Part – General

CimatronE 10.0 User Guide

CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪i

Table of Contents
Part.................................................................................................................................................. 1
CimatronE Part ........................................................................................................................... 1
Part Basics ................................................................................................................................. 1
Part Basics ....................................................................................................................... 1
Part Application Display ................................................................................................... 2
Part Menu Bar ..................................................................................................................3
Part Popup Submenus ..................................................................................................... 9
Working in Part .........................................................................................................................14
Working in Part...............................................................................................................14
Work Method ..................................................................................................................14
Comparing Parts (to detect engineering changes) ......................................................131
Copying Objects ...........................................................................................................139
Datum Functions ..........................................................................................................168
Immediate Functions....................................................................................................202
Moving Objects.............................................................................................................208
Setting a Direction........................................................................................................218
Tools (Part)...................................................................................................................241
Index ...........................................................................................................................................315
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪1

Part
CimatronE Part
The CimatronE Part Application includes the following sections:
Part Basics
Working in the Part Environment
Curve Functions
Face Functions
Solid Functions

Part Basics
Part Basics
Before starting work on a part, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the following
General Concepts:
ƒ The Part menu bar
ƒ General work method
ƒ Datum Functions
ƒ Feature Guide
ƒ Setting a Direction
ƒ Moving and Copying entities
ƒ Immediate Functions
ƒ Activating / Deactivating

What do you want to do in the Part application?

ƒ Create 2D geometry in the Sketcher
ƒ Create solid objects
ƒ Remove geometry (to make closed objects open)
ƒ Create Curves (wireframe entities)
ƒ Create Faces (surfaces)
ƒ Create an Assembly
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Part Application Display

The Part Modeling display is as shown below.

See the following for more information:

Part menu bar Sets
Creating / loading a file Show / Hide
Undo / Redo Measuring
Display manipulation Feature Guide
Sketcher Feature Tree
Selection Filter
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪3

Part Menu Bar

File Edit View Datum Curves Faces Solid DieDesign
MoldDesign Parting Electrode Catalog Tools Analyze Window Help

File
The following functions appear in the File dropdown menu - the actual functions displayed
depend on your current CimatronE work environment (Part, Assembly, Drawing or NC):
New File Create a new CimatronE file. (Part, Assembly, Drawing, NC).

Open Files Open an existing CimatronE file.

Close Close the current file.

Close All Close all open files.
Save Save the current file.

Save As The following options are available:

o Main File Only: Save the main file only.
o Include Dependent Files: Save the main file along
with all dependent files.
o Save as Catalog Part: Save a part as a Catalog Part.
This creates a Catalog Part from a normal part.
o Save as Mechanism Assembly: Save an assembly as
a Mechanism Assembly. This creates a Mechanism
Assembly from a normal assembly.
o Save as Template: CimatronE files can be saved as
templates in order to store user-defined parameters
such as measurement units, sets, last used parameters,
color settings, etc.. These templates can then be
opened later to save time and effort redefining
personalized parameters.
Save All Save all open files.
CimatronE Display the CimatronE Explorer.
Explorer Note: In the Initial Menu Bar, this option displays the CimatronE
Explorer in the Manager View.
Import Perform various import operations.
Export Perform various export operations.
Export & Export a selected CimatronE file to the DWF format and email it.
Email The interaction is as follows:
1. When this option is selected, the CimatronE Explorer is
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪4

displayed.
2. Select the required file. The file is converted to the DWF format
and is displayed as an attachment in a new email.
3. Send the email!
Pack Compress CimatronE files to the CTF format. Dependent files, as
well as catalog parts can be added to the compressed file.
Unpack Extract CimatronE file from a packed CTF file.

Get From Retrieve an item from the Catalog using the CimatronE Explorer.
Catalog
Plot Send the file to a plotter.

Print Preview Preview the printout - view how the printed file will look, before it is
printed.
Print Print the file.

Properties Display the properties of the currently open file.

Exit Close the file and exit CimatronE.

NC specific File menu functions:

Environment Switch between the CAD and CAM (NC) environments.
o CAD: Switch to the Part environment, in order to
modify or add geometry.
o CAM: Return to the NC environment.

Edit
The following functions appear in the Edit dropdown menu - the actual functions displayed
depend on your current CimatronE work environment (Part, Assembly, Drawing or NC):
Undo Using the Undo / Redo mechanism, you can go backward and
forward in your part creation process.
Redo

Select Various geometry selection options are available.

Selection Mode Entity selection depends on how you drag the selection box.
Filter Access the Filter to choose the type of entity that can be picked.
Move Geometry Move entities, including faces, curves, objects or NC ToolPath
Trajectories.
Copy Geometry Copy entities, including faces, curves, objects or NC ToolPath
Trajectories.
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Transfer Entities Enable the transfer of entities between parts in an assembly.

Remove Remove geometric entities of different types (bodies, faces,

Geometry composite curves, sketches, points, datum, etc.).
Suppress Suppress a feature (or a component in the Assembly
environment) so that it appears in the Features/Assembly Tree,
but is not displayed in the graphics area and will not be involved
in part/assembly operations and regeneration. The suppressed
features/components will be removed from the memory so that
total memory consumption will be reduced.
Unsuppress All Unsuppress all suppressed items.
Replay • The Replay function allows you to:
o view the creation process from start to finish, in
the order in which the functions were performed.
o insert features
o trim selected features from the tree.
Update Update changes made in the parent file to be reflected in the
child files; see Associativity.
Check Update Verify the associativity update status.
Status
Render & Define the local display method (local render mode on specific
Transparency faces or objects).
Hide-Show See Hiding and Showing Entities.
Highlight Leaf Identify a component or feature by selecting it in the graphics
area.

Assembly specific Edit menu functions:

Reset History Remove all the features before the selected feature.
Hide/Show Hide or show the datums (plane, axis or UCS) of an assembly or
Datums a component / sub-assembly.

NC specific Edit menu functions:

Change Comment Change the comment that appears as a tooltip for the selected
procedure or toolpath.
Change Cutter Change the cutter used for the selected procedure.
Update Criteria See the explanation in NC Toolbar Icons.
Clear Relations Reset all parameter relations to their defaults.
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Procedure/TP • Perform the following procedure or toolpath options:

o Cut Procedure/TP: Cut a procedure or toolpath.
o Copy Procedure/TP: Copy a procedure or
toolpath.
o Paste Procedure/TP: Paste a procedure or
toolpath.
o Delete Procedure/TP: Delete a procedure or
toolpath.
Edit Toolpath Modify the parameters of an existing toolpath.
Parameters
Edit Procedure Modify parameters, geometry, or optimization conditions of an
Parameters existing procedure.
Preferred Values Load the default parameter values, the default "look", or save
& Look user-defined defaults.
Delete Motions Suspend a previously executed procedure.
Delete Leading Removes a Rapid / Max. Feed motion from the beginning of a
Rapid Motion procedure.
Delete Trailing Removes a Rapid / Max. Feed motion from the end of the
Rapid Motion procedure.
Divide Procedure If more than one cutter is used for a procedure, as a result of
by Cutter: Holder Gouge Checking, divide the procedure into separate
procedures, each of which uses one cutter.
Select All Select all items in the Process Manager.
Procedures/TP's

View
This menu contains View manipulation functions.

Datum
The following functions appear in the Datum dropdown menu - the actual functions
displayed depend on your current CimatronE work environment (Part, Assembly, Drawing or
NC):
Plane Create a datum
plane.
Axis Create a datum
axis.
UCS Create a UCS.
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Curves
This menu contains Sketcher and Curve (wireframe) functions (Curve functions are
displayed in the Part, Assembly (if a part is activated) and NC environments).

Faces
This menu contains Face functions for creating part geometry.

Solid
This menu contains Solid functions for creating part geometry.

DieDesign
This menu contains DieDesign functions to automate the die design process.

MoldDesign
This menu contains MoldDesign functions to automate the mold design process. Some of
these functions are also available in the Xelerate MoldDesign Guide. This guide is located on
the right side of the CimatronE window and lists the MoldDesign functions in a logical order
to guide you through the mold creation process, from start to finish.

Parting
This menu contains Parting functions to automate the parting process. These functions are
also available in the Parting Guide. The Parting Guide, located on the right side of the
CimatronE window, lists the Parting functions in a logical order to guide you through the
parting process, from start to finish.

Electrode
This menu contains Electrode functions to automate the electrode design process. These
functions are also available in the Electrode Guide. The Electrode Guide, located on the
right side of the CimatronE window, lists the Electrode functions in a logical order to guide
you through the electrode creation process, from start to finish

Catalog
This menu contains Catalog functions to define Catalog parts.

Tools
The following functions appear in the Tools dropdown menu - the actual functions displayed
depend on your current CimatronE work environment (Part, Assembly, Drawing or NC):
Check & Fix Analyzes all faces of an imported part in order to identify
Entities problematic faces.
Delete Remove duplicated curves and faces.
Duplicate
Immediate Sets Create new sets.
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Threads & Attach thread (tap) attributes to circular edges and faces, closed
Ejectors loop edges or edges that have adjacent conic faces.
Hole Attributes The Hole Attributes feature enables adding special hole attributes
to faces in the model. This data is important for example in
Drafting, when defining Table of Holes or Label of Holes features,
and in NC files when drilling procedures are performed.
CMM (XYZ The CimatronE CMM (XYZ Labeling) function enables you to
Labeling) define measuring points and a probe path for checking part
(mostly electrode) accuracy after manufacturing.
Coordinate Attach coordinate labels to points.
Label
PMI Tools CimatronE includes a set of functions that enable you to create
Product and Manufacturing Information (PMI).
Run Script Scripts can be run within CimatronE to perform specific tasks.
Setup Displays the appropriate setup dialog relevant to the current file
type; eg. displays the Die Setup dialog if the current file is a
DieDesign file.
Edit Catalog Edit the Catalog Master via the CimatronE Explorer.
Master
Attach Name to Attach properties (attributes/definitions) to entities within the
Entity catalog part. These entities could be cutting objects, faces, axes,
etc.
Edit Add Rules When adding a catalog component, you can apply certain rules
(Tools) regarding the location and/or size of the added components, by
using the Add Rules functionality.
ECO Create a log of all engineering changes, store pictures and files
Documentation relevant to each ECO, generate a detailed report of all engineering
changes and backup the entire project before going into a new
ECO.
NC Externals NC Externals allows you to execute and post process toolpaths and
procedures without having to enter a CimatronE NC file.
Add Pictures Add pictures to a CimatronE file and save the pictures as JPG files
in the CimatronE Explorer.
Preferences Set CimatronE Preferences to customize your work mode.

Assembly specific Tools menu functions:

Cyclic Analyzer Display information regarding cyclic dependencies. Appropriate
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪9

solutions are suggested.

Drafting specific Tools menu functions:

Add Alignment Add alignment lines to the drafting annotations in the sheet.

Font Style Define entity font types.

Order Symbols Move or order a group of entities according to selected parameters.

Initial specific Tools menu functions:

Recreate Recreate Assembly enables you to recreate an existing assembly
Assembly file, where severe problems in the original assembly make it
impossible to continue working with it. The recreated assembly
contains the original components and preserves the original
assembly structure. External references, assembly
features/operations, and connects are not recreated.
Setup Wizards Access the Mold Project, Electrode Setup, Die Setup and Parting
Setup Wizards.

Analyze
This menu contains Analysis functions to display analysis data for the current file - the
actual functions displayed depend on your current CimatronE work environment (Part,
Assembly, Drawing or NC):

Window
This menu contains several options for manipulating multiple windows.

Help
Access the CimatronE Online Help and Tutorial, as well as the CimatronE version
information.

Part Popup Submenus

In the Part application, right-click in the graphics area to display the popup submenu. This popup
submenu is context-sensitive; the options that appear depend on the current situation.
Note: If you right-click while a function is active, the Feature Guide will open, rather than the
popup submenu.
The following basic popup menus are available when selecting:
• No entities
• Face
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• Composite Curve
• Object
• UCS

No entities
If no entities are selected, the following popup will appear.
Sketcher
Composite Curve
Drive
Stitch
Unstitch
Trim (Faces)
Round
Chamfer
Remove Geometry
PMI Guide
Highlight Leaf
Replay
Go to End
Hide
Show
Hide Other
Highlight Sets
Highlight Split Direction
Information
Measuring
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Face
If a face is selected, the available options change:
Sketcher
Composite Curve
Round
Trim
Split
Unstitch
Edit Feature
Edit Sketch/Composite
Edit Thread
Edit Parameters
Suppress Feature
Relations Analyzer
Remove Geometry
Delete Feature
Highlight Leaf
Replay
Hide
Show
Hide Other
Highlight Sets
Highlight Split Direction
Activate Object
Information
Measuring
Clear Selection
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Composite Curve
If a Composite Curve is selected, the available options change:
Add Extrude
Remove Extrude
Add Revolve
Remove Revolve
Round
Chamfer
Blend
Bounded Face
Sweep
Extend
Project
Edit Feature
Edit Sketch/Composite
Suppress Feature
Relations Analyzer
Remove Geometry
Delete Feature
Highlight Leaf
Replay
Hide
Show
Hide Other
Highlight Sets
Information
Measuring
Clear Selection
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Object
Divide by object
Cut
Merge
Shell
Stitch
Highlight Leaf
Replay
Hide
Show
Hide Other
Highlight Sets
Remove Geometry
Activate Object
Information
Measuring
Clear Selection

UCS
Activate UCS
Copy UCS
Rename UCS
Edit Feature
Highlight Leaf
Replay
Hide
Show
Hide Other
Highlight Sets
Remove Geometry
Information
Measuring
Clear Selection

There are many more forms this popup submenu can take, depending on what is selected.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪14

Working in Part
Working in Part
The following links provide additional information for working in the Part and other environments:
Work Method
Comparing Parts (to detect engineering changes)
Copying Objects
Datum Functions
Immediate Functions
Moving Objects
Setting a Direction
Tools (Part)
Relation Analyzer
Reset History

Work Method

General Work Method

The following are the basic steps to creating any object or feature in the part application:
1. Open a function (solid, curves, or faces) and execute the steps as presented in the Feature
Guide.
2. After completing the feature, it is then listed in the Feature Tree.
3. If you need to make any changes, you can Edit a Feature or Delete a Feature.
4. After making changes or deletions, you will need to update the objects and features
currently in the file.
5. Any problems that arise from editing, deleting or updating can be fixed by using the
Conflict Solver.
6. You can visually review the part creation process by replaying the functions step by step.

Auto Hide
All CimatronE information trees and Feature Guides can be hidden or closed to increase the
viewable display area.

Auto Hide
Auto Hiding an information tree collapses the tree to the left margin of the display area to increase
the viewable display area. The tree can easily be recalled by mousing over the collapsed tree name.
In Auto Hide mode, whenever the tree is not being used, it is collapsed.
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To Auto Hide a tree:

1. Pick the Auto Hide button when it is vertical .

The tree is now collapses to the left margin of the display area.

To recall a collapsed tree:

1. Move your mouse cursor over the name of the collapsed tree.

The tree is now displayed and all the usual operations can be carried out on it.

To stop Auto Hide:

1. Pick the Auto Hide button when it is horizontal .

The tree will now be displayed at all times.

CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪16

Close
Closing an information tree maximizes the viewable display area. The tree can easily be displayed
again by selecting View > Panes > Tree from the menu bar.

To Close a tree:
1. Pick the tree Close button .

The tree is closed, maximizing the viewable display area.

Conflict Solver
Conflict Solver
The Conflict Solver is an interactive dialog used to inform you of geometric problems that arise
while you create or edit features, or during the regeneration process (as a result, for example, of a
Suppress/Unsuppress operation). When a feature encounters a problem, the Conflict Solver will
tell you why, and ask how and if you want to proceed.
If a failure occurs during a regeneration process (for example after an Edit operation), the
regeneration process will stop just before the problematic feature. The valid part of the model will
be displayed (in insert mode), the Conflict Solver dialog is displayed and the problematic feature is
highlighted in the Feature Tree.
Conflict Solver Dialog Example
Problematic Feature Highlighted in Feature Tree
Conflict Solver Dialog Explanation
Additional Examples

Conflict Solver Dialog Example

In the case of a conflict, the valid part of the model will be displayed (in insert mode) and the
Conflict Solver dialog is displayed (for the dialog explanations, see below):
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪17

Problematic Feature Highlighted in Feature Tree

In the case of a conflict, the problematic feature is also highlighted in the Feature Tree.
In the example below, a Feature Tree is displayed in its normal "closed" state, as shown here.
When a problem is encountered and the Conflict Solver dialog is displayed, the Feature Tree is
"opened" at the appropriate place and the problematic feature is highlighted in the tree, as shown
below:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪18

Note: In the DieDesign application, an additional option is available in the popup menu: Highlight
Next Suppressed Feature. In the event of multiple suppressed features, this option opens the Feature
Tree at the appropriate place and highlights the next suppressed feature in the tree.

Conflict Solver Dialog Explanation

The Conflict Solver dialog is displayed:

The Conflict Solver dialog contains the following:

Conflict This section explains what the problem is.
Information
Suppress / Suppress or Delete the failed feature.
Delete
Suppress or Delete the failed feature and continue the regeneration
to the next problematic feature.
In the Part environment:
Suppress or Delete the failed feature and continue the regeneration
to the end of the model.
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In the Assembly environment:

Suppress or Delete the failed feature and continue the regeneration
on all the components in the assembly.
The Insert button is only available during regeneration (not after
feature creation) except for the last feature.
In the Part environment:
The regeneration process stops on the failed feature and switches to
insert mode. The remaining features are temporarily suppressed by
the system (assigned a gray S in the tree).
In the Assembly environment:
The regeneration process in the current model stops on the failed
feature and switches to insert mode. The remaining features in the
model are temporarily suppressed by the system (assigned a gray S
in the tree). The regeneration process continues in the other models
in the assembly.
The regeneration process stops on the failed feature and the feature
can be edited.
Zoom the display to the problematic entity.

