not Copy
Primary Features Module 3
Objectives
This module will teach the workflow and related functionality to:
Add and remove material using the profile-based feature commands.
Determine what type of profile to draw for each feature type.
Control extents of the material being added or removed.
175
Do Not Copy
Introduction
Profile-based feature commands add or remove material from a part by extruding,
revolving, sweeping or lofting a profile. When a profile is modified, the feature
automatically updatesso these features can be quickly changed using the profile
drawing tools.
Below are examples of six commands and the icons representing them from the
Feature Toolbar.
Notice that all the features above are derived from 2D sketches.
176
Do Not Copy
Feature WorkflowProtrusions and Cutouts

When a profile-based feature is created in Solid Edge, the SmartStep ribbon bar
acts as a guide through each step and allows the return to a previous step. The
SmartStep ribbon bar can be used to quickly set options that help to construct the
current feature. This section will deal with the workflow for normal and revolved
protrusions and cutouts since their workflows are similar.
Profile Based Feature Workflow - Simplified

Select Feature Command
Plane Step
Select Reference Plane or
Surface Plane to Draw Profile
Profile Step
Draw profile that defines
the shape of the feature
Side Step
Indicate the direction to
add or remove material
Not needed with Base Feature
Extent Step
Indicate depth of the Feature
Thru-All, Thru-Next, From/To,
and Finite. Base Features use Finite
Finish
177
Do Not Copy
Basic Steps
The steps for creating a Base feature and adding or removing material with
profile based features are listed below. The steps change only slightly when
holes and ribs are constructed.
Plane StepDefines a plane that is used to draw the profile on. An existing
plane can be selected or a new one created. Plane creation and selection
controls are added to the SmartStep ribbon bar when the Plane step is active.
Profile StepAllows the drawing of a profile or the selection of a profile

from a sketch. A profile is a collection of 2-D lines, arcs and curves that
defines the shape and location of the feature. To create a base feature, the
profile must be closed.
Side StepDefines the side of the profile to add material to or remove

material from. The side step is not needed for protrusions where the profile is
closed or when constructing the base feature.
Extent StepDefines the depth of the feature or the distance to extend the
profile to construct the feature. The extent options are Through All, Through
Next, From/To, and Finite.
Finish StepHides the profile and completes construction of the feature

based on the input provided in the previous steps.
Note: Before the Finish button is clicked, any step can be edited by clicking the
appropriate button on the SmartStep ribbon bar. After the Finish button is
clicked, any step can be edited by selecting the feature, clicking the Edit button
on the ribbon bar, and then clicking the appropriate button on the SmartStep
ribbon bar.
178
Do Not Copy
SmartStep Ribbon Bar

The SmartStep ribbon bar acts as a guide through each step of creating a feature.
The SmartStep ribbon bar can be used to return to a step and make changes.
The left side of the SmartStep ribbon bar contains a button for each step in the
feature construction workflow. The right side contains options for the current
step. The Protrusion SmartStep ribbon bar below illustrates this. The Profile
Step, Side Step, Extent Step, and Cancel/Finish buttons are on the left of the
ribbon bar and the options for the active step, the Profile Step, are on the right.
Note: The Side Step is skipped during base feature creation.

While the four basic steps for the extruded protrusion and revolved protrusion
commands are the same, step four, the Extent Step, is different. Notice the left
side of the Protrusion and Revolved Protrusion SmartStep ribbon bars are the
similar. However, the right portion contains options that help to define either a
protrusion or revolved protrusion. The protrusion and revolved protrusion ribbon
bars are shown in the following pictures.
179
Do Not Copy
Plane StepBase Feature

When a Solid Edge Part, Sheet Metal, or Assembly document, is opened, three
reference planes display in the design window. The default reference planes can
be used to orient the base feature in the 3D workspace. The rectangle in the
lower left corner of each reference plane helps to quickly determine the
horizontal and vertical orientation of the reference plane.
Selecting Reference Planes

The first step in creating a base feature is to select or create a reference plane to
draw the profile. To select a reference plane, position the mouse cursor over an
edge of the plane to highlight it, then click.
180
Do Not Copy
Plane StepCreating Additional Reference Planes

Creating Reference Planes
New reference planes can be created by using the following options on the
SmartStep ribbon bar: Coincident Plane, Parallel Plane, Angled Plane,
Perpendicular Plane or Plane Normal to Curve.
To use an existing reference plane or planar face, click one of the following
options in the Create From box:
PlaneA selected plane or planar face is used to define the reference plane.
FeatureSpecifies that the reference plane for an existing profile-based

feature is used as the reference plane for the current feature.
LastThe last reference plane used becomes the active reference plane. This
option is only available if a reference plane was used to create the previous
feature.
181
Do Not Copy
Types of Reference Planes

There are three types of reference planes: Base, Global, and Local.
Base reference planes are the three default reference planes at the origin of
the part file. They define the principal xy, yz, and xz planes. They can be
used to create features and new reference planes.
Global reference planes are similar to base reference planes. The global
reference plane creation commands are found on the Feature toolbar. They
can be used to create new features and new reference planes.
Local reference planes are reference planes you create during the Plane Step
of feature construction. They are used only for the feature being constructed
and disappear when the feature is completed. They can only be re-used by
clicking Last or Feature in the From option on the ribbon bar.
Global and Local Reference Planes

The primary differences between global and local reference planes are how they
are created and used. Global reference planes can be used to construct any
profile-based feature and stay displayed on the screen until the planes are
manually hidden. Local reference planes are local to a specific feature. Once the
feature is finished, the planes disappear.
Global Reference Planes are primarily used to construct more than one feature or
to create additional reference planes for assemblies or commands like Mirror
Feature. Commands that create Global Reference planes can be found on a flyout
menu on the Feature Toolbar.
The following commands can be used to create global or local reference planes.
The Coincident Plane command

part face or plane.
creates a reference plane parallel to a

The Parallel Plane command
reference plane or part face at a specified offset distance.
creates a reference plane by specifying the

The Angled Plane command
angle of the new reference plane relative to an existing reference plane or part
face.
creates a reference plane coincident to a
182
Do Not Copy
The Perpendicular Plane command

creates a reference plane
perpendicular to a reference plane or part face.
creates a reference plane normal

The Plane Normal to Curve command
to a curve using the edge of an existing solid.
Local Reference Planes are located on the ribbon bar within a feature command.
The commands are similar to the Global Reference Plane commands with the
exception that the planes do not stay on the screen once the feature is finished.
Reference Plane Orientation

When creating a reference plane on a surface of your model, the orientation of the
new reference plane must be defined. This orientation controls the display of the
profile window. For example, when creating a reference plane on the side surface
of the angle bracket in the next figure, there are several different possible
orientations.
183
Do Not Copy
When a profile needs to drawn on the side face, it is easy to imagine yourself
working on the face from a right view. But, the system must be told how to view
this face. If not careful, a user could accidentally be working on the face upside
down.
Defining the base of the profile plane controls the orientation of the reference
plane. Pay close attention to the prompt field in the lower left corner anytime a
reference plane is created on a surface. There will be two prompts to answer after
the surface is identified.
Click on the face, edge, or plane to be the base of the profile plane.
Click near the end of axis for reference plane orientation.
The user must decide what edge to select, in order to control the orientation. To
view the surface from a right view, click on the bottom line of the plane, and then
click near the left end of the line for the origin. The origin always controls the
left side of the new view.
184
Do Not Copy
If the right end of the line is selected as the origin, the right end becomes the
origin, and the part flips. Remember that the origin point chosen will always be
placed relative to the left side of the new view.
The view can be affected by picking a different base line. For example, if the
front edge of the plane is picked, and the origin defined near the top, the part will
flip on its side.
185
Do Not Copy
Displaying Reference Planes

Reference planes can be displayed or hidden using the Tools pull down and
clicking the Show All or Hide All commands.
186
Do Not Copy
The Show All and Hide All options can also be found by using the Select Tool
and clicking the right mouse button anywhere in the part window.
Profile Step
Once the surface has been chosen, and the orientation of the reference plane
defined, Solid Edge automatically takes the user to the Profile step. The profile is
the 2D cross section of the feature.
187
Do Not Copy
Profile Window
After a reference plane is determined, the profile window is displayed. The
toolbars and menu commands are changed for the creation of the 2D profiles.
After a profile is drawn and the Finish button clicked, the profile window closes,
and the part window becomes active again.
Completing Profiles
To complete the Profile Step for a base feature, the profile must be closed. A
user can have single or multiple closed profiles for base features.
To construct a revolved protrusion, an axis of revolution must be defined before
completing the Profile Step. The user can select an existing line, draw a new line,
or select the edge of a reference plane. To define the axis of revolution, use the
Axis of Revolution
command on the Draw toolbar.
188
Do Not Copy
Profile Validation
Each profile-based feature has a set of requirements for the type of profile
geometry that can be used. For example some features allow open profiles and
others do not. When the drawing of a profile is finished, Solid Edge checks to
make sure the profile is valid for the feature being constructed. If the profile is
invalid, Solid Edge displays an error message. For example, the following
message will be displayed if the profile is not closed when creating a feature that
requires a closed profile.
Solid Edge will also highlight the elements where the problem exists. In the
previous example, the two lines highlight to indicate that there is a gap between
them. If the error message box covers up the highlight, just click on the blue title
bar and drag the error message to the side. Then, once the message is understood
and the bad elements have been noticed, the OK button can be clicked to dismiss
the error message and the profile can be repaired.
If the Save the Profile Geometry as a Sketch option is used, the profile will be
saved in the edge bar as a Sketch, and is no longer associated to the feature.
189
Do Not Copy
If the Save the Profile Geometry in a Failed Feature is used, the profile will be
saved with the feature, but the feature will be displayed in the EdgeBar as a
Failed Feature.
Side Step
When creating additional features using an open profile, the Side Step allows the
user to indicate the direction of material addition or removal. This step is skipped
when creating base features because they must have a closed profile. This step is
also skipped when using a closed profile, because the system will use the area
inside the profile.
190
Do Not Copy
Extent Step
Extent StepBase Features
The Extent step defines the depth of the feature. In the Protrusion command
the profile is protruded from the profile plane along a linear path normal to the
profile plane.
The Revolved Protrusion command
revolution defined in the Profile Step.
revolves the profile about the axis of
The length of a protrusion or the sweep angle of a revolved protrusion can be

dynamically defined by using the mouse cursor. The the length or sweep angle
can be typed in the Distance or Angle box found on the ribbon bar.
A profile can be extruded or revolved symmetrically using the Symmetric Extent
button
or the Symmetric Revolve button
on the SmartStep ribbon bar.
191
Do Not Copy
Extent StepAdditional Features

When constructing additional features, the Protrusion and Cutout SmartStep
ribbon bars will contain four extent options. These options determine how the
depth of the feature is to be defined.
Through AllSets the feature extent so that the profile is extruded through
all faces of the part, starting at the profile plane. Extrude the profile to either
side of the profile plane, or to both sides, by moving the cursor until the
appropriate direction arrow appears.
Through NextSets the feature extent so that the profile is extruded through
only the next closed intersection on the part. The feature extends on the side
selected. The profile can be extruded to either side of the profile plane or to
both sides.
192
Do Not Copy
From/To ExtentProjects the profile from a specified surface or reference

plane to another specified surface or reference plane. A profile plane can be
used as one of the extent surfaces by selecting the profile plane handle or by
clicking the right mouse button.
- "From" SurfaceSets the face to extend the feature from when the From/To
Extent option is set.
- "To" SurfaceSets the face to extend the feature to when the From/To
Extent option is set.
Finite ExtentProjects the profile a finite distance to either side of the profile
plane or symmetrically to both sides of the profile plane.
193
Do Not Copy
Other Options
The following options also control the extent of the feature:
DistanceSets the distance to extend when the Finite Extent option is set.
Step ValueSets the distance value to increase or decrease in increments

when the cursor is moved. For example, typing a step value of 0.25 and
moving the mouse cursor away from the profile increments the distance from
0.25 to 0.5, then to 0.75, and so on.
Symmetric ExtentApplies half the extent distance to each side of the profile
when the Finite Extent option is set.
194
Do Not Copy
Extent StepRevolved Features

The Revolved Protrusion and Revolved Cutout SmartStep ribbon bars contain the
Revolve 360 and Finite Extent options. These options define how to revolve the
profile.
360 Degrees
axis.
Revolves the profile a finite angle to one side of the

Finite Extent
profile plane, or symmetrically to both sides of the profile plane.
Revolves the profile 360 degrees about the revolution
The following options control how the profile acts when revolved a finite
distance.
AngleSets the angle to revolve the feature when the Finite Extent option is
set.
Step ValueSets the distance value to increase or decrease in set increments

when the mouse cursor is moved.
Applies half the extent angle to each side of the

Symmetric Extent
profile when the Finite Extent option is set.
195
Do Not Copy
Name
The Name box on the SmartStep ribbon bar displays the name that Solid Edge
automatically assigns to each feature. The default name can be changed and
specific names can be assigned for the features. When the mouse cursor is moved
over a feature, the feature name appears in the Status Bar.
Finish Step
After the Extent Step, click the Finish button to complete the base feature. This
will accept the finished feature.
196
Do Not Copy
Protrusions and CutoutsExamples

Both open and closed curves can be used to add or remove material. Whether an
open or closed curve is used depends on the circumstance.
Example of using an open curve to create a protrusion.
197
Do Not Copy
Examples of using open curves to create cutouts.
Using open curves has several advantages. First, less geometry is required to
define the feature. Second, the feature has more intelligence because some of its
boundaries are defined by relationships to existing model geometry. In the above
example, if the base feature is modified, the open profile defining the cutout will
extend or trim itself to maintain the point on element relationships between itself
and the boundaries of the base feature.
198
Do Not Copy
Revolved Protrusions and CutoutsExamples

Open or closed curves can be used to create revolved features. A revolved base
feature can be created only with a closed curve.
When using open profiles with the revolved feature commands, users should be
careful to watch the arrow direction the system provides. Accepting the arrow
pointing to the outside of the profile in the example above would result in most of
the part being deleted and only the material inside of the profile would remain. If
the wrong arrow direction is taken, use SmartStep to back up to the arrow
direction step to change to the opposite direction and the system will recalculate
the feature automatically from that point forward.
199
Do Not Copy
Swept Feature
A Swept feature is created by transitioning a set of closed cross sections along a
set of paths to remove or add material. Multiple paths and cross sections may be
specified to control the shape of the feature. The Swept command is located on
the flyout menu that also contains Revolved Protrusion, Loft Protrusion, and
Helix Protrusion.
200
Do Not Copy
Path Step
The path can be drawn as a profile within the swept command, selected from a
previously drawn sketch, or the edges of a solid. Because a complicated swept
feature may contain several paths (up to 3 paths) and cross sections, it is
recommended that the geometry be laid out as 2D Sketches. Under the Sweep
Options dialog box, single path and cross section or multiple paths and cross
sections can be set.
Draw Path
The path is drawn as a profile. The profile path must be a continuous set of
tangent edges. The Swept command will not allow a path with sharp corners.
201
Do Not Copy
Select
Both paths and cross sections can be selected from existing geometry. A
pulldown menu shows choices of geometry types to be used for selection of paths
or cross sections. If less than three paths are to be used, the Next button must be
selected to transition from the path step to the cross section step.
Cross Section Step

The profiles for the cross sections must be closed. They do not have to be a set of
continuous tangent edges like the paths, sharp corners on the cross sections are
allowed. The cross section profiles can be defined by creating them as sketches,
picking edges of the solid, or drawing the profile within the Cross section step. It
is recommended that the path and cross sections are drawn as sketches.
If the Draw option is used to create the cross sections within the swept command,
Solid Edge needs to know where to draw the section. For example, with the two
paths created, the first cross section can be drawn relative to the left or right ends
of the paths. A point appears at one end of the path, based on where the cursor is
located. If the mouse is moved to the other end of the path, the point will move,
and that side will be worked on.
202
Do Not Copy
Once the point is accepted by a single click, a small reference plane is highlighted
at the end of the path. The reference plane must be oriented by moving the
mouse and selecting the origin of the plane.
After finishing the cross section, the cross section start point must be defined.
This is accomplished by positioning the mouse cursor over the profile and
selecting a vertex.
With only one cross section, the start point is not critical. But with multiple
sections, care must be taken to insure the starting points of each cross section are
aligned (shown above).
203
Do Not Copy
Otherwise, a twisting of the part will occur (shown above). When selecting cross
sections from Sketches, Start Points are defined at the time the cross section is
selected.
204
Do Not Copy
Loft Feature
A Loft feature adds or removes material by creating blends between cross

sections. The cross section can be a profile, or a cross section based on edges of
a solid can be used.
The following example is a Lofted Protrusion using profiles as cross sections.
The following example is a Lofted Protrusion using edges of a solid as the cross
sections. The user can also use both edges of solids and drawn profiles.
205
Do Not Copy
Cross Section Step

The cross-section can be defined with methods similar to the cross section step in
the Swept commands. This includes drawing in the desired geometry, or
selecting from existing geometry including Sketches and Part Edges.
As the cross sections are being identified, the start point for the cross section
must be defined. The start points should line up between all of the cross sections.
206
Do Not Copy
In the following example, the start points for the cross sections do not line up.
Notice that the resulting loft is twisted.
Once all the cross sections are identified, the Guide Curve or Extent step can be
used. The Guide Curve step allows you to select a curve that will guide or help
control the flow between the cross sections.
207
Do Not Copy
If no guide curve is required, selecting the Next button or the Extent step on the
ribbon bar will skip the step. With the Extent step, the resulting lofted solid can
be further controlled by the following inputs:
Vertex Mapping
Points on the cross-sections are mapped to control the loft. Points are defined in
sets with the first set defined by the start points previously entered.
Finite Extent
Sets the feature extent so that the lofted feature begins with the first cross-section
and ends with the last.
Closed Extent
Sets the feature extent so that the lofted feature closes on itself, using the first
cross-section as both the beginning and the end of the extrusion.
208
Do Not Copy
Endpoint Conditions - End 1 and End 2

Defines the end condition for endpoint 1 and endpoint 2. The end condition
options are available for each end of an open loft. If the loft is closed, the end
condition options are available for the first cross-section.
NaturalThere is no constraining condition enforced at the end. This is the

default end condition and is valid for any cross-section type.
Tangent ContinuousThe tangent vector for the loft is determined by the

adjacent surfaces. The end cross-sections defined using part edges and
construction surfaces support a tangent condition.
Curvature ContinuousThe curvature take-off vector for the loft is

determined by the adjacent surfaces. The end cross-sections defined using
part edges and construction surfaces support a curvature continuous
condition.
Normal to SectionThe length of the vector can be controlled. End crosssections that are planar support a normal to section end condition.
Editing Loft and Swept Features

Loft or Swept features can be edited to add or remove cross sections. However, if
cross sections are added, the order of the cross-sections should be adjusted. The
workflow is as follows:
Click the loft feature.
Click the Edit button.
Click the Cross Section Step and draw the new cross section or select an
existing cross section to modify.
Before clicking finish and preview, click the Cross section Order button.
209
Do Not Copy
If a new cross-section was added it will be the last one in the list, regardless of
the physical location. Select this cross-section and use the Up button to place the
cross-section in the correct order. In this example, the cross-section should be
moved up to become cross-section 2.
The number assigned to the cross-section is the order in which the cross-sections
were created. This should not be confused with the order that the cross-sections
are processed. These are two entirely different concepts the user must understand
when working with lofted features.
210
Do Not Copy
Holes
Creating a hole is similar to creating other profile-based features. However, the
second step is the Hole Step, which is really a special Profile Step. The Hole step
only allows placement of construction elements and holes.
Note: To create holes that are not circular, use the Cutout command.
211
Do Not Copy
Hole Settings
Click the Hole Options button on the SmartStep ribbon bar to access the Hole
Settings dialog box. The attributes of the Hole feature will change depending on
the options selected on the dialog.
212
Do Not Copy
TypesSpecifies the type of hole to construct. Simple, Threaded, Tapered,

Counterbored, or Countersunk holes can be created.
Different Fields will be displayed on the dialog depending on the type of hole
selected. For example, if Counterbore is selected, fields for the Counterbore
diameter and depth are displayed, along with the option to control whether the
hole is drilled from the top or bottom of the counterbored hole.
213
Do Not Copy
ExtentsSpecifies the extent or depth of the hole being constructed. These

options are the same extents available in the Protrusion or Cutout command,
and include: Through All, Through Next, From/To, and Finite. The bottom
shape of holes that do not extend completely through the part can also be
specified.
Once the type, extent, and treatment of a hole are defined, Enter a brief name in
the Save Settings field and click Save. This will save these hole settings under a
name. The next time a hole is to be created using these settings, the name can be
selected from the Saved Settings list on the ribbon bar next to the holes options
icon.
214
Do Not Copy
Hole Sizes
The hole sizes displayed for threaded holes in the holes dialog box can be
customized. An ASCII text file named holes.txt is located in the Solid Edge
software folder at:
Drive:\Program Files\Solid Edge\Programs
This file can be placed in any folder on any computer on a network. To set the
file location, select the Options option on the Tools pulldown menu and go to the
File Locations tab. Click on the Modify button and specify the path to the
holes.txt file.
Notepad or any text editor can be used to specify custom sizes or settings in this
file. For example, by default if you create a 1/4 - 20 UNC threaded hole, the hole
is actually drilled to .1959. If a hole is normally drilled with a number 7 drill, the
diameter can be set to .2010. If the file is saved in a Solid Edge software folder,
it is important to remember to save a backup copy of the holes.txt to another
folder because this file is removed when the software is removed.
215
Do Not Copy
Hole Step
After a reference plane is defined, Solid Edge automatically opens the Profile
environment so the Hole Step can be completed. There are fewer Draw
commands available for creating holes. The Line and Arc commands are
available, but they only create construction geometry to assist in the location of
the holes. To create a hole, click the Hole Circle button on the Draw toolbar and
then position and dimension the hole.
216
Do Not Copy
Editing Profile Based Features

To edit a feature, first select the feature using the Select Tool or the feature listing
on the Feature PathFinder tab of Edgebar. After a feature has been selected, the
Select Dimensions and Edit buttons can be used on the ribbon bar to edit the
feature. Also, on feature listing in Feature Pathfinder, the right mouse button can
be used over a feature, to pull up a shortcut menu allowing a direct edit to the
feature, dimensions or the profile.
The Select Dimensions option displays the dimensions of the feature for editing.
The Edit option displays the SmartStep ribbon bar for the feature. This allows for
the selection of any step used to create the feature and redefine the step(s).
217
Do Not Copy
Undo and Redo

The Undo and Redo commands are located on the main toolbar and allow the
user to undo and redo feature operations. The Undo and Redo commands can
track either the last feature or several steps using the list options. Both the Undo
and Redo commands share the following guidelines:
Only one step is performed at a time
Multiple steps may be selected with the List option
The list is cleared when the file is closed or saved
Undo
The Undo command allows the user to undo the last model change and return to
the previous model. For example, when creating a feature, selecting the Undo
command will remove the last feature.
Redo
The Redo command allows the user to redo an Undo feature. For example, if the
last feature is removed form the model with the Undo command, the Redo
command will return the feature to the model.
218
Do Not Copy
Undo/Redo List Option

Selecting the List arrow next to the Undo or Redo commands will drop down a
list of the previous functions and allow multiple changes. This will prevent
having to select the either the Undo or Redo command several times for multiple
steps.
219
Do Not Copy
Review
1. What types of profiles are valid to create a base protrusion?
2. What about subsequent features (after the base feature is built)?
3. What effect does the Through Next option have on an extruded protrusion?
4. What can be used as an axis of revolution when you are creating a revolved
protrusion or cutout?
5. What effect does the Finite Depth option have on ribs?
220
Do Not Copy
Activity - Creating Profile Based Features

Objectives
After completing this activity, students will be able to:
Create a Base feature using a Sketch.
Add material using extruded and revolved protrusions.
Remove material using extruded and revolved cutouts.
Add Ribs and Holes.
Create Lofted protrusions.
Create Helical cutouts.
In the following exercise, create the part with Revolved Protrusion, and add the
cutouts and additional protrusions.
1. Open Bell.par located in the Drawing Files folder.

2. On the Feature toolbar, click Revolved Protrusion.
3. On the ribbon bar, click the Select from Sketch button.

221
Do Not Copy
4. Select the Sketch in the part window and select the Check Mark on the ribbon
bar.
5. Select the dashed line in the sketch as the axis of revolution.

6. On the ribbon bar, select the Revolve 360 Degrees option.
222
Do Not Copy
7. Select the Finish button (shaded result shown below).
8. On the Main toolbar select: Tools, Hide All, Sketches.

10. For the Plane step, on the ribbon bar, select the Parallel plane option.
223
Do Not Copy
11. Select the right view reference plane.
Note: The hidden lines and reference planes in the previous picture, and possibly
additional pictures in this exercise, have been removed for clarity.
12. On the Protrusion ribbon bar, type 82.5 in the Distance box.
13. Move the mouse cursor to the lower right of the window, and click to define
the location of the new reference plane.
14. Select the Fit command.
224
Do Not Copy
15. Now in the Profile environment use the Line command to draw the following
profile. Use the Arc option in the Line command to draw the arc.
16. Make sure that the profile has the same dimensional values and relationships.
Note: Notice a vertical relationship has been placed between the top of the
vertical reference plane and the center of the profile arc.
17. On the ribbon bar, click Finish.
225
Do Not Copy
18. Point the arrow inside the profile, and click.
19. On the ribbon bar, click Through Next.
20. Point the arrow toward the part, and click to add material between the profile
and the part.
226
Do Not Copy
21. Click Finish to complete the protrusion.
22. On the Feature toolbar, select the Cutout command button

select the right view reference plane centered in the part.
, and then
227
Do Not Copy
23. Create the following profile.
24. Use the Select Tool and drag across and select the profile.
25. Select the Mirror command.
228
Do Not Copy
26. Click on the vertical reference plane as the mirror element.
27. Select Finish to complete the profile step.
28. On the Cutout ribbon bar, click Through All.
229
Do Not Copy
29. Move the cursor over the profile element that the arrow is attached until two
arrows are seen and click to accept the two arrows. This defines that the
material is removed on both sides of the profile.
30. Click Finish to complete the Cutout.
Note: Some of the hidden lines and reference planes in the following pictures
have been removed for clarity.
230
Do Not Copy
31. On the Feature toolbar, click the Select Tool

, and highlight the cutout
feature by moving the mouse across the feature.
32. Click to select the Cutout feature.