Return the display to the previous picture (the display as it was prior
to using the Zoom button).
The Regeneration or the Creation is cancelled. If the regeneration
occurred automatically as a result of some other operation (e.g. an
Edit feature operation) this operation will also be cancelled.
For additional examples of how or why the Conflict Solver is displayed, see Conflict Solver
Examples.
Notes:
• While the Conflict Solver is running, the usual Zoom, Pan and Rotate operations can still be
carried out.
• If a failure occurs during approval of a feature (after an OK/Apply operation), the Conflict
Solver dialog will be partly disabled. Only the Edit and Cancel options will be available.
You can either cancel the procedure or edit it.
• The Assembly procedure is as follows:
If you select Suppress/Delete with the sub-option Go to End, the operation will work on
all components. You will only see one Conflict Manager.
If you select Insert, the current part will enter Insert mode. The dependent parts will also
enter Insert mode on their 1st dependent feature.
When the editing/regeneration session (that led to the failure) is complete, the system will
automatically activate the 1st part with the failure. This will allow you to fix the problematic
feature.
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After fixing the problematic feature, select Go to End from the popup submenu in the part
environment. The part will be regenerated and so will all the other parts that are in Insert
mode.
You can also select the option Go to End from the Assembly environment, if you have
activated the assembly or closed the file and then re-loaded it before previously using Go to
End (the Go to End option is available in the Assembly menu bar and also the popup
submenu).

Conflict Solver: Examples

The Conflict Solver is an interactive dialog used to inform you of geometric problems that arise
while you create or edit features, or during the regeneration process (as a result, for example, of a
Suppress/Unsuppress operation). When a feature encounters a problem, the Conflict Solver will tell
you why, and ask how and if you want to proceed.
If a failure occurs during a regeneration process (for example after an Edit operation), the
regeneration process will stop just before the problematic feature. The valid part of the model will
be displayed (in insert mode) and the Conflict Solver dialog is displayed:
For information regarding the Conflict Solver dialog, see Conflict Solver.

Examples:
The following examples display the operation of the Conflict Solver. These examples show how
the Conflict Solver deals with the following types of problems:
Missing Reference Features
Error Information

Missing Reference Features

When a procedure fails due to a missing reference, the system displays an indication of the missing
reference. The following examples show different types of missing reference features.
Example 1: Missing Reference Body
Example 2: Missing Reference Face
Example 3: Missing Reference Round

Example 1: Missing Reference Body

In this example:
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The suppressed feature Remove Geometry33 is unsuppressed.

The Conflict Solver dialog is immediately displayed and shows that the system has detected a
missing reference body that caused the failure of the Remove Extrude22 operation. The
system shows the missing body edges and boundaries.
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In this case, Remove Extrude22 was dependent on the missing reference body shown below.

Example 2: Missing Reference Face

In this example, the suppressed feature Remove Extrude35 is unsuppressed.
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The Conflict Solver dialog is immediately displayed and notifies you of the missing
reference face that caused the failure of the Remove Extrude32 operation.

In this case, Remove Extrude22 was dependent on the missing reference face shown below.
This operation used the option Extrude to Reference Face.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪24

Example 3: Missing Reference Round

In this example, the suppressed feature Round28 is unsuppressed.

The Conflict Solver dialog is immediately displayed and notifies you of the missing
reference face that caused the failure of the Round23 operation.

In this case, the two Round operations use the same edge. When the first Round is
unsuppressed, the input edge of the second round no longer exists.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪25

Zoom in to display the problematic feature.

Error Information
When a procedure fails during a preview and execution, the system displays the problematic entity.
In the example below, a problem is encountered while running the Solid function Taper.
For the first required For the second required step, For the third, and final,
step, the top face is the face to be tapered are required step, a taper
picked as the Neutral picked By Box. angle is defined.
Plane.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪26

The Conflict Solver dialog is immediately displayed and indicates the problematic face by
highlighting the face in red.

In this case, the top face all the three faces In this case, press Edit
was picked as the Neutral highlighted below were in the Conflict Solver,
Plane; however, when the selected. If a face that is unpick the round face
face indicated below was smoothly connected to and execute the Taper
picked (using the By Box adjacent faces was selected, function.
option),... all smooth faces will be
automatically selected.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪27

Result:

Deleting a Feature
A feature can be deleted in one of the following ways:
• Right-click the feature in the Feature Tree, and from the popup submenu select Delete
Feature.
• Select a face of the feature, right-click to open the popup submenu, and select Delete
Feature.
• Select a face of the feature, and press the Delete key.
In some cases, deleting a feature will affect subsequent features. This happens when subsequent
features are partially dependent on the removed feature. You will receive a dialog listing the
affected features, and you can decide whether or not to proceed with the deletion. Example:
The yellow feature (Extrude19) is based on a sketch created on the top face of the purple feature
(Extrude12).

If the purple feature (Extrude12) is selected for deletion, the following dialog will appear.
Extrude19 will have to be forcibly deleted because its base will disappear. Sketcher17 will be
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪28

rerouted; it will still exist in the same place, but its location is no longer dependent on Extrude12.

After Extrude12 is deleted, only the two sketches will remain.

In other cases, deleting will invoke the Conflict Solver. This occurs if there are subsequent feature
whose reference geometry is part of the deleted feature. Example:
The Round13 feature is created from edges of Extrude12.

If Extrude12 is selected for deletion, the Conflict Solver will tell you what features are problematic.
In this case, the Round will fail because its edges are deleted. You can decide here whether or not
you want to proceed with the deletion.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪29

Notes:
• Deleting feature permanently removes the entire feature, from the display as well as from
the Feature Tree. However, can use the Undo function if you want to return the feature.
• If you want to only remove a feature from the display, but not delete it, you can use the
Hide function.
• If you want to remove an object, face or curve in such a way that the Remove function is
shown on the Feature Tree and can later be manipulated, use the Remove Geometry
function. Remove Geometry can also be used to remove individual faces of objects,
whereas the Delete function would delete the entire feature.

Dynamic Section
Dynamic Section
Display a section view of a part. The view can be dynamically controlled by defining the face or
point from which the section is cut.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Dynamic Section:
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.
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Required Step 1 : Select the start point of the helix.

Dynamic Section: Options and Results

Required Step 1
Select a plane, face or point according to which section view will be created.

Create a section view from a face

1. Pick the face from which the section will be cut.

2. Set the dynamic section incremental delta values (default = 10) and flip the section if
required. Manipulate the section view by moving the slider or by using the forwards and
backwards arrows.
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The toggle button Reset on Exit returns the display to how it was prior to creating the
section view while Keep on Exit keeps the section view displayed when exiting the function.
3. To exit, right-click anywhere in the graphic area and click the exit button:
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Create a section view from a point

1. Select the point from which the section will be cut.

2. Set the dynamic section incremental delta values (default = 10). The default section view is
in the +X direction but can be changed. The direction arrow can also be flipped. Manipulate
the section view by moving the slider or by using the forwards and backwards arrows.
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The toggle button Reset on Exit returns the display to how it was prior to creating the
section view while Keep on Exit keeps the section view displayed when exiting the function.
3. To exit, right-click anywhere in the graphic area and click the exit button:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪34

Editing a Feature
Editing a Feature
A feature can be edited in one of the following ways:
• Opening the Feature Guide
• Editing the sketch / composite curve
• Editing dimension values

Opening the Feature Guide

For any feature, you can open the Feature Guide and return to any step.
To do this:
1. Either:
Right-click on the desired feature in the Features Tree.
or:
Select a face or edge of the feature and then right-click.
For example:
To edit the green feature (Extrude14) you can either:
Select the top green face
and right-click.

Select the green face or

edge shown, and right-
click. Because both
entities was created by
both the Extrude and
Round functions, you will
have to select which
feature you want to edit:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪35

To edit the green feature (Extrude14) you can either:

Select the top green face
and right-click.

Select the green face or

edge shown, and right-
click. Because both
entities was created by
both the Extrude and
Round functions, you will
have to select which
feature you want to edit:

2. From the displayed popup submenu, select Edit Feature. The appropriate Feature Guide
(specific to the function that created the feature) is displayed, automatically open to the last
Required Step. You can modify any step in the Feature Guide by clicking on its button.
When you are finished, click OK or Apply to close the Feature Guide and update the
function.
Note: If a numerical value (i.e. extrude length) contains a parametric dependency, this value
will be grayed out while the Feature Guide is open. See Editing Numerical Parameters.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪36

Editing Sketches / Contours

Many functions are based on sketches and / or contours, such as Extrude and Revolve. You can
also use sketches and contours when choosing sections and boundaries for faces.
To edit the sketch or contour, you can either:
• Select a face or edge of the feature, right-click and select Edit Sketch / Composite. This
only works if the selected entity was created by one function only.
For example:

The face and edge shown

were created by both the
Extrude function and Round
function. If you want to edit
the Extrude sketch of the
green feature, select the top
green face and then select
Edit Sketch / Composite
from the popup submenu.
•
• To edit the green feature (Extrude14) you can either:
Select the top green face
and right-click.

Select the green face or

edge shown, and right-
click. Because both
entities was created by
both the Extrude and
Round functions, you will
have to select which
feature you want to edit:

• Right-click on the feature name in the Features Tree and select Edit Sketch / Composite.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪37

• Right-click the curve or sketch name listed under the feature in the Features Tree. In the
popup submenu, select either Edit Feature or Edit Sketch / Composite.

You will enter the function by which the curve or sketch was created. When you are finished, upon
exiting the function the feature will be updated.

Editing Dimension Values

If you want to modify only numerical parameters, either double-click the feature name in the
Features Tree or double-click the feature in the display. All parameters used to generate the feature
are displayed, including sketch dimensions and dimensions added in subsequent functions, for
example Extrude, Round, etc.. For each dimension, the dimension value is displayed together with
the unique name of the dimension.

See Editing Dimensions for the different ways that you can manipulate the dimensions.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪38

Editing Dimensions
Editing Dimensions
CimatronE enables you to edit dimensions in the following ways:
1. Rename the dimension - change the system-generated name.
2. Change the dimension value via the Edit Parameters dialog. This can entail:
a. Changing a simple numerical value
b. Editing a Catalog dimension
c. Defining an expression - internal(dimensions from the same part) or
external(between parts in an assembly)
d. Relating Setup Parameters in an expression
e. Relating Catalog Dimensions in an expression
f. Defining Leading Dimensions
g. Rerouted Relations
3. Rename and/or edit Leading Dimensions.
Whether you are renaming a dimension or changing its value via the Edit Parameters dialog, all
parameters used to generate the feature are displayed, including sketch dimensions and dimensions
added in subsequent functions, for example Extrude, Round, etc.. (If you are changing a dimension
value, you can display the dimensions for as many features as you want at any one time).
For each dimension, the dimension value is displayed together with the name of the dimension. In
CimatronE, each dimension is automatically given a name (the dimension ID - unique for each part,
for example L1, L2, R3, etc.) which is displayed and used in every CimatronE application.

Notes:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪39

• Some features in CimatronE have a predefined string and a numerical value as their
dimension ID. For example, in the Hole feature, the dimensions may look as follows:

• Each dimension in an expression is recognized by a unique prefix, depending from which

source the reference dimension was selected.
Press exit (middle mouse button) to leave edit mode, or click a dimension to either rename it or to
open the Edit Parameters dialog.

Renaming Dimensions
The Rename Feature Parameters option in popup menus enables you change the default system-
generated name assigned automatically to each dimension. This option is grayed out for features
where no dimension values have been defined.
To rename a dimension:
1. Run the Rename Feature Parameters option (for instructions on how to invoke this
option, press the Access button at the top of this Help topic).
All the dimensions of the relevant feature are now displayed.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪40

2. Pick the dimension to be renamed.

3. The dimension is highlighted and the Rename Param dialog is displayed showing the
current name (default or other). Change the name as required:

4. To confirm the new name, either press Enter, the X button or click outside the dialog. The
system checks for name uniqueness in the current part and if OK the dialog is closed and
the dimension name is changed.
If name is not unique (per part), an appropriate message is displayed and the dialog remains
open until a valid name is entered or the operation is cancelled. The dimension name is not
case sensitive, which means, in the example above, the L1 dimension could have been
renamed to r1, even though R1 already exists.
To cancel the rename operation, press the Esc key. The Rename Param dialog is closed and
the dimension name is unchanged.
After closing the dialog, the feature dimensions, including the new name, are still displayed.
Either press <Exit>(middle mouse button) or invoke another tool to exit the Rename Feature
Parameters option.

Edit Parameters Dialog

Edit Parameters Dialog
All parameters used to generate the feature are displayed, including sketch dimensions and
dimensions added in subsequent functions, for example Extrude, Round, etc.. You can
display the dimensions for as many features as you want at any one time.
2. Click a dimension to open the Edit Parameters dialog.
The Edit Parameters dialog enables you to change a dimension value. This can entail:
Editing a simple numerical dimension
Editing a Catalog dimension
Defining an expression - internal(dimensions from the same part) or external(between parts
in an assembly)
Relating Setup Parameters in an expression
Relating Catalog Dimensions in an expression
Defining Leading Dimensions
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪41

Rerouted Relations
When editing numerical values of a feature, clicking on the dimension opens the Edit Parameters
dialog.
The default dialog size See:
(collapsed). This is displayed for Dialog Structure
dimensions which do not contain
expressions. Dialog Buttons
Dialog display for Regular and Catalog
dimensions
Buttons:
OK
The dialog is displayed expanded
Update
if the picked dimension already
contains an expression or if you Create Relation
press to create a new Mark as Leading Dimension
expression.
Show Setup Dimension
Catalog Table
Relation type
Toggle part names

Dialog Structure
The structure of the dialog is as follows:
Header The dialog header displays:
1. the name of the feature that owns the dimension (in the
expanded dialog above, this is: Sketcher14).
2. the dimension name (in the same dialog above, this is: L1).
Buttons See the Dialog Buttons section below.
Dimension This field contains the numeric value of a dimension.
Field The dimension field is numeric and shows the nominal/resultant
dimension. Simple expressions using arithmetic symbols, may be
entered in this field, as shown:

In this case, only the result is kept, i.e. the number 50 will be shown in
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪42

the dimension field the next time the dialog is invoked.

Other Fields
Additional fields are displayed when the Create Relation button
is pressed. See the Dialog Buttons section below.
For differences in the Edit Parameters dialog when displaying regular and catalog dimensions, see
below.
Note: The Edit Parameters dialog can be resized horizontally (by dragging either of the sides) so
that you can view the entire contents of the dimension and expression fields.
Example:
Default sized dialog - in Horizontally resized dialog - the
this case, some of the whole expression can be seen:
expression is hidden:

Dialog Buttons
You can either enter a new dimension value in the dialog and close it, or click one of the buttons
for further options:
OK button. This updates the model according to the modified numerical value and
exits the dialog. You remain in edit mode (the dimensions of the relevant features
remain displayed) until you press exit(middle mouse button).
Update button. This updates the model according to the modified dimension value
and remains in the dialog.
There are also other ways to update the model; see Updating a Feature.

Create Relation button. This toggle button expands the dialog displaying additional
fields, including an expression field which enables the creation of expressions.
When you are creating an expression for the first time, the value in the expression
field is initially the same as the value in the dimension field.
Enter an algebraic equation for the dimension, either containing numbers only or
based upon other dimensions. See Parametric Dependency.
Dimensions that are the result of an expression, have the suffix (f); for example:
L1=700.000 (f).
Example:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪43

The expanded Edit Parameters dialog is displayed either if you press the
button, or if you select a dimension that already has an expression (in the latter case,
the dialog is opened automatically with the expression field expanded and, in
addition, all dimensions involved in the expression are displayed and highlighted).
The expanded dialog displays the following additional fields:
Relation type - the relation "=" is used by default; the other
dropdown types can be used for catalog dimensions.

Expression This field shows the relation expression.

field

When the expression field is displayed, the dimension field is

grayed out and cannot be edited.
/ Toggle part names - include or exclude part names in the
expression. This toggle button is only available in files containing
assemblies.
Part names are not included Part names are included in
in the expression : the expression after the
pressing the toggle button
:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪44

Mark as Leading Dimension button. This button marks dimensions to be

controlled while loading the file.
Dimensions that have been marked as Leading Dimensions, have the suffix (L); for
example:
L2=400.000 (L).
Example:

Show Setup Dimension button. When defining expressions (see Create Relation
above), dimensions can be selected from an external source (these are Setup
dimensions).This button is used for displaying and selecting setup dimensions to
enter them into the expression.
Catalog Table button. This button invokes the catalog table. This button is used for
displaying and selecting catalog dimensions to enter them into the expression.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪45

Edit Parameters Dialog - Regular and Catalog Dimensions

The differences in the Edit Parameters dialog when displaying regular and catalog dimensions are
detailed below:
Regular dimensions Catalog dimensions

Collapsed
dialog

The Catalog Table button is available

and the dimension field is a dropdown list
where additional values are available.

Expanded
dialog

The relation type field is a dropdown list

where additional values are available. This
is applicable for Primary dimensions only,
not for free and cutting object dimensions.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪46

Editing Simple Dimension Values

All parameters used to generate the feature are displayed, including sketch dimensions and
dimensions added in subsequent functions, for example Extrude, Round, etc.. You can
display the dimensions for as many features as you want at any one time.
2. Click a dimension to open the Edit Parameters dialog.
The Edit Parameters dialog enables you to change simple dimension values and to update the
feature.
To modify a simple dimension value:
1. Display the Edit Parameters dialog (for instructions on how to invoke this tool, press the
Access button at the top of this Help topic).
All the dimensions of the relevant feature(s) are now displayed, together with the Edit
Parameters dialog.

2. Edit the dimension as required (see the example below).

3. Update the feature/model.
4. Exit the dialog.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪47

Example of editing parameters:

Double-click both the yellow and green objects. All parameters used in creating both objects
are displayed, including extrude lengths and sketch dimensions.

Click a dimension to open the Edit Parameters Dialog. Enter a value, or click to enter a
parametric dependency. Note that the Update button is displayed, but is currently grayed out.

In this case, the distance of the pin from the right hand face has been changed from 49 to 21.
Close the dialog by clicking outside the box (anywhere in the graphics area).
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪48

Note: When you change a dimension value and exit the Edit Parameters dialog without
updating the model, the dimension appears with an underline to indicate that it has been
changed and that the model has not been updated yet (the model appears physically
unchanged).
The Update button is now available.

To update the model, click the Update button in the graphics area (there are a
number of ways to update the model, see Updating a Feature). Note that the position of the
pin has been updated according to the new dimension value.

Parametric Expressions/Relations
Parametric Expressions/Relations
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪49

When editing numerical values of a feature, you can assign dimensions in the form of algebraic
equations. These equations can consist of numbers only (i.e. 5+6*3) or they can relate to other
parameters to create equations with parametric dependency.
Simply click on other dimensions (reference dimensions) to enter their ID's into your equation, and
then enter the desired mathematical operation. A dimension, whose ID is part of an expression for
another dimension, is called a reference dimension (a reference dimension creates a parametric
relation between dimensions).
All reference dimensions must be displayed in order to be used in an expression (you have to pick
the reference dimension to enter its ID into the expression). Dimensions can be displayed or hidden
while the Edit Parameters dialog is open by double-clicking on the appropriate features on the
Feature Tree or in the graphics area. Reference dimensions are highlighted in the graphics area in a
color that differs from the dimension being edited.
Parametric relations can be created among the following types of dimensions:
• Internal (dimensions from the same part)
• External (between parts in an assembly)
• Connect parameters
• Parameters from the Setup tool (in the MoldDesign wizard and DieDesign wizard)
• Catalog parameters
• Internal expressions inside the Sketcher
When a reference dimension is added to an expression in the Edit Parameters dialog, its ID
appears in the expression field as bold text with a colored background, as shown below with the ID
L7:
The default background color for reference
dimension IDs in the expression field, is yellow.
In the case of Rerouted Relations, where one or
more of the reference dimensions participating in
an expression are no longer valid (the feature was
deleted, the sketch modified, a connection edited,
etc.), the background color is red.
Example:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪50

Each reference dimension in an expression is recognized by a unique prefix, depending from which
source the reference dimension was selected:
Selected Prefix Example
Dimension
Real dimension None L1
inside the same
part
Real dimension Name of the part Part1:L1
between assembly owner
parts
Connect Name of the AA_MD_Fixed
parameters assembly that Side41:Dy
owns the Connect
+ the number of
the connect
feature
From an external Setup or symbol Setup_die:A
table (dependent upon the
setup format)
When the expression field is displayed, the dimension field is grayed out and cannot be edited.

Interaction
To modify a dimension value into an mathematical expression:
1. Display the Edit Parameters dialog and access the expression mode (for instructions on
how to invoke this tool, press the Access button at the top of this Help topic).
All the dimensions of the relevant feature(s) are now displayed, together with the Edit
Parameters dialog showing the expression field.

2. Edit the dimension value as required, in the form of algebraic equations. These equations
can consist of the following:
a. numbers only (i.e. 5+6*3) or
b. they can relate to other dimensions (reference dimensions) to create equations with
parametric dependency. These reference parameters are displayed with a yellow
background in the expression field. These reference dimensions can be from:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪51

i. the current part - as shown in the example below, where L2 is the dimension
being edited and L7 is entered as part of the expression.

ii. an external source (Setup dimensions - press the button in the Edit
Parameters dialog).

iii. the catalog (press the button in the Edit Parameters dialog).

See the Notes and the start to finish example below.

3. Update the feature/model.
4. Exit the dialog. Note that the edited dimension now has an (f) suffix; this signifies that this
dimension is the result of an expression.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪52

Notes:
• Permissible mathematical operations:
* multiplication
/ division
+ addition
- subtraction
sin sine
cos cosine
tan tangent
^ exponential power (i.e. L^2 = L squared, L^0.5 = square root of L)

• Dimensions must be selected from the display. They are not recognized as such when typed
or pasted manually into the expression field, but are regarded as free text.

An exception to this is when dimensions are copied from one dialog to another (for
example, copy a dimension in an expression field in one dialog, close the dialog, open the
dialog of another dimension, expand it and paste the copied dimension). This kind of copy
and paste takes into account the status of shown part names. For example. if copied from a
dialog with the part name shown and pasted into a dialog with the part name hidden, then
the part name is not included, and vice versa.

Coping and pasting free text (i.e. anything but dimensions) is fully supported.
• The validity of an expression is checked after any change and the dimension field value is
updated simultaneously as long as the expression is valid.
The result of a valid expression is displayed in the dimension field in black.
An invalid expression results in the dimension field value being displayed in red. An
invalid expression could be an incomplete expression or a completed expression that is
mathematically illegal, such as the following examples:
Part1:L1+-Part2:L1
Part1:L1/0
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪53

Incomplete expression: Mathematically illegal

expression:

• If you enter an equation for a parameter, such as extrude length, when you return to the
Feature Guide to edit the feature again, this parameter will be grayed out. This is to prevent
you from entering a number and overriding the equation.
Example:
Extrude length is defined as an When editing the Extrude feature, the extrude
expression (this is denoted by the (f) delta value is grayed out.
suffix).

•
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪54

Parametric Expressions/Relations Example

Double-click on both of the features below to display their parametric values. The values displayed
include the extrude lengths and dimensions of the sketches.

The width of the green object (now 42 [ID=L2]) should be dependent on the distance from the
cylinder center to the back of the box (now 21 [ID=L7]). Click the 42 dimension to open the Edit
Parameters Dialog, and click the button.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪55

Initially, when creating a new expression, the content of the expression field is the same as that of
the dimension field. Now click the 21 dimension to enter its ID (L7) into the equation field.

This width value needs to always be double the L7 value. Complete the equation as L7*2.

Note that dimensions that take part in an expression (in this example, L7), are highlighted in a color
that differs from the dimension being edited (L2) and from uninvolved dimensions. (Setup
parameters that are part of an expression are not highlighted). Also note that when the cursor is
immediately to the left or right of a dimension ID inside the expression field, the appropriate
dimension is highlighted in yet another (third) color. These highlights enable you to immediately
view which dimension is being edited, which dimensions take part in the expression and which
dimension the cursor is currently next to in the expression field. See an example of the highlighted
dimension IDs here.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪56

In this example the expression field contains L1/L8+L7. L2 is the dimension being edited
and is highlighted in one color; L7 and L8 are referenced in the expression and are
highlighted in a second color; L1 is also referenced in the expression, however, the cursor is
to the right of it in the expression field in the dialog, thereby highlighting it in a third color.
The remaining dimensions (L6, L9 and R3) are not involved in the expression and are
displayed in the default color.

When you exit the Edit Parameters dialog, notice that the L2 dimension now has an (f) suffix. This
signifies that this dimension is the result of an expression.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪57

To add another equation, click on the dimension for the diameter of the cylinder. Click the 42 value
(whose ID is L2), and enter the equation shown below.

Now whatever the width of the green object is, the diameter of the cylinder will always be 7 less.
Notice that the R3 dimension now also has an (f) suffix.

To demonstrate the parametric dependency, change the value of L7 from 21 to 27. Click the
button to update the features.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪58

The width of the green object is now 54 (27*2) and the cylinder diameter is 47 (54-7). If you open
the Edit Parameters dialog for the width, you will see the equation you entered, rather than the
numerical value. The L7 dimension used in the equation (27) is highlighted so that you can
immediately see what values were used.

Relating Setup Parameters

When defining expressions in the Edit Parameters dialog, dimensions can be selected from an
external source (these are Setup parameter dimensions).
The IDs of setup dimensions that are part of an expression in the Edit Parameters dialog, are
displayed as bold text with a yellow background, as shown below:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪59

Press the Show Setup Dimensions button from the Edit Parameters dialog, to display the
Setup Parameters dialog enabling you select the required setup parameter to be entered into the
expression.
This dialog is divided into 2 sections:
User-Defined Parameters - that are
defined by you, the user.
Dependent Parameters - that are
available as part of a Die, Mold or
other project setup tool and are
derived from the model itself. The
Dependent Parameters section can be
empty when there is no project
involved (i.e. in the general Assembly
application).
See below for a further clarification
between User-Defined and Dependent
parameters.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪60

More on Dependent Parameters

Dependent parameters are derived from model itself. For example, in a Die project, these are the
parameters that are available in 1st tab (Strip), while User-Defined parameters are mostly
available in 3rd tab (Tool), as shown below for reference:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪61

To add a Setup parameter(s) to an expression in the Edit Parameters dialog:

1. Invoke(for instructions on how to invoke this tool, press the Access button at the top of this
Help topic) the Setup Parameters dialog from the Edit Parameters dialog.
2. From the Setup Parameters dialog, select the required dimension(s) by double-clicking
either the dimension name or its value.
Depending on the setting of the Toggle Part Names button ( / ), the selected
dimension(s) are displayed inside the expression field of the Edit Parameters dialog, with
the prefix Setup_XXX where XXX is the name of the assembly project type, in this case -
Setup_Mold. For example:

= The name of the project type is not included in the expression:

= The name of the project type is included in the expression:

If the units of the dimension are different from the units of the target component, they are
translated automatically to those of the target component.

3. Press the Exit button to close the Setup Parameters dialog when finished. (The Edit
Parameters dialog remains open until you exit it).
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪62

Relating Catalog Dimensions

When defining expressions in the Edit Parameters dialog, dimensions for catalog components can
be selected from the Catalog.
The IDs of catalog dimensions that are part of an expression in the Edit Parameters dialog, are
displayed as bold text with a red background, as shown below (note that this example expression
also contains the reference dimension d, from the same part, which has a yellow background):

Press the Catalog Table button from the Edit Parameters dialog, to display the Catalog
Table dialog which is filtered to display the component type and dimension value. The Cutter
Table enables you to view possible values and to edit the selected dimension by picking an
appropriate catalog record.
The Catalog
Table is
filtered to
display the
component
type and
dimension
value.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪63

If you exit the Catalog Table using the Cancel button , then the current expression is kept.
However, if you pick a different record from the Catalog Table, then the expression is deleted and
the Edit Parameters dialog is collapsed (expression mode is off).
For catalog components, the dropdown Relation type options are available in the Edit Parameters
dialog. (For differences in the Edit Parameters dialog when displaying regular and catalog
dimensions, see here).

The "=" type relation is the default, but the other options are available. For catalog dimensions
(other than free and cutting object dimensions), the "=" type relation assigns the closest available
value in the Catalog Table.
When the Catalog Table is displayed, it is filtered to display the component type and dimension
value. The record that is selected, depends on the Relation type dropdown option used:
• When the "<" or "≤" type relation is used, the bottom record is selected.
• When the ">" or "≥" type relation is used, the top record is selected.
• When the "=" type relation is used, a record with parameters closest to the current
dimensions is selected. For example if a part has two columns "d" and "l", and a relation
was set on "d" so that after filtering, several records are available, the record with the "l"
value closest to the existing value is selected.

Removing an Expression
When defining expressions in the Edit Parameters dialog, you can cancel the expression by
pressing the Create Relation toggle button . This collapses the Edit Parameters dialog and
displays a numeric value in the dimension field. The numeric value displayed, depends on whether
you are cancelling a new expression (an expression still being created) or an existing expression.
To cancel a new expression:

1. Press the Create Relation toggle button in the Edit Parameters dialog. This collapses
the Edit Parameters dialog and displays the original numeric dimension value in the
dimension field.
To cancel an existing expression:
1. Select the dimension to display the Edit Parameters dialog in expression mode.

2. Press the Create Relation toggle button in the Edit Parameters dialog. This collapses
the Edit Parameters dialog and displays the numeric value of the expression in the
dimension field.
This action may be used to break a cyclic loop.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪64

Pressing the button again (during the same or an other session), restores the last available
expression.

Defining Leading Dimensions

Define a dimension as a Leading Dimension. This enables you to control the dimensions while
loading an assembly containing leading dimensions.
Leading Dimensions are defined from the Edit Parameters dialog by pressing the Mark as Leading
Dimension button . This is a toggle button; pressing it a second time removes the leading
dimension attribute from the selected dimension.
Dimensions that have been defined as Leading Dimensions are displayed with the suffix (L);

The following types of dimensions can be marked as leading dimensions:

• Modeling parameters (for example: Delta of Extrude)
• Connect/Add Parameters (offset)

Dimensions containing an expression cannot be marked as leading dimensions and the button
is grayed out.

Rerouted Relations
All parameters used to generate the feature are displayed, including sketch dimensions and
dimensions added in subsequent functions, for example Extrude, Round, etc.. You can
display the dimensions for as many features as you want at any one time.
2. Click a dimension to open the Edit Parameters dialog.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪65

Relations can become rerouted if one or more of the reference dimensions participating in an
expression are no longer valid (the feature was deleted, the sketch modified, a connection edited,
etc.).
When invoking the Edit Parameters dialog, rerouted dimensions are displayed in the expression
field as bold text with a red background (note that this example expression also contains the
reference dimension d, from the same part, which has a yellow background):

If an expression holds rerouted dimensions, the last numerical value of the rerouted dimensions is
used, while other dimensions stay associative.
If a reference dimension participating in an expression is renamed, the dimension does not become
rerouted, instead, the updated name is shown when invoking the Edit Parameters dialog.

Updating a Feature
This topic deals with updating features within one file. For information on updating files and their
dependent files, see Update Mode.
After making changes to the parameters of a feature, you will need to update the feature to display
the results of the changes. You can update in one of the following ways:
1. While editing numerical parameters of a feature, you can update the feature in the following
ways while you are still in edit mode (you are in edit mode while the dimensions are still
displayed):

a. When the Edit Parameters dialog is still displayed, click either the Update or
OK button.
The update results are displayed and you remain in edit mode (the dimensions are still
displayed) until you press exit(middle mouse button).
If an expression exists, the system checks its validity.
i. If the expression is valid, the model is regenerated according to the calculated
value in the dimension field of the Edit Parameters dialog.
If the Update button was pressed, the Edit Parameters dialog remains
open.
If the OK button was pressed, the Edit Parameters dialog is closed. You
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪66

remain in edit mode (the dimensions are still displayed) until you press
exit(middle mouse button).
ii. If the expression is not valid, an appropriate message is displayed (the model is
not regenerated).
If the Update button was pressed, the Edit Parameters dialog remains
open.
If the OK button was pressed, the Edit Parameters dialog is closed and the
dimension value remains unchanged. You remain in edit mode (the dimensions
are still displayed) until you press exit(middle mouse button).
b. When the Edit Parameters dialog is no longer displayed and you are still in edit
mode (the dimensions are still displayed).
All dimensions that have been changed but not updated, are displayed with an
underline. The Update button is now available in the graphics area (prior to
exiting the Edit Parameters dialog, this button is displayed grayed out).

To update the model, click the Update button. The update results are displayed and
you remain in edit mode (the dimensions are still displayed) until you press exit(middle
mouse button).
See a dimension editing example in Editing Simple Dimension Values.
2. You can also leave edit mode (by pressing exit(middle mouse button)) without updating. In
this case the following options become active (selectable):

a. The button in the toolbar.

b. The option Edit > Update from the menu bar.
By using these options, you can make as many changes as you need, and then update all
values at once. Features that need to be updated will have a symbol in the Feature Tree
(this symbol is cleared when the feature is updated).
3. All features that need to be updated will be automatically updated as soon as you create or
edit another feature.

Results of Updating
When features are updated, the results are as follows:
1. The model is regenerated according to the changed dimension value(s). This includes all
dimensions that have been changed and not updated (these latter dimensions are displayed
with an underline to show that they have not been updated).

2. Dimensions that have been defined as Leading Dimensions (by using the button in the
Edit Parameters dialog), are displayed with the suffix (L);
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪67

Exiting the Edit Parameters Dialog

All parameters used to generate the feature are displayed, including sketch dimensions and
dimensions added in subsequent functions, for example Extrude, Round, etc.. You can
display the dimensions for as many features as you want at any one time.
2. Click a dimension to open the Edit Parameters dialog.
Exit the Edit Parameters dialog in one of the following ways:

1. Click the OK button in the Edit Parameters dialog. (See the description of the buttons
in the Edit Parameters dialog).
2. Click the X in the window bar of the dialog. (This cancels all modifications and the
dimension value remains unchanged).
3. Click anywhere outside the dialog.
4. Press the Enter key on the keyboard.
After changing a dimension and exiting the Edit Parameters dialog, either by clicking outside the
dialog or by pressing the Enter key, the following occurs:
1. If an expression exists, the system checks its validity.
a. If the expression is valid, the new calculated value is displayed.
b. If the expression is not valid, an appropriate message is displayed and the dimension
value remains unchanged.
2. Whether or not an expression exists, the system checks if the model has been updated. If
not, the following occurs:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪68

a. All dimensions that have been changed are displayed with an underline to mark the
places where the model has not been updated (the model appears physically
unchanged).

b. The Update button is now available in the graphics area (prior to exiting the
Edit Parameters dialog, this button is displayed grayed out). To update the model,
click the Update button (there are a number of ways to update the model, see
Updating a Feature).
3. Dimensions that are the result of an expression are denoted with an (f) suffix. (Note that
there might be cases where an expression was created/modified but the numeric value stays
the same. In these cases, the dimension is not underline as mentioned above).