33. On the Select Feature ribbon bar, click Edit.
34. On the Cutout ribbon bar, click Profile Step.
35. Select the Draw in Profile option to return to the cutout profile.
36. Fit the view.

37. On the Draw toolbar, select the Fillet command.
38. On the ribbon bar, type 10 in the Radius box.
231
Do Not Copy
39. Place two fillets on the lower inside corners of the two profiles.
Note: This step can also be done with the round command.
40. Select Finish to complete the profile changes.
232
Do Not Copy
41. Click Finish to complete the Edit.
42. Save the file.

43. On the Feature toolbar, click the Cutout command.
44. Click the front face of the part.
233
Do Not Copy
45. Click on the bottom edge of the part face to define the bottom edge of the
reference plane. Move the mouse to the left, and click when a point appears
on the left end of the highlighted edge.
234
Do Not Copy
46. Draw the following profile and dimensions. Use the Distance Between
command to place the vertical dimension. Be sure the bottom edge of the
rectangle is colinear with the model edge. Try not to connect the vertical
lines to the model edges (arcs) when creating this profile.
47. On the Draw toolbar, select the Fillet command.

48. On the Fillet ribbon bar, in the Radius box, type 19.
235
Do Not Copy
49. Move the mouse to the intersection of the top line and the left line of the
profile. When both lines are highlighted, click the mouse to place the fillet.
50. Place another 19 mm fillet on the upper right corner.

51. Type 10 in the Radius box and place two fillets on the bottom corners of the
profile.
52. Click Finish to complete the profile.
236
Do Not Copy
53. On the ribbon bar, click Through All.
54. Move the mouse so two arrows appear indicating a symmetric extent, and
click to accept.
55. Click Finish to complete the feature.
56. On the Feature toolbar, click the Revolved Cutout command.
237
Do Not Copy
58. On the Draw toolbar, click the Include command.

A dialog will appear on the screen. Select the Include with Offset option.
238
Do Not Copy
59. Click the outer right arc and then the green accept check mark on the ribbon
bar.
60. Move the mouse to the inside of the arc and give an offset of 6.5mm on the
ribbon bar
61. Accept the offset to the inside by giving one left mouse click.
62. Draw a horizontal and a vertical line.
63. On the Draw toolbar, select the Trim command.
239
Do Not Copy
64. Trim away the lines and arc to produce the following shape.
Note: If a mistake is made, select Undo on the Main toolbar and repeat the step.
, then place and then edit the

65. Select the Distance Between command
dimensions as shown in the following figure.
66. On the Draw toolbar, select the Axis of Revolution command.
240
Do Not Copy
67. Click the vertical reference plane to define the axis of revolution.
68. Select Finish to complete the profile.

69. Point the arrow to the outside of the part to define how the material is to be
removed.
70. On the ribbon bar, select the Symmetric option.
241
Do Not Copy
71. In the Angle box, type 30 degrees and press Enter on the keyboard.
72. Click Finish to complete the revolved cutout.
73. Close and Save the file. This completes this activity.
242
Do Not Copy
Activity Creating a Loft Protrusion

Objectives
In this activity, a shifter handle will be created using the Swept Protrusion and
Loft Protrusion commands. The user will also Copy and Paste a profile between
Sketch planes, along with placing holes and ribs.
1. Open the handle.par file from the class folder.
243
Do Not Copy
2. Select the Swept Protrusion command

pullout menu.
from the Revolved Protrusion
3. Select the 'Multiple Paths and Cross Sections' Option from the Sweep Options
dialog Box.
4. Select Sketch 3 in the Pathfinder pane of Edgebar as the Path. If Sketches are
not listed, right mouse click in the pane and select the PathFinder
Display<Sketches option.
5. Accept this sketch as a path by selecting the green checkmark on the ribbon
bar.
6. Select the Next button on the ribbon bar to proceed to the cross section step.
244
Do Not Copy
7. Move the mouse so that the upper right corner of the sketch contains the start
point (small red dot) and then select this sketch (Sketch 1).
8. Move the mouse to the second sketch (Sketch 2) and make sure the upper
right corner of the sketch contains the start point (small red dot) and then click
to accept this sketch.
245
Do Not Copy
9. Click 'Preview' to display the feature.
10. Click Finish to end the feature.

Note: You will now create a loft on the end of the swept feature. To save time
you will copy and edit one of the original sketches.
11. Click on the Select Tool and select Sketch 2.
246
Do Not Copy
12. Right mouse click over the Sketch2 entry in the Pathfinder pane of Edgebar
and select 'Edit Profile'.
13. Press the Ctrl and the A key at the same time to highlight the entire profile.
Then click the Copy command from the main toolbar.
14. Finish the profile and finish the feature edit by selecting the corresponding
'Finish' buttons on the ribbon bar.
15. Select the Sketch command.
16. On the Sketch ribbon bar, select the Parallel Plane option.
247
Do Not Copy
18. On the ribbon bar, in the Distance box, type 210 and click behind the part to
create the new reference plane.
19. On the Main toolbar, select the Paste command.

Note: The profile copied to the clipboard earlier will be placed on the new
reference plane. However, since the solid is not copied, some of the dimensions
and relationships tied to the solid will not be placed. The user can now add these
dimensions and relationships. Also, the copied dimensions may need to be repositioned by clicking and dragging them away from the profile.
, and place the two vertical
20. Select the Distance Between command
dimensions (shown below) from the horizontal reference plane edge. Edit the
dimensions to the values shown.
Note: When the 18 mm dimension is changed to 16 mm, the profile shifts and is
no longer centered on the reference planes. This is because the connect
relationships were not included in the copy of the profile.
248
Do Not Copy
21. Select the Connect command

, and connect the midpoint of the upper and
lower horizontal profile lines to the vertical reference plane.
22. Change the 24mm width dimension to 20mm, and the 12mm dimension to
10mm.
23. Select the finish command to exit the profile environment and then finish the
sketch.
24. Fit the View.
249
Do Not Copy
25. Save the file.

26. Select the Lofted Protrusion command.
27. On the ribbon bar, use the Select option and set the selection mode to
Sketch/Chain.
28. Select Sketch 2 from the part window with the upper right corner to as the
start point (red dot).
250
Do Not Copy
29. Select Sketch 4 from the part window with the upper right corner to as the
start point (red dot).
30. On the ribbon bar, select the Preview button.
31. Select Finish to complete the Loft and Save the file
32. Click on the Rib command.
251
Do Not Copy
33. Select the reference plane parallel to the base of the handle.
34. Place a 50mm circle and dimension centered on the base of the handle. Make
sure the circle is connected with a connect relationship to the mid-point of the
reference plane as shown.
35. Click Finish.
252
Do Not Copy
36. Drag the mouse downward in the view and click to place the rib into the part.
37. Key in 2.00mm for the thickness and click on the circle when the arrows are
displayed in two directions.
38. Click Finish.
253
Do Not Copy
39. Click on the Hole command.

40. Select the parallel plane option from the ribbon bar.
41. Select the top reference plane and create the parallel reference plane
downward 15.00mm into the part.
42. Click the Holes options command from the ribbon bar.
43. Set the Type to Counterbore and make sure the Profile at Bottom option is
selected.
254
Do Not Copy
44. Set the Hole diameter to 14mm, the Counterbore diameter to 18mm, and the
Counterbore depth to 8mm. Also, make sure the Thru-All extent option is
used.
45. Click OK to dismiss the Hole Options dialog.
255
Do Not Copy
46. Place the Counterbore hole at the center of the handle base either by locating
the center of the existing model or by the midpoint of the reference plane.
47. Click Finish to finish the profile and then drag the mouse until the direction
arrow is pointing upwards and click to place the hole.
256
Do Not Copy
48. Click Finish.
Note: The part can be rotated to view the counterbored hole.

49. Save the file
This completes the activity.
257
Do Not Copy
Summary
Solid models are built by adding and removing material. In Solid Edge the shape
of the add or remove feature is dictated by a 2D sketch. The key to modeling
productivity is knowing what type feature is needed and how to draw the 2D
profile in the quickest manner. Open profiles give the user simplicity in the 2D
profile environment and automate the design intent. Keeping features simple will
make feature modeling with profile based features easy to learn and use.
258
Do Not Copy
M O D U L E
Treatment Features
Objectives ...............................................................................................261
Introduction ............................................................................................262
Thin Wall ................................................................................................263
Thin Region.............................................................................................268
Thicken Region .......................................................................................269
Add Draft ................................................................................................271
Round......................................................................................................276
Chamfers.................................................................................................284
Copying Features....................................................................................291
The Feature PathFinder .........................................................................305
Review.....................................................................................................317
Activity - Constructing a Bracket ...........................................................319
Activity - Constructing a Mouse Base ....................................................333
Summary .................................................................................................350
260
Do Not Copy
Treatment Features Module 4
Objectives
The objective of this module is to examine many of the tools that fall under
the category of treatment features in the Solid Edge Part environment. In
addition, the options to these commands and how they are applied will be
reviewed. And finally, the element selection order of how these commands
are applied and the final results will be studied. The treatment feature
applications that are covered in this module are listed below:
Constructing parts with wall thickness
Adding draft angle(s) to one or more part faces
Rounding edges of the part
Chamfering edges of the part.
Copying features based on circular or rectangular patterns.
Using the Mirror feature command to duplicate a feature.
Managing features through the Feature PathFinder.
Using Short-cut menus to speed the editing process.
261
Do Not Copy
Introduction
Treatment features that are applied to a solid model reduce what used to be
referred to as tedious modeling tasks in the past. Often, with very little input,
several part features can be applied in a short period of time. Examples of
treatment features in Solid Edge are; rounds, chamfers, draft (for molded parts),
thin-wall (uniform wall thickness), and lip & groove application to mating part
edges.
Treatment feature input ranges from model faces, or edges, to a sketched line or
positioning of a pre-determined profile. Because of this wide range of input
requirements, each feature will have a unique SmartStep ribbon bar.
The following illustration displays the Treatment portion of the feature toolbar:
262
Do Not Copy
Thin Wall
The Thin Wall command changes a part from completely solid to one constructed
of a number of thin walls or sides. Think of thin wall like the core of a mold.
Use the following steps in the SmartStep ribbon bar for this command:
Common Thickness Step
Open Faces Step
Unique Thickness Step (optional)
Preview Step
Finish Step
The Thin Wall can be constructed inside, outside or symmetrically about the
original surfaces of the solid. In the example below, the thin wall was
constructed inside the original part surfaces (default command setting).
Common Thickness Step

Typing a value in the Common Thickness box on the SmartStep ribbon bar sets
the thickness of every side of the solid model. Included on the ribbon bar are the
options to specify the offset direction of the new faces.
263
Do Not Copy
Offset OutsideApplies the wall thickness to the outside of the faces of the
original solid.
Offset InsideApplies the wall thickness to the inside of the faces of the
original solid.
SymmetricalApplies the wall thickness symmetrically about the faces of

the original solid.
Open Faces Step

Faces of the original solid can be defined as open. Open faces are not offset,
instead they are removed from the solid body. In the following example, the top
surface was left open.
264
Do Not Copy
One or more part faces can be identified at one time as open faces. The following
example shows the original part, and the same part thinwalled with multiple open
faces.
When one side of the model has multiple faces and the faces are tangent, they are
selected as one face and cannot be selected individually.
265
Do Not Copy
Unique Thickness Step

Different thickness values for individual walls can be applied with the Unique
Thickness button on the SmartStep ribbon bar. A filter option in SmartStep
specifies the selection method for unique thickness walls. Selecting a part face or
a planar part face can identify individual walls, or clicking the Feature option can
identify all the walls in a feature. After selecting each wall(s), type the value for
the wall thickness in the Unique box and click the green check mark to apply that
value. This step is optional.
266
Do Not Copy
Considerations
It is possible to thin wall a part more than once. In some cases, it can be easier to
construct a part using multiple thin wall features rather than using profile-based
features. Notice in figure 2, a bracket is quickly created from a box. In figure 3,
notice the second thin wall is applied to shell the bracket. In figure 4 and 5,
notice that new features can be added before the second thin wall is performed.
In some cases it is necessary to add the new material, then re-order the new
feature in front of the thin wall, and then edit the thin wall to include the feature.
267
Do Not Copy
Thin Region
The Thin Region command develops thinwalls to specific areas of the model.
Only a feature, or features need to be thinned not the whole model. This is also
helpful when editing complex models. It may take longer to edit the model than
to just add a thin region feature to the model.
In the example below a simple rubber or plastic handle should be thinned to save
on material usage. The round boss needs to remain solid, so the Thinwall
command cant be used. The Thin region command thins only the desired area
and leaves the boss intact.
The SmartStep ribbon bar for the Thin region command is shown below:
The steps to complete a Thin feature are as follows:
Identify the sides of the feature to be thinned, or offset, including the open
face specifying an offset value for these faces.
Identify the open face from the previous select-set
Identify the portion of the original model, not in any previous select-set, that
will be used to cap the open faces. This face must intersect the faces of the
model being offset.
Specify the unique offset distance for any of the faces previously selected.
Preview
Finish
268
Do Not Copy
Thicken Region
The Thicken Region command is used to create a solid model from a construction
surface or to add more material to a model feature where it has been deemed too
thin. Instead of having to edit a feature or many features to obtain the same
result, the Thicken command will add the necessary material to the solid model.
In the case of creating a solid from a construction surface, many times it is easier,
and quicker, to construct the mid-plane of the desired model. The Thicken
feature can offset this mid-plane to create a solid model. A simple sample is
shown below. First, a construction surface is created that represents the solid
shape.
The Thicken command is then used to offset this construction plane 5mm to
create a solid body.
269
Do Not Copy
The direction of the offset is specified by the mouse position over the
construction surface. If the mouse is above the surface, the solid will be created
above the surface (the cases are shown in the previous illustrations). If below the
surface, the offset would have been below the surface. By moving the mouse
directly over the surface the offset would have been symmetric, resulting in a
10mm thick solid body. In any case, creating this shape with the thicken
command is considerably faster than creating with add, remove, or thinwall
features. The profile was simple and easily controlled, probably not he case if
this was attempted with some other feature commands.
The SmartStep bar for the thicken command is shown below:
There are only three steps to this command:
Select the surface to thicken
Give the offset value and distance
Finish the feature when the desired result is achieved
Note that the surface identified can be any surface, construction or model face. In
the example below, a model face was selected for thickening.
Note that the hole and the pocket maintain position although the face has been
moved outward 1-inch.
270
Do Not Copy
Add Draft
The Add Draft command adds a draft angle to one or more faces of a part. An
Add Draft feature is constructed using the following steps:
Plane Step
Face Selection Step
Draft Direction Step
Finish Step
The Add Draft command can create the following results:
271
Do Not Copy
Options
Several options assist in controlling where the draft is derived from. The options
button is the first button on the ribbon bar.
From PlaneThe Draft angle is derived from a reference plane or planar face
of the part.
From EdgeThe Draft angle is derived from an edge of the part.
From Parting SurfaceThe Draft angle is derived from a construction

surface that intersects the solid model.
From Parting LineThe Draft angle is derived from an edge of a part,

construction surface, or intersection curve.
Split DraftThe Draft angle is created in two different directions.
Step DraftThe Draft angle is derived from a parting line or part edge.
272
Do Not Copy
Draft Plane Step

In the Draft Plane step, select a reference plane or part face to use as the pivot
point of the draft angle. The normal to this plane defines the zero degree draft
angle. The Draft Plane does not move, it only defines the pivot point of the draft
surfaces and where the draft angle will originate.
Select Face Step

In the Select Face Step, the face or faces, which will be drafted are selected.
After selecting a face, use the Draft box on the SmartStep ribbon bar to define the
angle for the draft.
Different angles can be defined for each face by the setting the angle after face
selection; then selecting the green check mark. The example below shows the top
face with a 45-degree draft and the bottom face with a 30-degree draft. The front
face is the Draft Plane.
The face selection options on the SmartStep ribbon bar are:
FaceAllows the selection of an individual face.
ChainAllows the selection of a number of tangent faces to draft. Individual

faces can also be selected that are not part of the chain using this option.
273
Do Not Copy
LoopAllows the draft to be constructed on all faces adjacent to a selected

face loop. A loop includes all boundaries, interior and peripheral on the face.
All Normal FacesAllows the selection of all faces that are normal (90degrees) to the draft plane.
Draft Direction Step

The Draft Direction Step defines an inward or outward direction for the draft.
The position of the mouse over the model indicates whether the draft angle is
applied to the inside or outside of the part. A line is attached to the first face
selected in the Select Face Step to indicate the draft direction.
274
Do Not Copy
Considerations
Should rounds be added to the model before or after draft is applied? If the
rounds are added first, the rounded faces will no longer have a constant radius.
The rounds will be conical. If the rounds are added after draft is applied, the
radius value will remain constant. Often times, the manufacturing process used
to produce the actual part can be a deciding factor when the rounds are added.
The left example shows rounds that have been drafted. The right example shows
rounds added after the draft feature. Designers will have to take this difference
into account when designing their parts.
275
Do Not Copy
Round
The Round command adds rounds and fillets to a model. A default constant
round feature, the type of round most used, is constructed using the following
steps:
Select the edge to have the round or fillet
Enter a value for the round or fillet
Accept that information as a select-set
Preview the result
Accept the result with the Finish Step
Other types of rounds are available with this feature command. The process of
identifying and applying a value can vary greatly from type to type. Users should
familiarize themselves with the use of the constant rounding method first and
then work towards the more difficult cases.
Round Options
Rounds can be constructed with a constant, variable, or blended radius. The
Round options button and dialog sets the type of round to be created. By default,
Solid Edge will always be in the constant rounding mode. There is no need to
bring up this dialog if the type of round desired is a constant round.
Constant radiusMaintains the same radius value throughout the entire length of
the round. A constant radius is commonly used on machined parts. This is the
default mode of the round command.
276
Do Not Copy
Variable radiusAllows for the definition of a different radius value for

endpoints and midpoints of the edge. A variable radius is commonly used on
castings, forgings and plastic parts. The Variable round is the only option that
requires selecting points on the edge.
BlendAllows the placement of a constant radius round between two faces.
Edge Selection Step

There are different edge selection methods available to the user. These filters
were put into place to ease the amount of inputs required by the user. Some
filters actually build a low level of intelligence to the model. Use the Select box
on the SmartStep ribbon bar to choose one edge selection method:
277
Do Not Copy
Edge/CornerAllows the selection of individual edges or a corner of the

part. An edge is where two non-tangent faces meet. A corner is where three
or more non-tangent faces meet. One edge can be clicked to construct a
round, or click a corner to construct three or more rounds.
ChainAllows for the selection of a single or multiple edges. Multiple

edges are automatically found when tangency exists at the endpoints of the
edges.
278
Do Not Copy
FaceApplies the round to all edges of the selected face. This includes all
interior and exterior edges. If a feature above this round (in the feature
pathfinder) that causes the shape of the face to change in anyway, the round
will automatically recalculate with this new boundary information.
Loop Applies the round to the exterior edges of a single face. Here again, if
the face boundaries change by the addition or modification of a feature higher
in the feature pathfinder the round will automatically update.
FeatureApplies rounds to all edges of a feature.
All FilletsApplies rounds (fillets) to all inside edges of the part.
All RoundsApplies rounds to all outside edges of a part.
After selecting an edge, or select set edges, a value must be typed in the Radius
box to define the radius of a constant radius round. Then the user can proceed to
Preview the result or identify another group of edges at a different value before
processing the round(s).
To take full advantage of the edge selection options, consider rounding some
edges before others. Notice in figure 2 below, eight rounds are added using the
edge/vertex option. Since these eight edges are rounded first, the remaining
edges can be selected quickly using the chain select option.
Application of the Round

On the ribbon bar for the round command is an icon for Round Parameters.
This option lets the user change how the round is applied to the edge. If the
round interacts with another model edge, and the user wants to control how these
two entities interact, this dialog box should be used.
279
Do Not Copy
An image of the dialog is show below. Notice that the Preview option shows a
sample interaction with the result on the large image in the dialog.
These options should be used when the result of the round is to have a
specifically desired effect, or look.
280
Do Not Copy
Soften Corner Option

Solid Edge provides the ability to soften a corner once it has been placed on the
model. The option to soften the corner is provided on the ribbon bar. By
choosing this option, more rounding criteria will have to be provided. Which
vertex to soften and how should the system apply the softening technique?
Softening a corner the gives the system more room to blend the vertex. A
smoother, more aesthetic, blend will be created. The example images below
illustrate this soften option. The image at left is the normal vertex achieved by
rounding all the model edges at the same value. The image at right shows the
same vertex with the soften option applied.
When using the soften corner option, the ribbon bar changes to accept the
additional criteria to be supplied to soften the vertex of the model. The
vertex/vertices to soften must be identified and a distance away from this area to
soften. Different methods of vertex selection and softening technique can be
specified.
The selection method can be by individual corner or by all corners exisitng on the
model. If this option has been used before in the model file, the options taken in
those previous steps become available under the select method pulldown (entries
below the dashed line).
281
Do Not Copy
The method for the soften corner option specifies how much room the system can
take to blend that specific area from the vertex. A distance can be specified or a
multiple of the rounding radius can be used to specify the amount of area that can
be consumed by the softening technique (shown below).
De-selecting Edges
If an edge is accidentally selected that is not intended to be rounded, make sure
the selection filter is in the desired element selection mode (edge, chain, face,
etc.) and then re-select the edge when pressing the CTRL key. This will remove
the edge from the select-set.
282
Do Not Copy
Rounding Order
The order in which rounds are applied can make a difference in the completed
model. The following example illustrates how the order in which rounds are
applied affects the result.
In figure 2, Edge 1 was rounded first. This creates the necessary edges for
the second round to be added.
In figure 3, Edge 2 was rounded first to create the necessary edges for the
second round to be added.
In figure 4, both rounds were added at the same time, producing a blended
result because of the lack of edge information.
1.
2.
3.
4.
The solutions above can all be considered correct. This does not mean the user
should try to anticipate the result. Instead, round the edges, if the results are not
desirable, try again using a different edge selection order.
283
Do Not Copy
Chamfers
The Chamfer command constructs a planar face between two faces along their
common edge. Chamfer features should be constructed when the model is near
completion. On most parts, small chamfers should not be included when drawing
the profile for profile-based features. This allows the chamfers to be added as a
treatment feature, which makes changes faster and easier.
The default setting for chamfer is a standard 45-degree chamfer. All that is
required is the setback distance. Solid Edge does everything else automatically.
The steps to complete a chamfer feature placement are:
Click the edge to chamfer.
Type the setback distance.
Click Preview to see the chamfer placed.
Select Finish to accept the result
284
Do Not Copy
A chamfer feature based on an angle and setback or two setbacks is constructed

using the following steps (notice the additional step of identifying a surface):
Face Selection Step
Edge Selection Step
Input Setbacks and/or Angle
Preview the chamfer
Finish Step
Chamfer Options
The Chamfer Options dialog box specifies how the chamfer is defined.
Equal Setbacks
The Equal Setbacks option allows for the construction of a 45-degree chamfer on
edges of perpendicular faces. The Face Selection step is unnecessary. Select the
edges to chamfer, then type the setback distance in the Setback field.
285
Do Not Copy
Angle and Setback

The Angle and Setback option requires the selection of a reference face before
selecting the edges to chamfer. This reference face must contain one of the edges
to chamfer. The Angle specified is the angle of the chamfer from this face. The
Setback distance is applied from the edge being chamfered on the reference face.
After selecting a face, move to the Edge Selection Step, and select the edges to
chamfer.
2 Setbacks
The 2 Setbacks option has a similar workflow to the Angle and Setback option.
First select a reference face, and then select the edges on the face to chamfer.
The first setback distance is applied to the reference face, the second to the
adjacent face.
286
Do Not Copy
Edge Selection
When constructing chamfer features, select the edges similar to that of the round
command. Options like chain, loop and feature make selecting edges quick and
easy. Multiple edges can be chamfered in one operation if they have the same
setback value. If different setback values are to be applied to different edges,
they must be chamfered in two separate chamfer operations. The following
examples illustrate applying chamfers to a solid.
In figure 2, chamfers were applied to all three edges in one operation.
In figure 3, the chamfers were applied in multiple operations.
In figure 4, a chamfer was applied to edge 3 in one operation, and then

additional chamfers were applied to edges 1 and 2 in a second operation.
In figure 5, the chamfers were applied in separate operations using different

setback values.
In figure 6, the size of the chamfer on edge 3 was increased to create a new
edge at the top of the chamfer.
In figure 7, a chamfer is applied to the new edge created in figure 6.
287
Do Not Copy
288
Do Not Copy
When applying chamfers, it is better to add as many of the same size chamfers in
one operation as possible.
Chamfers can only be placed if one of the two faces is planar. The Equal setback
option can only be used if the two faces are perpendicular. The models shown in
figures 1, 2, and 3 have draft on the four outer sides of the model. To apply the
chamfer shown in figure 3, the Angle and Setback or 2 Setbacks options must be
used.
The model shown in figure 4 cannot have a chamfer applied using the Chamfer
command because neither of the faces is planar. In this example, one face is a
partial sphere and the other is cylindrical. As shown in figure 5, the chamfer
should be drawn as a line in the profile when the revolved protrusion was
constructed.
289
Do Not Copy
De-selecting Edges
If an edge is accidentally selected that is not intended to be chamfered, de-select
the edge by holding the CTRL key, then select on the edge to remove from the
select-set.
General Rules:
1. There must be enough material on each face to construct the chamfer at the
specified size.
2. Only one chamfer size can be applied in one operation.
3. Apply as many of the same size chamfers in one operation as possible.
4. Chamfers can only be placed if one of the two faces is planar.
5. To apply chamfers when the adjacent faces are not planar, draw the chamfer as
a line in the profile that created that feature.
290
Do Not Copy
Copying Features
Features can be copied to other areas of the part by either mirroring, patterning,
or with Copy and Paste. Mirroring the part requires a plane or the creation of a
plane to mirror about. The pattern feature commands allow the construction of a
rectangular or circular drive element that the features will follow. Copy and
Paste allows the user to copy a feature to the clipboard and then paste the feature
onto any plane of the solid model.
The mirror and patterning methods are associative. A change in the original
feature(s) automatically forces an update of any feature that was created with
these two methods. The Copy and Paste method is not associative to the feature
it was copied from. A feature placed in this manner behaves just as if it was an
original.
Copying and Pasting Features

Features can be copied to different areas of the part by using the Copy or Cut
commands, and Pasting them to a new location. A feature can be copied using
the following steps:
Select the Feature
Click Cut or Copy on the Main toolbar.
Click Paste on the Main Toolbar.
Define the new reference plane or model face
Edit the feature to position the Profile
Edit the Feature to define the relationships or dimensions needed to control

the feature location and depth
The first three steps are similar to the copy methods in any Windows compliant
application. The remaining three steps are specific to Solid Edge. Once the
feature is chosen, copied, and the Paste command is clicked, the feature must be
positioned. The ribbon bar changes to show the Paste steps.
In the first step, a reference plane is defined, the same as with any feature
creation. In the second step, the Profile for the feature is positioned with a single
click of the mouse. On the following part, even though the cutout was created on
291
Do Not Copy
the front surface, it can be pasted to the right side or any other side by defining
the proper reference plane.
Once the reference plane is defined, simply click to approximately place the
feature where needed.
292
Do Not Copy
The feature is then created and finished. Remember that the feature always needs
to be edited and Relationships and/or Dimensions placed to control the true
position of the feature profile on that face. A feature that has been copied is not
associative to the feature it was copied from.
Pattern Features
The first occurrence of the pattern must exist in order to create a pattern
.
Once the element(s) has been identified the user defines a pattern control element.
Specify the total number of features to be included in the pattern, including the
first element and then select the Preview option. Any change to the original
feature patterned forces the entire pattern instance to update to that change.
Individual instances of a feature pattern can be deleted. A feature pattern is
constructed using the following steps:
Feature Select Step

Pattern Profile Step
Preview
Finish Step
293
Do Not Copy
Feature Select Step

Features can be chosen directly from the model, or by using PathFinder. Select
the features to include then click the Accept button (check mark) on the ribbon
bar.
Features such as Rounds, Chamfers, and Add Draft must be patterned along with
their parent element. Otherwise, an error message will be displayed. For
example, a cutout cannot be patterned and then later a decision made to pattern
the chamfer on the top of the cutout. The chamfer must be included along with
the cutout. So instead of creating a new pattern for the chamfer, edit the existing
pattern and include the chamfer.
Two buttons on the ribbon bar indicate whether a Smart or Fast pattern will be
constructed. The Fast pattern option gets its name by working fast. It does not
check to see how the geometry interacts with other features on the model. It is
typically used to generate large simple patterns, such as an array of holes on a
single plane. If the features being patterned must interact with the model, the
following error message will be received.
294
Do Not Copy
This message would occur on the following part if the Fast pattern option was
selected to create the two additional ribs on the part.
Since the middle rib must be extended to meet the cutout in the middle of the
part, an interaction must take place, so the pattern will fail as described above.
The Smart pattern option must be used to place the pattern. If a Fast pattern fails,
users can easily change to a smart pattern by changing the option on the ribbon
bar and selecting Preview. All inputs and parameters are saved.
Pattern Profile Step

The Pattern Profile step requires a reference plane to be defined for the pattern,
and a profile drawn to control the array. Once the reference plane is defined, the
feature toolbar changes to display the profile commands. Two commands are
added below the Select Tool for Rectangular and Circular patterns. These are the
two main profile elements that should be used to drive the patterns. The other
profile elements should be used only from construction or control over the pattern
drive sketch. Using anything other than the pattern profile tools will result in a
pattern failure because no drive profile exists.
The rectangular and circular pattern options have very different requirements and
order of workflow. For that reason each type of pattern will be covered in
separate topics.
295
Do Not Copy
Rectangular Patterns
The rectangular pattern command
constructs a rectangular pattern with
multiple instances evenly spaced. Pay close attention to the prompts at the lower
left corner of the Part window. A rectangular profile must be constructed, with
the rectangular pattern command, or placed at any time during the definition of
the pattern.
Several options and the rectangular profile control the pattern. The options
button is on the ribbon bar next to the finish button.
The options button displays the Stagger Options dialog box to control how the
pattern should be staggered. Rows, columns, or both can be staggered in several
different ways. The orientation of the reference plane dictates which direction is
the row and which is the column.
The next option is the Pattern Type, located on the pull down in the ribbon bar.
296
Do Not Copy
The Fit, Fill and Fixed options work with the rectangular pattern.
Fit The X and Y spacing of the pattern is calculated based on the size of the
rectangular profile and the number of occurrences. The X and Y spacing for
the features are not specified. The number of instances and the size of the
rectangle are all that matter.
Fill The number of occurrences is calculated based on the rectangular

profile and the X and Y spacing. The number of features created in the X and
Y direction is not specified.
Fixed The height and width of the rectangular profile is calculated from the
X and Y spacing and the number of occurrences. The size of the profile for
the overall height and width is not specified.
Based on which Pattern Type is chosen, the system calculate fields are
automatically enabled and disabled. The ribbon bar in the following figure shows
the required fields for the Fixed Pattern Type.
A closer look illustrates how the Pattern Type affects your results. The following
figure shows a Fit pattern with an X count of 8, and an Y count of 4. The overall
width is 80, and the height is 70. The spacing between each feature in the X
direction is a result of dividing 7 spaces (for 8 occurrences) into 80, for a result of
11.43. The Y spacing is also calculated from the dividing the Y count into the
height. Solid Edge will calculate how many instances can fit in that rectangle
with those offsets.
The next figure shows a Fill pattern Type. The X an Y count fields are disabled
so the X and Y spacing is specified and an overall height and width. An overall
width of 80 with a spacing of 9 apart generates an X count of 9. The overall
height of 70 with a spacing of 15 generates an Y count of 5. Since 9 was divided
into 80 for the width, there is not enough room to create the tenth occurrence. So
the last row along the rectangle is empty. The same goes for the height. Its last
297
Do Not Copy
row is also empty. The Fill option Fills the area and does not place the last row if
there is a remainder.
The last Pattern Type is Fixed. In the following figure, an X count of 9 along
with an X spacing of 10, produces the actual width of the pattern. The height is
controlled by a Y count of 5 and a Y spacing of 18.
Circular Pattern
The Circular pattern command
constructs additional features based on a
circle or arc profile. The workflow is similar to the rectangular pattern with
options on the ribbon bar to control the sweep angle and spacing of the elements.
Remember that if the features interact with the model, the Smart option should be
used.
298
Do Not Copy
The circle or arc options on the ribbon bar controls the total sweep angle of the
pattern. When a circle is specified to generate a pattern the system will prompt
the user for which direction (clockwise or counter-clockwise) to create the feature
copies. A dynamic arrow tracks with the mouse on the screen for specifying this
direction. Give a left mouse click when the arrow, or direction, is correct for the
application of the pattern. The spacing of the elements is then defined by the Fit
or Fill option. The physical size of the circle has no impact on the pattern being
placed. However, the start point of the pattern controls the spacing between the
original feature and the first copy. Ideally, the start point should be specified at
the center of the original feature.
Fit Defines the number of features based on a number count.
Fill Defines the number of features based on the spacing between the
features.
Fixed (on partial sweeps only) Spacing and count control the sweep angle
of the pattern. This option is only available when an arc pattern is being
created.
The following figure shows a circular pattern based on a circle with the fit option,
and the count set to 12.
299
Do Not Copy
The following figure shows a circular pattern based on a 130 degree arc with the
Fill option, and the Spacing set to 20 (degrees). Notice a feature will not be
created at the end of the arc.
When using an arc to control the pattern, the pattern can also be specified to be
Fixed. This means the spacing and count control the sweep angle of the arc.
300
Do Not Copy
Suppressing Pattern Instances

By pre-determining which elements should be suppressed in the pattern being
created, processing time and system resources can be maximized. Both the
rectangular and circle pattern ribbon bars have a provision for suppressing a
pattern instance.
Notice in the following figure, the middle three occurrences in the pattern show a
small x, instead of a large X. These three elements have been suppressed and will
not be displayed in the resulting pattern. The Suppress option is located on the
ribbon bar once the pattern has been specified.
The occurrences can also be Un-Suppressed with the same option when editing
the feature pattern. Select the Suppress option and then select the instance that
has been suppressed and it will appear once the feature is recalculated.
Deleting Pattern Occurrences

Pattern instances can be deleted after they have been placed. If the time is not
taken to edit the pattern to suppress the instance, as described above, pause the
mouse over the instance to delete. QuickPick will identify the pattern and the
individual instance. Select the desired QuickPick box that corresponds to the
instance and press the delete key on the keyboard. That instance will be removed
from the pattern.
301
Do Not Copy
General Rules:
1. Multiple features may be patterned in one operation.
2. If the Fast Pattern fails, return to the ribbon bar and click the Smart option.
3. Individual feature occurrences in a pattern can be suppressed
4. Individual feature occurrences in a pattern can be deleted.
5. Drafts, Chamfers and Rounds may not be patterned individually. They must
be patterned along with another feature.
Mirror Feature
The Mirror feature allows the mirroring of the Base feature or any number of
features. The mirror feature command should only be used when mirroring
individual or grouped features. Use the Mirror Part command when mirroring a
complete part (following section). A Mirror feature is constructed using the
following steps:
Feature Select Step
Plane Step
Preview
Finish Step
302
Do Not Copy
Multiple features can be selected by holding down the SHIFT Key while
selecting the features. Once the features are defined, select a planar surface, or a
reference plane for the plane step. The feature is then mirrored about the surface
or reference plane.
The mirror feature command has options for both Fast and Smart mirror patterns.
The Fast option should be used if the features being mirrored will have the same
topology interaction and extent as the original features selected. If the feature
being mirrored will interact differently with the model when mirrored (as above),
the Smart option should be used to ensure feature placement. Solid Edge will
notify users when the Fast mirror option will not provide the proper information
for feature placement.
303
Do Not Copy
Mirror Part
The mirror part command can be used to mirror a complete part in the same
model file. If the mirror of the part touches the original part being mirrored, the
two entities will be combined into one solid body.
As with the feature mirror command, a reference plane must be identified or
created to mirror about.
304
Do Not Copy
The Feature PathFinder

Feature PathFinder can be used to manage and manipulate the features in a
model. Feature PathFinder is the first tab from the left on the Edgebar dialog.
Feature PathFinder can best be described as the feature history tree of the solid
model. This is where every feature contained in the model is listed in the order of
placement. Feature PathFinder can perform the following tasks.
Select features
Re-order features
Go To
Delete features
Rename features
Edit features
Edit the dimensions of a feature
Edit the feature profile
Suppress and Un-suppress a feature
Control the display of features, planes, sketches, and construction surfaces
Determine the current status of features
Selecting Features
Feature PathFinder can be used to assist in the selection of features. This can be
useful when working with complex models that contain many features.
Features can be selected in Feature PathFinder pane by selecting the name of the
feature with the cursor. The related solid features on the model will also
highlight. This process also works in reverse. Selecting the feature on the model
highlights the feature name in PathFinder.
To select multiple features in Feature PathFinder, hold the CTRL key, and then
select the desired features. The SHIFT key can be used to select all the features
305
Do Not Copy
between the first feature selected and the last feature selected. To de-select (or
un-highlight) a feature, position the mouse cursor in the application window, then
click the left mouse button. To de-select a feature from a list of multiple features,
hold the CTRL key down and select the feature again to drop it from the selectset.
306
Do Not Copy
Reorder a Feature
PathFinder allows users to reorder features in the feature tree. This is done by
selecting the desired feature and dragging the entry higher in the feature tree.
Features can only be moved up the feature, not down. Note that a child feature
can not be moved above the parent feature. For example, a round placed on a
feature edge can not be moved higher in the tree than the feature it has been
placed on. If the feature does not exist, how can the round? After some
experimenting, reordering features will come easy.
In the following model, a round is constructed.
307
Do Not Copy
Now two more rounds are constructed with one round feature. At this point, a
decision is made that the first round should have been constructed after the
second round.
First, select the Round feature entry in PathFinder that we need to reorder. This
will be the second round, since we want it to come before the first round.
308
Do Not Copy
Next, press and hold the mouse button down and drag the feature above the first
round and after the last protrusion and then release the mouse button. Note that
Round 2 is before Round 1
With the feature reordered, the results of the rounds are different. No feature had
to be deleted or recreated. This process maximized our time and effort without
having to spend valuable modeling time editing the model.
Remember that a feature cannot be reordered to a location in the feature tree

where the feature could not exist. In the previous example, either of the rounds
could not be reordered in front of the protrusions because the edges and faces
needed to construct the rounds do not exist.
309
Do Not Copy
Go To
The GoTo option only exists as a short-cut menu option. To use this option, right
mouse click over the feature were the edit is to take place and select GoTo.
This option allows for the construction of a new feature at the specific location in
the feature tree where the option was initialized. This keeps from having to place
a feature at the end of the feature tree and then reordering the feature. When a
feature is selected with the Go To command, all features below that feature are
temporarily suppressed.
After the new feature is constructed, use the Go To option on the last feature in
the feature tree to get the model to completely recalculate (as shown below).
310
Do Not Copy
PlayBack
The Playback tab on the Edgebar tool allows for the visualization of how a model
was constructed. Although the PlayBack option on Edgebar is not technically a
part of the Feature Pathfinder it is covered here because of the close tie-in of the
two functionalities. The playback option provides the opportunity to visually
watch the model being built feature by feature. The display of the model will
coincide with the feature placement in the tree. This allows others to see how the
model was created step-by-step. The Playback tool has Play, Pause, Rewind and
Forward tools. It also allows the selection of the playback speed, pausing the
time in seconds between features. This is a valuable tool in discovering which
features to edit or to manipulate to achieve the desired results.
Note that the Playback option is not an option in Feature Pathfinder but a separate
tab on Edgebar.
311
Do Not Copy
PathFinder Shortcuts
The Shortcut menu can also be used to manipulate features in Feature PathFinder.
While in select mode, position the mouse cursor over the feature to edit, then
click the right mouse button.
The shortcut commands that are available when a feature is selected are:
Delete
Rename
Suppress
GoTo
Recompute
Cut, Copy, and Paste
Edit Feature
Edit Dimensions
Edit Profile
PathFinder Display options
These short cuts can increase productivity by saving valuable mouse clicks and
screen time when editing features. Note that the Display options are for the
312
Do Not Copy
PathFinder pane of Edgebar only. To change the display options for the model
window users will need to use the construction display tool on the feature toolbar.
Deleting Features
To delete a feature in Feature PathFinder, first select the feature, and then press
the DELETE key on the keyboard. Multiple features can be deleted by selecting
them using the SHIFT key. If a feature that other features are dependent on is
deleted, they will be put on the ToDo list.
The delete option can also be found on the short-cut menu for the feature (shown
below):
313
Do Not Copy
Renaming Features
By default, Solid Edge provides names for every feature created. Users have the
option of changing this name before Finishing the feature. This section will
cover how to change the name after creation of the feature.
Right-mouse click over the feature to have the name change and select the
Rename option from the short-cut menu. Type the new name in the space
provided. An example of changing the default name to a custom name is shown
below.
314
Do Not Copy
Sketches and Reference Planes

To view the sketches, reference planes, and other construction elements in the
Pathfinder, right mouse click on pathfinder and select the PathFinder display
option from the short-cut menu.
Sketches and reference planes can be manipulated in a PathFinder using the

shortcut menu. If the Plane (as below) is already displayed the only option
available will be a Hide. If the plane is hidden the only option will be Show.
Bring up the short-cut menu by right mouse clicking over the sketch entry to view
the short-cut menu.
315
Do Not Copy
Symbols in PathFinder
Symbols are placed next to features in PathFinder to indicate the status of the
feature. If there is no symbol to the left of the feature, that feature has been
calculated and is valid. If a symbol does exist, some action has been done to the
feature or attention given to the feature to correct the possible problem. Not all
symbols indicate problems. Some symbols are visual queues that the feature has
not been calculated yet or has been suppressed.
The symbols that can appear are:
The Feature has been suppressed.
The Go To option was used to temporarily suppress the feature.
Sometimes referred to as rolling-back the model. Features with this
symbol have not been calculated.
!
Failed feature (see the To Do list for details). This symbol indicates
that the system tried to create the feature but the feature failed
because of errant input, invalid extent, or does not add or remove any
material.
Feature has a plane or profile problem. To resolve the problem, select
the feature and select Edit. Enter the profile step, check the profile
and make the necessary fixes. This is not a big problem. Maybe and
edge that was used for a dimension previously has been removed
while editing a feature above this feature. The feature can still
calculate and produce valid results, but you may not have the control
that you previously had.
316
Do Not Copy
Review
1. Name some of the treatment features covered in this section?
2. Is a treatment feature considered a parent or a child?
3. What is the difference between common and unique thickness in the Thin
Wall command? Which one is required?
4. Why does a plane need to be identified when using the Add Draft command?
5. Name some of the selection options for the Round command?
6. Name some of the placement options with the Chamfer command?
7. How are the setback angle and distance controlled (think position) while
using the Chamfer command?
8. Name some of the different ways to copy a feature.
9. What tool can be used to manage the display and editing of design features,
sketches, and reference planes?
10. When re-ordering a feature how high in the history tree can we move a
feature?
11. What happens to a treatment feature if a parent feature is deleted?
12. When should the To Do list be examined?
317
Do Not Copy
318
Do Not Copy
Activity - Constructing a Bracket

Objectives
Treatment features will be used to create the details (holes, chamfers, and
patterns) on the following solid model.
1. Open the Solid Edge Part environment.

2. If Solid Edge was loaded with Metric units go to step 3. If you are not sure
what units was selected on load of the product, close the current blank file and
New button. Select the More tab
create a new document by clicking the
in the New file dialog box and double-click the NORMMET.PAR template.
This will open a new blank metric file.
4. Select the front reference plane.
5. On the Tools menu, click Hide All - Reference Planes.
319
Do Not Copy
6. Draw the following profile.
Note: Equal relationships were used to make the profile constant thickness.
7. Click Finish to close the Profile window.
8. Click the Symmetric Extent button.
9. On the ribbon bar, in the Distance box, type 200. Fit the window to view the
solid model if necessary.
10. Click Finish (or right mouse click).
11. On the Feature toolbar, click the Chamfer command.
320
Do Not Copy
12. Click the two short vertical edges on the right side of the part.
13. On the SmartStep ribbon bar, in the Setback box, type 20, then click the
Accept button (green check mark).
14. Click Finish.
321
Do Not Copy
15. With the Chamfer command still active, on the Chamfer Options dialog box,
click Angle and Setback, then click OK.
16. Notice that after clicking the Angle and Setback option, the SmartStep ribbon
bar changes to include a new step, the Select Face step.
17. Click on the top face.
18. Click on the two small edges on each end of the top face.
322
Do Not Copy
19. In the Setback box, type 30. In the Angle box, type 15.
20. Click the Accept button (green check mark) to apply these values.
21. Click Finish.

22. Save the document as ANGLE (do not give the extension).
23. On the Feature toolbar, click the Cutout command.
24. Click on the horizontal face to define the reference plane.
323
Do Not Copy
25. Click on the line and direction near the left end to define the base and origin
point of the reference plane.
26. Use the Line command to draw the following profile. Remember that
clicking the Arc option on the ribbon bar can place arcs. Add dimensions and
edit them to the proper values.
27. Click on the Finish button.
324
Do Not Copy
28. On the ribbon bar, click the Through Next option, and then position the
mouse to project the cutout downward.

30. On the Feature toolbar, click the Chamfer command.
31. Click on the top and bottom edges of the cutout.
32. Type 3 in Setback box, and then click on the Accept button (green check
mark).
325
Do Not Copy
34. On the Main toolbar, click on the Edgebar button.

Pathfinder tab is active.
Make sure the
35. On the Feature toolbar, click on the Pattern command.

36. Click the Cutout 1 and the Chamfer 3 features from the Feature PathFinder,
and then click the Accept button (checkmark) on the ribbon bar. To select
multiple features hold the CTRL key down while making selections.
326
Do Not Copy
37. Click on the Feature option in the From box list on the ribbon bar. Select the
cutout feature in the model to use its reference plane.
38. On the Pattern ribbon bar, set the pattern type to Fixed.
39. On the Pattern ribbon bar, set the X count to 2 and the Y count to 1. Then set
the X spacing to 130.
Note: The Y Offset value is not important because it is ignored when the Y count
is set to 1.
40. Click on the center of the arc in the bottom of the cutout, and then click to
place the rectangle upwards and towards the right.
327
Do Not Copy
41. Click Finish.

43. Save the document.
44. On the Feature toolbar, click the Hole command.
45. Select the front vertical face of the bracket.
46. Set the line and direction to define the base and origin point of the reference
plane to the bottom left.
328
Do Not Copy
47. On the ribbon bar, click on the Hole Options button.

48. Click on the Counterbored option on the Type tab in the Hole Settings dialog
box. Type 12 in the Hole diameter box. Type 17 in the Counterbore diameter
box. Type 5 in the Counterbore Depth box and then click on OK.
329
Do Not Copy
49. Place a hole centered over each slot. Use SmartSketch to find the midpoint of
the slot to get the gray dashed lines (these will be relationships when
placement is complete). For the second hole try to get gray line from the
center of the first hole and the mid-point of the slot to appear, so all
relationships are placed automatically (shown below). If this was not done,
manually add horizontal and vertical relationships as needed to obtain the
result shown below:
50. Place a dimension for the height of the holes. Measure from the bottom of the
part.
51. On the ribbon bar, click Finish.
330
Do Not Copy
52. Click to the left of the part to specify the hole direction and construct the
holes.
53. Click Finish.

54. Save and Close this file.
331
Do Not Copy
332
Do Not Copy
Activity - Constructing a Mouse Base

Objectives
In this activity, a complete solid model of this mouse base will be created. Less
information will be given about where the buttons are located in this activity
since you are more familiar with Solid Edge.
1. Create a new metric Part file.

2. Select the Protrusion command from the feature toolbar.
3. Select the top reference plane to draw the profile upon.
4. Hide all reference planes.
333
Do Not Copy
5. Construct the following profile on the top reference plane.
6. Center the profile on the reference planes. (You will have to show the planes
first)
Note: The profile is centered on the midpoint of the reference planes.

334
Do Not Copy
8. Project the profile upward 20mm and select Finish.
9. On the Feature toolbar, select the Hole command.

10. Bring up the Hole Settings dialog by selecting the options button from the
ribbon bar.
11. Click on the Simple hole option on the Type and enter 6 for the Hole
diameter. Click OK when complete.
335
Do Not Copy
12. Click the bottom face to define the reference plane.
13. Click the line and set the direction near the left end to define the base and
origin point of the reference plane.
336
Do Not Copy
14. Place two holes near the right side. Then place the distance between
dimension and Horizontal/Vertical relationships at the center of the arcs.
15. Select Finish, and place the holes a Finite distance into the part 5mm using
the Finite Extent option.
16. On the Feature toolbar, select the Cutout command.

17. On the SmartStep ribbon bar, in the From box, select the Last option to select
the reference plane used to create the holes.
337
Do Not Copy
18. Use the Line command to draw the following profile, then apply the
dimensions.
19. Select Finish, then click on the Finite Depth option and enter 8 in the Distance
box.
20. Project the cutout upward and then select Finish.
21. Save the file as Mouse (do not give the extension, Solid Edge adds that
automatically).
22. On the Feature toolbar, select the Add Draft command.
338
Do Not Copy
23. Select the bottom face and identify the orientation towards the front left of the
part.
24. Select one side of the mouse base. All the faces that make up the sides of the
mouse base should highlight.
25. Type 10 in the Draft box on the ribbon bar.

26. Select the Next button on the ribbon bar.
339
Do Not Copy
27. Point the line indicating the draft direction outward and then click.
Note: If the face is drafted inward, click on the Draft Direction step in the ribbon
bar and try again.
28. Click Finish.

29. On the Feature toolbar, select the Round command.
30. On the SmartStep ribbon bar, in the Select box, click on the Chain option.
340
Do Not Copy
31. Select the chain on the bottom face of the part.
32. Enter 5 in the Radius box.

33. Select Preview and then Finish.

35. On the Feature toolbar, select the Add Draft command.
36. Select the bottom face to define the Draft Plane and define the orientation
along the front edge of the surface.
341
Do Not Copy
Note: Use QuickPick if help is needed in selecting the face. The user may also
want to rotate the view forward to see the front edge clearer.
37. Select the faces that form the sides of the cutout. Click once to select the
three faces that are tangent to each other and once more to select the
remaining faces.
342
Do Not Copy
38. Select the two holes.
39. On the SmartStep ribbon bar, enter 2 in the Draft box and press the ENTER
key on the keyboard.
40. Select the Next button on the ribbon bar.
41. Point the line indicating the draft direction inward and then click to accept.
343
Do Not Copy
42. Select the Finish button.
43. Save the file.