4. You remain in edit mode (the dimensions remain displayed) either until the Update button
is pressed or you exit(middle mouse button) without updating. In the latter case, features
whose parameters were changed but are not yet updated, receive a symbol in the Feature
Tree (this symbol is cleared when the feature is updated).
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪69

Leading Dimensions

Leading Dimensions
A leading dimension is any dimension that you define as such. Generally, leading dimensions are
the "main" dimensions of a part (this could mean that some other dimensions are dependent upon
them).
A leading dimension attribute can be assigned to any geometric dimension (a geometric feature
dimension or a connect in the assembly). See:
Defining leading dimensions
Displaying leading dimensions
Editing leading dimensions
Dimensions that have been defined as Leading Dimensions are displayed with the suffix (L).
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪70

Defining Leading Dimensions

Define a dimension as a Leading Dimension. This enables you to control the dimensions while
loading an assembly containing leading dimensions.
Leading Dimensions are defined from the Edit Parameters dialog by pressing the Mark as Leading
Dimension button . This is a toggle button; pressing it a second time removes the leading
dimension attribute from the selected dimension.
Dimensions that have been defined as Leading Dimensions are displayed with the suffix (L);

The following types of dimensions can be marked as leading dimensions:

• Modeling parameters (for example: Delta of Extrude)
• Connect/Add Parameters (offset)

Dimensions containing an expression cannot be marked as leading dimensions and the button
is grayed out.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪71

Displaying Leading Dimensions

Display (and edit) all the leading dimensions in a file via the Set Leading Dimensions dialog (for
instructions on how to invoke this tool, press the Access button at the top of this Help topic).
In the Assembly application, all leading dimensions belonging to any component in an assembly
are displayed. The Part application is supported in the same way, however, dimensions are not
added from other components.
The Set Leading Dimensions dialog is displayed:
See:
Dialog structure
Dialog buttons

Buttons:
Show/Hide
Dimensions
Update
OK
Cancel

Dialog Structure
The order in which the leading dimensions are displayed in the dialog is defined by the following
criteria:
1. The order in which components were added to the assembly (this is not applicable in the
part component).
2. The alphabetical order of dimension names within a part for non-catalog parts, or the order
of columns in catalog parts.
For example, if "part A" has two leading dimensions "h" and "L" and was added to the
assembly prior to "part B", which has "h2" and "Width" leading dimensions, the appearance
order within the dialog would be - "PartA:h", "PartA:L", "PartB:h2", "PartB:Width".
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪72

Notes:
• Nesting levels are ignored (ALL leading dimensions from ALL levels are displayed).
• The dialog may be displayed empty if, for example, an assembly/part contains no leading
dimensions, or for a new component.
• The dialog is not displayed if any of the parts are not updated (if the symbol is displayed
in the Assembly Tree). Update the part first, then invoke the dialog.

Dialog Buttons
Show/Hide Dimensions. This toggle button shows or hides the dimensions of the
part in the graphics area.

/ Update . This updates the model according to the modified dimension value
and remains in the dialog. (There are also other ways to update the model; see
Updating a Feature).
This button is displayed if you invoked the dialog from the menu bar.

Apply . This updates the model according to the modified dimension value
and remains in the dialog.
This button is displayed if you invoked the dialog from within the Add Duplicate
function.
OK. The results of using this button depend on how you invoked the Set Leading
Dimensions dialog.
1. From Edit > Leading Dimensions (from the menu bar):
Exit the dialog. If the part was not updated ( ) before pressing OK, the
part is marked as not updated (the symbol) in the Assembly Tree (this
symbol is cleared when the part is updated).
2. From within the Add Duplicate function:
Update the part and exit the dialog.
Cancel. This returns the part to its state before the last update.

Editing Leading Dimensions

Edit any of the leading dimensions in a file (assembly or part) via the Set Leading Dimensions
dialog (for instructions on how to invoke this tool, press the Access button at the top of this Help
topic). This dialog, showing all leading dimensions, needs to be displayed before you can edit any
of the leading dimensions.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪73

See:
Dialog structure
Dialog buttons

Buttons:
Show/Hide
Dimensions
Update
OK
Cancel

To edit the leading dimensions in a file, the interaction differs depending from where you invoke
the dialog:
From the menu bar:
1. Display the Set Leading Dimensions dialog (for instructions on how to invoke this
tool, press the Access button at the top of this Help topic).
2. In the Set Leading Dimensions dialog, select the cell whose contents you wish to
change. The appropriate dimension in the graphics area is highlighted. Various
editing options are available in this dialog.

3. Press the Update button to regenerate the model.

From within the Add Duplicate function:
1. Display the Set Leading Dimensions dialog (for instructions on how to invoke this
tool, press the Access button at the top of this Help topic).
2. In the Set Leading Dimensions dialog, select the cell whose contents you wish to
change. The appropriate dimension in the graphics area is highlighted. Various
editing options are available in this dialog.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪74

3. The model is updated when you exit the Set Leading Dimensions dialog using the
OK button .
4. Complete the Add Duplicate operation.
Note: Within the Add Component function, the option to display the Leading
Dimensions dialog is not available.

Editing Options
Various editing options are available from with the Leading Dimensions dialog:
Edit the dimension value
Rename Parameter
Cell Interaction
Include Part Name

Edit the dimension value

To change the value of a leading dimension, double-click the appropriate cell value and enter the
desired value. Leading dimensions that are also catalog primary dimensions have a dropdown list
of applicable values:
When a value is changed, the new value
automatically appears in the appropriate
dimension in the graphics area. The model
is not updated at this stage.
Invalid input such as non-numeric data,
incorrect syntax, empty value, etc., results
in the display of the last valid input.

Rename Parameter
The dimension name for non-catalog dimensions can be renamed. For catalog dimensions, this
option is grayed-out.
When a dimension is renamed, the new name automatically appears in the appropriate dimension in
the graphics area.
Right-click in the dimension name field to display the following menu:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪75

For non-catalog dimensions : For catalog dimensions :

Cell Interaction
Right-click in the value field to display a popup menu containing various cell operations. The
contents of the popup menu is as follows:
For non-catalog dimensions : For catalog dimensions :

Include Part Name

The dimension name in the dialog is, by default, displayed without including the part name.
To include the part name in the dimension name, select the Include Part in Leading Dimension
Name checkbox (irrespective of the dimension names in the dialog, the names of the dimensions in
the graphics area are always displayed without the part names).
Dimension name without the part name: Dimension name including the part name:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪76

Feature Guide
Most CimatronE functions are implemented by a series of steps. These steps can include selecting
geometry, defining parameters, defining direction, etc. To simplify the process of each function, a
Feature Guide is provided to walk you through the required and optional steps of each function.
Note: Some functions (i.e. Line) are implemented by only one step. In these cases, a Single-Step
Guide is opened.
By default, this dialog area appears above the Feature Tree. You can move or remove the dialog
from this location. In addition, during any function, you can always right-click to open the Feature
Guide on the display. Use the Auto Hide feature, which appears on all Feature Guides and
information trees, to increase the viewable display area.
The Feature Guide has the following appearance:
Feature Guide Buttons:
Preview: Preview
the result without
executing.
OK: Execute the
function.
Apply: Execute
the function
without exiting.
Exit: Exit the
function without
executing.

• You can set Preview to manual or auto, depending on how you want to view the function
results. See the Preferences (Modeling > General) for a description of the Preview options
and how to set them.
• When you have completed a step, in some cases you proceed automatically to the next step.
In other cases, you must exit(middle mouse button) to continue to the next step.
• Icons for steps that have been completed are marked with a red check mark.
• Icons of active (current) steps appear pressed.
• For optional steps, you must click the button. Optional steps are not opened automatically.
• To redo any step, simply press the relevant button.
• To reopen the Feature Guide to edit a feature, right-click on the feature or its name in the
Feature Tree, and select Edit Feature from the popup submenu.
• If you are working in one function and enter an immediate function while still in the
original function, you will see both function icons. See the Example of working with
Immediate Functions
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪77

Single Step Dialog

Some functions (i.e. Dynamic Section) are implemented by only one step. When using these
functions, a Single Step Dialog is opened. The dialog has the following appearance:

There is no need to press OK or Apply in order to complete the function. As soon as the one
required step is accomplished, the function is automatically applied. When you have finished using
the function, simply press Close.

Highlight Leaf
The Highlight Leaf option in popup menus enables you to identify a component or feature in the
tree pane, by picking it in the graphics area.
When an assembly is activated, picking a component in the graphics area will highlight the
component in the Assembly Tree and also highlights the part name in the Parting Tree. If the picked
part is not in the parting tree, the Assembly Tree is displayed with the relevant component
highlighted.
When a component is activated, picking a feature in the graphics area will highlight the feature in
the Feature Tree.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪78

Example:
1. Select the Highlight Leaf option in one of the popup submenus.

Notes:
• This example shows an Assembly component, however, the Highlight Leaf option is
also available for the Modeling application.
• This example shows the Highlight Leaf option being selected first and then the entity
being picked. This option also works if you pick the entity first and then select the
Highlight Leaf option.
2. Assembly is activated.
Pick a component in the graphics area.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪79

When an assembly is activated, picking a component in the graphics area will highlight the
component in the Assembly Tree.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪80

3. Component is activated.
Pick a feature from an activated component in the graphics area.

When a component is activated, picking a feature in the graphics area will highlight the
feature in the Feature Tree.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪81

Highlight Next Suppressed Feature

The Highlight Next Suppressed Feature option in the DieDesign application popup menu,
enables you to identify the next suppressed feature in the Feature Tree.

In the event of multiple suppressed features, this option opens the Feature Tree at the appropriate
place and highlights the next suppressed feature in the tree, as shown below:

Note: The Highlight Next Suppressed Feature option is only available in a popup menu in the
DieDesign application, when in the Die Strip mode.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪82

Interrupting an Execution Operation (not NC)

When a CimatronE operation is executing, you can interrupt the execution at any time by pressing
the ESC key. (This applies to numerous non-NC operations; for NC, see Interrupting an NC
Execution).
Pressing the ESC key during the execution, enables you to stop numerous operations, such as for
example, the creation of a new feature, some file format conversion operations or a regeneration
process.

Interaction
When the ESC key is pressed during an operation, an appropriate warning message is displayed
enabling you to either stop the operation or to continue it.
Specific Interrupt Instances
• If a new feature(s) creation operation is interrupted, the feature(s) are not created and the
system displays the edit feature mode.
• If a regeneration operation (in the Part or Assembly environments) is interrupted, the
Conflict Solver dialog is displayed with a message informing you that there was a feature
creation conflict as the operation was interrupted.

Relation Analyzer
The Relation Analyzer enables you to view the relationships between parts and/or features.
This is useful:
1. Before modifying large models where you may wish to break some relations.
2. When a connection failure occurs in an assembly and you may wish to break unnecessary
relations.
3. When attempting to move components in an assembly and only the UCS moves. In this
case, use the Relation Analyzer to check the relations and break one that will enable the
move operation.
The Relation Analyzer dialog consists of two separate dialogs, the Parents and Children dialog.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪83

For both the Parents and Children dialogs:

If a relation with a feature can be broken (a re-routable feature), the breakable icon is displayed .
If a relation with a feature is already broken, the broken icon is displayed .
Sketcher features are an example of features that are re-routable. Extrude features are not re-
routable.
The broken link is subsequently displayed in the Assembly Tree with the following icon . For
example:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪84

Parent features
These are features that have references to the selected feature. These can be from the same part, or
from other parts (in assembly), or from parts that are imported into the selected feature.
The Doc Origin and the Relation fields display the following information:
The Parent feature Doc. Origin Relation
From the same file: Empty field. Internal reference.
From another part in an The name of the part and External reference.
assembly (also an assembly / sub-assembly. (Displayed only when the
imported geometry): (Displayed only when the assembly is also open).
assembly is also open).

Children features
These are features that the selected feature is referring to. Only features in the same part can be
seen.
The relationship between parts can be broken and restored. The relationship between assembly
components can be broken; however, they cannot be restored.

Examples:
To break the relation with the Sketcher13 feature:
1. Select the feature in the Relation Analyzer dialog.
2. Press the Break Relation button.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪85

To break all relations:

1. Press the Break All Relations button.

To restore a broken relation:

1. Select the feature in the Relation Analyzer dialog.
2. Press the Restore Relation button.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪86

To restore all relations:

1. Press the Restore All Relations button.

Replay
The Replay function enables you to do the following operations in the Feature Tree:
ƒ view the Part creation process from start to finish, in the order in which the functions were
performed.
ƒ insert features into the tree
ƒ trim selected features from the tree.
Note: Replay is available in the Part environment and in the Assembly environment when a part is
activated in the Feature Tree.

View the Part Creation Process

View the Part creation process from start to finish, in the order in which the functions were
performed.
While in Replay mode, the following toolbar appears above the Feature Tree:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪87

The toolbar can also be replicated as a popup by right-clicking anywhere in the graphic area.
The blue arrows in the top row are used to jump to the start or end of the feature tree, or to move
backwards or forwards one step at a time. The button is used to jump to the feature you select
on the display. The button allows you to insert a new feature and the is used to exit
Replay mode. The button allows you to delete the features preceding the feature selected in
the tree.

While jumping between steps, the symbol tells you what item in the tree matches what you see
in the display.

Example:
The part below was created in five steps.

To view the creating process from the beginning, click the far left arrow (Go to Start). Then click
the Forward step by step arrow to see the first feature, Extrude12. The current step is marked by
a symbol.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪88

Continue clicking the Forward arrow to see each step.

Main Plane14:

Extrude16:

Axis-Intersection17:

(Note that Sketcher11 appears underneath Extrude12; this is because the extrusion is created using
this Sketch. In terms of chronological order, Sketcher11 was created before Extude12.)
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪89

The final step is Copy Radial.

Insert Features
Insert features into the Part creation process via the Feature Tree.
(You can access the Insert Mode by using the functions described under the Access button at the
top of this Help topic, or via the Feature Tree in the Assembly environment, by right-clicking on a
feature and selecting Insert from the popup submenu).

Example:
The following part is comprised of two features - Extrude12 and Shell13.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪90

Enter Replay mode and advance step by step (by pressing the Forward One Feature button )
to the Extrude12 feature.

Click the button to enter Insert mode. Note that all features after the point where you pressed
Insert, are now temporarily suppressed (they are marked with a gray ).

You now return to the Part environment, where you can add additional features in the middle of
the part creation process. In our example, we add another extrusion (Extrude15).
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪91

Return to Replay mode(click the Open Replay button ) and replay all steps to the end (by
pressing the Go to End button ). The features following the inserted feature(s) become
unsuppressed, the Shell is regenerated, and includes the Extrude15 feature that was inserted.

Notes:
ƒ The Insert new feature(s) button is inactive when the last feature in the Feature Tree is
selected.
ƒ A feature that has been suppressed in Insert Mode (due to a new feature being inserted
before it in the feature tree), can still be edited in the usual manner.
ƒ A feature that has been suppressed in regular mode (not Insert Mode) will remain
suppressed even after replaying all the steps to the end. The feature however can be
individually edited or unsuppressed at any time.
ƒ While in Insert Mode, the Suppress and Unsuppress functions are grayed-out (unavailable).

Trim selected features using Replay mode:

Trim selected features from the Part creation process via the Feature Tree.

Example:

In Replay mode, advance to the Extrude15 feature. Click the trim button .
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪92

A warning message is displayed:

If you confirm the trim, all features from the selected feature onward are deleted (in this case the
Shell13).

Rerouting
A rerouted feature is one that has had its association to its reference geometry broken. This can
either be done manually or occur as a result of the reference geometry being deleted. The rerouted
symbol appears next to the rerouted feature in the Feature Tree.
The following example shows the manual rerouting of a feature:
Two rectangles have been created (red and yellow). The yellow one was created using the top edge
of the red rectangle as its reference geometry.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪93

We right-click the Red feature and select Relation Analyzer. This dialog shows us which features
are related to each other.

In this case we will break the relation between the reference plane of the yellow rectangle (sketcher
13) and the red rectangle. This is done by clicking Break Relation which is then indicated in the
feature Tree by the Reroute symbol:

If we now make changes to the dimensions of the red rectangle, the yellow rectangle will not
update accordingly as it is no longer linked to it:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪94

Likewise, if we right-click on the rerouted feature, select the Red feature in the Relation Analyzer
and click Restore Relation, the yellow rectangle updates automatically to the new dimensions of
the red rectangle.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪95

Reset History
Remove all the features before the selected feature.
This improves the system performance for parts with over 300 features.

Example:
Right-click on a feature in the Feature Tree and select Reset History.

A warning dialog is displayed informing you that you cannot undo this operation.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪96

If you select Yes, all features before the selected feature are removed and a new, ResetHistory
feature is created.

Suppress / Unsuppress
Suppress a feature (or a component in the Assembly environment) so that it appears in the
Feature/Assembly Tree, but is not displayed in the graphics area and will not be involved in
part/assembly operations and regeneration. The suppressed features/components will be removed
from the memory so that total memory consumption will be reduced.
The Hide function, in comparison, hides the feature/component from the graphics area for purposes
of clarity. The hidden feature/component is involved in all other operations and regeneration.
A suppressed feature can also be unsuppressed.
Notes:
• Multiple entities can be selected for suppression.
• If the Suppress / Unsuppress operations encounter a problem, the Conflict Solver will
automatically be invoked.
Suppressed features/components are displayed in the Feature/Assembly tree with a black S, as
shown in the example below:
Before Suppression After Suppression

Suppressing interrelated features

Suppressing a single feature/component
Suppressing multiple features/components
Suppressing a feature/component with children
Assembly specific notes
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪97

Unsuppress

Suppressing interrelated features

If the selected feature is related to more than one feature, a list of the related features is displayed.
The required feature must be selected.

Suppressing a single feature/component

If a single feature/component is selected for suppression, the following confirmation dialog is
displayed:

Press Yes to suppress the feature/component.

Suppressing multiple features/components

If multiple features/components are selected for suppression, the following confirmation dialog is
displayed:

Press Yes to suppress the features/components.

CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪98

Suppressing a feature/component with children

If the selected feature/component has children, a dialog appears displaying the feature/component
that will be suppressed and a list of the children which will be rerouted, as in the example below:

Press Yes to suppress the feature/component.

Once a feature has been suppressed, it appears in the feature tree with a black S next to the feature
in the feature tree as shown in the example below:
Before Suppression After Suppression

Notice that when a feature with children is suppressed, the children are rerouted ( they appear in the
tree with the symbol ).

Assembly-specific notes
• When a sub-assembly is suppressed, the components will be suppressed and will be
displayed in the tree with the S button.
• In a suppressed sub-assembly, Add/Delete operations on components will continue to work.
• If a parent component is suppressed, all Connect features will remain in the tree but will be
rerouted. These connects will be editable and the system will show a copy of the suppressed
reference connect feature (such as the face of the suppressed feature used in the connect
operation) when editing them.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪99

• External reference features will be rerouted if their reference part is suppressed.

• Assembly Cut operations will be rerouted if the parts that have created the cuts are
suppressed.
• Assembly operations in the lower (Features) tree will remain in the tree and will be editable.
• The Suppress operation causes the assembly to regenerate.
• Loading an assembly with suppressed components will consume less memory than if all the
components were unsuppressed.

Unsuppress
You can unsuppress either individual features/components or all suppressed items. Unsuppressed
features/components will appear normally in the tree (without the S button) and also in the graphics
area.
The Unsuppress operation causes the Part/Assembly to regenerate and also restores Connect
features and external references.