44. On the Feature toolbar, select the Thin Wall command.
45. Enter 1 in the Common Thickness box on the ribbon bar.
46. Select the top face of the part and then the top face of the cutout as the open
surfaces.
47. Select the Accept button (green check mark) from the ribbon bar to accept the
faces.
344
Do Not Copy
48. Select Preview to process the thinwall and then Finish to complete the feature
placement.
49. Turn on the display of the default Reference Planes from the Tools pull down
menu.
50. Select the Cutout command, and click on the Front Reference Plane.
345
Do Not Copy
51. Select the Arc by 3 Points command

, and place an arc touching the two
sides and tangent to the top of the part.
52. Select the Finish button, and point the arrow up away from the part for the
side step.
53. Set the extent to Through All, and click near the center of the arc when the
two arrows are displayed.
346
Do Not Copy
54. Finish the cutout, and Save the file.

55. Hide all reference planes.
56. If the Feature Pathfinder is not seen, then on the main toolbar, select the
Edgebar icon and make sure the Pathfinder tab is selected. Right-mouse click
over the feature named Cutout 1 and select the GoTo option from the shortcut menu.
347
Do Not Copy
57. Select the Cutout command on the Feature toolbar, and construct the
following rectangular profile on the bottom of the part.
58. Finish the profile, and project the cutout upward 5 mm using the Finite Extent
option.
348
Do Not Copy
59. Finish the cutout.

60. Select the last feature in PathFinder and select the GoTo option from the
short-cut menu.
Note: The part returns to the thin wall state. The cutout just constructed has thin
wall sides because it was placed before the cutout.
61. Save the document and Close this file.
349
Do Not Copy
Summary
Treatment features allow users to Add Draft, Thinwalls, Rounds, Chamfers,
Pattern sand Mirror features to a design. Typically a treatment feature is applied
near part completion. Each of these commands has a unique ribbon bar to guide
you through the construction of the feature.
Please review the rules and considerations supplied in this module for applying
these types of features to solid models.
350
Do Not Copy
M O D U L E
Specialized Features
Objectives ...............................................................................................353
Introduction ............................................................................................354
Helix Feature ..........................................................................................355
Ribs .........................................................................................................358
Web Network...........................................................................................361
Lip/Groove Feature ................................................................................363
Feature Libraries....................................................................................364
Embossing Text.......................................................................................369
Review.....................................................................................................371
Activity - Creating a Helical Cutout .......................................................373
Activity - Using More Specialized Features ...........................................379
Activity - Embossing Text .......................................................................393
Summary .................................................................................................398
352
Do Not Copy
Specialized Features Module 5
Objectives
In this module we will explore the following:
Construction of a helix feature.
Construction of a rib feature.
Construction of a network of ribs with a single command.
Construction of a lip/groove detail for mating plastic parts.
Use of feature libraries to store and retrieve commonly used features.
353
Do Not Copy
Introduction
Specialized feature commands are commands in Solid Edge that have a special
focus in adding or removing material. These commands add or remove material
in a specific manner to increase productivity. Specialized features have unique
SmartStep processes to maximize input and control over feature placement.
These features are discussed separately from primary features because of this
specialized focus.
The specialized features discussed are listed below:
Helix
Ribs
Network
Lip/Groove
Feature Libraries
Embossing Text
Additional specialized features or processes are available in Solid Edge. More

information can be found in the online help.
354
Do Not Copy
Helix Feature
A Helix feature adds or removes material by sweeping a cross section along a

helical path. A centerline, a profile cross section, and parameters to control the
helix are required.
Basic Workflow
The ribbon bar controls the steps for the helix. Since a helix requires an axis and
a cross section, construction is similar to a revolved feature.
355
Do Not Copy
Helix Options - The helix options displays a dialog box for defining whether the
cross section will be created parallel or perpendicular to the axis.
Axis & Cross-section Step - Definition of the cross section and axis of revolution.
Start End - Definition of the helix start end.
Parameters - Defines how the helix is created. Options include Axis Length &
Pitch, Axis Length & Turns and Pitch & Turns. The ribbon bar updates based on
which option is clicked.
356
Do Not Copy
More button - Provides more Helix parameters to control helix construction.
Extent step - Allows the selection of an extent based on the parameters in the
options form or by using a From/To option.
357
Do Not Copy
Ribs
Ribs are created similar to other profile-based features. However, the Extent Step
is not used, and a Direction Step is incorporated into the workflow:
Draw Profile Step
Direction Step
Side Step
Finish Step
Direction Step
The Direction Step specifies the direction the profile should be projected to
define the body of the rib. The direction can be perpendicular to the profile plane
to create a web, or parallel to the profile plane to create a rib.
As the mouse cursor is moved, a directional arrow is displayed. The direction of
the arrow indicates the directions that the rib can be created.
358
Do Not Copy
Side Step
The Side Step defines the side to which the profile should be offset to create the
rib thickness. As the mouse is moved, an arrow is displayed that indicates the
three possible sides: left, right, and symmetric.
Options
The Rib SmartStep ribbon bar contains command specific options to define a rib.
Extend ProfileExtends the ends of the profile until they intersect the part.
No ExtendDoes not extend the ends of the profile.
Extend To NextSets the rib extent so that the profile is projected all the
way to the part face.
Finite DepthSets the rib or web depth so that the profile is projected a finite
distance towards the part instead of all the way to the part face.
ThicknessSets the thickness of the rib.
DepthSets the depth of the rib when the Finite Depth option is clicked.
359
Do Not Copy
Rib and Web Examples

The following examples illustrate how different directions and extent options can
be used to construct a variety of rib and web features.
Notice that both single profile elements and closed profiles consisting of multiple
elements can be used with the rib command. A circle (single and closed) can also
be used with the rib command.
360
Do Not Copy
Web Network
The Web Network command can create a series of webs in a single command.
The web network is constructed perpendicular to the profile sketch plane. The
web material thickness is applied symmetrically to the web profile. This differs
from the Rib command, which allows material side to either side of a rib.
When constructing complex web networks with the Extend Profile option,
elements are extended to material boundaries. An endpoint connection
relationship will prevent the element(s) from being extended past the intersection.
For example, when no connect relationship is applied between the vertical profile
line (A) and the horizontal line, the corresponding web is extended to the edge of
the part.
If a connect relationship is applied to the end point of segment A and the
horizontal line, the web is not extended to the sides of the model.
361
Do Not Copy
Creating a Web Network (The process)

The first step is to select the plane, or construct the plane, that the web network
profile will reside. Plane selection and orientation is like the method used for
Primary features.
Once the plane has been selected and oriented, the web network profile is drawn.
This profile can be a combination of overlapping or disjoint geometric entities.
Whether the ends of the network extend to the model edge will depend on the
geometric relationships placed in the profile.
After clicking Finish to leave the profile step, options will be presented on the
ribbon bar for controlling the web feature. The options on this ribbon bar are
identical to the options used for ribs.
Extend ProfileExtends the free ends of the profile until they intersect the
part.
No ExtendDoes not extend the free ends of the profile to intersect the part.
Extend To NextSets the web extent so that the profile is projected to the
part face. This is the default setting.
Finite DepthSets the web depth so that the profile is projected a finite
distance towards the part instead of all the way to the part.
ThicknessValue for the thickness of the rib symmetric about the profile.
DepthValue for the depth of the web when the Finite Depth option is
clicked. (Not shown in the image above. It would appear to the right of the
Thickness field with the same type of selection box).
By selecting the dimension controlling the thickness of the web network the
ribbon bar is activated:
The option of changing the value for the thickness, and how the dimension is
viewed (style and round off) is controlled on the ribbon bar. The ribbon bar can
be used to give the feature a unique user-defined name rather than the default
system name.
362
Do Not Copy
Lip/Groove Feature
The lip/Groove feature was created for creating the lip or groove along the edge
of plastic parts. In Solid Edge terms, this is a specialized feature, in that; it was
coded specifically to handle this plastic case. It can be used for other features but
that is not the main purpose of the feature.
Because of the focus of the command, some steps have been pre-defined. Users
cannot change the cross section shape used for this feature, only the dimensions
controlling this shape. The number of segments and the type of segments used
are fixed.
The SmartStep ribbon bar for the Lip/Groove feature is shown below:
The process for placing a lip/groove feature is:
Selection of the model edges to sweep the profile along
Provide the values to re-size the pre-defined profile
Preview
Finish
When identifying model edges for the lip/groove feature. The edges do not have
to be tangent. Edges can meet at a vertex and the command will continue to
sweep the profile to the next segment. This allows one lip/groove feature to
provide a complete solution.
363
Do Not Copy
When positioning the profile for the lip/groove feature two things must be kept in
mind. First, the position of the profile is dictated by the position of the cursor
over the model. The Lip/Groove command can add and remove material. The
position of the cross section determines whether material will be added or
removed. Secondly, the default size of the cross section is very small. Enter the
values for the cross section before positioning to ease placement. The cross
section is generally tied to the endpoint of the first segment identified for the
path. If the path is tangent, the user may need to move the mouse over the model
while investigating each vertex for a red profile.
The image at left shows the profile in an add material position. The image at
right a remove material position.
Feature Libraries
Feature Libraries allow commonly used features to be easily stored and retrieved
for use in both the Part and Sheet Metal environments. A feature, such as a
cutout, can be constructed in one part file, then stored in a Feature Library. Later,
the cutout can be reused in new or existing parts.
A Feature Library is defined by creating a directory on either a local disk drive,
or on a network. Some planning should go into where these folders are created
and standards should be developed for storing different types of features in
364
Do Not Copy
different folders. This will avoid confusion when used in a production design
environment.
Once the folders have been defined, the Feature Library can begin being
populated with features by opening the Part or Sheet Metal file containing the
desired feature, and activating the EdgeBar tool shown below. Click the Folder
Icon to browse for the desired Feature Library folder.
365
Do Not Copy
Dialog Box Options

Right mouse clicking in the Feature Library Window can modify display options.
Shown below is the options box displayed.
Notice the preview button that when selected will display the feature in a preview
window. This helps streamline the feature selection process.
366
Do Not Copy
Storing Features into the Library
Cut and Paste - On the EdgeBar tool in Feature PathFinder, position the
mouse cursor over the feature to store, and press the right mouse button.
Select Copy from the menu that appears. Next, click on the Feature Library
tab and then right mouse click in the feature area. When the menu appears,
select Paste.
Drag and Drop - To place a new member in a feature library, select a feature
by using the select tool, then drag and drop it into the Feature Library tab on
the EdgeBar tool. You can also select the feature in the application window
or in the Feature PathFinder tab.
Selecting Multiple Features - To store multiple features as a unit, press the

SHIFT key, then select the features. When you select the last feature, hold
the mouse button down, then drag the select set and drop it into the Feature
Library tab.
The feature library stores each member you add as an individual document. You
can store a single feature in a library or you can store several related features as a
unit. When storing a single feature, only profile-based features are valid. When
storing several related features as a unit, the lower-most or base feature in the
feature set must be a profile-based feature.
When you store a feature in a library, the software assigns a default document
name. To rename a stored feature, select it in the dialog box, then click the
Rename command on the shortcut menu.
367
Do Not Copy
Placing Features from the Library

To copy a stored feature to a part, open the Feature Library, and then drag and
drop the desired feature to the part. When placing a feature from the Feature
Library, the profile plane upon which the feature will be placed must be
identified. This step is exactly the same as the plane selection process if
constructing the feature from scratch. Identify a face of a part, an x-axis of the
profile plane and the origin of the x-axis or identify a reference plane, depending
on what is most appropriate for the situation. In the following example, since the
top face of the tab is coincident with the top reference plane, it is most convenient
to select the top reference plane as the profile plane of the feature.
The feature placed from the Feature Library now behaves as if drawn from
scratch.
368
Do Not Copy
Embossing Text
Solid Edge provides the ability to emboss text onto a model. This is helpful in
placing labels or stamped numbers onto parts.
Procedural Steps to Emboss Text

The Text Profile command is available in both profiles and sketches. For
embossing text, it is recommended that the sketch environment be used. This is
because some letters, like the letter O, will need both and cutout and a protrusion
(one for the interior and one for the exterior) to complete the letter. The
geometry for these cutouts and protrusions can be obtained from the sketch
easily.
Decide whether to add or remove the resulting text from the model.
Pick the plane to sketch upon.
Place Text using the Text Profile option. This option is available while in
Sketch or Profile, however it is recommended to place into a Sketch.
Position the text on the plane.
For the text to stand off of the face, use the protrude command and select the
outer perimeter of each letter. Then give the extent. If any of the letters
contained interiors, like the letters, O, D and A, then go back with the cutout
command and select the interiors from the sketch and give the same extent as
the earlier protrusion.
369
Do Not Copy
If the text cuts into the face, repeat the above step, however used cutout for
the letter exteriors and protrusion for the letter interiors.
370
Do Not Copy
Review
What is the key difference between the use of Rib and Web Network
commands?
What controls whether the lip/groove feature adds or removes material?
What are the two limitations on the path for the lip/groove feature?
How can features from other parts be used?
What command constructs profiles from Windows text?
371
Do Not Copy
372
Do Not Copy
Activity - Creating a Helical Cutout
Objectives
In this activity, construct the model of a worm gear using the Protrusion and
Helical Cutout commands.
1. Create a new metric part file.

373
Do Not Copy
3. Click on the front view reference plane.
4. Click the Circle by Center command.

5. On the Ribbon bar, in the Diameter box, type 50 and press the ENTER key on
the keyboard.
6. Place the circle at the midpoint of the horizontal reference plane and use Smart
Dimension to place the diameter dimension.
7. Click on the Finish button to complete the profile.

374
Do Not Copy
8. On the ribbon bar, in the Distance box, type 150.

9. Click to the right of the profile to place the material in one direction.
10. Click the Finish button to complete the protrusion.

11. Click the Helical Cutout command.
12. Select the right view reference plane.
375
Do Not Copy
13. Click the Fit command.

14. Create a line on the horizontal reference plane, then place and edit the
dimension. This line will be the axis of the helical cutout. Be sure to start
and end the line segment outside the boundaries of the solid model (as
shown).
15. Create the profile and dimension the profile horizontal to the top left edge of
the cylinder.
Note: Reference planes are turned off in this view.

16. Click the Axis of Revolution command.
17. Select the 200mm line to be the axis of revolution.
18. On the ribbon bar, click on the Finish button to accept the profile.
376
Do Not Copy
19. Click near the left end of the 200mm line to define the starting point of the
helix.
20. On the ribbon bar, in the Helix Method list, click the Axis Length & Pitch
option.
21. In the Pitch box, type 25. The length of the helix is determined by the length
of the axis of revolution, and therefore will be 200 mm.
22. Click on the Next button.
377
Do Not Copy
23. Click on the Preview button.
24. Click on the Finish button to complete the helix.

25. Save the document as Worm.par. and then Close.
378
Do Not Copy
Activity - Using More Specialized Features
Objectives
This activity will concentrate on utilizing more of the specialized features
available in Solid Edge. This activity does not contain all the specialized features
or attempts to educate the user on every option available. See the on-line help for
more information on any of the commands used in this activity. Specialized
features will be used to finish this plastic part model.
379
Do Not Copy
1. Open the file named Special.par located in the training file folder. The model
should look like the image below:
2. Click the Thinwall command from the feature toolbar.

3. In the ribbon bar enter a common wall thickness of 2mm.
4. Select the top surface to be left open. Be sure to click the green checkmark to
accept this into the active select-set.
5. Click Preview on the SmartStep ribbon bar. The model should look like this:
6. Click Finish to accept this feature.

7. Click the Web Network command from the fly-out menu under the Rib
command.
380
Do Not Copy
8. Create a reference plane parallel to the top most surface of this model (the
thinwall thickness surface) 5mm below the top of the model.
9. Orient the parallel plane by selecting one of the long straight edges of the part
and giving an origin to the left of the line segment as shown below.
381
Do Not Copy
10. The profile window should look like the image below.
11. Draw a series of lines as shown below. The line end points do not have to
connect to the edges of the model. This command will extend these segments
automatically. Dimension all the lines as shown below:
382
Do Not Copy
There are many ways to get the geometry positioned correctly. Here are some tips
that may help.
Use the Connect relationship to connect the midpoints of the angled lines.
Use the Horizontal/Vertical Relationship to align the midpoints of the lines

to each other, and to the midpoints of existing geometry.
Draw a vertical line and turn it into a construction line.
Define this construction line as an axis of symmetry and use the symmetrical
relationship on the two angled lines.
12. Click the Finish command on the Ribbon bar.

13. Enter a thickness of 2mm for the web features and be sure the Extend Profile
and Extend to Next options are activated.
383
Do Not Copy
14. One of the profile elements (yours may be different from the one shown
below) will have an arrow attached giving the material direction. Add
material To Next towards the body of the solid model.
16. Click the Select Tool on the left feature toolbar.
384
Do Not Copy
17. Click the Web Network entry in Feature Pathfinder in EdgeBar. This should
be the feature just placed on the solid model.
18. Right mouse click over this entry to get the short-cut menu.
19. Click the Copy command from this short-cut menu.
20. Right mouse click in the part modeling window and click the Paste command.
21. The Ribbon bar becomes active and the prompt at the lower left of the screen
is waiting for input from the user.
385
Do Not Copy
22. Click the parallel plane option and create a new plane 5mm below the top
surface of the solid model.
Note: The profiles created for the first web network are now attached to the
mouse.
23. Give a left mouse click when the profiles are approximately in the middle of
the end portion of this solid model.
Note: Notice that the feature has been placed once, and the profile is still
attached to the cursor. At this point, as many copies of the original can be placed
as needed.
24. Click the Finish button on the ribbon bar to complete this process.
386
Do Not Copy
Note: Notice that the open profiles for the web network trimmed (or extended)
themselves to create a valid solid body.
25. Make sure the EdgeBar tool is displayed. If not, click the EdgeBar button
from the menu bar.
26. Select the Feature Library tab from the EdgeBar.
27. Select the file named on_off.par (shown in previous figure).

28. While holding the left mouse button down, drag the cursor into the model
window and release the mouse button.
387
Do Not Copy
29. Solid Edge has now activated the Ribbon bar and is prompting for a reference
plane to place the feature onto.
30. Select the plane shown below as the surface to place this feature.
31. Give an axis an origin as shown below.
388
Do Not Copy
32. The profile from the feature library is now attached to the mouse. Move the
mouse over the surface as shown below and give a left mouse click when in
the same approximate position.
Note: Notice that the profile is still attached to the mouse, even though, an
instance of this feature has been placed on the solid model. The user can place as
many instances of this feature in the model as desired without having to go back
to the feature library.
33. Click the Finish button on the SmartStep ribbon bar to complete this feature
placement.
Note: In the Feature Pathfinder, the system has placed a Cutout feature (the
number following the feature name may vary) entry for the feature library feature
just placed. If the user were to select the feature for edit, it would behave as if the
feature was created orginally in this modeling session. The user would get the
opportunity to edit any of the steps used to create the feature (plane, profile,
dimensions, and extent, etc.).
34. Click the Lip/Groove command from the Plastic Plus menu bar.
35. Select the edges shown below to place this feature (all inside edges of the
thinwall). Use the different edge filters to help in the selection process.
389
Do Not Copy
36. Click the green check mark once all these edges are highlighted.
37. Change the Width and Height on the ribbon bar to the values shown below:
38. Move the cursor over the model window to see where this rectangle exists, it
will be relatively small, look closely. Once found, window in on this area.
Note: Give a right mouse click once you have windowed-in on this area to return
to the Lip/Groove command.
390
Do Not Copy
39. This rectangle will move, or change, position as the mouse moves around on
the screen. Position the rectangle so that it will remove material (shown
below) and give a left mouse click when the rectangle is in this position.
40. The system will calculate this groove automatically. It may take a few
seconds, but the result will look like the images below:
391
Do Not Copy

42. Save this file as driver.par. and then Close.
392
Do Not Copy
Activity - Embossing Text

Objectives
In this activity, users will emboss a number onto a simple model of a casting.
1. Open the file named support.par from the training file folder.
2. Click the Sketch command from the feature toolbar.
3. Select the plane shown below as the surface to place the sketch.
393
Do Not Copy
4. Give the orientation shown below to bring up the profile window.
5. After the profile window appears, click the Text Profile command under the
Tools menu.
6. On the Text form, change your values to those shown below. Type the text
DLSV77 in the lower field as shown.
394
Do Not Copy
7. A range box, which represents the extents of the text, will be attached to the
cursor as shown below. Click the left mouse button when the text is in the
desired location.
8. Click the Finish command to complete the profile.

9. Click Finish to complete the sketch.
10. Click the Cutout feature command.
11. Click the Select from Sketch icon on the ribbon bar.
395
Do Not Copy
12. Select the outer profiles of all the letters and numbers. Use QuickPick to aid
in the selection process. (Sketches are turned off in the following image for
clarity.) Each cutout must be a closed shape. Some letters may consist of 2 or
more segments, so it may help to zoom in to be sure all the segments are
included in the chain.
13. After the profiles have been selected, give an extent of 3mm into the part.
14. Click Finish to complete the cutout.
15. Click the Protrusion command
16. Click the Select from Sketch option on the ribbon bar.
17. Select the inner profiles of the text (interior of D).
18. Give an extent of Through Next towards the body of the part.
396
Do Not Copy
20. Save the file as MyBlock.par

21. Close the file.
This completes this activity.
397
Do Not Copy
Summary
Specialized features are those features that have a specific purpose in being
placed onto a model or the class of model it is being applied. Lip/Groove is a
good example of a specific feature for a class-of-part (molded). Rarely, if at all,
the lip grove feature will be used in other types of parts. Embossing text is a
good example of a feature that has a very specific purpose.
Specialized features are meant to both expand modeling capability and reduce the
amount of time to create a specific or unique feature.
398
Do Not Copy
M O D U L E
Creating Drawings of 3D
Models
Objectives ...............................................................................................401
Introduction ............................................................................................401
Constructing Initial Drawing Views.......................................................407
Snapshot Views .......................................................................................414
Principle Views.......................................................................................416
Auxiliary Views.......................................................................................417
Section Views ..........................................................................................419
Detail Views............................................................................................423
Broken Views ..........................................................................................425
Edge Display...........................................................................................427
Draw in View Command.........................................................................429
Draft View Command .............................................................................430
Exploded Assembly Views.......................................................................431
Manipulating Drawing Views.................................................................432
In-Place Activation .................................................................................435
Updating Drawing Views .......................................................................436
Additional Drawing Sheets .....................................................................437
View Properties ......................................................................................438
Reduce File Command............................................................................440

Review.....................................................................................................441
Activity Drawing View Placement .......................................................443
Activity - Assembly Drawing Creation ...................................................457
Activity - Broken View Creation .............................................................467
Summary .................................................................................................471
400
Do Not Copy
Creating Drawings of 3D Models Module 6
Objectives
In this module we will examine the following:
Generating a 2-D drawing of a part or assembly.
Manipulating principal views.
Modifying view properties.
Creating principal views.
Creating auxiliary views.
Creating section views.
Creating detail views.
Creating broken views.
Placing Exploded Views on a draft sheet.
Creating additional drawing sheets.
Introduction
Solid Edge allows quick creation and manipulation of mechanical part and
assembly drawings. The drawings can be created using views of 3D solid models
or assemblies. Two-dimensional drawings can also be created in Solid Edge that
do not reference a 3D model or assembly. A set of drawing tools are provided in
Solid Edge Draft to produce this type of result. If the 2D method is used, every
piece of geometry must be drawn for each view to define the shape of the part.
This is similar to working on a drafting board. However, if a 3D solid model, or
assembly is used, all of the drawing views are created directly from that model.
Using the 3D solid model allows quicker creation of drawings and increases
overall design efficiency.
401
Do Not Copy
The Draft environment is similar in some ways to the Part, Sheet Metal, and
Assembly environments. Common commands such as Open, Save, and Fit, are
all located on the Main toolbar, while the drawing creation commands are located
on the toolbar to the left of the drawing workspace.
Note: The drawing borders that contain information such as the title block,
company logo, and standard notes, are created on the background sheets.
Background sheets are not part of the daily workflow of creating drawings and
are typically created and saved as a template file, which is accessible by all users.
The creation of Background sheets and template files is covered in the online help
for Solid Edge. This section deals with specific information about the daily
workflow of laying out the views of the 3D solid models on the drawing sheet.
402
Do Not Copy
To create a drawing from an existing 3D model, first layout the initial views of
the model on the drawing sheet. These views can be created regardless of the
orientation of the part within the assembly. This means if the part was positioned
upside-down within the assembly, the part does not have to placed on the drawing
upside-down. The part can be re-oriented upright on the drawing, thus avoiding
confusion during part production.
Once the initial views are set up, additional views such as cross section and detail
views can be generated. A cutting plane is used to create the section view, and a
detailed view can be used to enlarge an area of the part for clarity. Additional
drawing sheets can be generated, at any time, to accommodate the additional
views.
403
Do Not Copy
After laying out the additional views, datum objects can be created to reference
key features of the part. Dimensions and geometric tolerances based on ANSI or
ISO standards can be placed relative to the datum objects. Display of hidden
edges can also be controlled at any time.
Dialog boxes help the user quickly define additional mechanical features about
the part, such as surface finish or weld symbols.
404
Do Not Copy
Details on the assembly drawings, such as part labeling, bill of materials, and
special assembly notes, can also be placed. An exploded assembly can also be
placed on a drawing and labeled appropriately.
Creating a drawing of a 3D part or assembly is as easy as selecting a view of the

part and placing the required dimensions, notes, and symbols.
The Draft environment is not limited to only placing parts and assemblies.
Drawing commands are included in the Draft environment for creating 2D
drawings that do not reference 3D models. Bringing in legacy 2D data from
another system, and then editing that data with the drawing commands, could
save valuable time in getting a change order or new version of the part, or
assembly, to production.
The drawing commands used in the Draft environment are the same as the
commands used in the profile/sketch environment. All relationships and
dimensioning techniques and capabilities are also similar. For more information
on the drawing commands and how to use them, refer to the section of this book
on sketching and profile creation.
The Fundamentals training guide will only focus on the workflow of placing parts
and assemblies on the drawing sheet.
405
Do Not Copy
EdgeBar
The EdgeBar Tool is available in the Draft environment to manage Layers, access
the Symbol Library and manage groups. If the Edgebar tool is not displayed,
click the EdgeBar icon from the main menu bar. This will toggle the EdgeBar
display on.
The EdgeBar tool for the Draft environment is shown below.
Layers - A logical grouping of drawing views, elements, and other information on

a drawing sheet. You can have several layers in a drawing sheet.
Symbol Library - A frequently used drawing or drawing component can be stored
as a symbol for easy re-use in other documents. The scale, position, and
orientation of the geometry can be defined after you place it. Re-using geometry
makes the drawing task more productive and efficient, and helps maintain
accuracy and consistency throughout a project.
Groups - Grouping binds elements so you can locate, select, and manipulate them
as a unit. Grouped elements are usually related, such as the holes and center lines
of a bolt hole pattern.
406
Do Not Copy
Constructing Initial Drawing Views