Tree Pane
Tree Pane
The CimatronE Tree Pane contains a wealth of information on the currently open file. This
information is contained in tabs which are displayed according to the type of file currently open.
The following trees are displayed in CimatronE:
Feature The Features tab (containing the Feature Tree) and the M-View tab appear in all
Tree CimatronE environments except for Drafting.
M-View
Sets The Sets tab appears in all applications.
Parting In the Parting application, an additional tab, Parting, is displayed in the upper
Tree section of the Tree Pane. This contains the Parting Tree. The Parting Tree is also
displayed in the Assembly environment.
Assembly In the Assembly environment, the Assembly tab (containing the Assembly Tree) is
Tree displayed. In the Assembly environment, the Tree Pane is divided into upper and
lower sections and the Sets tab appears in both sections. The upper section displays
the Sets belonging to the main Assembly while the lower pane displays the sets
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪100

belonging to the active file. If the main assembly is active, both Sets tabs show the
same data.
Electrode In the Electrode application, an additional tab, Electrode, is displayed in the upper
Tree section of the Tree Pane. This contains the Electrode Tree.
Drawing In the Drafting environment the Tree tab (containing the Drawing Tree) is
Tree displayed.
Notes:
• The location of Tree Panes, like other panes in CimatronE, can be customized by docking
them to one of the sides of the CimatronE window. The Tree Panes can be reset to their
default settings either by resetting only the panes, or as part of a global reset of all toolbars,
menus and panes.
• In all environments, an Auto Hide mechanism enables you to hide the Tree Pane on the side
of the CimatronE window where the Tree Pane is docked, thereby increasing the viewable
display area.
• Shortcut keys can be applied to the Features, Sets, M-View and Parting Tree tabs by
customizing the keyboard (under the Activate Tree Tabs category). In the Assembly
environment, the shortcuts only apply to the lower tree pane.
• A feature in a tree can be used to identify the corresponding feature in the graphics area and
vice versa.
Selecting a feature in a tree, highlights the corresponding entity in the graphics area.
Example:

Conversely, by using the Highlight Leaf option, selecting an entity in the graphics area,
highlights the corresponding feature in the tree.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪101

Assembly Tree
Auto Hide
All CimatronE information trees and Feature Guides can be hidden or closed to increase the
viewable display area.
Auto Hide
Auto Hiding an information tree collapses the tree to the left margin of the display area to increase
the viewable display area. The tree can easily be recalled by mousing over the collapsed tree name.
In Auto Hide mode, whenever the tree is not being used, it is collapsed.
To Auto Hide a tree:
1. Pick the Auto Hide button when it is vertical .

The tree is now collapses to the left margin of the display area.
To recall a collapsed tree:
1. Move your mouse cursor over the name of the collapsed tree.

The tree is now displayed and all the usual operations can be carried out on it.
To stop Auto Hide:
1. Pick the Auto Hide button when it is horizontal .
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪102

The tree will now be displayed at all times.

Close
Closing an information tree maximizes the viewable display area. The tree can easily be displayed
again by selecting View > Panes > Tree from the menu bar.
To Close a tree:
1. Pick the tree Close button .

The tree is closed, maximizing the viewable display area.

Drawing Tree
Auto Hide
All CimatronE information trees and Feature Guides can be hidden or closed to increase the
viewable display area.
Auto Hide
Auto Hiding an information tree collapses the tree to the left margin of the display area to increase
the viewable display area. The tree can easily be recalled by mousing over the collapsed tree name.
In Auto Hide mode, whenever the tree is not being used, it is collapsed.
To Auto Hide a tree:
1. Pick the Auto Hide button when it is vertical .
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪103

The tree is now collapses to the left margin of the display area.
To recall a collapsed tree:
1. Move your mouse cursor over the name of the collapsed tree.

The tree is now displayed and all the usual operations can be carried out on it.
To stop Auto Hide:
1. Pick the Auto Hide button when it is horizontal .

The tree will now be displayed at all times.

CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪104

Close
Closing an information tree maximizes the viewable display area. The tree can easily be displayed
again by selecting View > Panes > Tree from the menu bar.
To Close a tree:
1. Pick the tree Close button .

The tree is closed, maximizing the viewable display area.

Electrode Tree
Auto Hide
All CimatronE information trees and Feature Guides can be hidden or closed to increase the
viewable display area.
Auto Hide
Auto Hiding an information tree collapses the tree to the left margin of the display area to increase
the viewable display area. The tree can easily be recalled by mousing over the collapsed tree name.
In Auto Hide mode, whenever the tree is not being used, it is collapsed.
To Auto Hide a tree:
1. Pick the Auto Hide button when it is vertical .

The tree is now collapses to the left margin of the display area.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪105

To recall a collapsed tree:

1. Move your mouse cursor over the name of the collapsed tree.

The tree is now displayed and all the usual operations can be carried out on it.
To stop Auto Hide:
1. Pick the Auto Hide button when it is horizontal .

The tree will now be displayed at all times.

CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪106

Close
Closing an information tree maximizes the viewable display area. The tree can easily be displayed
again by selecting View > Panes > Tree from the menu bar.
To Close a tree:
1. Pick the tree Close button .

The tree is closed, maximizing the viewable display area.

CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪107

Feature Tree
Feature Tree
The Feature Tree is a list of all the features in your CimatronE file which also shows you how
these features were created (for example, Sweep - by the Sweep function, Extrude - by the Extrude
function, etc.). All the CimatronE trees (Features, Parting and Assembly) can be used to identify
entities in the display area.
For an explanations of the symbols that appear in the Feature Tree, see the Feature Tree Symbols.

Feature Tree:
Structure
Operations
Symbols
Popup
Operations
Auto Hide

Parting Tree
Assembly Tree
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪108

Feature Tree Structure

All features created in your file appear in the Feature Tree.
The first item in the tree is Objects which is empty until you create at least one object.
Feature Tree closed: Feature Tree open. Open the branches of the
tree to get more information:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪109

All imported objects are displayed as such, either as ImportModelxxx signifying that they have
been imported from another CimatronE file, or Import<format> signifying that they have been
imported from another CAD format (IGES, SAT, etc.).
Imported from another CimatronE file. Import from another CAD format.

Feature Tree Operations

The main operations for manipulating the Tree include:
• Expanding or collapsing the tree branches by clicking the "+" and "-" signs.
• Accessing the Edit Options by double-clicking the required item.
• Accessing the Popup Operations by right-clicking on tree entries.
You can use the Feature Tree to:
Note: Multiple features can be selected from the Feature Tree.
• Activate Object - select an object from the Objects branch, right-click and select Activate
Object from the popup submenu.
• Edit Features - right-click on an item and select Edit Feature from the popup submenu.
You will return to the Feature Guide for that item.
• Edit Sketches / Composite Curves - for features like Extrude that are based on sketches or
composite curves, right-click and select Edit Sketch / Composite from the popup submenu.
• Edit numerical parameters - double-click on a feature name to display all numerical values
associated with that feature. You can display parameters for several features at one time.
Click on any value to open the Edit Parameters dialog and enter your changes. Press exit
(middle mouse button) to leave edit mode. If you leave edit mode without updating, the
feature will have a symbol in the tree.
• Delete Features - right-click and select Delete Feature from the popup submenu.
Multiple entities can be selected for deletion, from the Feature Tree.
• Rename Features - To rename a feature from the tree, do either of the following:
o Right-click on the feature in the tree, select Rename Feature from the popup
submenu and enter the new name.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪110

o Select the feature in the tree, click it again and enter the new name.
• Suppress - Suppress a feature so that it is not displayed or regenerated during the update
process.
Multiple entities can be selected for suppression, from the Feature Tree.
• Relations Analyzer - View the relationships between parts and/or features.
• Clear Selection - Clear the entities you have selected.
• Visually replay the creation process, step by step.

Tree Symbols
Various symbols may appear in the CimatronE Features and Assembly trees which denote the
status of individual features or components. For example:

The symbols that may appear are listed below:

Indicates the last feature created, the feature placed in Insert mode
or the last feature selected in Replay.
Indicates that the feature has not been updated.
Indicates that the feature has been rerouted. This can happen when
changing or deleting a feature affects another feature's location or
creation.
Indicates which imported features have been disassociated with the
source file.
Indicates the feature has been temporarily suppressed. Features
(gray) appearing after the feature in Insert mode are marked this way.
Indicates the feature has been manually suppressed.
(black)
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪111

Feature Tree Popup Operations

Feature Tree popups are displayed by right clicking on an item in the appropriate tree. The popup
submenu displayed will depend upon the item selected.
Note: Multiple features can be selected from the Feature Tree.
Object: Hide/Show, Hide Other, Activate Object, Measuring, Clear Selection.

Feature: Edit Feature(see Editing a Feature in Part or Editing a Feature in Assembly), Edit
Sketch/Composite(see Editing a Sketch/Composite in Part or Editing a Sketch/Composite in
Assembly), Insert, Jump To, Reset History, Delete Feature, Rename Feature, Suppress, Relations
Analyzer, Clear Selection, Rename Feature Parameters.
Rename To rename a feature from the Feature Tree, do either of the
Feature following:
• Right-click on the feature in the tree, select Rename
Feature from the popup submenu and enter the new
name.
• Select the feature in the tree, click it again and enter the
new name.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪112

Sketch: Show/Hide Sketch/Contour (that was used to create the component), Edit Feature(see
Editing a Feature in Part or Editing a Feature in Assembly), Edit Sketch/Composite(see Editing a
Sketch/Composite in Part or Editing a Sketch/Composite in Assembly), Insert, Jump To, Reset
History, Delete Feature, Rename Feature, Suppress, Relations Analyzer, Clear Selection, Rename
Feature Parameters.
Rename To rename a feature from the Feature Tree, do either of the
Feature following:
• Right-click on the feature in the tree, select Rename
Feature from the popup submenu and enter the new
name.
• Select the feature in the tree, click it again and enter the
new name.

Operation: Edit Feature(see Editing a Feature in Part or Editing a Feature in Assembly), Delete
Feature, Edit Sketch(see Editing a Sketch/Composite in Part or Editing a Sketch/Composite in
Assembly).
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪113

Catalog: Associate, Edit Parameters, Explode Catalog Feature, Edit Cutting Parameters, Show
Cutting Object, Hide Cutting Object, Update Geometry.

ImportModel: Associate / Disassociate, Edit Feature(see Editing a Feature in Part or Editing a

Feature in Assembly), Update & Disassociate, Show Location on Disk, Edit Sketch/Composite(see
Editing a Sketch/Composite in Part or Editing a Sketch/Composite in Assembly), Insert, Jump To,
Reset History, Delete Feature, Rename Feature, Suppress, Relations Analyzer, Clear Selection,
Rename Feature Parameters.
Rename To rename a feature from the Feature Tree, do either of the
Feature following:
• Right-click on the feature in the tree, select Rename
Feature from the popup submenu and enter the new
name.
• Select the feature in the tree, click it again and enter the
new name.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪114

Export Active: Update & Disassociate, Ignore Update, Delete Feature.

Cut Active: Switch to Import, Edit(see Editing a Feature in Part or Editing a Feature in Assembly),
Update & Disassociate, Ignore Update, Delete Feature.
This enables you to switch to the Import option of the Cut Active function. This option is
grayed out except for the following cases:
• The feature is in "Insert" (gray) in the part or the feature is suppressed (black).
• If the Cut option was used in the function.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪115

Auto Hide
All CimatronE information trees and Feature Guides can be hidden or closed to increase the
viewable display area.
Auto Hide
Auto Hiding an information tree collapses the tree to the left margin of the display area to increase
the viewable display area. The tree can easily be recalled by mousing over the collapsed tree name.
In Auto Hide mode, whenever the tree is not being used, it is collapsed.
To Auto Hide a tree:
1. Pick the Auto Hide button when it is vertical .

The tree is now collapses to the left margin of the display area.
To recall a collapsed tree:
1. Move your mouse cursor over the name of the collapsed tree.

The tree is now displayed and all the usual operations can be carried out on it.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪116

To stop Auto Hide:

1. Pick the Auto Hide button when it is horizontal .

The tree will now be displayed at all times.

Close
Closing an information tree maximizes the viewable display area. The tree can easily be displayed
again by selecting View > Panes > Tree from the menu bar.
To Close a tree:
1. Pick the tree Close button .

The tree is closed, maximizing the viewable display area.

CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪117

Parting Tree
Parting Tree
The Parting Tree displays the structure of the parting process and is the main tool that manages
and controls the parting process.
In the Part environment, the Parting Tree tab is displayed in the Tree Pane after a QuickSplit
operation. Access the Parting Tree by clicking the Parting tab.

In the Assembly/Mold Project environment, the Parting Tree tab is always displayed. Access the
Parting Tree by clicking the Parting tab.

In the Assembly application, the Parting Tree may appear as follows:

Parting Tree:
Structure
Operations
Popup Operations
Auto Hide
The basic layout of the Parting Tree is
similar to that of the Assembly Tree (in so
far as the structure (without the Fix/Float
capabilities), and operations are
concerned).

The name of the part appears at the top of the tree followed by the unassigned group, the objects
group, parting face group (including sub-parting faces), the Stock group and the Parting Line
Preview with external and internal lines. Within the parting face group is all the parting faces
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪118

belonging to different objects. The unassigned group has no sub-parts and contains all entities
(faces, wireframe entities, objects) that do not have parting attributes or are not part of the Stock.
The Stock group contains objects with Stock attributes assigned to it.
Within the Mold Project application, every switch between environments (Parting and
MoldDesign), suppresses parts in the previous environment. (From Parting, switching to
MoldDesign will suppress the work parts; from MoldDesign, switching to Parting will suppress the
active parts).
Example:
The Assembly Tree before running the Export The Assembly Tree after running the Export
operation. operation. Notice that the parting assembly has
been suppressed.

While the parting sub-assembly is suppressed, it is possible to view the Parting Tree (by pressing
the tab), however, in this situation, no operation can be carried out in the tree. If the work files, or
the whole parting sub-assembly, is unsuppressed (from the Assembly Tree), the work files in the
Parting Tree become available and operations can be carried out on them.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪119

Parting Tree Structure

The structure of the Parting Tree enables full control over the components and their display.
For each sub-assembly and component, the hide/show status, color and render mode (shade /
transparency / wireframe) characteristics can be set. If these characteristics are set at the sub-
assembly level, all items under the sub-assembly will have the same characteristics; however, if a
sub-assembly component is active and the sub-assembly is hidden, the active component will not
be hidden.
A Hide, Show or Mixed button at the folder level is used to denote the display status of components
under the folder. Selecting Hide or Show at the folder level, hides or shows all the components
under the folder.
See Hide/Show Behavior below.

The Parting Tree contains the following structure:

• Automatic Update / Manual Update
• A skeleton of the parting tree that includes the basic parting elements. Empty leaves remain
gray until faces are attached during the QuickSplit operation.
• Active Partsthe parts of the mold that touch the plastic during the injection process and all
parts with split directions sets are displayed in the tree. Sub-assemblies with active parts
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪120

are also shown (for example: slider). The split directions faces sets are displayed under the
active parts.
Example:

• The Parting Surfaces set is displayed under the direction set only if the Parting faces set was
created inside the active part (not imported from Work). The parting faces set is displayed
even if it was transferred from another part using Export Active.
Example:

• All other faces of the Active part (Parting faces from Work, Cooling, screw pockets, ejector
pockets, etc.) are automatically assigned to the Non-Active set or to the Stock set. Every
Active part has a Non-Active leaf.
Example:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪121

• There is one All Parts folder that enables control of the parting elements of all the active
parts and work parts, but not the suppressed parts. Parting faces in active parts are not
controlled by the All Parts folder. The All Parts folder is only displayed when there is more
than one work part in the mold.
Example:

When showing ( ) the All Parts leaves (Unassigned, Active Faces, Parting Surfaces and
Non-Active Faces):
1. All the active parts and the work part will become "shown".
2. All split directions under these parts will become "shown".
3. The visibility status of other leafs in each part will remain unchanged.
The popup submenu for each of the All Parts leaves, displays the option Hide Other.

Hide/Show Behavior
The part name leaf is synchronized between Assembly and Parting Trees.
Hiding the part in the Parting Tree will not change the status of the leaves (split directions and Non-
Active set).
Showing the split direction or Non Active in the hidden part, turns the part to shown (in both trees).
Hiding the split direction or Non Active in the hidden part, does not change the status of the part.

Parting Tree Popup Operations

Parting Tree popups are displayed by right clicking on an item in the appropriate tree. The popup
submenu displayed will depend upon the level of the item selected.
The Assembly and Sub-assembly popups are the same as for the Assembly Tree popups.
Note: Popup menus and status changes are not available on suppressed parts.
Assembly: Activate Component, Hide/Show All Components, Hide/Show Datums, Show Location
on Disk, Clear Selection.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪122

Parting: Activate Component, Hide/Show Datums, Hide Other, Reset Color and Render Mode,
Clear Selection, Update & Disassociate, Ignore Update.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪123

Work Part: Activate Component, Open Component, Delete Component, New Direction,
Hide/Show Datums, Hide Other, Reset Color and Render Mode, Show Location on Disk, Clear
Selection, Update & Disassociate, Ignore Update, Clear All Manually Added Faces.

Split Direction: Attach, Rename, Delete, Edit Direction, Export Active, Draft Angle Analysis,
Mark Faces, Clear Manually Added Faces , Select Entities(select all the assigned faces in the split
direction), Clear Selection, Hide Other.
Rename: Rename the split direction. By default, these names are defined
in the Preferences.
Delete Delete the split direction.
Edit Edit the split direction.
Direction
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪124

Parting Surfaces: Unassign All(remove the parting attribute from all faces), Select Entities(select
all the assigned faces in the split direction), Clear Selection.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪125

Parting Line Preview: Create Parting Line Preview, Update Parting Line Preview, Parting Line
Tolerance, Create Internal Parting Curve.

Parting Surface Part: Activate Component, Delete Component, Hide/Show Datums, Hide Other,
Reset Color and Render Mode, Clear Selection, Update & Disassociate, Ignore Update.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪126

Unassigned: Attach, Hide Other, Mark Faces.

Assigned: Unassign All(remove the parting attribute from all faces), Select Entities(select all the
assigned faces in the split direction), Clear Selection.

All Parts: Hide Other.

CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪127

The popup submenu for each of the All Parts leaves, displays the option Hide Other. This
option hides all other leaves in the parts and shows all the split directions.
Note: Selecting Hide Other on the leaves Unassigned, Active Faces, Parting Surfaces and
Non-Active Faces will show only faces and not wire bodies and datums.

Notes:
• When working in files from CimatronE 5.0 or earlier, which contain parting lines created
using the old mechanism (internal & external simultaneously), the Create Internal Parting
Curve command is disabled. Nevertheless, the "old" parting line creation feature can be
edited as in previous versions.
• Selecting a tree item is only possible if no other tool is activated (except for QuickSplit).
• The Show/Hide options only apply to faces and not to objects (unless they belong to Stock),
datum, curves, composites, sketches, etc.
• Faces hidden by set selection will be visible when the Show option is selected.
• When clicking the Parting tab with no split directions defined, only the unassigned group is
displayed containing all visible faces. Selecting Hide will hide all visible faces.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪128

Hide/Show All Components

Hide or Show all the components in the assembly. The items that are hidden or shown can be seen
in the following trees:
Hide All Components: Show All Components:

Remove from Parting Tree

The option Remove from Parting Tree is displayed only for active parts without split directions
(for example, split directions that have been deleted).
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪129

When this option is selected, the active part is removed. If the sub-assembly only contains one
active part, the whole sub-assembly is removed.

Show Only Active Faces

The option Show Only Active Faces shows all split directions and hides all other faces inside the
part.

Auto Hide
All CimatronE information trees and Feature Guides can be hidden or closed to increase the
viewable display area.
Auto Hide
Auto Hiding an information tree collapses the tree to the left margin of the display area to increase
the viewable display area. The tree can easily be recalled by mousing over the collapsed tree name.
In Auto Hide mode, whenever the tree is not being used, it is collapsed.
To Auto Hide a tree:
1. Pick the Auto Hide button when it is vertical .
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪130

The tree is now collapses to the left margin of the display area.
To recall a collapsed tree:
1. Move your mouse cursor over the name of the collapsed tree.

The tree is now displayed and all the usual operations can be carried out on it.
To stop Auto Hide:
1. Pick the Auto Hide button when it is horizontal .

The tree will now be displayed at all times.

CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪131

Close
Closing an information tree maximizes the viewable display area. The tree can easily be displayed
again by selecting View > Panes > Tree from the menu bar.
To Close a tree:
1. Pick the tree Close button .

The tree is closed, maximizing the viewable display area.

Comparing Parts (to detect engineering changes)

Compare
Compare and detect any engineering changes made to one part (original) file compared with
another (reference) file. These changes can then be edited and the model consequently updated. The
reference file may be an NC file. See ECO Manager.
Two groups of faces are created: The first group contains the faces to be added to the original part
while the second group contains the faces to be removed from the original part. Applying the
function automatically adds new faces created in the reference part and removes faces removed
from the reference part.
The following is the Feature Guide for Compare:
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1 :After loading the two files to be compared, either press exit(middle mouse
button) to accept the current screen location of the parts to be compared (by default they are
positioned according to the same UCS - the reference part is positioned on the original part), or to
re-locate them by picking different UCSs.

Required Step 2 : Enter the tolerance and/or select the display mode.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪132

Optional Step 1 : Pick unique reference part faces which will not be added to the original part.

Compare: Options and Results

Compare and detect any engineering changes made to one part (original) file compared with
another (reference) file.
Before invoking the Compare function, load the first of the part files to be compared (the original
part), for example:

Invoke(for instructions on how to invoke this function, press the Access button at the top of this
Help topic) the Compare function.

Required Step 1

The CimatronE Explorer is displayed. Select another part file (the reference part) to be compared
with the previously loaded part file.
Once the second part file is loaded, you are prompted to either accept the current screen location of
the parts to be compared (by default they are positioned according to the same UCS - the reference
part is positioned on the original part), or to re-locate them by picking different UCSs.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪133

In this example, the following parts have been selected. Notice that they look very similar, without
any recognizable differences, as shown below:
First part to be compared - loaded before Second part to be compared - loaded as
invoking the Compare function: the first operation in the Compare
function:

As mentioned above, after loading the second part file, the result can be viewed in two ways:
Either: Press exit(middle mouse Or: Pick different UCSs and then press
button) to accept the current exit(middle mouse button) .
location. In this case, each part is positioned according to
In this case, the reference part is its own UCS - as shown below.
positioned on the original part - as
shown below. (In this example,
notice the difference between the
two part files - some of the
entities have been changed).

In both the methods, when you press exit(middle mouse button) the system takes you to Required
Step 2 and displays the Compare parameters.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪134

Required Step 2
The screen location of the original and reference faces depends on your previous selection.
The default positioning was accepted - Different UCSs were selected to position the parts -
the parts are positioned according to each part is positioned according to own UCS:
the same UCS - the reference part is
positioned on the original part:

Whatever the screen locations of the parts, the parameters that are displayed for this step are as
follows (see the parameter descriptions below):
Besides the tolerance setting, the Face
Attributes dialog enables you to control the
following face attributes to improve clarity
(see the parameter descriptions below):
Hide/Show the relevant faces.
Change the Color of the relevant
faces.
Change the Render mode
(shade/transparency/wireframe)
of the relevant faces.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪135

Note: Depending on the screen location of the parts, some of the face "types" may not immediately
be identified. For example, as can be seen in the images above, the added and removed faces are
immediately identified when the parts are positioned according to different UCSs. Similarly, the
coincident faces are immediately identified when the parts are positioned according to the same
UCS. Use the hide/show toggle buttons to display the appropriate faces.
Parameter descriptions:
Distance Tol. Set the distance tolerance. This is the minimum distance between the
end points of all edges between two compared faces. If the distance
is less than the specified tolerance value, then the compared faces are
regarded as identical.
Face For explanations of the Face Attribute dialog options, see the Face
Attributes Attribute examples.
dialog
Note: In some cases the default settings of the Compare parameters may result in the following
message being displayed before the parameters are displayed:

In these cases. press OK to display the parameters.

This message may also appear after changing the tolerance parameter: Distance Tol.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪136

Optional Step 1
Pick unique reference (added) part faces which will not be added to the original (removed) part.
In this step, the following parameters are displayed:

Reset Reset the compare results (undo the changes made in this
Optional Step).
Face Attributes For explanations of the Face Attribute dialog options, see the
dialog Face Attribute examples.
Notes:
• If an Unchanged Face is picked, it turns red and it will be removed.
• If an Added Face is picked, it is hidden and will not be added.
• If a Removed Face is picked, it turns gray and it will not be removed.

Press OK or Apply in the Compare Feature Guide.

When completed, the Compare feature will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪137

Compare and ECO Manager Face Attribute Options

The Face Attributes dialog is displayed in the Compare, ECO: Update Work Parts and ECO:
Create Diff Part functions.
The Face Attributes dialog enables you to control the following face attributes to
improve clarity (see the examples below):
Hide/Show the relevant faces.
Change the Color of the relevant faces.
Change the Render mode (shade/transparency/wireframe) of the relevant
faces.

In the examples below, the following parts have been selected. Notice that they look very similar,
without any recognizable differences, as shown below:
First part to be compared - loaded before Compare step 2: Second part to be
invoking the Compare function: compared - loaded as the first
operation in the Compare function:

Compare step 2: Press exit(middle mouse Compare step 3: The default

button) to accept the current location. positioning was accepted - the parts
In this case, the reference part is positioned are positioned according to the same
on the original part - as shown below. (In UCS - the reference part is positioned
this example, notice the difference between on the original part:
the two part files - some of the entities have
been changed).

Examples:
Any combination of these options can be displayed; some of the display combinations are shown in
the examples below:
Unchanged Use the controls in the Face Attributes dialog to hide/show or highlight the
Faces unchanged faces.
Example:

Added Use the controls in the Face Attributes dialog to hide/show or highlight the
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪138

Faces added (reference) faces.

Example:

Removed Use the controls in the Face Attributes dialog to hide/show or highlight the
Faces removed (original) faces.
Example:

Added Use the controls in the Face Attributes dialog to hide/show or highlight the
Coincident added coincident faces.
Faces Example:
All coincident faces shown: "Added Coincident" faces shown,
"Removed Coincident" faces
hidden:

Removed Use the controls in the Face Attributes dialog to hide/show or highlight the
Coincident removed coincident faces.
Faces Example:
All coincident faces shown: "Added Coincident" faces hidden,
"Removed Coincident" faces
shown:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪139

Copying Objects

Copy
Copy entities. There are several methods for copying entities.
Note: To move entities, see the Move function.

Copying - Detailed Interaction of all Options

The Feature Guide and interaction for this function depend on how you want to copy the entities:
Copy Linear Create one copy of selected entities.

Copy Linear Copy entities in a 2-D linear array according to specified

Array coordinates.
Copy Radial Copy entities in a radial array about a specified axis.
Array
Copy Along Copy entities along a curve.
Curve
Copy Mirror Copy entities by mirroring them about a plane or planar
face.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪140

Copy > Linear

Create one copy of selected entities. There are several options for setting the location or direction
of the copy.
The following is the Feature Guide for Copy Linear.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1
Pick the entities that you want to copy. All types of entities can be picked. The cursor will tell you
what you are picking, and you can use the Selection Filter to enable you to pick the entities you
want.
The following interaction is displayed:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪141

Include the entire feature is a toggle option, toggling to Only picked faces:
Include the All faces belonging to the same feature (created by the same function)
entire will be automatically selected.
feature Example:

Only Only individually picked faces are selected.

picked Example:
faces

This toggle option will not appear if you select objects, curves, sketches, or faces of different
features.
Press exit(middle mouse button) when the required entities are picked.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪142

Required Step 2
Select the type of copy. The Merge On field means that all copied items will be part of the same
object as the original. Toggle to Merge Off if you want each copied item to be an individual object.
See the Merge On/Off example below.
The following options are available:
From Point to Points
Select first the origin point and then the destination point that determine the relative
copying vector. (See Picking Points.) If you want to change the destination, click the
existing destination point and then choose a new point. To reselect both points, click
the existing origin point and then reselect both points.
Multiple destination points can be picked by using "box selection".
Single Destination

Multiple Destination

XYZ Delta
Set the XYZ values, then click the UCS whose coordinate system will be used.

Along Vector
Use the blue arrow to set the vector direction, and set the delta value - the absolute
distance by which the entities will move. You can click on the arrow head or body to
reverse the direction.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪143

From UCS to UCS

Select origin UCS and then the destination UCS. If you want to change the
destination, click the existing destination UCS and then choose a new UCS. To
reselect both UCS's, click the existing origin UCS and then reselect both UCS's.

Merge On: This is a toggle option Merge On / Merge Off enabling you to select whether to merge
the selected faces with the body to which the faces belong (using a cut and merge boolean
operation), or to keep the selected faces as individual faces and do not cut and merge.
Merge Merge the selected faces with the body to which the faces belong (using a
On cut and merge boolean operation).
Example:

Merge Keep the selected faces as individual faces and do not cut and merge.
Off Example:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪144

Optional Step 1
This optional step enables you to rotate the selected entities along a point with respect to the active
UCS. This optional step is not available (grayed out) if the From UCS to UCS copy option is
selected in Required Step 2.
The following parameters are displayed:
Pressing on the CS Rotation button cancels the rotation and exits
the optional step.
Define the XYZ rotation parameters.

In addition, a temporary UCS and Reference Point (for the rotation point) are displayed. You can
change the position of this reference point as required, by picking another point.
The vectors of this temporary UCS are those of the active UCS and the default location of the
reference point is as follows:
• If the option From Point to Points was used in Required Step 2, the default point is the
"Origin" point.
• If either of the options XYZ Delta or Along Vector was used in Required Step 2, the
default point is the origin point of the active UCS.

When you are finished, press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
When completed, the new copy will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪145

Copy > Linear Array

Copy entities in a 2-D linear pattern according to specified coordinates or UCS.
The following is the Feature Guide for Copy Linear Array.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1
Pick the entities that you want to copy. All types of entities can be picked. The cursor will tell you
what you are picking, and you can use the Selection Filter to enable you to pick the entities you
want.
The following interaction is displayed:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪146

Include the entire feature is a toggle option, toggling to Only picked faces:
Include the All faces belonging to the same feature (created by the same function)
entire will be automatically selected.
feature Example:

Only Only individually picked faces are selected.

picked Example:
faces

This toggle option will not appear if you select objects, curves, sketches, or faces of different
features.
Press exit(middle mouse button) when the required entities are picked.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪147

Required Step 2
Select the coordinate system for the array either by picking a UCS or by picking points. If points
are picked, the array is created based on a set of XY axes. The first point you select is the origin of
the axes, the second point determines the X direction and the third point sets the Y direction. The
location of these points is not important, they are only used to set the relative copying directions
from the selected entities.

Press exit(middle mouse button) when the points are selected.

Required Step 3
Set the parameters of the array. Note that direction arrows are displayed.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪148

X The total number of items in the X direction after copying, including the
Counter original.
X Delta Set the distance (spacing) between the copied entities in the X direction.
Y The total number of items in the Y direction after copying, including the
Counter original.
Y Delta Set the distance (spacing) between the copied entities in the Y direction.
Full This is a toggle option Full Array / Boundary enabling you to select how
Array the entities are to be copied into the array.
Full Copy the selected entity to all array spaces.
Array Example:

Boundary Copy the selected entity only to the exterior rows of the
array.
Example:

Merge This is a toggle option Merge On / Merge Off. See the examples for
On Copy Linear.
Revert For an explanation of this parameter, see here.
Boolean
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪149

Note: You can reverse either copy direction by clicking on the relevant directional arrow.

When you are finished, press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
When completed, the new copy will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:

Copy > Radial Array

Copy entities in a radial pattern about a specified axis.
The following is the Feature Guide for Copy Radial Array.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1
Pick the entities that you want to copy. All types of entities can be picked. The cursor will tell you
what you are picking, and you can use the Selection Filter to enable you to pick the entities you
want.
The following interaction is displayed:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪150

Include the entire feature is a toggle option, toggling to Only picked faces:
Include All faces belonging to the same feature (created by the same function)
the will be automatically selected.
entire Example:
feature

Only Only individually picked faces are selected.

picked Example:
faces

This toggle option will not appear if you select objects, curves, sketches, or faces of different
features.
Press exit(middle mouse button) when the required entities are picked.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪151

Required Step 2
Select the axis of rotation. The axis can be defined by picking an edge, line, datum axis, UCS axis
(pick a UCS axis), 2 points, or the axis through the center of a cylindrical face, arc or circle.

Required Step 3
Set the parameters of the array. Note that a directional arrow is displayed.

Counter The total number of items after copying, including the original.
Angle The angle between each copied item.
Merge On This is a toggle option Merge On / Merge Off. See the examples
for Copy Linear.
Revert For an explanation of this parameter, see here.
Boolean
Note: You can reverse either copy direction by clicking on the relevant directional arrow.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪152

When you are finished, press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
When completed, the new copy will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:

Copy > Along Curve

Copy entities along a curve. Any type of entity can be copied and the target curve can either be 2D
or 3D. A constraint plane can also be defined (to set the Z direction on a point on the curve).
The following is the Feature Guide for Copy Along Curve.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1
Pick the reference entities that you want to copy. All types of entities can be picked. The cursor will
tell you what you are picking, and you can use the Selection Filter to enable you to pick the entities
you want.

If you pick a face and use Include the entire feature, all faces belonging to the same feature
(created by the same function) will be automatically selected. Toggle Include the entire feature to
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪153

Only picked faces if you want to pick individual faces. This toggle option will not appear if you
select objects, curves, sketches, or faces of different features.
Press exit (middle mouse button) when the required entities are picked.

Required Step 2
Pick a curve or contour along which copies of the reference entity (selected in step 1) are to be
positioned.

Press exit (middle mouse button) when the required entities are picked.

Required Step 3
Pick the reference UCS or point on the entity to be copied. This is the location point for the entity
being copied.
When you enter this step, the parameters shown below are displayed. When you pick the reference
UCS or point, the copies of the entity are positioned (by default) initially at the start or end point of
the curve selected in step 2.

Set the parameters as required:

CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪154

By Pick the reference UCS or point on the entity to be copied. This option also defines how
Reference the entity is copied to the curve (selected in step 2).
UCS This is a toggle option By Reference UCS / By Point. The following toggle options are
available:
By Pick the reference UCS. Using this option, the copy operation takes
Reference place as follows:
UCS 1. The X axis on the reference UCS is translated to the tangent
vector on the curve (on each destination point).
2. The Z axis of the reference UCS is translated to the vector
normal to the defined plane (XY plane).
3. The Y axis is the result of the X and Z directions.
Examples:
Pick the reference UCS. The reference UCS is selected.

By Point Pick the reference point. This option is similar to the By Reference
UCS explained above, except that in this case a dummy UCS is created
on the closest point on the curve to the picked reference point, with X
tangent to the curve at this point and Z normal to the defined plane.
The dummy UCS is used to copy the selected entities.
Examples:
Pick the reference point. The reference point is selected.

For clarity, this selection is shown below without the entity to be

copied.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪155

Active Define the XY constraint plane for the copy operation. The following dropdown list of
XY options is available:
No Do not use a constraint plane. This option enables you to copy
Constraint revolved objects that are always normal to a curve.
Plane As no constraint plane is used, a toggle button is displayed enabling
you to choose either the X or Z constraint axis. To produce the desired
result, use the axis that runs along the curve.
Examples:
In this example, a ring (shown next to the UCS in the picture below) is
copied along a curve such that it is always normal to the curve. In this
case, the Z axis runs along the curve and so the Use Z Axis toggle
button is selected to produce the desired result:

If, in this example, the Use X Axis toggle button was selected, the
following undesirable result would be produced:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪156

A closer look at the undesirable result.

Use Curve This option is only displayed if a 2D curve is selected in step 2. In this
Plane case, the XY plane of the 2D curve is used.
Active XY The XY plane of the active UCS is used.
Define Pick a plane/planar face. The XY plane of the picked plane/planar face
Plane is used.