The first step in creating a drawing from a part or an assembly in a new document
is to use the View of Part command to select the part or assembly to use for view
placement.
Selecting a Part or Assembly Document

When the View of Part button is clicked, the Select Model dialog box is
displayed on the screen. The Select Model dialog box allows users to locate a
document using the same commands that are on the Open File dialog box (file
browser, file search, etc.).
The Preview and Properties buttons on the dialog box allows the quick view of
the file, or the specific properties about the file chosen. The Look In folder can
be changed or a file search can be made by clicking the Find button. Once a part
or assembly document is selected, use the Open button to display the part or
assembly in the View of Part window.
If an assembly file is selected for opening, the configuration of the assembly may
be specified using the Configuration pull-down list found at the lower right of
this dialog box. The display configurations must be defined, in advance, in the
407
Do Not Copy
assembly to be a view option. The configuration for the view may be changed
later as long as an assembly configuration was specified when the view was
placed.
Selecting the Primary View

After selecting a part or assembly, the View of Part window displays the front
view of the part or assembly selected. The view displayed in the View of Part
window is called a primary drawing view, because all other drawing views are
defined with respect to this view. The view in this window will be the front
drawing view for the drawing sheet. The View of Part window gives users the
opportunity to change the view of the part to a disired view of the part for ease of
detailing the part.
Use the buttons on the toolbar in the View of Part window to change the
orientation of the primary drawing view. These orientation commands are the
same commands used in the Part environment to rotate a part.
408
Do Not Copy
The following commands on the View of Part window allow the manipulation of
the primary view of the part:
Rotate - Rotates the view of a part or assembly by selection of an axis or part

edge to rotate.
Note: When the command prompts for a focus of rotation, select an axis or part
edge to rotate the view about.
Spin About - Allows the selection of a part face and the spinning of the part
or assembly about an axis that is normal to or lying on this face.
Common Views - Allows the selection of one of six principal views or eight
isometric views to define the part or assembly primary view.
Look At Face - Allows the selection of a planar face to view.
Align Edge - Allows the alignment of the part or assembly view to any linear
edge.
The home key on the keyboard can also be used to set the view to an isometric
orientation. After defining the orientation of the primary view, click the Close
button to close the View of Part window. The defined view you have chosen is
automatically seen, by the system, as the front view of the part.
409
Do Not Copy
Placing the Initial Drawing Views

After closing the View of Part window, the cursor displays the appropriate
envelope size of the new part view. The scale will automatically be set at a size
to best fit the view on the drawing sheet size selected. Prior to placing the view,
the default view characteristics of scale and additional views can be modified by
selecting from the ribbon bar options.
Back - Returns to the View of Part window for redefinition of the

primary view.
Best Fit - Calculates the best-fit scale for the primary view.
Previous Scale - Sets the drawing scale to 1 to 1 for the first view
placed.
Scale List - Select a new drawing view scale from the Scale List box
to change the scale from something different than the system defined
scale.
410
Do Not Copy
Model Display Settings - Accesses the Model Display Settings dialog

box to set the display options for the primary view. If the view is
being placed as an assembly, individual parts of the assembly can be
turned off and on as needed.
411
Do Not Copy
Drawing View Layout - This option places more than one drawing
view when the initial view is placed. After the View of Part window
is closed, click the Drawing View Layout button to display the
Drawing View Layout dialog box, then select the additional drawing
views to be placed with the initial drawing view. The initial drawing
view selected using the View of Part command is the drawing view in
the center of the dialog box. This is typically done so top (plan), front
(elevation) and right (elevation 2) views can be placed at one time.
412
Do Not Copy
After selecting the initial drawing view(s) and clicking the OK button, the cursor
becomes a rectangle the size of all the drawing view(s) combined. Position the
rectangle anywhere on the sheet and then click. In the example below, all four
drawing views were placed in one step using the Drawing View Layout dialog
box.
Note: These views and subsequent views are based the angle of projection. The
example above is first angle projection, which is the ISO standard for metric.
The angle of projection can be changed on Tools / Options menu for the Draft
environment.
413
Do Not Copy
Snapshot Views
Snapshot View permits the quick generation of a plot quality view of an
assembly. Parts Lists can be generated from views created using this command
and these views can also be ballooned. Because snapshot views are created
quickly and with less accuracy than drawing views created with the View of Part
command, you cannot dimension them.
After clicking the Snapshot View command, use the browser to select the file to
create a view of.
After the model has been selected, the View of Part window will appear (unless
an exploded configuration is selected). Use this window to orient the view.
When the view is oriented properly, click the Close button to accept the view and
continue. Next the user places the view on the draft sheet. The ribbon bar will be
the same as when the View of Part command was used (refer to previous section).
Views created using this command are calculated quickly and are lighter weight.
These views can be ballooned and used to generate parts lists, but may not be
dimensioned. Some of the view properties may be fixed such as hidden edge
display while others such as scale can be modified.
414
Do Not Copy
Cutaway Snapshot Views

After creating a Cutaway view in an assembly file it is possible to use that
cutaway view in a snapshot view on a drawing sheet. To accomplish this follow
the steps outlined below.
1. Click the Snapshot View command.
2. Select the assembly model to be used for the snapshot.
3. Orient the model in the View of Part dialog and then Close the dialog.
4. Before placing the view on the drawing sheet, click the Model Display
Settings option from the ribbon bar.
5. Click the Cutaway View tab on the Drawing View Properties dialog.
6. Select the cutaway view to be applied to the snapshot views being created and
then dismiss the dialog by clicking OK.
7. Place the snapshot view(s) on the drawing sheet.
A sample cutaway snapshot view:
415
Do Not Copy
Principle Views
The Principle View command allows the folding of an orthographic aligned
drawing view from an existing orthoganal drawing view. For example, a front
view has been placed on the drawing sheet using the View of Part command. The
Principle View command can be used to fold off a new drawing view orthogonal
to the front view, and this new view will maintain alignment and view scale with
the front view.
Note: Isometric drawing views, section views, auxiliary views, and detail views
cannot be used to create principal views.
After clicking the Principal View command, select an existing drawing view to
identify the working view. The cursor displays the view envelope of a rectangle
that changes as it is moved around in the original drawing view (shown above).
Solid Edge is interpreting the cursor movement as to which view to fold off of the
view selected. Position the rectangle to the left, right, above, below, or diagonal
to the original view. There are eight possible view placements when using this
command.
416
Do Not Copy
Auxiliary Views
The Auxiliary View command is used to create auxiliary views from an existing
drawing view. To create an auxiliary drawing view, a folding line must be
defined and the drawing view will be created from the axis of this fold line.
Defining a Folding Line

When the Auxiliary View button is clicked, the cursor becomes a line that is used
to define the folding line. The auxiliary view created will be normal to the
folding line. The folding line is defined by moving the cursor across the drawing
view to highlight the edge that normal to the desired auxiliary view. The
following example shows how an edge of an angled face on a drawing view may
be used to define the folding line.
417
Do Not Copy
The folding line for the auxiliary view can be defined by specifying starting and
ending points on existing drawing view edges. Two points are required when a
single element does not exist along the angle of the desired auxiliary view. Be
sure to locate keypoints on the view with IntelliSketch to identify these two
points.
On the ribbon bar, note that an auxiliary view can be created perpendicular to the
fold line as well.
Placing the Auxiliary View

After the folding line is defined, the cursor becomes a rectangle roughly the size
of the auxiliary view. Move the rectangle on the sheet to position the view, and
then click to place the view.
418
Do Not Copy
Section Views
Section Views are created using a two step process. First, use the Cutting Plane
command to create a cutting line that will define the location of the section.
Then, use the Section View command to create and place the section view.
Defining a Cutting Plane

The Cutting Plane command is used to draw the lines that define the location of
the cutting plane.
After clicking the Cutting Plane button, and then selecting the drawing view to
section, the Cutting Plane environment is opened for drawing and positioning of
the cutting plane line.
The drawing commands available in the Cutting Plane environment are a limited
set, but are similar to the commands for drawing profiles in Solid Edge Part. The
Line and Arc commands on the Draw toolbar can be used to create the cutting
plane. The other buttons on the Draw toolbar allow for the trimming of the lines,
placement of dimensions, and definition of relationships between elements.
When completed, return to the Draft environment by clicking the Finish button.
419
Do Not Copy
Before defining the view direction, use the Cutting Plane Selection ribbon bar to
define the dimension style or caption. After the cutting plane is placed, to return
to the ribbon bar options for the cutting plane use the Select Tool to select the
cutting plane for edit.
The final step is defining the cutting plane direction. The cutting plane arrow
direction is dependent upon the position of the cursor and may be changed by
repositioning the cursor. When the section arrows are pointing in the proper
direction click to place the cutting plane.
420
Do Not Copy
Placing a Section View

The Section View command is used to create a section view from a cutting plane.
After clicking on a cutting plane, the cursor turns into a rectangle representing the
size of the section view. Position the rectangle for the section view, and click to
place the view.
Before placing the section view, use the Section View ribbon bar to define the
dimension style, cross-hatching angle, line spacing, and display of the section
view.
421
Do Not Copy
To place a revolved section view, follow these steps:

1. On the Drawing View toolbar, click the Section View button.
2. On the ribbon bar, set the cross-hatching options that are desired.
3. Select a cutting plane with multiple lines.
4. On the ribbon bar, set the Revolved Section option.
5. Select the first or last line to define a fold angle for the section view.
6. Select to position the revolved section view on the drawing sheet.
Following the previous six steps on a drawing view will create views similar to
the following views:
Modifying a Section View

Modifying the placement and alignment of the section view directly on the
drawing sheet is allowed. Top accomplish this, activate the Draw in View
command, select the view to modify, then change the appearance of the section
view. The Draw in View command is activated by selecting the view with the
right mouse button, and then by selecting the Draw in View command from the
shortcut menu. This process will open the Draft View Edit environment.
Once in the Draft View Edit environment, adding or modifying elements in the
draft view is possible. This is also where the cross-hatching or edge display can
be changed.
422
Do Not Copy
Detail Views
The Detail View command is used to create a detail view of an area in a drawing
view. Think of a detail view as a magnifying glass looking at a drawing view.
This command uses a circle over a drawing view to envelop the area for the detail
view. The last input places the detail view enveloped in a larger enveloped area
based on the detail views scale. The first circle can be moved over the drawing
view, and whatever is displayed in the circle will be magnified in the enlarged
detail view.
Creating a Detail View

Creating a detail view is often described as being as easy as 1-2-3. This is
because the mouse button is simply clicked three times. The first click defines
the center of the area to enlarge, the second click defines the diameter of the
detail circle, and the last click controls the placement of the new detail view.
The Detail View ribbon bar is used to define the style for the detail envelope and
the scale of the detail view.
423
Do Not Copy
Once the three clicks are defined, the view is placed and labeled.
Modifying a Detail View

Interactively change the envelope of the detail annotation after its placement by
using the Select Tool to click, and drag one of the handles of the defining detail
circle.
After this circle changes, in size or position, the detail view will change to reflect
these changes.
If the detail view label on the original view (the letter B) interferes with the
drawing view, it can be moved by using the Select Tool to click and drag the
label to a new position.
424
Do Not Copy
The border of the Detail View may be turned off by selecting the section view
after placement, then by selecting the Properties button from the ribbon bar and
changing the option shown in the dialog box for view border.
Broken Views
Broken views can be created using the Add Broken View Regions command. It
is often useful to create a broken view of a model that is very long and the space
available for the view is limited. An example of a case where a broken view is
useful is when a view of a long bar is placed on the draft sheet and the detail at
the center of the bar is not of interest.
To create a broken view on a draft sheet, use the following steps:
1. Place a view of the model on the draft sheet.
2. Select the view with the right mouse button.

3. From the short-cut menu click the Add Broken View Regions command.
4. Place the start point of the first broken region by moving the cursor to the
desired location and clicking the left mouse button.
425
Do Not Copy
5. Place end point of the first broken section in the same manner.
6. Place the start and end points of all additional broken regions.
7. Click the Finish button from the ribbon bar to create the broken view.
The result should look like the following figure.
Broken views are not limited in the number of regions that can be created. Broken
View regions can be changed by deleting their break lines. Deleting all the break
lines would result in the elimination of all broken representations.
When a dimension is applied from one end of the broken view to the other, it will
measure measure the proper length of the part as if it were displaying whole.
426
Do Not Copy
Edge Display
The Draft environment includes a set of edge display commands. These
commands allow for the modification of how elements display on the drawing
sheet. On the Draw toolbar, the Show Edge, Hide Edge, and Edge Painter
commands can be used to control the display of edges in a drawing view. These
commands are particularly useful when modifications are desired on the VHL
results produced by Solid Edge Draft when processing a drawing view from a 3D
model.
The Show Edge command will display any edge that has been previously turned
off by Hide Edge or a display setting for the command can be used to turn these
edges on selectively. The type or style of the line does not matter, the line will be
displayed in its native style (hidden as hidden, tangent as tangent, etc.).
The Hide Edge command turns a displayed view edge off. For clarity some
hidden lines or adjacent model edges may be hidden to create a clearer view. The
type or style of the line does not matter, the line will be hidden.
427
Do Not Copy
The Edge Painter command is unique in that it changes the view style of the line
generated by Solid Edge. Users can change a visible (model) edge to a hidden
edge, and vice versa, with this command. The options of what style to change the
selected line to are located on the ribbon bar for this command.
428
Do Not Copy
Draw in View Command

The Draw in View command gives the ability to add, or edit, geometry in a
drawing view regardless of how the view was derived. This means that geometry
can be added to a drawing view in 2D without having to modify the 3D model (if
one exists). This same command is used to edit or change any of the systemgenerated symbology (i.e. cross hatching style) after the view has been created.
This command can only be accessed through the short-cut menu when a drawing
view is selected.
In the case of adding geometry to a view that was generated from a model or
assembly, the geometry added (if maintain relationships is active under Tools)
will move and adjust to the view placement or changes in the model. If the view
is adjusted on the drawing sheet, the added geometry moves with the view. If the
model changes, the lines will adjust to the new size of the drawing view.
Dimensions should be added to the geometry to maintain the desired shape and
configuration of the new geometry; much like they would in any other profile
sketch.
When creating a drawing without a 3D model in the Draft environment, it is
suggested that the drawing commands be used in conjunction with the Draft View
command as described next. This will ensure that the drawing can be scaled and
be more flexible should a change be required further down the design process.
By default, any elements placed on the drawing sheet, without using the Draft
View command, are 1:1. If the sketch needs to be at any other scale than true
size, the Draft View command should be used in conjunction with the sketching
tools.
429
Do Not Copy
Draft View Command

The Draft View command creates a draft view at a user-defined scale. The draft
environment will switch from the normal draft mode to the drawing mode, similar
to the profile environment. Once the area has been selected where the draft view
will be created, this drawing environment becomes active. In this drawing
environment the desired geometry should be drawn at true scale (1:1). When
placing dimensions on the geometry, the dimensions will be driving dimensions if
maintain relationships is turned on under the tools menu. The Tools / Maintain
Relationships option should be checked to insure that dimensions placed can
drive geometry. If a dimension is changed, the dimension and the geometry will
update accordingly. When the sketched view is finished, the system will return to
the draft environment. If the draft view was created at half-scale, the geometry
will appear at half-scale, but with the correct full-scale dimensions.
The Draft View command ribbon bar has options for the drawing standard,
drawing caption, view scale, and view properties as would be expected with any
view in the draft environment.
The Draft View command is extremely useful when creating drawings that are
not derived from a 3D model or assembly.
430
Do Not Copy
Exploded Assembly Views

Often it is desirable to be able to create a view of an assembly that shows how the
assembly is put together. These views are called exploded assembly views. An
exploded assembly view is a view of an assembly where some or all of the mated
surfaces are offset a specified distance.
To place an exploded view on a draft sheet requires that an exploded
configuration be created of the assembly in the assembly file. This configuration
information is stored in the *.cfg file associated with the assembly. This is
accomplished by clicking the Exploded View from the Environment menu. Once
in the Explode environment, explode the assembly using one of the explode tools.
Automatic explode will work. Save the display configuration using the Tools
Configuration Display Configurations menu command. Finish the explode
environment and then save the assembly.
After saving an exploded configuration of the assembly, place a view of the
assembly on the draft sheet, making sure to select the desired configuration in the
Select Model dialog box as shown in the following figure.
431
Do Not Copy
Manipulating Drawing Views

Aligning and Unaligning Views
Principle views are aligned when created. Move one of the views and the
adjacent view will stay aligned during that movement. To move an aligned view
independently, it must first be unaligned. To unalign a view, use the Select Tool,
click the right mouse button over the view to display the shortcut menu, and click
the Unalign command.
When a view has been unaligned, the dashed line representing alignment between
the views will display as broken.
To make the view aligned once again, use the Select Tool, click the right mouse
button over the view to display the shortcut menu, then click the Align command.
432
Do Not Copy
Cropping a View
Another method of creating an enlarged view is by placing a new drawing view at
a larger scale, and cropping or cutting the display to show only the required area.
The enlarged view on the right was created using the cut and paste buttons on the
main toolbar to create the new drawing view. The scale of the view was
increased by modifying the properties for the drawing view (right mouse button).
The display area was cropped by selecting and dragging the envelope handles of
the drawing view.
433
Do Not Copy
Repositioning Views
It is possible to manipulate the view positions on the drawing sheet to better
organize the drawing sheet. For example, on the following drawing sheet, the
scale of the isometric view has been changed, and all the drawing views have
been repositioned to make better use of the drawing sheet area.
To reposition drawing views use the Select Tool, and move the view by dragging
the view to a new location.
434
Do Not Copy
Moving, Rotating, Mirroring and Scaling Drawing

Views
It is possible to use the Move, Rotate, Mirror, Scale and Stretch commands on
drawing views. These commands are found on the Draw toolbar and are part of
the same fly-out grouping. These five commands are shown in order in the
following picture.
These commands work the same on drawing views as they do on drawing

elements (with the Stretch being the exception). To use Move, click the
command, select the drawing view then select the origin and destination points.
To use Rotate, click the command, select the drawing view then line and angular
change. To use Mirror, click the command, select the drawing view then define
the mirror line. To use Scale, click the command, select the drawing view, and
select the scale factor manually or in the ribbon bar.
In-Place Activation
In-Place Activation is Solid Edges term for initializing another environment in
Solid Edge from the current environment. For example, double-clicking on a
drawing view in Solid Edge Draft will open the original part or assembly file that
has been placed on the drawing sheet in the Part or Assembly environment
respectively. In-place activation will be used often in draft, since Solid Edge
does not allow you to change, by design, the solid model from the 2D
environment. Any change to the model or assembly must be made in the 3D
environment where the file originated. If an assembly relationship needs to be
edited; double-clicking on the assembly view will in-place activate the assembly
environment with that assembly active. Make the desired change and save the
file. Upon closing the assembly file the drawing sheet will go out-of-date. Update
the drawing sheet to see the recently edited version of the assembly. In-place
activation allows the user to make changes to the part or assembly document and
have those changes appear in the drawing sheet after updating the views.
435
Do Not Copy
Updating Drawing Views

When design changes are made, drawing views that need updating are framed by
a rectangle to indicate that they do not contain current information. All of the
drawing views may be updated by clicking the Update Views button on the
Drawing Views toolbar. After the Update Views command is used, the drawing
views display the correct geometry and dimensions and the small gray border
disappears. If the draft document is printed out without updating the out of date
drawing views, the rectangular frame around the out of date drawing views is not
shown on the drawing.
Individual drawing views may be updated using the shortcut menu. The shortcut
menu is displayed by positioning the mouse cursor over a drawing view, and
when the view highlights, by clicking the right mouse button and by clicking the
Update View entry.
436
Do Not Copy
Additional Drawing Sheets

During the creation of the drawing, it may be necessary to create multiple sheets
to place all of the required views. New drawing sheets can be created at any time
during drawing production.
To insert a new drawing sheet into the document, use the right mouse button on
the sheet tab at the bottom of the draft window, and click the Insert command or
click the New Sheet command from the Insert menu.
It is possible to use the same shortcut menu to add, delete or rename sheets. To
change the size of the new sheet, use the right mouse button on the new sheet tab,
and click the Sheet Setup command. Drawing views may be placed on the new
sheet by the following methods:
Use the View of Part command.
Change the Sheet property of a view to move it to the new sheet.
If an aligned drawing view, such as a section view, is moved to the new sheet, the
alignment will be dropped so that it can be placed anywhere on the sheet.
437
Do Not Copy
View Properties
After a drawing view has been selected, use the Properties command on the Edit
menu to define the properties of a drawing view (drawing view must be active).
This may also be accomplished from the shortcut menu for the drawing view.
The General tab on the Drawing View Properties dialog box controls options
such as the drawing view name and scale.
438
Do Not Copy
The Display tab provides the following controls:
Define visible, hidden and tangent line styles.
Control the display of visible, hidden, and tangent lines.
Show or hide the display of parts in assemblies.
Turn the section view of assembly parts on or off.
Turn the display of hidden assembly parts on or off.
Turn the display of construction surfaces on or off.
The Text and Color Tab contains information that is typically considered part of a
companys standards and usually does not require changes on different drawings.
Using the Annotation tab, the style of centerlines and specify the style of the
Exploded view flow lines can be specified.
439
Do Not Copy
Reduce File Command

The Reduce File command is found on the Tools menu. This command reduces
the size of a draft document by removing the edges that are not displayed on all
views.
Edges that are removed from the file include:
Hidden edges on pictorial views
Tangent edges on orthographic views
Any edges on orthographic views that are marked as tangent edges using the
Edge Painter command
Typically, this command would not be used until the drawing is complete and
ready for archiving.
Note: To redisplay the edges, set the Display Hidden Edges option on the
Drawing View Properties dialog box, then update the drawing view.
440
Do Not Copy
Review
The View of Part command is used to?
Can more than one view be placed during the initial placement operation?
After placing drawing views, how can view properties be modified?
How are line styles defined for view edges and annotations?
Can drawing views be edited after they are placed?
Can principal views be created during initial part placement or later in the
drawing workflow?
Describe the two ways to create auxiliary views.
What are the two steps involved in creating a section view?
How are Broken Views created?
What is the procedure for placing an exploded view of an assembly on a draft

sheet?
441
Do Not Copy
442
Do Not Copy
Activity Drawing View Placement

Objectives
Place multiple views of a part on a drawing sheet.
Manipulate the views.
Modify drawing view properties.
Create principal drawing views.
Create Auxiliary views.
Create Section views.
Create Detail views.
This activity will cover a typical workflow of placing drawing views of a Solid
Edge part file. All drawings are different but the basic approach to view creation,
layout, manipulation, and editing is the same in Solid Edge. In fact, placing the
views of an assembly is exactly the same as creating views of a part. This
activity should provide a good basis for the workflow needed to create drawing
sheets quickly and effectively.
443
Do Not Copy
1. Open the Solid Edge Draft environment.

If Solid Edge was loaded with English defaults, close the draft file and create a
new draft file using the NORMMET.DFT template, which is found under the
More tab.
2. Select using the right mouse button on the sheet tab in the lower left corner,
and on the shortcut menu select the Sheet Setup option.
3. On the Sheet Setup dialog, select the A1-Sheet from the Background tab. This
will set the background and sheet size for our drafting sheet.
4. Click the Save Defaults button to save the A1-Sheet as the default
Border/Background for this document.
Note: By saving your defaults now, any new sheets created in this file will
automatically be an A1-Sheet.
5. Click OK to dismiss the dialog box.
6. Click the Fit command while holding the shift key on the keyboard to fit the
whole drawing sheet into the active window.
444
Do Not Copy
7. Click the Options command from the Tools menu.

8. Select the Drawing Standards tab and make sure the Projection Angle is set to
First angle projection and the Thread Display mode is set to ISO. Then click
OK to dismiss the form.
We will now start placing drawing views.