By Select the method to define the initial location of the copied entity on the curve and the
Distance subsequent number of copies to be displayed. For each of these options, a flip directional
arrow is displayed on the curve, enabling you to flip the direction (on the curve) in
which the entities are copied.
The following dropdown list of options is available to define the target points on the
curve:
By Pick Pick a point on the curve to define the initial location of the copied
entity.
If required. pick additional points on the curve to position additional
copies of the entity.
Examples:
Pick the initial location of the copied entity on the curve:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪157

The entity is copied to the picked point (see the picture below). Note the
flip directional arrow at this initial point.
Pick another point on the curve:

Another copy of the entity is positioned at the second picked point:

By A copy of the entity is positioned on the start or end point of the curve
Intervals (whichever point is closest to the position on the curve you picked,
when you selected it in step 2).
From this initial copy, divide the curve into a number of equidistant
intervals and place a copy of the entity at each divide point (interval). In
other words, besides the initial copy of the entity on the curve, define
the number of additional copies to be placed equidistantly along the
length of the curve.
The following parameter is displayed:
Number of From the location of the initial copy on the curve,
Intervals define the number of intervals on the curve.
Example:
From the location of the initially copied entity (marked in red), the
required number of additional copies (5) are placed equidistantly along
the length of the curve.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪158

Note the flip directional arrow in the middle of the curve.

By A copy of the entity is positioned on the start or end point of the curve
Distance (whichever point is closest to the position on the curve you picked,
when you selected it in step 2).
From this initial copy, define the number of additional copies to be
added to the curve and set the spacing (distance) between them.
The following parameters are displayed:
By Set the distance (spacing) between the copied entities.
Distance
Counter Besides the initial copy on the curve, define the
number of additional copies of the entity on the curve.
Example:
From the location of the initially copied entity (marked in red), the
required number of additional copies (3) are placed at the defined
distance (2) between them along the length of the curve.
Note the flip directional arrow at the point of the initially copied entity
(at the start or end point of the curve).
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪159

Normal Define how the copied entities (or rather their UCSs) are orientated on the curve. This is
a toggle option: Normal / Parallel.
The Copy Along Curve function basically copies the selected entity from a reference
UCS (picked in step 3) to temporary target UCSs defined along the curve according to
the placement option selected (see the By Distance explanation above). The Normal /
Parallel parameter defines the orientation of the copied entities (target UCSs) on the
curve, together with the selected Active XY or Define Plane option.
Note: The Normal / Parallel toggle parameter is not displayed if the option No
Constraint Plane is selected above.
The following toggle options are available:
Normal The entities are copied from the reference UCS to temporary target UCSs
along the curve as follows:
Z - Normal to the defined plane (see the Active XY explanation above)
X - Tangent to the curve at the new (closest) point
Y - Calculated from Z and X.
Examples:
This example displays only the This example also displays
target UCSs to show the Normal the copies of the reference
orientation. entity to show its initial
orientation. In this case entity
needs to be flipped using the
<-Flip parameter option (see
below).

Parallel The entities are copied from the reference UCS to temporary target UCSs
along the curve in the same orientation as the reference UCS.
Note: This option cannot be selected if the No Constraint Plane option
(see above) is selected.
Examples:
This example displays only the target This example also
UCSs to show the Parallel orientation. displays the copies of
the reference entity to
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪160

show its initial

orientation.

Flip -> The Flip -> / <- Flip toggle option flips the Z direction of the temporary target UCSs
defined along the curve.
Examples:
Toggle the Flip -> button to flip the Z direction of the temporary target UCSs.

Note: The Flip -> toggle parameter is not displayed if the option No Constraint Plane is
selected above.
The flip directional arrow on the curve flips the X direction of the temporary target
UCSs defined along the curve.
Examples:
Click the directional arrow to flip the X direction of the temporary target UCSs.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪161

Remove Keep or remove the original reference entity. This is a toggle option Keep Original /
Original Remove Original.
Examples:
Keep Original Remove Original

When you are finished, press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
When completed, the new copy will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:

Copy > Mirror

Copy entities by mirroring them about a plane or planar face.
The following is the Feature Guide for Copy Mirror.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪162

Pick the entities that you want to copy. All types of entities can be picked. The cursor will tell you
what you are picking, and you can use the Selection Filter to enable you to pick the entities you
want.
The following interaction is displayed:

Include the entire feature is a toggle option, toggling to Only picked faces:
Include the All faces belonging to the same feature (created by the same function)
entire will be automatically selected.
feature Example:

Only Only individually picked faces are selected.

picked Example:
faces
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪163

This toggle option will not appear if you select objects, curves, sketches, or faces of different
features.
Press exit(middle mouse button) when the required entities are picked.

Required Step 2
Select the mirror surface (planar face or datum plane) or line (or two points to create a line).
Planar face: Result:

Set the parameters of the array.

Merge On This is a toggle option Merge On / Merge Off. See the examples
for Copy Linear.
Revert For an explanation of this parameter, see here.
Boolean
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪164

Line Selection example

Select the line, using Merge on or Merge Off as required (in this example, Merge On is used):
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪165

Merge On / Off in Line Selection Example

If Merge On was used, all copied entities are merged as part of the object.

If Merge Off was used, each copied item will be an individual item.

Note:
ƒ In certain instances in the Merge On mode, the result attained is not as desired. The Revert
Boolean button allows the correct Boolean operation to be performed.
Example:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪166

The bounded face copied below causes the main geometry to disappear. Pressing the Revert
Boolean button corrects this result.

When you are finished, press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
The selected entities are now copied to the other side of the mirror.
When completed, the new copy will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:

Copy : Editing
You can:
ƒ Edit the copy (by the Feature Guide)
ƒ Edit numerical parameters only (Delta, Counter, Angle, etc.)
Note: If your changes result in a geometric impossibility, or cause problems in subsequent
features, you will be warned by the Conflict Solver.

Editing the Copy by the Feature Guide

Right-click on the Copy name in the Feature Tree, or select one of the copied features and then
right-click. In the popup submenu that appears, select Edit Feature.
The Feature Guide will appear, automatically open to the last required step. You now return to the
same situation in which you created the Copy.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪167

Make modifications in the current step, and / or click the icons for other steps to modify. Press OK
or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.

Editing numerical values only

If you want to modify only the numerical values, such as delta, counters, or theta, double-click on
the Copy name in the Feature Tree or double-click on one of the copied features.
The numerical values are displayed. Press exit(middle mouse button) to leave edit mode, or click a
value to open the Edit Parameters dialog. In this dialog you can enter another value, or enter an
equation involving parametric dependency.

When the parameters are updated, click to update the copy, or you can update it later. (If you
do not update now, all updates will be done automatically the next time you create or edit any
feature or object.) Exit(middle mouse button) to leave edit mode.
Example:
Double-click one of the copied features (the yellow cylinders). In this case, a linear array was
defined and the X and Y counter and delta values are displayed.

Click the X delta value to open the Edit Parameters dialog. Enter a new value, or enter an
equation involving parametric dependency.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪168

Click to update.

See also:
ƒ Editing a Feature
ƒ Deleting a Feature

Datum Functions

Datum Functions
Environment functions do not create features, rather they are used to create a work environment,
including datums. This group of functions includes:
• Plane: Create a datum plane. This plane will not be included as part geometry, but rather
will act as a reference or as a plane for sketching.
• Axis: Create a datum axis. This axis will not be included as part geometry, but rather will
act as a reference within part and / or assembly files.
• UCS: Create coordinate systems. Every file contains a default UCS, this function is only
needed to create new UCS's.

Plane
Plane
Create a datum plane. This plane will not be included as part geometry, but rather will act as a
reference or as a plane for sketching.
Note: Plane is an Immediate function, which means that it can be accessed independently or
from within another part / assembly function (see the example).

Creating a Plane - Detailed Interaction of all Options

CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪169

The Feature Guide and interaction for this function depend on what type of plane you are creating:
Parallel Create a plane parallel to an existing plane, or to a plane defined
by selected entities.
Normal Create a plane normal to an existing plane, or to a plane defined by
selected entities.
Main Show the main planes (XY, YZ, XZ) for a given UCS.
Planes
Mid Create a datum plane between two other planes (or datum faces).
Plane This tool also supports spline faces (in this case the average plane
is taken into account).
Inclined Create a plane at a specified angle to an existing plane, or to a
plane defined by selected entities.
Defined Create a plane that passes through selected entities.
By

Plane > Parallel

Create a datum plane parallel to an existing plane, or to a plane defined by selected entities.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Plane Parallel.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1
Select references entities that define a plane.
Note: In certain cases, you can pick the entities and then enter the Plane Parallel function. If you
do this, the selected entities will automatically be included in Step 1.
The following entities can be picked to create the parallel plane:
a planar face
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪170

three points

a 2D curve / edge (non-linear)

CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪171

a line / linear edge / axis and a point

Two intersecting lines

an existing datum plane

CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪172

Note: If you pick a line, the directional arrow is immediately displayed in the Z direction of the
active UCS. This means that you can either press <exit>middle mouse button to immediately
display the plane and continue to the next step, or you can pick additional entities to define the
required plane and then proceed to the next step.
For example:
Pick a line. The directional arrow is Press <exit>middle mouse
immediately displayed. button to display the plane and
proceed to required step 2.

Required Step 2
You can either locate the plane by an offset value, or by a point through which the new plane will
pass.
Offset
Press the Delta = button to enter an offset value, and you can use the arrow to set the offset
direction.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪173

Point
Pick the point through which the plane will pass. (See Picking Points.)

When you are finished, exit(middle mouse button) to complete the step, and press OK or Apply
in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
The datum plane now appears, with drag handles for resizing.

When completed, the plane will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪174

Plane > Normal

Create a datum plane normal to an existing plane, or to a plane defined by selected entities.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Plane Normal.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1
Select references entities that define a normal plane.
Note: In certain cases, you can pick the entities and then enter the Plane Normal function. If you
do this, the selected entities will automatically be included in Step 1.
You can create the following:
a plane normal to an edge /axis / line, passing through a point
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪175

normal to a planar face / plane, passing through two points

normal to a planar face / plane, passing through a line / axis / edge

When you are finished, press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
The datum plane now appears, with drag handles for resizing.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪176

When completed, the plane will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:

Plane > Main Planes

Create the main planes (XY, YZ, XZ) for a specified UCS(s). Either create all the main planes or
create a plane in a specific direction.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Main Planes.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1
1. Select one of the plane creation options. Select Main Planes to create all the main planes
from the selected UCS, or select the specific plane direction.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪177

2. Pick the UCS(s) for which the main planes will be displayed. Multiple UCSs can be picked.
If the Main Planes option is selected, all the main planes are displayed.

If one of the other plane directions is selected, the specified datum plane is displayed.

Note: The created size of the main planes depends on the display size of the part (zoom).
Pick a plane to display its drag handles for resizing.

When completed, the planes will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪178

Plane > Mid Plane

This operation enables you to define a datum plane between two other planes (or datum faces). This
tool also supports spline faces (in this case the average plane is taken into account).

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Mid Plane.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1
1. Pick two planar faces (marked in red) between which to define the datum plane, as shown
below.

When the second face is marked as selected, the First / Second toggle button is displayed.
This button toggles between the alternative mid planes (displayed in black) that can be
created between the two selected planes.
The First button previews the first The Second button previews the
mid plane that can be created second mid plane that can be created
between the two selected planes. between the two selected planes.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪179

Select the required option.

2. Click OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
If the First option was selected, If the Second option was selected,
the resulting datum plane would be the resulting datum plane would
as follows: be as follows:

When completed, the plane will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪180

Plane > Inclined

Create a datum plane inclined to an existing plane, that passes through selected entities.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Plane Inclined.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1
Select the plane or planar face to which the new plane will be inclined, and pick entities through
which the new plane will pass. The picking order does not matter.
Note: In certain cases, you can pick the entities and then enter the Plane Normal function. If
you do this, the selected entities will automatically be included in Step 1.
You can select:
a plane / planar face and an edge, axis, or line
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪181

a plane / planar face and two points

Required Step 2
Define the angle of inclination. Press the Angle = field to enter the desired value. The angle must
be a positive value between 0 and 90. To flip the direction 90 degrees, click on the arrow or arrow
head.
When you are finished, press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
The datum plane now appears, with drag handles for resizing.

When completed, the plane will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪182

Plane > Defined By

Create a datum plane that passes through selected entities.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Plane Defined By.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1
Select references entities that define a plane.
Note: In certain cases, you can pick the entities and then enter the Plane Through function. If you
do this, the selected entities will automatically be included in Step 1.
You can select:
a planar face
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪183

a non-planar face
Picking a non-planar face produces an approximate plane which you can accept or cancel.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪184

Line and direction

• two points
Upon picking the 2nd point to define the line, a plane is produced in the default
direction of the Z plane which can then be changed by clicking the Directional
Arrow. or picking a 3rd point.

Note: In cases where the cross product between the Z direction of the active
UCS and the line (or the vector from the 2 points) is smaller then 5 degrees, the
default direction will be the X plane of the active UCS.
• line and a point
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪185

Upon picking the line, a plane is produced a plane is produced in the default direction of the
Z plane which can then be changed by clicking the Directional Arrow or picking a 2nd
point.

Note: In cases where the cross product between the Z direction of the active UCS and the
line (or the vector from the 2 points) is smaller then 5 degrees, the default direction will be
the X plane of the active UCS.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪186

Upon picking the line, a plane is produced a plane is produced in the default
direction of the Z plane which can then be changed by clicking the Directional
Arrow or picking a 2nd point.

Note: In cases where the cross product between the Z direction of the active
UCS and the line (or the vector from the 2 points) is smaller then 5 degrees, the
default direction will be the X plane of the active UCS.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪187

three points

a 2D curve / edge (non-linear)

a line / linear edge /axis and a point

CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪188

Two intersecting lines

Note: When defining a plane for the Sketcher, the following Plane > Defined By methods are
recognized by the Sketcher:
• planar face
• three points
• line and a point
• 2D curve / edge (non-linear)
• two intersecting lines
When you are finished, press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
The datum plane now appears, with drag handles for resizing.

When completed, the plane will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:

Plane: Editing
You can:
ƒ Edit the plane (by the Feature Guide)
ƒ Edit numerical parameters only (offset, angle, etc.)
ƒ Resize the plane
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪189

Note: If your changes result in a geometric impossibility, or cause problems in subsequent

features, you will be warned by the Conflict Solver.

Editing the Plane by the Feature Guide

Right-click on the Plane name in the Feature Tree, or select the plane and then right-click. In the
popup submenu that appears, select Edit Feature.
The Feature Guide will appear, automatically open to the last required step. You now return to the
same situation in which you created the Plane.
Make modifications in the current step, and / or click the icons for other steps to modify. Press OK
or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.

Editing numerical values only

If you want to modify only the numerical values, such as the offset distance or inclination angle,
double-click on the Plane name in the Feature Tree.
The numerical values are displayed. Press exit(middle mouse button) to leave edit mode, or click a
value to open the Edit Parameters dialog. In this dialog you can enter another value, or enter an
equation involving parametric dependency.

When the parameters are updated, click to update the plane, or you can update it later. (If you
do not update now, all updates will be done automatically the next time you create or edit any
feature or object.) Exit(middle mouse button) to leave edit mode.
Example:
Double-click the Plane name in the Feature Tree to display the numerical values. In this case,
a parallel plane was defined at an offset.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪190

Click the offset value to open the Edit Parameters dialog. Enter a new value, or enter an
equation involving parametric dependency.

Click to update.

Resizing the Plane

If you want to resize the plane for display purposes, select the plane. It will be highlighted and drag
handles will appear at the sides and corners.

See also:
ƒ Editing a Feature
ƒ Deleting a Feature
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪191

Axis
Axis
Create a datum axis. This axis will not be included as part geometry, but rather will act as a
reference within part and / or assembly files. For example, a datum axis can be used as a reference
in the Revolve function.
Note: Axis is an Immediate function, which means that it can be accessed independently or
from within another part / assembly function (see the example).

Creating an Axis - Detailed Interaction of all Options

The Feature Guide and interaction for this function depend on the type of axis you are creating:
Parallel Create an axis parallel to an existing axis, edge, or line.

Normal Create an axis normal to an existing plane / edge / line at a given

point.
Main Axes

Intersection Create an axis at the intersection of two planes / faces.

Defined By Create an axis that passes through selected entities.

Axis > Parallel

Create a datum axis parallel to an existing axis, edge, or line.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Axis Parallel.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1
Pick the reference entity that defines the axis. The axis will be created parallel to this reference
entity. The axis can be defined by picking an edge, line, datum axis, UCS axis (pick a UCS axis), 2
points, or the axis through the center of a cylindrical face, arc or circle.
Note: In certain cases, you can pick the entities and then enter the Axis Parallel function. If you do
this, the selected entities will automatically be included in Step 1.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪192

The following entities can be picked:

A linear edge: 2 points:

A line created in the An existing axis:

Sketcher or Line
function:

Required Step 2
Set the position of the axis, either by defining a vector and an offset delta value or by picking a
point through which the axis will pass. The axis is created parallel to the reference entity selected in
Required Step 1.
The following parameters are displayed:

The parameter By Vector + Delta is a toggle option: By Vector + Delta / By Reference Point.
By Set the position of the axis by defining a vector and an offset delta value. The axis can be
Vector + defined by picking an edge, line, datum axis, UCS axis (pick a UCS axis), 2 points, or the
Delta axis through the center of a cylindrical face, arc or circle.
The Delta parameter is displayed.
Click the arrow to set the offset direction. Set the offset delta value. A preview of the axis
is displayed. The axis is created parallel to the reference entity selected in Required Step
1.
Example:
Reference entity picked in Step A preview of the axis is displayed. The axis is
1. created parallel to the reference entity selected in
Required Step 1.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪193

By Set the position of the axis by picking a reference point through which the axis will pass.
Reference The axis can be defined by picking an edge, line, datum axis, UCS axis (pick a UCS
Point axis), 2 points, or the axis through the center of a cylindrical face, arc or circle.
A preview of the axis is displayed. The axis is created parallel to the reference entity
selected in Required Step 1.
Example:
Reference entity picked in Step 1.

Pick the reference point through which A preview of the axis is displayed. The
the axis will pass: axis is created parallel to the reference
entity selected in Required Step 1.