9. On the Drawing Views toolbar, click the View of Part command.
10. On the Select Model dialog box, make sure the Look in box (folder) is set
to DRIVE:\ Drawing Files and select BEARBLK.PAR.
445
Do Not Copy
11. On the Select Model dialog box, click the Open button to display the View of
Part window as shown in the following figure.
12. On the View of Part window, click the Close button.
446
Do Not Copy
. Select the right and

13. On the Ribbon Bar, click the View Layout button
top views to add them then click OK. This will add these views to this view
creation process.
14. On the working sheet, move the rectangle to approximately the center of the
sheet, and then click to place the drawing views.
447
Do Not Copy
Note: The views are automatically scaled to fit on the drawing sheet.
15. On the Drawing Views toolbar, click the View of Part command.
16. Select the BEARBLK.PAR file and click OK on the Select Part dialog box.
This will enable the placement of another view of this part.
448
Do Not Copy
17. When the View of Part window is displayed, press the HOME key on the
keyboard. Notice the view is changed to an isometric orientation. Click
Close to accept this view orientation.
18. Click on the down arrow in the scale option (on the ribbon bar) and set the
view scale to 1:2. Then click to place the view in the upper right corner of
the sheet.
19. On the File menu, click Save and in the Save as dialog box, save it as
BEARBLK.DFT in the DRIVE:\ Drawing Files folder.
20. On the Drawing Views toolbar, click the Auxiliary View command.
Notice that a fold line is now attached to the cursor.
21. Move the cursor across the front drawing view until this fold line attaches to
the model edge (shown below), then select this model edge to use it to define
the folding line.
449
Do Not Copy
Note: If IntelliSketch locates a point, the line will disappear. Move the cursor
until the IntelliSketch is not locating a point, and the line re-appears.
22. Position the view as shown below and click. This view may overlap other
views because of limited space on the drawing sheet. We will correct this
problem in later steps.
23. Position the cursor over the Sheet1 tab in the lower left corner of the screen,
and click the right mouse button on it to bring up the short-cut menu seen in
the following figure.
24. Click the Insert command from this menu to create a new drawing sheet. This
will add a new sheet (Sheet2) to the draft document and Sheet2 will be
displayed. To switch between sheets click on the tab of the sheet you want to
switch to. The sheet tabs are found at the lower left corner of the window.
25. Click the Sheet1 tab. This will return the view to the first drawing sheet in
the draft document.
450
Do Not Copy
26. With Select Tool active, position the cursor over the auxiliary view so that the
view highlights. Then click the right mouse button and click the Properties
command from this short-cut menu as shown in the following figure.
27. In the Properties dialog, switch to the General tab and change the Sheet:
field to Sheet2, then click OK. This will move the auxiliary view to Sheet2
without breaking the link to the model.
Note: Using Cut and Paste to move the view from one sheet to another does
NOT maintain the link back to the model.
451
Do Not Copy
28. Click the Sheet2 tab, this will make Sheet2 the active sheet.
29. Reposition the auxiliary view towards the upper left corner. The intended
result is shown in the following figure.
30. Click the Sheet1 tab. This will make Sheet1 the active sheet.
31. On the Drawing Views toolbar, click the Cutting Plane button.
452
Do Not Copy
32. Select the top view this will identify it as the drawing view where the cutting
plane will be drawn. The environment will change to the Cutting Plane Line
environment. This environment will look like the Draft environment,
however the tools will be for drawing a simple profile for the cutting plane
line.
33. Click the Zoom Area command and define an area around the top view to
zoom in.
34. Click the Line command
to draw a profile line for the cutting plane.
35. Draw the sequence of lines shown in the following figure locking into the
midpoint of the left vertical edge and the centerpoint for the upper right hole.
Use the IntelliSketch relationships to locate the keypoints. If the keypoints
do not highlight, the midpoint option is most likely turned off. It may be
necessary to activate this functionality on the IntelliSketch form. It will be
necessary to brush the mouse over these elements (but not selecting them) to
activate them for keypoint location. A dashed line should appear when you
are directly in-line with the mid-point or center point of the circle.
36. Click Finish to complete this section line profile.

37. Now the direction step is needed. Position the cursor below the drawing
view, and click to position the cutting plane arrows as shown in the following
figure.
38. Zoom out or fit the window to make room for the view about to be created.
39. Click the Section View command.
453
Do Not Copy
40. Select the cutting plane line that was created on the top view. This will be the
section line and drawing view that our section view will be created from.
and in the
41. On the ribbon bar, click the Model Display Settings button
dialog box, clear the Show Hidden Edges, and click OK. This will turn off
hidden edges in the cross section view.
42. Place the cross section below the top view as shown in the following figure.
43. Move the section view to Sheet2. Clicking the right mouse button over the
section view to display the shortcut menu, then click the Properties command.
In the Sheet list, select Sheet2 entry.
44. Click the Sheet2 tab to view the second sheet. Reposition the section view
and place it below the Auxiliary View.
45. To change the cross hatch properties, first select the view and click the right
mouse button to display the shortcut menu, click the Draw in View command
from the short-cut list.
46. Use the Select Tool to select the cross-hatching. Select all areas of
crosshatching by holding down the SHIFT key as you select the crosshatched
areas.
47. On the Ribbon bar, change the pattern from Normal to ANSI32 Steel.
454
Do Not Copy
48. Click on the Return button to accept and apply these changes to the drawing
view and return to the drafting environment.

50. Return to Sheet1 by clicking the Sheet1 tab.
51. On the Drawing Views toolbar, click the Detail View command.
52. Click to place the center of the detail view circle on the front view, and then
click again to define the radius of the detail view circle. The view circle
should resemble the one shown in the following figure.
53. Move the large circle attached to the cursor away from the front view, and
click to place the detail view as seen in the following figure.
54. Move the detail view to Sheet2 by changing the view properties.
55. Switch to Sheet2 by clicking the Sheet2 tab.
455
Do Not Copy
56. Position the detail view on Sheet2 to the right of the auxiliary and section
views as seen in the following figure.
57. Save the file.

58. Close the file. This completes this activity.
456
Do Not Copy
Activity - Assembly Drawing Creation

Objectives
In this activity, drawing views of an assembly will be placed. An exploded
display configuration in an assembly will be created and a drawing view using an
exploded view display configuration will be placed.
1. Create a new draft file using a metric template.

2. Select the Fit command to fit the drawing sheet.
3. Select the View of Part command.
4. On the Select Model dialog box, make sure the Look in box is set to the
Drawing Files folder, and the Files of Type field is set to Assembly
Documents.
5. Select file Carrier.asm found in the Drawing Files folder.
457
Do Not Copy
6. Select a default configuration in the lower portion of the Select Model dialog
box and then select Open.
7. When the View of Part window is displayed, select the HOME key on the
keyboard. This changes the orientation of the displayed assembly to an
isometric orientation.
458
Do Not Copy
8. Select Close, this will accept this orientation as the base view.
9. Place the drawing view in the middle of the drawing sheet.
10. Save and name the file MyCarrier.dft (Dont exit or close).
11. Using the Select Tool, activate the assembly file by double clicking the left
mouse button on the drawing view of the assembly. This will open the
assembly in the assembly environment so edits can be made.
12. From the Environment menu, select the Exploded View command to open the
Explode environment.
13. Select the Automatic Explode command

from the feature toolbar found
at the left. This starts the automatic explode command.
14. On the ribbon bar, select the Explode button. This will cause the assembly to
be exploded (mate relationships will be given offsets).
459
Do Not Copy
15. From the menu bar select the Tools Configuration - Display Configurations
command.
16. In the Display Configuration dialog box, type: explode_main in the

configuration name field, then click on the Save button and then Close the
dialog box.
17. On the ribbon bar, click the Return button. The assembly will revert to its last
unexploded display. This ends the exploded configuration creation.
18. Save the file.
19. Close the file. This will return the user to the Draft environment.
20. Select the Insert option from the shortcut menu on the Sheet1 tab to create a
new sheet (Sheet 2).
21. Select the View of Part command.

Note: The Dialog box is different since a view of the assembly has already been
placed.
460
Do Not Copy
22. On the Select Part Dialog box, click on the down arrow beside the
Configuration field, and select the explode_main configuration. This will
be the display configuration for the drawing view.
23. Select the OK button to accept these choices.

24. Make sure the scale is set to 1:2 on the ribbon bar, and position the view
centered on the drawing sheet.
25. Save the file.

461
Do Not Copy
26. Click the Insert option from the shortcut menu on the Sheet2 tab to create a
new sheet (Sheet 3).
27. Click the View of Part command.
28. On the Select Part Dialog box, select the carrier.asm model and make sure the
Configuration field is blank to accept the default configuration, and click OK.
29. In the View of Part window, press the HOME key on the keyboard to display
the isometric view.
30. Click the Common Views option on the ribbon bar.
31. Select Show face view and then select Rotate 90 degrees clockwise.
The image below shows the resulting view:
32. Click Close on the View of Part window.

33. On the ribbon bar, change the scale to 1:1.
462
Do Not Copy
34. Place the view near the upper left of the drawing sheet.
35. Click the Cutting Plane command.

36. Select the drawing view just created, place a cutting line through the center of
the view, and click Finish. The cutting plane is shown in the following
figure.
37. Move the mouse and click on the upper side of the cutting plane to define the
cutting direction.
38. Click the Section View command.
463
Do Not Copy
39. Select the cutting line and place the section view below the drawing as seen in
40. Use the Select Tool to select the section view, then right mouse click to select
the Properties command on the shortcut menu.
464
Do Not Copy
41. On the Display tab, expand the parts list for the assembly by clicking the +
symbol next to the assembly name.
Note: This shows all of the parts in the assembly. If the assembly contained
subassemblies, they would also be displayed.
42. Clear the Match Configuration option if it is active.
43. Click the Part named mtgpin.par, then click the Hide Selected Part option.
We will exclude this part from the sectioning process.
44. Click OK to dismiss the dialog box and apply this change.
45. The section view should now have an out of date border around the view.
465
Do Not Copy
46. Click the Update Views command.

The part file mtgpin.par is now
omitted from our section view of the assembly.
47. Save the file.

466
Do Not Copy
Activity - Broken View Creation

Objectives
In this activity, create a broken drawing view of a part on a draft sheet.
1. Create a new draft document using a metric template.

2. Click the Fit command to fit the drawing sheet.
4. On the Select Model dialog box, make sure the Look in box is set to the
Files under the DRIVE:\Drawing Files\ Files folder, and set the Files of
Type field to Part Documents.
5. Select file bar.par.
467
Do Not Copy
6. Orient the view as shown in the following figure.
7. Close the View of part dialog.

8. Place the drawing view on the draft sheet as seen in the following figure.
468
Do Not Copy
9. Use the Select tool to select the drawing view with the right mouse button and
from the short-cut menu click the Add Broken View Regions command.
10. Place the start point of the first broken region by moving the cursor to the
extreme left end of the view and clicking the left mouse button.
11. Place the end point of the first broken section in the same manner. Place the
end about of the way to the right. The result should look like the following
figure.
12. Place a second broken region at the right end of the bar. This region should
be approximately of the length.
13. Click the Finish button from the ribbon bar to create the broken view.
469
Do Not Copy
14. The result should look like the following figure.
15. Close the file without saving. This completes this activity.
470
Do Not Copy
Summary
In this module the following topics have been examined.
Placing multiple views of a part on a drawing sheet
Manipulating views
Modifying drawing view properties
Creating an auxiliary view
Creating a principal drawing view
Creating a section view
Creating a detail view
Creating a broken view
In creating a draft document of a part or assembly, you must first start a new draft
document using a draft template. Next the sheet size is modified, if necessary,
using the Sheet Setup command. Once the draft sheet has been set to the proper
size or format, the initial drawing views are placed on the draft sheet. From the
drawing views additional drawing views such as principle views, auxiliary views,
section views, and detail views can be generated.
471
Do Not Copy
472
Do Not Copy
M O D U L E
Dimensions and
Annotations
Objectives ...............................................................................................475
Introduction ............................................................................................476
Placing Dimensions ................................................................................477
Placing Annotations................................................................................491
Edge Display...........................................................................................511
Review.....................................................................................................513
Activity - Retrieving and Placing Dimensions........................................515
Activity - Placing Annotations ................................................................533
Activity - Placing a Parts List.................................................................543
Summary .................................................................................................548
474
Do Not Copy
Dimensions and Annotations Module 7
Objectives
The purpose of this module is to provide a better understanding of the following:
Dimensioning drawings
Annotating drawings.
Changing the display of edges on a drawing.
475
Do Not Copy
Introduction
Solid Edge Draft can quickly place dimensions and annotations on drawings.
Drawing Dimensions and Profile Dimensions

Placing dimensions on drawings is similar to placing dimensions on profiles in
Solid Edge Part. Dimension can be placed on any part edge in a drawing view,
just like dimensions may be added to any element in a profile. Practically all the
same dimension commands are available on the toolbar in Draft as in Part, and
the same procedures are used for placing dimensions on drawings as in profiles
and sketches.
Drawing view dimensions, unlike profile dimensions, are always driven. The
value of a drawing dimension is controlled, or driven, by the part or assembly the
drawing view it is created from. This helps ensure the drawing dimensions
accurately reflect the part or assembly.
Drawing view dimensional values cannot be changed within the Draft
environment and must be changed in the part model. If attempted, the dimension
is underlined to indicate that it is not to scale. However, if the dimensions of the
part or assembly model change, the user can easily update the drawing to reflect
the change. Also, through in-place activation, a part or assembly model can be
accessed for editing by double-clicking a drawing view.
Annotation and Edge Display

Solid Edge Draft allows for the placement of common types of annotations to
complete a mechanical drawing. These annotations include:
Center Lines
Center Marks
Parts List
Leaders
Balloons
Callouts
Surface Texture Symbols
Weld Symbols
Datum Frames
Feature Control Frames
Edge Conditions
Datum Targets
Text Box
Character Mapping
476
Do Not Copy
Placing Dimensions
When dimensioning a drawing view, use the dimensioning commands found on
the Drawing Views toolbar.
The commands on the Label toolbar can be used to place the following types of
dimensions:
(A) Linear dimensions(B) Angular Dimensions
(C) Diameter Dimensions (D) Radial dimensions
(E) Dimension Groups
To place a dimension, click a dimensioning command on the toolbar, and then

select either the part edge to dimension, or the key points to be used as the origin
and target of the dimension. A dynamic display of the dimension appears
position the dimension, and then click to place it. Prompts on the status bar act as
a guide while placing dimensions.
477
Do Not Copy
SmartDimension
The first command, SmartDimension, is used when the required dimension is
relative to a single element, such as a lines length, or an arcs radius. The
SmartDimension command allows for the placement of a dimension on any part
edge. The options on the SmartDimension ribbon bar are used to specify the
type of dimension to be placed. The dimension types available are dependent
on the edge geometry selected.
When SmartDimension is used to place a dimension on an arc, an arc length, arc

angle, arc radius, or arc diameter dimension may be placed. The default
dimension type for an arc is a radius.
478
Do Not Copy
When SmartDimension is used to place a dimension on a circle, a radial or

diameter dimension may be placed. The default dimension type for circles is a
diameter.
When SmartDimension is used to place a dimension on a line, either a linear or

angular dimension can be placed. The default dimension type for a line is linear.
Prefix
The Prefix button on the dimension ribbon bar is used to add information to the
dimension. Typically this is used to place text like "2X" in front of a dimension.
A Prefix is in front of the dimension and a Suffix is after. A Superfix is above a
dimension and a Subfix is below. The alignment of the subfix is controlled with
the Subfix horizontal alignment field.
479
Do Not Copy
Thread information that is directly related to the model may be added using the
Thread reference buttons found at the left side. To use these options follow
these steps:
1. Place the cursor in the field the reference is to go in.
2. Select the thread reference information desired to go there by selecting it.
3. After all prefix work is done, click the Apply button.
Distance Between
The Distance Between command allows for the placement of a linear dimension
between drawing view edges. The command can be used to place both stacked
and chained configurations, based on the position of the mouse cursor when the
user clicks to place the dimension. IntelliSketch relationship indicators can be
used to locate key points where to start or end a dimension. If IntelliSketch is not
used, the dimension will be placed at the closest keypoint of the element selected.
Dimensions are placed vertically or horizontally, unless a dimension axis has
been specified.
480
Do Not Copy
Angle Between
The Angle Between command places an angular dimension between two drawing
view edges. When the two edges are selected, the dimension can be placed in one
of four quadrants. As the mouse cursor is moved, the dimension dynamically
changes to another quadrant. When the dimension is displayed as desired, click
to accept the location.
Coordinate Dimension
The Coordinate Dimension command places a dimension that measures the
distance from a common origin. The coordinate dimensions that refer to the
common origin are members of a coordinate dimension group. This means that
an origin element is selected first to establish 0 then, when other elements are
selected, a dimension is placed measuring from the established origin.
Coordinate dimensions can be placed in any order and on either side of the origin.
Additional coordinate dimensions can be added to existing coordinate dimension
481
Do Not Copy
groups. To do this, identify any dimension in the group as the origin when
adding the new dimension.
482
Do Not Copy
Symmetric Diameter
The Symmetrical Diameter command is used to place a diameter dimension in a
view where only half of the view is shown and the part is cylindrical. The
command requires that a centerline axis be selected as the origin. If the view
does not have a centerline, the user should draw one before using this command.
The dimension can be placed as a half or a full dimension using the Half/Full
option on the ribbon bar.
Retrieve Dimensions
The Retrieve Dimensions command retrieves the dimensions that were placed on
the part during the design process. All part dimensions are retrieved unless the
retrieval options are changed.
To avoid retrieving unnecessary dimensions, the Options button on the Retrieve
Dimensions ribbon bar can be used to filter the resulting dimensions. Dimensions
can be suppressed by removing them after retrieval.
483
Do Not Copy
Retrieval Options - Brings up the retrieval options form.
Dimension Style - Lists and applies the available dimension styles.
Add Linear - Specifies that linear dimensions are to be retrieved.
Add Radial - Specifies that radial and diameter dimensions on arcs and circles
are to be retrieved.
Add Angular - Specifies that angular dimensions are to be retrieved.
Add Annotations - Specifies that annotations are to be retrieved.
Center Mark - Automatically places center marks on holes and other circular
features.
Add Dimensions - Creates dimensions in the drawing. When this option is

set, the user can select drawing views to create dimensions in the drawing that
are based on dimensions in the model.
Remove Dimensions - Removes dimensions in the drawing. When this

option is set, the user can select a drawing view and delete any dimensions
that were created with the Retrieve Dimensions command.
Retrieve Dimension Options
In many cases, the dimensions placed to create the 3D model are not useful in
dimensioning the drawing for manufacturing. In these cases, the retrieve
dimension command can still be used to just place all of the center marks, project
the centerlines, and connect horizontal/vertical centers between center marks. In
the following example, the centerlines and connecting the horizontal/vertical
centers were all placed using the Retrieve Dimension command.
484
Do Not Copy
Dimensioning Options
Many of the dimension commands allow the options on the ribbon bar to be set in
order to specify the dimension style, decimal round off, and dimension value.
These options can be used when editing a dimension.
Dimension Style - Allows any dimension style previously saved to be

selected. If these styles are saved in a template document, they can, be
accessed from any document created from that template. The style controls
the format of the dimension.
Round Off - Controls the round off of the dimensional value (126.49231),
whether to round to the nearest ten (130), nearest tenth (126.5), or nearest
thousandth (126.492).
Dimension Value - Displays the value of the dimension being placed. Will be
grayed out if driven and white if driving.
Dimension Styles are preset in the template file. The Style can be changed in the
current detail file, but it would be wiser to create all of the styles the company
needs in the company standard draft template.
The styles are created and modified by selecting from the main menu, the Format,
Style command as seen in the following figure.
485
Do Not Copy
The following dialog allows for the creation and modification of Dimension, Line
and Text styles.
For example, if Modify was selected in the previous form, another form will
appear with all of the options to modify a style.
486
Do Not Copy
These settings allow for a quick way to globally format dimensions on the
drawing, these kind of changes are typically implemented in the corporate
template, so everyone at the company can take advantage of standardized
settings.
487
Do Not Copy
Dimensioning Ribbon Bar

The buttons on the Dimensioning Ribbon bar provide options while placing
dimensions. The options will be active based on the dimension command being
used. Thought very similar the ribbon bar shown below is the Distance
dimension ribbon bar.
Complement
This option changes an angular dimension to the complement of the angle. A
sample is shown in the following figure.
488
Do Not Copy
Dimension Orientation
The Dimension Orientation options work with the Distance Between dimension
command. The orientation options are 1.) Horizontal/Vertical, 2.) By 2 Points
and, 3.) Use Dimension Axis.
The Horizontal/Vertical option allows the dimension to be placed relative to

the reference planes horizontal or vertical axis.
The 2 Points option allows the dimension to be placed between two elements
using an implied line that runs between the two endpoints. The dimension is
always placed parallel to the implied line.
The Dimension Axis option allows the dimensions to be placed so that its
orientation relative to an axis you define. To take advantage of the
Dimension Axis option, the user must first click the Dimension Axis option,
and then select an element with the Dimension Axis command located next to
the Orientation field.
489
Do Not Copy
Prefix Copier
The Prefix Copier command copies the prefix, type or prefix and type of one
dimension to other dimensions. This command is located on the Format menu.
Once the Prefix Copier command is clicked, the ribbon bar changes to allow
either prefix or type, or both, to be copied. They can be selected as shown in the
following figure.
After what is to be copied has been specified, the dimension with the prefix or
type to be copied is selected. This holds the information in memory. Next the
dimensions that the copied prefix or type are to be applied to are selected, an
example is shown in the following figures.
490
Do Not Copy
Placing Annotations
The annotation command buttons are found on the Drawing Views toolbar. They
are used to place items such as Center Marks, Center Lines, Leaders, Callouts,
Balloons, Weld symbols, Surface Texture symbols, Feature Control Frames,
Datum Frames, Datum Targets and Text Boxes. A Character Map is also
available for adding special characters.
Center Mark
The Center Mark command marks the centers of arcs and circles. The ribbon bar
also provides line style and axis selection options.
If the center mark needs to project outside the arc or circle, simply click the
Project Lines option on the ribbon bar.
The Line Type option becomes available when the Project Lines option has been
clicked, and the line type for the projection lines is then selected.
491
Do Not Copy
Center Line
The Center Line command places center lines as an axis line in a drawing view.
The ribbon bar also provides line Style, Placement and Line Type options.
The Placement options are By 2 Lines and By 2 Points. The first places a
center line between two lines, while the latter places a center line that goes
between two end points.
Text Box
Typically, text boxes are used to place text for short notes and not long structured
notes on the drawing. Long notes are typically created in the word processor, and
embedded in the drawing sheet. The Text Box ribbon bar contains common
options, such as Bold, Underline, Justification and Borders, that allow for the
specification of how the text box looks.
Once text is placed on the drawing, graphic handles can be used to move it and
re-size its edges.
492
Do Not Copy
Leader
A Leader can be placed from one point to another. The ribbon bar has a break
line option that allows the callout to be placed with or without a break line. The
dimension style controls the characteristics of leaders.
Balloon
The Balloon command places balloons for referencing instances of a part in an
assembly. An edge of a part is selected, a number or letter that will be placed in
the balloon is typed, and the balloon is then placed.
The Item Reference button at the far right of the ribbon bar allows the use of the
parts list data from the assembly document to place the appropriate number/letter
in the balloon.
493
Do Not Copy
The ribbon bar also allows the user to change the shape of the balloon, the size of
the balloon with respect to the font size, and the ability to add break lines.
Balloons can have additional information as a lower value, prefix, and suffix.
The ribbon bar is shown below in three sections.
The following figure shows how balloons can be added to different reference
parts in a drawing view of an assembly, as well as some of the shapes available
for ballooning.
The Parts List command allows for automatic balloon placements. It is discussed
later in this module. Balloons can be attached to one another.
494
Do Not Copy
Callout
A Callout is text associated to a leader, and it can be placed using this command.
The Callout ribbon bar, shown in the following figure, allows the user to control
the style, and to toggle the Leader and Break Line on and off.
The Properties button brings up the Callout Properties dialog box shown in the
following figure. The text to be placed in the callout is typed in the Callout
Properties dialog box. Special characters and thread references are available for
use, and may be added to the callout text by clicking the appropriate button. This
dialog is brought up immediately after the Callout command has been clicked.
The result of the previous input is:
495
Do Not Copy
Surface Texture Symbol

Surface texture symbology can be created with the Surface Texture Symbol
command. Surface texture symbols indicate the smoothness or roughness of a
surface. Solid Edge Draft 0.1750.125places surface texture symbols, as well as
more advanced surface texture symbols with special characteristics like multidirectional and circular lay directions. The ribbon bar for the Surface Texture
Symbol command allows sets the style, turns the leader on or off, and brings up
the properties dialog box.
The Surface Texture Symbol Properties dialog box controls information in the
surface texture symbol. The Save Settings option saves surface texture symbol
settings for future use.
496
Do Not Copy
The result for this input would be:
Weld Symbols
Standard weld symbol can be generated with the Weld Symbol command. The
ribbon bar for the Weld Symbol command, seen in the following figure, controls
the style of the symbol, and to bring up the Weld Symbol Properties dialog box.
The button on the far right of the Weld Symbol ribbon bar displays the Weld
Symbol Properties dialog box.
497
Do Not Copy
The result for this input would be:
The Weld Symbol Type button on the Weld Symbol Properties dialog box,
displays symbols available for both sides of the weld joint.
Weld symbols settings can be saved in the current document with the Save
Settings option.
498
Do Not Copy
Edge Conditions
Edge Condition symbols can be added to drawing views using this command.
This symbol is used primarily when creating drawings that conform to the DIN
standard. The edge condition ribbon bar seen in the following figure specifies the
style and the upper and lower values for the edge condition.
To add an edge condition symbol to an edge, click the command, type the desired
upper and lower values in the ribbon bar, select the edge and select the placement
of the symbol. A sample of an edge condition symbol is shown in the following
figure.
499
Do Not Copy
Feature Control Frames

Feature control frames refer to datum frames to convey the acceptable geometric
tolerance for a feature. The feature control frame ribbon controls the style,
leaders, break lines, and to brings up the properties window.
The button on the far right of the Feature Control Frame ribbon bar displays the
Feature Control Frame Properties dialog box.
The result for the previous input would be as seen in the following figure.
500
Do Not Copy
The Geometric Characteristic Symbols button on the Feature Control Frame

Properties dialog box sets the characteristics. These symbols specify the type of
geometric tolerance required for the part.
Other options on the dialog box add other modifiers that may be needed. The
Divider places a vertical dividing line to separate information. The material
conditions specifies Maximum, Least, and Regardless of Feature Size
conditions. The Tolerance Zone specifies Projected, Tangent Plane, and
Free State tolerance conditions. The Other symbols for use are Diameter,
Degree, Between, and Statistical Tolerance.
Whether or not the frame is a Composite Frame can be set, and may add an
All around symbol with leader.
Saving settings for Feature Control symbols in the current document is achieved
with the Save Settings option.
Datum Frames
The Datum Frame indicates where to take dimensions from, or where to
determine the geometric form or position of another feature.
501
Do Not Copy
Two buttons on the ribbon bar specify whether or not to place the datum symbol
with break and leader lines from the surface. The Text box indicates the letter
defining to the surface.
The Annotation tab on the Dimension Properties dialog sets or clear dash display
option. The dialog box can be displayed by clicking Dimension on the Format
menu.
Datum Target
This command places a datum target on the following elements: Lines, Arcs,
Circles, Ellipses, Curves, Datum point symbols, or in free space. A datum target
is a specified point, line, or area on a part that is identified on the drawing with a
datum target symbol. A datum target is used to establish datum points, lines,
planes, or areas for special function or manufacturing and inspection
repeatability.
The Datum Target ribbon bar controls the appearance and behavior of the datum
target. The controls are (from left to right) style, placement options, datum
point/area options, datum area diameter, datum area reference, whether it is near
side or far side, and a break line toggle.
502
Do Not Copy
Character Map
Characters can be inserted into a text box with a different font using the Character
Map command. Special characters that are not available on the keyboard can also
be inserted.
Parts List
The Parts List command extracts information from the part documents in an
assembly that has been placed on a drawing sheet. This data can be extracted
from this form to create a printable parts list.
To create a parts list, click the Parts List command. This will bring up the Parts
List ribbon bar shown in the following figure. This ribbon bar controls the style
of the parts list, turns the automatic ballooning on or off, and can bring up the
Parts List Properties dialog box.
503
Do Not Copy
Clicking the Properties button on the Parts List ribbon bar brings up the Parts List
Properties dialog box shown in the following figure.
The General tab on this dialog box controls the text, automatic ballooning, and
access to saved settings. The Size/Placement tab controls the size and placement
of the parts list. The column content and format is controlled on the Columns tab.
The Sorting tab sorts the parts list based on the item number or balloon number.
And the List Control tab sets the display options for all the parts lists in the
drawing.
504
Do Not Copy
Once satisfied with the properties of the parts list, dismiss the form by clicking
the OK button. The next step is to select a drawing view of the assembly for
which a parts list is to be generated. The parts list will then be generated and
placed at the location on the draft sheet specified in the properties form. An
example is given in the following figure.
After the parts list has been placed on the draft sheet, changes to the properties of
the parts list can still be made. The contents of the parts list can be copied to the
clipboard by selecting the parts list with the right mouse button, bringing up the
short-cut menu, and clicking the Copy Contents command from the menu.
Parts lists and other reports can be created externally from Solid Edge using NT
Explorer. Position the mouse over an assembly, and click the right mouse button.
On the short cut list, Reports provides a good method for creating a parts list.
Once the Reports command is chosen, a dialog appears with the report options.
The format button brings up other dialog boxes that assist in formatting how
reports are created.
505
Do Not Copy
Several settings on this form, such as Justification and Grid Display, are helpful
when creating a parts list. A further step can be taken if the options button on this
dialog is clicked.
The options dialog formats what information will be in the parts list. On the left,
in this dialog, are the available properties that were set in the properties in each
part file and subassembly file. On the right are the properties currently used in
the parts list. Just select a property, and add it or select a property and remove it.
506
Do Not Copy
Once the data has been formatted dialogs are dismissed, the following dialog is
returned. By clicking the Copy button in this form, the data in the parts list is
copied to the NT clipboard and can then be pasted into a word processor. The
Save As option can also be used to save it out, and create a rich text format file
that can be read by many word processors, and provides the best output.
507
Do Not Copy
Hole Table
The Hole Table command extracts information from the part that has been placed
on a drawing sheet. There are two major steps involved in creating a hole table
the origin step and the select holes step. In the origin step, the x and y axes and
their directions are specified. In the selection step, the holes to appear in the hole
table are selected. When these tasks are completed, click finish from the ribbon
bar, and the hole table will be generated.
The ribbon bar for the hole table is shown in the following figure.
Item A in the ribbon bar opens the Hole Table Options dialog. Item B represents
the Origin step and Item C represents the Select Holes step. Item D is the Finish
button to finish the table input. Item E is the Origin List. The last button on the
ribbon bar item F opens the Hole Table Parameters dialog.
508
Do Not Copy
The Hole Table Options dialog has four tabs General, Text, Columns and List.
The General tab controls size, placement, hole annotation and saved settings. The
Text tab controls the text formatting of the textbox. The Columns tab controls
what hole information is held in the table and how it is aligned. The List tab
specifies how the holes are to be listed. The general tab of the Hole Table
Options dialog is shown in the following figure.
509
Do Not Copy
The Hole Table Parameters dialog box contains two tabs, Prefix and Tolerance.
The prefix tab controls what prefix and suffix information appears in the hole
table including the specialty hole reference information. Notes can be placed on
the hole table on this tab. The tolerance tab controls tolerance type, values, and
location.
510
Do Not Copy
Edge Display
The Edge Display commands can override the way elements are displayed on
drawings. Individual elements can be hidden, elements that have been hidden can
be redisplayed. A segment of an elements display can be changed to create a
partially displayed element. The edge display commands are located on the draw
toolbar and shown in the following figure.
The draw toolbar is turned on and off by clicking on the Draw button found on
the main toolbar.
Show Edge
The Show Edge command temporarily displays edges that are not visible in the
drawing in order to select invisible edges that are to be displayed.
Hide Edge
The Hide Edge hides edges that are currently displayed. After this command is
clicked, select the edges that are to be hidden.
511
Do Not Copy
Edge Painter
The Edge Painter command changes the display of an element or element

segment to visible, hidden, or tangent. The edge painter command is found on
the draw toolbar. Occasionally, when a drawing view is processed with the Edge
Display command, edges that transition from one display state to another (from
visible to hidden, for example) may not give the results wanted. Edge Painter can
apply the edge display options you want when this occurs. The ribbon bar is
512
Do Not Copy
Review
1. How are Dimensions retrieved to the Draft document from the 3D solid
model?
2. How does dimensioning drawings differ from dimensioning profiles?
3. How can a dimensions display be changed?
4. What annotation types are the Saved Setting options available for?
5. What different types of Centerlines can be placed?
6. Describe the two ways that balloons can be applied.
7. What methods are available for placing text on a draft sheet, and describe the
advantages and disadvantages of each.
8. What does the Prefix Copier do?
513
Do Not Copy
514
Do Not Copy
Activity - Retrieving and Placing Dimensions

Objectives
Retrieve dimensions from the Model.
Place dimensions on a drawing.
Modify dimensions on a drawing.
Place annotations on a drawing.
Gain experience in placing and retrieving dimensions on a part model in this

activity.
1. Close all open files using the Close command found under the File menu.
2. Click the New command from the main toolbar to initiate the creation of a
new Draft document.
3. On the New dialog box, select the NORMAL.DFT template.
Note: If Solid Edge was loaded with English defaults, the user will need to go to
the More tab, and select the NORMMET.DFT template.
4. Go to the Tools menu and verify that the Maintain Relationships toggle is
checked. If it is not checked, check it at this time. This will lock symbols and
dimensions to the items that they are placed on.
5. Select the File / Sheet Setup from the menu bar.
6. On the Sheet Setup dialog box, click the Background tab.
7. Use the pull down list for the Background Sheet field to select the A-3
Widesheet.
8. Save the Defaults by clicking the Save Defaults button. This will ensure that
any drawing sheets that are added will be the same.
9. Dismiss the dialog by clicking the OK button. We have now prepared the
sheet.
10. Use the Fit Command to fit the sheet.
515
Do Not Copy
12. In the Select Model dialog box, navigate to the C:\Drawing Files folder.
13. Select the part file anchor.par.
14. The View of Part window should look like the following figure. If not, use
the view manipulation commands to re-orient the view.
15. Click the Close button to accept this view orientation and continue.
16. Click the View Layout
17. Add the top and right views, as we have in the following figure.
18. Click OK button to continue.

516
Do Not Copy
19. Place the View box centered on the sheet. The result should look like the
following figure.
20. Save the File in the C:\Drawing Files folder as DIMENSIONS.DFT.

21. Click the Zoom Area button, and then zoom in on the top view.
22. Click the Retrieve Dimensions command
23. On the Retrieve Dimensions ribbon bar, click the Angular button
Annotations button
retrieval options.
and the
to clear the Angular dimension and Annotation
24. Click the Retrieval Options command button
on the ribbon bar.
25. In the Retrieve Options dialog box, select the box next to Project Centerlines.
517
Do Not Copy
26. Select the top view to retrieve the dimensions used in the creation of the
model. The result should look like the following figure.
27. Use the Select Tool and the delete key to delete dimensions until your view
looks like the following figure.
28. Click the Undo command from the main toolbar to undo the deletion.
29. Select and drag to reposition the remaining dimensions.
Note: The user can independently move a dimension line, arrowhead, or
dimension text by selecting and dragging it.

31. On the Label toolbar, click the Distance Between command button
. This
command may be found as a pullout from other dimension commands.
518
Do Not Copy
32. Place the three dimensions circled in the following figure.
33. Use the Fit command to fit the drawing views.

34. Hold the shift key down and click the Fit command to fit the Drawing sheet
and drawing views.
36. Click the Insert / New Sheet menu command to add a second drawing sheet.
37. Switch to Sheet2 by clicking the Sheet2 tab found in the lower left of the draft
environment window.
38. Click the View of Part
command.
39. In the Select Part Dialog box, click the Browse button. This allows the
referencing of a file not already referenced in the draft document.
40. In the Select Model dialog box, navigate to the <Drive>\Solid
Edge\Training folder that was created when Solid Edge was loaded.
<Drive> refers to the folder in which Solid Edge was installed.
41. Select the part file FAN.PAR.
519
Do Not Copy
42. To get the view shown below, rotate the default side view of the fan.par 90
degrees after selecting the vertical axis (shown below in bold).
43. Click the Close button to continue.

44. Click the View Layout
45. Add the right view as we have in the following figure.
520
Do Not Copy
46. Click the OK button to accept these views and continue.

following figure.
48. On the View menu, click the Zoom Area command, and then zoom in on the
front view of the fan. (the view on the left)
Drawing views of parts that have circular shapes typically require centerline
marks. The typical workflow is to place these center marks before any
dimensions are placed.
50. Click the Center Mark command.
command
This is a fly-out from the Center Line
51. In the ribbon bar, make sure the Projection Lines option is clicked.
521
Do Not Copy
52. Select circle 1 to place a center mark on it.
Four center marks should be placed in the centers of the four counter-bored holes.
However, the axis of how the center marks should be placed should be based on
the circular pattern of holes.
54. On the ribbon bar change the orientation to Use Dimension Axis.
55. Click the Dimension Axis command from the ribbon bar.
56. Select the angled line as shown. This will enable us to place center marks
that will be parallel or perpendicular to this line.
522
Do Not Copy
57. Place a center mark on the four holes by selecting them in succession.
58. Place another center mark by selecting circle 1.
Note: This centerline should also be placed relative to the measurement axis.
59. On the Label toolbar, click the Smart Dimension command.
523
Do Not Copy
60. Select circle 1, and place the diameter dimension.
61. Click the Angle Between command.

62. Place an angular dimension from the right horizontal center line to the upper
right counter-bored hole.
Note: Do not end this command. We will continue on using the same origin.
524
Do Not Copy
63. Select the angular witness line on the upper left side counter-bored hole, and
place the stacked 90 dimension.
64. Click the Distance Between command.

65. Click the Prefix option from the ribbon bar
, and add 8 X in the prefix
field. Click the OK button when this is done.
525
Do Not Copy
66. Select the two vertical lines, and place the new dimension shown in the
following figure. This is the thickness of the eight ribs.
67. Click the Smart Dimension command.

68. Click the Prefix option, and set the Prefix to 4 X. Then, Click in the Suffix
field, and click the Counter-bore symbol from the Special characters, and then
the spacebar on the keyboard. Next, click the diameter symbol, and type in
14. Press the spacebar, and click the Depth symbol, then press the spacebar,
and type in 5. This sets the suffix to the diameter and depth of the counterbored hole. Click OK to accept these inputs.
Note: The Special characters are displayed with a % sign as part of the character
in the suffix field. But a symbol is actually placed on the drawing.
526
Do Not Copy
69. Select the through hole in the lower right counter-bored, and place the
dimension as shown in the following figure.
Note: Any dimensions placed after this will have the same prefix and suffix until
the fields are cleared in the Prefix form.
70. Fit the views and zoom in on the right view.
71. Click the Smart Dimension command, and click the Prefix option. Select the
drop list beside the Prefix and Suffix fields, and click the Blank option to
clear Prefix and Suffix fields. Then set the Prefix to a Diameter symbol.
72. Select the right vertical line, and place the dimension to the right of the view.
Note: Even though this is a linear dimension, the diameter symbol can be used as
a prefix.
73. Click Style from the Format menu.
527
Do Not Copy
74. On the Style Dialog window, click the Dimension Style Type. Make sure
ISO is the selected Style, and click the New button. This will allow us to
create a new dimension style based on the ISO style.
528
Do Not Copy
75. On the Name tab of the New Dimension Style dialog box, enter "My Dim
Style" in the Name field.
529
Do Not Copy
76. Click the Text tab, and type 10 in the "Font Size" field. Click OK. This
will change all dimensions placed using "My Dim Style" in this file.
77. In the Style dialog, click the Close button.

78. On the Main toolbar, click the Fit button.
79. Click the Dimension Between command.
80. Clear the prefix, and set the dimension style in the ribbon bar to My Dim
Style.
530
Do Not Copy
81. Place the dimension circled in the following figure.

83. Using the Select Tool, click on the diameter 100 mm dimension in the right
view.
Note: The ribbon bar changes to edit certain characteristics of the selected
dimension.
84. On the ribbon bar, click the Dimension Type, and select the upper and lower
tolerance option.
85. Type 0.03 into the Upper and lower tolerance fields on the right end of the
ribbon bar.
Note: The dimension will change to show a plus/minus on the tolerance since the
upper and lower values are the same. If the upper and lower tolerance values are
different, the two tolerances will be displayed as separate items.
Using the Select tool, click the right mouse button on the diameter 100 mm
dimension in the right view. Then click Properties on the shortcut menu. This
will bring up the Dimension Properties dialog.
Note: It is important to understand that changes here will only change the
property of the dimension selected. To modify all dimensions, click Style from
the Format pull down, and perform the changes.
531
Do Not Copy
87. Click the Secondary units tab and then click the Dual unit display field. Click
OK.
88. Save the file. This completes this activity.

532
Do Not Copy
Activity - Placing Annotations

In this activity, place annotations such as data, geometric tolerances and finish
symbols.
1. Open the DIMENSIONS.DFT file if it is not already open.
2. Click Sheet2 tab to switch to Sheet2.
3. On the Main toolbar, click the Window Area button, and then zoom in on the
front and right view.
4. On the Label toolbar, click the Datum Frame command button

be found as a fly-out shown in the following figure.
. This may
5. Deselect the Leader and Break line options, and enter A in the text field. In
the ribbon bar, set the Style field to ISO.
533
Do Not Copy
6. Select the edge shown below and move the mouse up, and then place the
datum frame as shown in the following figure.
Note: If the minus sign is not wanted in front of and behind the letter in the
datum frame, modify the dimension style from the Format pull down, and change
the option on the Annotation tab.
7. Change the A in the text field in the ribbon bar to B. Then select the
diameter dimension (on the front view), and place the datum frame
approximately as shown.
8. Reposition the dimension on the counter-bored hole on the tab as shown in the
following figure.
9. On the Label toolbar, click the Feature Control Frame command.
534
Do Not Copy
10. Deselect the Leader and Break Line options.
11. On the far right side of the Feature Control Frame ribbon bar, click the
Properties button to display the Control Frame Properties dialog box.
12. Click the Position symbol

Diameter symbol
, type a space, place a Divider
, enter a
, type a space, type 0.05, type a space, enter a
, type a space, place a Divider, type a space, and

material condition S
type B. The dialog box should look like the one seen in the following
figure.
13. In the Save Settings field type MyGeomTol.

14. Click the Save button to save these settings with this name for future use.
15. Click the OK button to accept this input for the Feature Control Frame.
16. Select the diameter dimension on the lower right counter-bore, and place the
geometric tolerance as seen in the following figure.
535
Do Not Copy
17. On the Label toolbar, click the Surface Texture command button.
command button may be found as a pullout.
18. On the Surface Texture ribbon bar, turn the leader off.
19. Click the Properties button to display the Properties dialog box.
536
Do Not Copy
This
20. Select the symbol type, select the machined surface finish symbol, and set the
value to 1.6 in the properties form. Click OK to accept this input.
21. Place the surface finish symbol on the left vertical line and below the datum
frame in the right view.
22. To clean up some of the lines in the right view, click Draw
toolbar.
on the main
Note: The dimensions will be omitted in the following pictures for better clarity.
23. On the draw toolbar, click the Hide Edges command
in a fly-out as shown in the following figure.
. This may be found
537
Do Not Copy
24. Hide the edges highlighted in the left figure to produce the results shown in
the right figure.
25. On the Label toolbar, click the Center Line command button.
26. On the Center Line ribbon bar, make sure the style is set to ISO, and the
Placement Options field is set to By 2 Points.
27. On the Centerline ribbon bar, click the Line Type button
, and on the Line
Type box, select Centered Chain to set the style for the center line.
538
Do Not Copy
28. Place the Centerline through the center of the view. Use IntelliSketch to
locate the midpoints of the vertical lines.
29. With the Center Line command still active, change the Placement Options
field in the ribbon bar to By 2 Lines. This will allow the placement of a
centerline that will be centered between 2 lines.
30. Select the lines for the top through hole (lines 1 and 2) to create the centerline
shown in the figure on the right.
539
Do Not Copy
31. Select the counter bore depth lines for the top hole (lines 1 and 2) to create the
centerline shown in the figure on the right.

33. Fit the entire sheet by holding down the shift key and clicking the Fit
command from the main toolbar.
34. Zoom in on the lower half of the right view.
35. Click the Edge Condition command.

36. In the ribbon bar type 12 in the Upper field and 6 in the lower field.
37. Select the edge and place the symbol as shown in the following figure.
Notes can be added to a drawing sheet using Text Boxes. However, it is also
very effective to use a word processor to create the notes and then copy and paste
the notes directly into Solid Edge.
540
Do Not Copy
38. On the Label toolbar, click the Text Box command button.
on the far right side of
39. On the Text Box ribbon bar, click the More button
the ribbon bar to display the additional textbox options.
40. Set the Height to 25 mm and the Width to 50 mm.
41. Click to place the text box above the title block as shown in the following
figure.
42. Begin filling in the text box simply by typing with the keyboard. Type the
following text:
Note: After typing in the word Note:, press the RETURN or ENTER key on
the keyboard to start a new line for the first note.
Notice that the last characters wrapped to a new line. This is because the text box
is not wide enough for the sentence.
541
Do Not Copy
43. To modify the text box width, use the Select Tool to identify the text box
border of the text box. Next, select and hold one of the graphic handles, and
drag it to make the text box wider.
Note: The text box may also be modified by selecting it with the Select Tool and
changing the width on the Text Box ribbon bar.
44. To add the second note, select the end of the first note with the Select Tool,
press the RETURN key, and then type the next note.
45. Save the file.

542
Do Not Copy
Activity - Placing a Parts List

In this activity, place a parts list for an assembly on the draft sheet.
1. Click the New command from the main toolbar to initiate the creation of a
new document.
2. On the New dialog box, select the NORMAL.DFT template.
Note: If Solid Edge was loaded with English defaults, the user will need to go to
the More tab and select the NORMMET.DFT template.
3. Go to the Tools menu and verify that the Maintain Relationships toggle is
checked, if it is not checked, check it at this time. This will lock symbols and
dimensions to the items that they are placed on.
4. Select the File/Sheet Setup from the menu bar.
5. On the Sheet Setup dialog box, select the Background tab.
6. Use the pull down list for the Background Sheet field to select the A-3
Sheet.
7. Save the Defaults by clicking on the Save Defaults button. Dismiss the dialog
by clicking on the OK button. We have now prepared the sheet.
8. Use the Fit command to fit the drawing sheet to the window.
9. Click the Snapshot View
command.
10. In the Select Model dialog box navigate to the <Drive>\Solid Edge\Training
folder that was created when Solid Edge was loaded. <Drive> refers to the
folder in which Solid Edge was installed. The Snapshot View command
allows us to place a lighter weight view of the assembly on the draft sheet
that we will balloon, this is a good time to use this tool.
11. Select the assembly file CARRIER.ASM.
12. When the View of Part window comes up, press the HOME key on the
keyboard to go to the isometric view.
543
Do Not Copy
13. The View of Part window should look like the following figure. If not, use
the view manipulation commands to re-orient the view. Click the Close
button to continue.
following figure.
15. Save the File in the C:\Drawing Files folder as PARTLIST.DFT.

16. Click the Parts List command.
17. On the Parts List ribbon bar, click the Auto-Balloon button
Auto-Ballooning feature of the Parts List command.
544
Do Not Copy
to turn on the
18. On the Parts List ribbon bar, click the Properties button
. This will bring
up the Parts List Properties dialog box shown in the following figure.
545
Do Not Copy
19. Click the Size/Placement tab, under the Location area, type 10 mm in the X
Origin and Y Origin fields. This will cause the parts list to be placed with
its lower left corner at these offset distances from the lower left corner of the
draft sheet.
20. Click the Columns tab, select Author from the Available Columns list, and
click the Add button to add this column to the parts list.
21. Click the OK button to accept this input for the parts list.
546
Do Not Copy
22. Select the snapshot view of the assembly as the assembly that you wish to
create a parts list for. The parts list will be automatically placed at the
position indicated in the properties. The result should look like the following
figure.
23. Click the Fit command button.

24. Save the file.
547
Do Not Copy
Summary
In this module the user should have learned how to perform the following tasks.
Retrieve dimensions for a drawing view.
Place dimensions on a drawing.
Make modifications to existing dimensions.
Format dimensions.
Place annotations on a drawing.
Modify the display of edges.
Add a parts list and a hole table to a draft document.
While in the Draft Environment, dimensions can be added, or retrieved from the
part or assembly file. If dimensions are retrieved from profiles or sketches in part
or assembly files, only dimensions placed on a view parallel to the current view
are pulled. The draft environment allows much more freedom in dimensioning
than do the profile and sketch environments. Custom dimension styles can be
added if deviations from standard dimensions are required.
Adding annotation to a draft document is often vital to the application of the
information in the document. Information can be added such as surface finish
symbols, weld symbols, feature control frames, text boxes and so forth as needed.
It is also useful to be able to modify the display of edges so that the view is not so
congested as to be useless. And lastly, remember that an assembly drawing
derived from a Solid Edge Assembly document can have an associative parts list
placed if desired.
548
Do Not Copy
A p p e n d i x
Drawing Sheets
Introduction ............................................................................................551
Background Sheets..................................................................................551
Working Sheets .......................................................................................555
Setting the Projection Angle ...................................................................558
Appendix A Solid Edge Fundamentals Course Guide Volume 1
550
Do Not Copy
Drawing Sheets Appendix A
Introduction
Working in Solid Edge Draft is similar to working in Solid Edge Part and Solid
Edge Assembly. The environments share many commands and have a similar
look and feel. Commands can be found in Solid Edge Draft using the Menu bar,
Main toolbar, and Drawing View toolbar. The status bar acts as a guide through
the use of commands.
With Solid Edge Draft it is easy to create 2-D documents describing the design of
a part or assembly model. During drawing production 3-D parts or assemblies
can be used to create their drawing views. When this method is employed the 2D drawing is associative to the 3-D part or assembly and can be quickly updated
to reflect changes.
The Draft document can also be created without using a 3-D model by using the
drawing tools found on the Draw toolbar. Views can be created with lines and
arcs. It is recommended to use the Draft View command to create the draft view
rather than just drawing. This will aid in scaling and dimensioning in the future.
The 2-D drawing created in Solid Edge can contain dimensions and other
annotations that describe the size of the 3-D part or assembly, the materials used
to create it, and additional information.
Background Sheets
Before creating drawing views in Solid Edge Draft, a background sheet must be
selected first. A background sheet acts as a backdrop for the working sheet,
which contains information and geometry that is routinely used. Background
sheets also specify the working sheet size. The user can attach different
background sheets to different working sheets.
Solid Edge is delivered with a set of standard background sheet templates. For
example, one of the ANSI standard background sheets that come with Solid Edge
could be used. Background sheets that adhere to other drawing standards are
delivered with Solid Edge draft and can be selected. When viewing the
background sheets a particular background sheet can be viewed or modified by
selecting the corresponding sheet tab. Example sheet tabs are shown in the
following figure
It is possible to customize the background sheet to include information such as a

company-standard border and title block, a raster image of the company logo,
other embedded objects, or drawing geometry. To create a new background
sheet, click the New Sheet command on the Insert menu while in the background
sheet environment.
551
Do Not Copy
To access the background sheet environment, click the Background Sheet

command on the View menu.
Formatting Background Sheets

It is possible to modify the background sheets delivered with Solid Edge. In the
bottom left corner of Solid Edge Draft, click the right mouse button over the
desired sheet tab, and click the SheetSetup command from the short cut menu as
552
Do Not Copy
To define sheet size, drawing scale, and paper units use the Size and Scale tab on
the Sheet Setup dialog box. To define the size of the background sheet, click the
Standard button, and select one of the standardized drawing sheet sizes from the
Standard box. To specify the height and width of the background sheet, click the
Custom button. Click the Same as Print Setup button to set the background sheet
size using the current print setup definition.
When the size of a background sheet is defined, the drawing scale is

automatically defined. The drawing scale can be changed with the Drawing Scale
options. The drawing scale can also be changed later, as the drawing view is
created.
The Paper Units options are automatically defined by the template used to create
the document. These settings can be changed by selecting an option in the Units
or Precision box.
To name a background sheet, the Name tab can be used or the Rename command
can be used from the tab short cut menu. The Save Defaults button allows saves
the background sheet as the default for new working sheets created in the
document.
553
Do Not Copy
Adding Graphics
The drawing tools are displayed by clicking the Draw command.
These
tools can be used to create borders, block titles, and other graphics on background
sheets.
OLE objects can be embedded on background sheets using the Object command
on the Insert menu. This includes objects such as Microsoft Excel spreadsheets,
PaintShop Pro Raster Images, and Microsoft Word documents.
554
Do Not Copy
Working Sheets
When working in Solid Edge Draft, the area where drawing views are constructed
is called the working sheet. Each draft document allows the creation of as many
working sheets as needed to complete a project.
When a background sheet is attached to a working sheet, the size of the working
sheet is automatically set to the background sheet. The characteristics of a
working sheet can be set by clicking the Sheet Setup command from the File
menu and setting the options in the Sheet Setup dialog box.
555
Do Not Copy
The Sheet Setup dialog box for a working sheet is similar to the Sheet Setup
dialog box for background sheets. The Size and Scale tab on the Sheet Setup
dialog box can be used to define the sheet size, drawing scale and paper units. To
ensure that all sheets created in a document have the settings defined on the Sheet
Setup dialog box, click the Save Defaults button.
556
Do Not Copy
A background sheet can be specified with the Background Sheet box on the
Background tab. The background sheet selected determines the size of the
working sheet, unless a sheet size is specified on the Size and Scale tab. The
Show Background check-box allows the user to see a preview image of the
background sheet.
557
Do Not Copy
Setting the Projection Angle

To set the projection angle, use the Drawing Standards tab found on the Tools Options dialog box. First angle projection is used by drafters that follow ISO
and DIN standards. Drafters following the ANSI standard use third angle
projection.
The drawing views created in Solid Edge reflect the projection. For example, the
following Drawing View Layout dialog box illustrates the available options when
the projection angle is set to First Angle.
558
Do Not Copy
Similarly, when set to third angle projection, the Drawing View Layout dialog
box will appear as below.
559
Do Not Copy
560
Do Not Copy
A p p e n d i x
Template Management
Introduction ............................................................................................563
Customization .........................................................................................564
Tools, Options, Settings ..........................................................................565
Creating and Modifying Styles ...............................................................582
Summary .................................................................................................584
Appendix B Solid Edge Fundamentals Course Guide Volume 1
562
Do Not Copy
Template Management Appendix B
Introduction
When Solid Edge is installed on a computer, the template files are loaded into the
Template folder under Program Files<Solid Edge<Program. The main templates
for the unit of measure selected when loading the product (Metric or English) are
located at this main folder level. In the template folder there are three other
folders, More, Reports and Tutorial. The More folder holds a complete set of
Metric and English templates for all environments. Report templates are stored in
the Reports folder. The Tutorial folder contains templates for use during a
tutorial supplied with the product.
Additional template folders can be added to the template folder or to any folder
on the computer drive for company or individual use. It is recommended that
company specific templates be loaded into a new folder created by the user. Then
subsequent loads of new versions have no effect on those template file locations
or formats.
There is a template file for each environment: Part, Assembly, SheetMetal and
Draft. Templates are used when a new file is created as the source of measure
units for the new file. Solid Edge opens a copy of the specified template file for
use by the user. The result is the same as copying a file and using that file as a
starting point when creating a new Solid Edge file.
Customize these templates to establish corporate standards and to have the same
format for every file in the company. Typically, the draft environment template
receives the most customization, because each company has different borders title
blocks, and note areas for draft sheets. It is important to customize each
environment template so that the users are not required to make fundamental
changes to every file. Productivity can be increased by saving generic company
information in the template files.
Templates should be protected and placed in a central location for all users to
access when creating new files. This is a good way to ensure all users are using
the same templates.
Templates should be managed from release to release of Solid Edge. When a
newer version of Solid Edge is released, the templates should be updated. If the
first version of Solid Edge loaded was Version 7, and you have removed that
version and installed Version 8, your template files should be updated to take
advantage of changes in the software. Do this by opening the template file and
re-saving the file.
563
Do Not Copy
Customization
Solid Edge is hard-coded to always look in the folder DRIVE:\Program
Files\Solid Edge\Program\Template for template files. When Solid Edge Part is
started the system uses the Normal.par template file located in the
"DRIVE:\Program Files\Solid Edge\Program\Template" folder to start the
session. The same is true for the other environments. Here DRIVE refers to the
folder where Solid Edge was installed. The software will always look here for the
default delivered templates unless the user changes this pointer. This pointer can
be changed by using the File Locations tab on the Tools<Options dialog. In the
image below, Solid Edge will first look in the C:\Drawing Files folder for the
template. Set this to your template file location if different from the default.
When customizing templates make a copy of the default templates and save them
to a company template folder. Make changes to the files that will increase the
productivity of the users.
It is important to understand the difference between User Preference settings and
file/template settings. User Preferences are settings that are written to the NT
registry and records a users preferences on settings like colors and visible
menus. Each time that person starts Solid Edge, only their settings will appear.
This allows multiple users to have different settings, and only those settings that
they want to see. Each environment has user preferences in the Tools / Options
dialog.
564
Do Not Copy
Tools, Options, Settings

Solid Edge Part
Colors are a user preference setting. If there are two users using the same
machine, each can have their own unique color settings. Clicking the Options
command from the Tools menu and going to the Colors tab accesses these color
settings.
565
Do Not Copy
General Tab
The General tab is used to set up user preferences for each Solid edge
environment. Details like, how many past files to display under the File menu,
whether the Undo option is activated or not, reference plane size, and maximum
print memory size allowed for the product. Customize these setting to best suit
the type and size of the models that are typical for your company.
Recently used file list (Preference Setting) - When File is selected from the main
menu, a number of the most recently opened files are listed at the bottom of the
File menu. This is so that a previously opened file can be quickly re-opened.
The number can be changed to a maximum of 9 and may be turned off as well.
566
Do Not Copy
Display Unit of Measurement Labels (Preference Setting) - The ribbon bar in

many cases shows values can be edited. These values are always followed by the
Unit of Measurement like mm for millimeters, and in for inches. This is
simply a toggle of whether or not this is displayed in the ribbon bar and other
applicable locations.
With a Unit Label
Without a Unit Label
Store Geometry in Part Files for Fast Open (Preference Setting) Specifies
whether or not geometry information should be stored in a part file for fast open
as a default setting.
Maximum Print File Size (Preference Setting) - Solid Edge shaded printing
provides the ability to better control the resolution of shaded plots. This is
accomplished through a new data field located on the Options \ General dialog
called Maximum print file size. The values for this field are given in MB. The
field has a default value of 10 MB and a maximum value of 160 MB. The value
represents the maximum amount of memory that will be used in creating the
bitmap as described above. It is recommended that the user use a small value
unless a high quality plot is needed. Keeping this value small will decrease the
time it takes to print an image and reduce the amount of memory required to
print.
Reference Plane Size (Template Setting) - Reference Planes are 120mm X
120mm by default in the Metric template. This size can be changed based on the
size of the parts being modeled. When designing a watch, 120 mm is too large
for any part. For designing large dump trucks, 120mm may be too small. This
setting can only be changed before any graphics are created. This can be
considered a template setting rather than a user preference setting. Each user
needs to know where to change this, because parts sizes vary in size.
567
Do Not Copy
File Locations Tab

This tab allows users to specify the directories, different from the default
locations, where the product is to store or retrieve specific types of files. This is
handy when all files are to be stored on certain servers or the project leads drive.
If custom templates have been created, having the product default to the location
of these templates would be a major time saver.
Part Document (Preference Setting) - Sets the document location for Save and
Save As commands. Setting this path will set the path for all four of the Solid
Edge environments. A good approach to using this would be to set the path to a
folder that contains all of the files currently being used on a project. This setting
can be a shared folder. Since most companies use a central repository for
projects, this could be a real time saver for all users at your company.
Macros (Preference Setting) Sets the path to a folder for macros. When the
Macro command is selected from the Tools menu this is the default path to
browse for macros.
User Templates (Preference Setting) - Sets the path to a folder for templates.
When the command File, New is used, a new tab will show up on the dialog
named user. This tab will point to the folder set in the File Locations tab in the
Tools, Options in the draft environment. Setting this in draft will set the path for
all Solid Edge environments. If users want to set this path for company standard
templates, it is wise to set it to a secured source folder.
568
Do Not Copy
User Info Tab

(Preference Setting) This is where some information about the author of the
document can be stored.
569
Do Not Copy
View Tab
Graphic cards have a huge impact on the display quality of objects on the screen.
By default, Solid Edge is delivered with a baseline setting for graphics. If better
graphic cards are available to the user, these settings should be modified to
provide a better graphical representation of the designs being created.
Refresh Scale (Preference Setting) - When the Zoom or Zoom Area command are
used, this setting decides whether or not to re-stroke the geometry to refresh the
display. If a large assembly is open, 4 or 5 may be a good setting. If a single
small part is open, 1 to 3 may be a good setting. Typically 3 is a good average.
If you use any window command, and the view needs refreshing, push the
function key F5. This will force the view to be refreshed.
Display Quality (Preference Setting) - All solid elements in shaded windows are
shaded using a collection of triangles. This setting determines the number of
triangles used. If the setting is more toward coarse, the time to shade a window is
reduced dramatically. However, if users are going to create a shaded view for a
bitmap, change the setting more toward fine. This will produce the best shading
results, but will take longer.
Arc Quality (Preference Setting) - All arcs elements are drawn with a series of
lines. This setting determines the number of lines used to draw arcs. If the
setting is more toward coarse, the time to shade a window is reduced
dramatically. However, if users are going to create a view for a bitmap, change
570
Do Not Copy
the setting more toward fine. This will produce the best results, but will take
longer.
OrientXpres size (Preference Setting) - This setting determines the size of the
axis of orientation that are placed using the Coordinate System command.
Status Bar (Preference Setting) - The status bar is an important tool and should
not the turned off. It is the strip across the bottom of the window that constantly
feeds back information on commands, parts selected, features selected, etc.
Overlay planes for highlight (Preference Setting) Is a toggle for users with
high-end graphic cards. This setting specifies whether or not to buffer view
information to hardware while highlighting for increased view performance.
Shade/VHL construction surfaces (Preference Setting) A toggle specifying
whether or not construction surfaces are to shaded when the view is shaded.
3-D input device (Preference Setting) This toggle setting informs the Solid
Edge application whether to look for a 3D input device like a space ball.
571
Do Not Copy
InterPart Tab
The InterPart tab controls if, and how, interpart relations can be created. An
interpart relationship is best described as when one part is controlling the
definition of a feature on another part. This definition can be shape, size or
extent. It just depends on how the interpart relationship was constructed. Most
of the options are self-explanatory, so no definitions are given in this section.
The main option for interpart relationships must be active to see the other types of
interpart relationship options. The dialog is shown below.
Assembly
Many of the settings in the assembly environment are the same as in the part
environment. This section will discuss the options unique to the assembly
environment.
572
Do Not Copy
General Tab
Inactivate all parts when opening assemblies (Preference Setting) This is a
toggle where it is specified whether or not to inactivate all parts in the assembly
when opening. If most work is done on large assemblies it is advantageous to
have this turned on.
View Tab
Fast locate using box display (Preference Setting) In the assembly environment
selecting a part, after selection the part edges highlight. This option allows the
user to increase performance by highlighting a range box around the selected
items rather than highlighting every edge of the selected items.
Wireframe display in move part command (Preference Setting) Determines
how parts are displayed when using the move part command. If this toggle is on
the assembly parts will be displayed in wireframe mode while in the move part
command.
OrientXpres size allows the adjustment of how big this display is in the active
window.
573
Do Not Copy
Sheet Metal Environment

All of the tabs are the same in sheet metal as in part with the addition that sheet
metal has one extra tab, Part Properties.
Part Properties (Template Setting) - All of the settings in this form are
File/Template settings. All the options in this form are self-explanatory.
Draft Environment
While some of the tabs seem the same in Draft as they were in Part, most are
unique to the Draft environment. Most of these option settings can be taken
advantage of using templates.
574
Do Not Copy
Color Tab
All Settings (Preference Setting) - Works like the color tab in part but there are
unique settings for draft, as seen in the following dialog box.
General Tab
575
Do Not Copy
Update links automatically at open (Preference Setting) - When opening draft

files that have drawing views placed from 3D models, this option forces the
drawings views to be checked against the part or assembly file to see if the
drawing needs to be updated. Typically this setting should be kept on.
Recently used file list (Preference Setting) - From the Main Menu, when the File
command is clicked, the four most recently opened files are listed at the bottom
of the File menu. This is done so a previously opened file can quickly be reopened. The entry can be set to a maximum of 9.
Display Unit of Measurement Labels (Preference Setting) - The ribbon bar in
many cases shows values that can be edited. These values are always followed
by the Unit of Measurement like mm for millimeters and in for inches. This is
simply a toggle of whether or not this is displayed in the ribbon bar and other
applicable locations.
Undo Steps (Preference Setting) - Sets the number of steps the user can store and
recall using undo and redo.
Include Draft Viewer data in file (Preference Setting) Determines whether or
not draft viewer information is included in the draft file.
File Locations
Documents (Preference Setting) - Sets the default path for Save and Save As
commands. A good approach to using this would be to set the path to a folder
that contains all of the files currently being used on a project.
576
Do Not Copy
Templates (Preference Setting) - Sets the path to a folder for templates. When the
command File, New is used, a new tab will show up on the dialog named user.
This tab will point to the folder set in the File Locations tab in the Tools, Options
in the draft environment. Setting this in draft will set the path for all Solid Edge
environments.
View Tab
Display as printed (Preference Setting) - Lines and other elements on a drawing

sheet are not displayed as they would actually print. If a line is set to be 2 inches
thick, many of the other elements on the drawing would not be visible. This
option allows the user to view all elements regardless of their thickness. It is wise
to view the drawing with the displayed as printed preference setting to find out
why an element is printing too thick or too thin. It is also a good tool when
creating new line styles.
Window (Preference Setting) - These options are self-explanatory. The Status
bar and the Sheet tabs options typically should not be turned off.
Zoom Tool (Preference Setting) - These options control the behavior of the zoom
tool and are self-explanatory.
577
Do Not Copy
Attachment Units
(Preference Setting) - When placing a part in a drawing sheet that does not come
from Solid Edge, an attachment unit is used to make sure the part is placed as the
correct size based on the units it was created with. If the part being placed is
from an SAT file and the part in the SAT file was built in inches, the attachment
units should be changed to inches.
578
Do Not Copy
Edge Display
(Template Setting) - All settings in this dialog are template settings. This should
be set in the company standard template. The fields on this tab should be selfexplanatory.
579
Do Not Copy
Drawing Standard
(Template Setting) - This dialog sets the projection angle for principle, auxiliary
and section views. This should be set in the company template and not changed.
580
Do Not Copy
Annotation
(Template Setting) - This dialog sets the centerline and exploded flowline styles
for drawing views. This should be set in the company template and not changed.
581
Do Not Copy
Creating and Modifying Styles

Many styles can be modified in each Solid Edge environment. New styles can be
created for customizing Solid Edge. Many styles are patterned after industry
standards, such as ANSI and ISO. However, some companies interpret standards
differently and therefore need the ability to create custom standards for line
styles, dimension styles and text styles that will be used on their drawings.
Style modification is done using Style dialog. Open this dialog using the Format
/ Style command from the main menu bar. From this dialog, styles can be
created, modified or deleted. All styles for the active environment are accessible
from this dialog (the dialog in Draft is shown below)
582
Do Not Copy
Creating a New Dimension Style

First, open the template file and initialize the Format Style dialog. In the Style
Type field, click Dimension. In this dialog box, click the New button. This
invokes the dialog shown below. Key in the name of the new standard in the
Name field. As a starting point, select the standard that is the closest to the users
standard from the Based on selection box.
Change the settings on the tabs in this dialog to match the new custom standard.
Modifying an existing standard is performed in the same manner. When all of the
changes are made, click OK to accept the modifications and dismiss this dialog.
The first dialog will still be active (See previous page). To dismiss the dialog,
click Apply. This will make the users new or modified standard the active
standard when any dimensioning command is selected (in our example).
Other styles are created and modified in the same manner with this same dialog.
Each environment will have different types of styles. Be sure to edit the style in
the template file so that it can be re-used by many people. Customizing a style in
one file does not propagate that style throughout other files.
583
Do Not Copy
Summary
Preference settings are user-based settings and are saved in the operating system
registry. These settings are kept when Solid Edge is removed from the
workstation. There is a way to remove the preference settings but it requires a
thorough knowledge of registry management. See your system administrator for
assistance in removing your preference settings.
Template settings save time and help to standardize a companys files. Templates
should be stored in the company standard location. Before changing the system
delivered templates, make a Backup copy of the delivered templates, just in case.
Customized Drawing Sheets are a good idea when customizing draft template
files. See the Drawing Sheets topic for more information on background sheet
customization.
It is important to update templates as newer versions of Solid Edge are released.
If company templates were built in Version 7 they should be updated after
loading Version 8. This can be accomplished by opening the template file in the
new version and saving the file. This will make necessary changes to the file in
order to take advantage of enhancements made in the latest version of software.
584
Do Not Copy
A p p e n d i x
Orienting the Profile

Window
Introduction ............................................................................................587
Methods ..................................................................................................587
Activity Orienting the Profile Window ................................................593
Appendix C Solid Edge Fundamentals Course Guide Volume 1
586
Do Not Copy
Orienting the Profile Window Appendix C
Introduction
Solid Edge uses a different technique than most CAD systems when orienting the
profile window. This section is designed to help the user understand this
technique, and learn to master the method of orienting the profile window.
Methods
When creating features in part modeling environments, profiles are often required
to control the shape and placement of the feature. To create the sketch or profile,
a sketch or profile window must be defined. This profile window can be defined
in one of two ways.
Using the Reference Planes

In the first method a reference plane is used to base the sketch upon and the
profile window is automatically brought up according to the X and Y orientation
of that reference plane.
The image below shows a default blank part model file. The three default base
reference planes have a small box in one corner. This box is the reference plane
origin.
587
Do Not Copy
The axes of any plane are relative to the small box located at the lower left of the
plane and are defined as seen in the following figure.
After selecting a reference plane to base the sketch upon, that plane automatically
displays in the profile environment with the X-axis along the bottom of the
window, origin to the left (1st quadrant). The Y-axis is always along the left side
of the window and pointing upwards. The view is aligned such that the Z-axis is
pointing out of the screen. The plane is not displayed at all in the profile window
(you cant see the borders) because all planes are infinite in size. Solid Edge
shows the rectangular representation of the reference plane as a visual cue in the
3D window.
Reference planes honor their axes in this manner. Re-orienting the base reference
planes is not allowed.
User Defined Orientations

In the second method, a model face or plane is selected to base the sketch upon.
The system really does not know how to orient that face in the profile
environment. To make sketching the profile as easy as possible, or to give the
user the desired view of the face, more information is required. The axis of
orientation relative to this face is specified and then which end of this axis will be
the origin for the X-axis is specified. Although this may seem tedious, it gives
flexibility in orienting the profile window exactly how to view the profile
window. This insures that any model face that is not of a standard projection of
X, Y, or Z is displayed exactly parallel to the sketching plane for accurate
sketches and sketch placement.
To orient the profile window based upon a model face, a few more steps are
required.
588
Do Not Copy
In the following figure the face to sketch upon is highlighted. Notice that this face
does not exist parallel or perpendicular to any of the base reference planes. It is
possible to create a new reference plane based upon this model face but there is
really no need to do that. The model provides all the information needed.
In this example, the arrow cutout on this face should be pointing upward in the
profile window. To start, select a feature command that requires a profile or
sketch (Protrusion or Cutout is the easiest for this example).
589
Do Not Copy
The first step in creating the feature is to select the plane to sketch upon. This
will be the same face identified above. The next step is to give a planar face or
model edge to orient the X-axis. This is where the system is told how the model
will be shown in the profile window. To orient the arrow cutout to be pointing
straight up, select the bottom edge of the plane just selected (or any edge with the
same projection--all dashed edges shown in bold below are valid edges)
Once an edge or plane has been selected that identifies the X-axis direction, the
origin of the axis must be defined. In this example the arrow cutout should point
up. Select the origin at the left end point of any of the valid edges shown in the
following figure. If one of the optional dashed edges was selected the origin
point will appear on that edge.
590
Do Not Copy
The profile window will now appear with the arrow pointing up and is shown in
Keep in mind that if the right endpoint of the valid edges of the axis shown above
had been selected, the arrow cutout would have pointed down in the profile
window since the origin is placed in the lower left of the profile window. The
system would flip the model 180 degrees to get the origin in the correct spot in
the profile window, making the display of the model appear upside down.
591
Do Not Copy
592
Do Not Copy
Activity Orienting the Profile Window

Objectives
This activity describes how to orient the model in the profile window using the
planes and edges of the model. The part model has arrow cutouts in a few of the
model faces. The first goal is to get the arrows to point up in the profile window.
A symbol has been placed inside each arrow to designate which arrow is
currently of interest.
1. Open the part model file named ORIENTBOX.PAR
2. Click the Protrusion command. The orientation of the profile window for the
protrusion command will be the goal; no profiling will be done.
593
Do Not Copy
3. Select the top surface of the model. This will be the plane for the profile
window.
4. To orient the arrow with the elliptical protrusion pointing up in the profile
window, select the model edge shown in the following figure to define the Xaxis.
594
Do Not Copy
5. Now select the origin point for the X-axis as shown in the following figure.
This will be the origin or left end of the X-axis.
6. The profile window should appear with the arrow pointing up as shown in the
following figure.
7. Click the Finish button to exit the profile window. The profile window can be
dismissed even though we did not create a profile.
595
Do Not Copy
8. While still in the Protrusion command, select the angled face shown in the
following figure.
9. The arrow with the rectangle inside is to be pointing up in the profile window,
so choose the top edge shown below as the orientation of the X-axis.
596
Do Not Copy
10. To get the arrow pointing up, we need to flip this surface 180 degrees. Do
this by selecting an origin point on the right end point of the edge shown in
the previous figure. The system puts the origin point specified in the lower
left corner of the profile window. By selecting the right endpoint the system
will flip the model.
11. The profile window should appear with the arrow (with the rectangle)
pointing up as shown in the following figure.
12. Click the Finish button on the profile ribbon bar to exit the profile
environment.
13. Now try to orient the other faces with arrows as before (arrow cutout
pointing straight up). If you can do this easily, try getting all the arrows to
point to the left or right.
This completes the activity.
597
Do Not Copy
598
Do Not Copy

SolidEdge8 Vol1 PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

SolidEdge8 Vol1 PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

C O U R S E

Solid Edge Fundamentals

This document replaces MT01413 Version 7.

Restricted Rights Legend

Warranties and Liabilities

Solid Edge Fundamentals Volume 1 ....................................................... i

2D Sketches and Layouts...................................................................... 63

Table of Contents Solid Edge Fundamentals Course Guide Volume 1

Activity - Using Construction Elements in Profiles (2) .....................................................165

Primary Features .................................................................................. 173

Treatment Features .............................................................................. 259

Specialized Features............................................................................ 351

Creating Drawings of 3D Models ........................................................ 399

Snapshot Views .................................................................................................................414

Dimensions and Annotations ............................................................. 473

Drawing Sheets .................................................................................... 549

Template Management......................................................................... 561

Orienting the Profile Window .............................................................. 585

Table of Contents Solid Edge Fundamentals Course Guide Volume 1

Before You Begin

Who Should Read This Book

Indicates keyboard keys, file names, and file

Exploring Solid Edge

Module 1 Solid Edge Fundamentals Course Guide Volume 1

Exploring Solid Edge Module 1

The Solid Edge user interface.

Finding and opening Solid Edge documents.

Creating and saving of Solid Edge documents.

Solid Edge Help.

Solid Edge learning tools.

Module 1 Solid Edge Fundamentals Course Guide Volume 1

Solid Edge Environments

Exploring Solid Edge Module 1

The User Interface

Module 1 Solid Edge Fundamentals Course Guide Volume 1

Exploring Solid Edge Module 1

An environment specific (Part, Sheet Metal, Assembly) toolbar, displayed on

Module 1 Solid Edge Fundamentals Course Guide Volume 1

Exploring Solid Edge Module 1

Module 1 Solid Edge Fundamentals Course Guide Volume 1

Exploring Solid Edge Module 1

Dynamic Viewing Commands

Rotate: Rotates the view of a part or assembly by selecting an axis or part

Module 1 Solid Edge Fundamentals Course Guide Volume 1

Common Views: To look at a face or rotate a model, use the following

Exploring Solid Edge Module 1

NameNames a view to be saved.

DescriptionEnters a description of the view saved.

ApplySets the active window to a selected saved view.

RedefineRedefines a saved view using the view in the active window.

DeleteDeletes a view selected on the Views dialog box.

Module 1 Solid Edge Fundamentals Course Guide Volume 1

Exploring Solid Edge Module 1

Module 1 Solid Edge Fundamentals Course Guide Volume 1

Exploring Solid Edge Module 1

Creating New Documents

Module 1 Solid Edge Fundamentals Course Guide Volume 1

Click the Save button

Exploring Solid Edge Module 1

Module 1 Solid Edge Fundamentals Course Guide Volume 1

Specifies the document to open

Specifies the type of document to open