When you are finished, exit(middle mouse button) to complete the step, and press OK or Apply
in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
The datum axis now appears, with drag handles for resizing.

When completed, the axis will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪194

Axis > Normal

Create a datum axis normal to an existing plane / edge / line at a given point.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Axis Normal.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1
Select references entities that define a normal axis.
Note: In certain cases, you can pick the entities and then enter the Axis Normal function. If
you do this, the selected entities will automatically be included in Step 1.
You can create the following:
an axis normal to an edge /axis / line, passing through a point
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪195

normal to a planar face / plane, passing through a point

normal to a 2D non-linear curve, passing through a point

When you are finished, press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
The datum axis now appears, with drag handles for resizing.

When completed, the axis will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪196

Axis > Main Axes

Create the main axes (X, Y, Z) for a specified UCS. Either create all the main axes or create an axis
in a specific direction.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Main Axes.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1
1. Select one of the axis creation options. Select Main Axes to create all the main axes from
the selected UCS, or select the specific axis direction.

2. Pick the UCS for which the main axes will be displayed.
If the Main Axes option is selected, all the main axes are displayed.

If one of the other axis directions is selected, the specified datum axis is displayed.

Note: The created size of the main axes depends on the display size of the part (zoom).
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪197

When you are finished, press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
The datum axis now appears, with drag handles for resizing.

When completed, the axes will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:

Axis > Intersection

Create a datum axis at the intersection of two planes / faces.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Axis Intersection.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1
Select two intersecting planar faces / planes.
Note: You can pick one or both faces / planes and then enter the Axis Intersection function.
If you do this, the selected entities will automatically be included in Step 1.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪198

When you are finished, press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
The datum axis now appears, with drag handles for resizing.

When completed, the axis will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:

Axis > Defined By

Create a datum axis that passes through selected entities.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Axis Defined By.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪199

Required Step 1
Select references entities that define an axis. The axis can be defined by picking an edge, line,
datum axis, UCS axis (pick a UCS axis), 2 points, or the axis through the center of a cylindrical
face, arc or circle.
Note: In certain cases, you can pick the entities and then enter the Axis Through function. If
you do this, the selected entities will automatically be included in Step 1.
You can select:
two points

a round face (circle or arc)

CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪200

a round edge (circle or arc)

When you are finished, press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
The datum axis now appears, with drag handles for resizing.

When completed, the axis will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:

Axis: Editing
You can:
ƒ Edit the axis (by the Feature Guide)
ƒ Resize the axis
Note: If your changes result in a geometric impossibility, or cause problems in subsequent
features, you will be warned by the Conflict Solver.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪201

Editing the Axis by the Feature Guide

Right-click on the Axis name in the Feature Tree, or select the axis and then right-click. In the
popup submenu that appears, select Edit Feature.
The Feature Guide will appear, automatically open to the last required step. You now return to the
same situation in which you created the Axis.
Make modifications in the current step, and / or click the icons for other steps to modify. Press OK
or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.

Resizing the Axis

If you want to resize the axis for display purposes, select the axis. It will be highlighted and drag
handles will appear at both ends.

See also:
ƒ Editing a Feature
ƒ Deleting a Feature

UCS
UCS > Activate UCS
It is possible to temporarily activate a new UCS. This active UCS is then used in a number of
functions to determine directions, measurements and various calculations.
The following are examples where a new UCS can be applied:
• Updating the main views.
• Performing measuring calculations.
• Adding new components in the assembly.
• Defining Toolpath and procedures.
• All Electrode application functions requiring a UCS as input.
• For a new exported part or NC file, according to the active UCS of a server file.
• Screen Point selection according to the XY plane of the active UCS.
• Functions using UCS directions, as the default will use the active UCS directions as the
default (Set Direction, QuickSplit, Split Face by point, Copy/Move function when option
XYZ delta used, Scale / Non-uniform, Silhouette Curve etc).
• In Point&Delta, take the X, Y and Z directions according to active UCS.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪202

• For a default plane for the Sketcher (XY plane of active UCS).
• For storing the active UCS as active while importing (to part doc.)/ LOAD model (to NC
doc.).

Immediate Functions

Immediate Functions
CimatronE contains several functions that can be accessed at any time, even if you are already in
the middle of another function. These functions can also be accessed independently.
Example of working with Immediate Functions
The Immediate functions include:
ƒ Sketcher
ƒ Plane
ƒ Axis
ƒ UCS
ƒ Activate
ƒ Composite Curve
ƒ Spline
ƒ Project
ƒ Split (Curve)
ƒ Split (Faces)
ƒ Split Silhouette
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪203

Immediate Functions: Example

This example demonstrates how an Immediate function can be used within an active function.
For the part shown below, the ellipse is to be used in the Remove Extrude function to remove
material from the solid box.

Enter the Remove Extrude function, choose To Reference as the extrusion option. The reference
plane is to cut diagonally across the box.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪204

The Feature Guide for the Remove Extrude function is shown below. The first step has been
completed (choosing the ellipse as the sketch/contour), and the second step (choosing a reference
plane) is the current or active step.

As stated above, the ellipse is to be extruded to a diagonal plane within the box. This reference
plane has not been created yet, and must be created now. There is no need to exit the Extrude
function; you can access the Immediate function Plane while still in the Extrude function.
From the menu bar, go to Datum > Plane > Defined by. You are now in the Plane function, and
the Feature Guide is shown below. (You can see that the Extrude function is still open, "behind"
the Plane function.)
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪205

To create the diagonal reference plane, select the three points as shown below.

The reference plane is created.

CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪206

In the Feature Guide, press OK to apply and exit the Plane function.

Back in Extrude, the plane just created was automatically selected as the reference plane for the
extrusion. This is because the plane was created during the second step of Extrude -choosing a
reference plane.

in the Feature Guide, you can see that the only open function is Extrude. You can also see that
both required steps are completed. Unless you want to create a draft angle (optional step), all that
remains to do is to press OK to apply and exit the Extrude function.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪207

This is the result of the Remove Extrude function.

In the tree you can see all components of the part so far: the original solid box (Extrude 14), the
diagonal reference plane (Through21), and the material removal (Extrude22).

Note that if you delete the reference plane, the Remove Extrude feature will also be deleted! This
is because Extrude22 is dependent on Through21.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪208

Moving Objects

Move
Move entities. There are several methods for moving entities.
Note: To copy entities, see the Copy function.

Moving - Detailed Interaction of all Options

The Feature Guide and interaction for this function depend on how you want to move the entities:
Move Move entities in a straight line. Options include: By Pivot Point,
Linear XYZ Delta, Along Vector, and From UCS to UCS.
Move Move entities by rotating them about an axis.
Radial
Move Move entities by mirroring them about a plane or planar face.
Mirror

Move > Linear

Move entities in a straight line. There are several options for setting the location and direction of
the move.
The following is the Feature Guide for Move Linear.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1
Pick the entities that you want to move. All types of entities can be picked. The cursor will tell you
what you are picking, and you can use the Selection Filter to enable you to pick the entities you
want. Press exit(middle mouse button) when the required entities are picked.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪209

Note: You can also select the entities and then enter the Move function. The selected entities will
be automatically included in Step 1.

Required Step 2
Set the type of line and distance by which you want to move the entities. The following options are
available:
From Point to Points
Select first the origin point and then the destination point that determine the
relative moving direction. (See Picking Points.) If you want to change the
destination, click the existing destination point and then choose a new point. To
reselect both points, click the existing origin point and then reselect both points.

XYZ Delta
Set the XYZ values, then click the UCS whose coordinate system will be used.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪210

Along Vector
Use the blue arrow to set the vector direction, and set the delta value - the absolute
distance by which the entities will move. You can click on the arrow head or body
to reverse the direction.

From UCS to UCS

Select origin UCS and then the destination UCS. If you want to change the
destination, click the existing destination UCS and then choose a new UCS. To
reselect both UCS's, click the existing origin UCS and then reselect both UCS's.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪211

Optional Step 1
This optional step enables you to rotate the selected entities along a point with respect to the active
UCS. This optional step is not available (grayed out) if the From UCS to UCS move option is
selected in Required Step 2.
The following parameters are displayed:
Pressing on the CS Rotation button cancels the rotation and exits
the optional step.
Define the XYZ rotation parameters.

In addition, a temporary UCS and Reference Point (for the rotation point) are displayed. You can
change the position of this reference point as required, by picking another point.
The vectors of this temporary UCS are those of the active UCS and the default location of the
reference point is as follows:
• If the option From Point to Points was used in Required Step 2, the default point is the
"Origin" point.
• If either of the options XYZ Delta or Along Vector was used in Required Step 2, the
default point is the origin point of the active UCS.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪212

When you are finished, press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
When completed, the new move will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:

Move > Radial

Move entities (including faces, curves, objects or NC toolpathssee the NC Toolpath Trajectories
Notes) by rotating them about an axis.
The following is the Feature Guide for Move Radial.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1
Pick the entities that you want to move. All types of entities can be picked. The cursor will tell you
what you are picking, and you can use the Selection Filter to enable you to pick the entities you
want.

Press exit(middle mouse button) when the required entities are picked.
Note: You can also select the entities and then enter the Move function. The selected entities will
be automatically included in Step 1.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪213

Required Step 2
Select the axis of rotation. The axis can be defined by picking an edge, line, datum axis, UCS axis
(pick a UCS axis), 2 points, or the axis through the center of a cylindrical face, arc or circle.

Required Step 3
Set the parameter. Set the angle of rotation. Note that a directional arrow is displayed.
The value must be positive. You can flip the rotation direction by clicking on the blue arrow.

Angle Set the angle of rotation. The value must be positive.

Note: You can flip the rotation direction by clicking on the directional arrow.

When you are finished, press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
When completed, the new move will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪214

Move > Mirror

Move entities by mirroring them about a plane or planar face.
The following is the Feature Guide for Move Mirror.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1
Pick the entities that you want to move. All types of entities can be picked. The cursor will tell you
what you are picking, and you can use the Selection Filter to enable you to pick the entities you
want.

Press exit(middle mouse button) when the required entities are picked.
Note: You can also select the entities and then enter the Move function. The selected entities will
be automatically included in Step 1.

Required Step 2
Select the mirror surface. This can be a planar face or datum plane.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪215

When you are finished, press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
The selected entities are now "flipped" over the mirror surface.

When completed, the new move will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪216

Move : Editing
You can:
ƒ Edit the move (by the Feature Guide)
ƒ Edit numerical parameters only (delta, etc.)
Note: If your changes result in a geometric impossibility, or cause problems in subsequent
features, you will be warned by the Conflict Solver.

Editing the Move by the Feature Guide

Right-click on the Move name in the Feature Tree, or select one of the moved features and then
right-click. In the popup submenu that appears, select Edit Feature.
The Feature Guide will appear, automatically open to the last required step. You now return to the
same situation in which you created the Move.
Make modifications in the current step, and / or click the icons for other steps to modify. Press OK
or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.

Editing numerical values only

If you want to modify only the numerical values, such as delta, double-click on the Move name in
the Feature Tree or double-click on one of the moved features.
The numerical values are displayed. Press exit(middle mouse button) to leave edit mode, or click a
value to open the Edit Parameters dialog. In this dialog you can enter another value, or enter an
equation involving parametric dependency.

When the parameters are updated, click to update the move, or you can update it later. (If you
do not update now, all updates will be done automatically the next time you create or edit any
feature or object.) Exit(middle mouse button) to leave edit mode.
Example:
Double-click one of the moved features (the three faces on the right). In this case, a linear
move was defined and the X, Y, Z delta values are displayed.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪217

Click the X delta value to open the Edit Parameters dialog. Enter a new value, or enter an
equation involving parametric dependency.

Click to update.

See also:
ƒ Editing a Feature
ƒ Deleting a Feature
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪218

Setting a Direction

Setting a Direction
There are several functions in which defining a direction is either a required or optional step. When
you need to define a direction, an arrow appears on the screen both on the geometry itself as well as
in the top right hand side of the screen. This arrow can be used for two purposes:
• Flip the direction: Click on the head or body of the arrow to flip the arrow direction 180
degrees.

• Set a different direction: Click on the arrow origin to open the direction menu.

Note: In some functions that use the directional arrow, the direction cannot be changed. In
such cases, the circle at the arrow origin does not appear, and the direction dialog is not
available.
The direction options are as follows:
ƒ Tangent to Curve
ƒ Normal to Curve
ƒ Normal to Plane/Face
ƒ Normal to Screen
ƒ Along Line / Axis
ƒ Along UCS Axis
ƒ By QuickSplit Direction
ƒ Along X, Y, or Z
ƒ Plane & Angle
ƒ Two Points
ƒ Cylindrical / Conic Center
ƒ By Angle
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪219

Setting a Direction: Tangent to Curve

In the example below, the Add Extrude function is to be used to extrude the circle. The extrude
direction is to be tangent to the curved edge at its upper endpoint.

By default, the extrude direction is normal to the sketching plane, in this case, vertical.

Click on the arrow origin, and from the menu select Tangent to Curve. You can now pick the
curve or curved edge to which the extrude will be tangent.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪220

Now pick the point on the curve where the tangent will be defined.

The extrude direction is now tangent to the selected curve at its endpoint. If the extrude direction
points the wrong way, you can click on the arrow head or body to flip the direction 180 degrees.

Setting a Direction: Normal to Curve

In the example below, the Add Extrude function is to be used to extrude the circle. The extrude
direction is to be normal to the curved edge at its upper endpoint.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪221

By default, the extrude direction is normal to the sketching plane, in this case, vertical.

Click on the arrow origin, and from the menu select Normal to Curve. You can now pick the curve
or curved edge to which the extrude will be normal.

Now pick the point on the curve where the normal will be defined.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪222

The extrude direction is now normal to the selected curve at its endpoint. If the extrude direction
points the wrong way, you can click on the arrow head or body to flip the direction 180 degrees.

Setting a Direction: Normal to Plane

In the example below, the Add Extrude function is to be used to extrude the circle. The extrude
direction is to be vertical.

By default, the extrude direction is normal to the sketching plane, in this case, outward from the
diagonal face.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪223

Click on the arrow origin, and from the menu select Normal to Plane/Face. You can now pick the
planar face or plane to which the extrusion will be normal.
A vertical extrusion is normal to the XY plane, so pick the planar face shown below. (If the extrude
direction points the wrong way, you can click on the arrow head or body to flip the direction 180
degrees.)

The extrude direction is now vertical.

Setting a Direction: Normal to Screen

In the example below, the Add Extrude function is to be used to extrude the circle. The extrude
direction is normal to the screen - in other words, in the direction of you, the user.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪224

By default, the extrude direction is normal to the sketching plane, in this case, outward from the
body.

Click on the arrow origin, and from the menu select Normal to Screen. The extrude direction is
now towards the screen.

As the Normal to Screen direction may be difficult to see, rotate the part to view the extrude.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪225

Setting a Direction: Along Line / Axis

In the example below, the Add Extrude function is to be used to extrude the circle. The extrude
direction is to follow the slope of the side of the trapezoid.

By default, the extrude direction is normal to the sketching plane, in this case, outward from the
body.

Click on the arrow origin, and from the menu select Along Line / Axis. You can now pick the line
(from Sketcher or Line function), edge, or axis that will define the extrude direction.
The direction vector is according to the way the line was created. (In the example below, the
selected edge proceeds from back to front.) However, the line's direction is not always obvious. If
the extrude direction points the wrong way, you can click on the arrow head or body to flip the
direction 180 degrees.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪226

The extrude direction now follows the slope of the trapezoid.

In another example, a line from a sketch can also be used to define a direction. The green circle is
to be extruded in the direction of one of the blue triangle edges.

The selected line was defined from front to back, so the extrude direction is "backward".
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪227

Click on the arrow to flip the direction.

Setting a Direction: Along UCS Axis

In the example below, the Add Extrude function is to be used to extrude the circle.

By default, the extrude direction is normal to the sketching plane, in this case, outward from the
diagonal face.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪228

Click on the arrow origin, and from the menu select Along UCS Axis. Pick one of the axes from
the UCS. In the above example, the Y axis is picked.

The extrusion is created along the Y axis.

Setting a Direction: By QuickSplit Direction

In the example below, the Add Extrude function is to be used to extrude the circle.
Note: A prerequisite of this operation is that the reference face (the face that will define the extrude
direction) belongs to a part that has been split using the QuickSplit function.
Example:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪229

By default, the extrude direction is normal to the sketching plane, in this case, outward from the
diagonal face.

Click on the arrow origin, and from the menu select By QuickSplit Direction. Pick one of the
faces belonging to the set which is split in the required direction.
Note: It is also possible to pick the face of another part that has been split.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪230

The extrusion is created in the direction of the split.

Setting a Direction: Along X, Y, or Z

In the example below, the Add Extrude function is to be used to extrude the circle.

By default, the extrude direction is normal to the sketching plane, in this case, outward from the
diagonal face.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪231

Click on the arrow origin, and from the menu select Along Z. The extrusion is now along the Z
axis of the UCS. (If the extrude direction points the wrong way, you can click on the arrow head or
body to flip the direction 180 degrees.)

Or, click the arrow origin and from the menu select Along Y.

Setting a Direction: Plane and Angle

In the example below, the Add Extrude function is to be used to extrude the circle. The extrude
direction is to be 10 degrees from vertical, toward the left side.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪232

By default, the extrude direction is normal to the sketching plane, in this case, vertical.

Click on the arrow origin, and from the menu select Plane & Angle. You can now pick a planar
face or plane that is parallel to the desired direction vector. (If you exit(middle mouse button), you
will automatically select the default XY plane.)
A set of section and cross-section (C and S) axes appears. Enter the counter-clockwise angle from
the S axis to the desired vector (180 degrees = no change in angle).
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪233

In this example, the vector is located 10 degrees counter-clockwise from the S axis.

Since the vector is pointing the wrong way, click on the arrow head or body to flip the direction.
(The same vector would have been obtained by entering 190 degrees instead of 10 degrees.)
The extrude is now 10 degrees from vertical.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪234

Setting a Direction: Two Points

In the example below, the Add Extrude function is to be used to extrude the circle. The extrude
direction is to follow the slope of the step.

By default, the extrude direction is normal to the sketching plane, in this case, vertically upward.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪235

Click on the arrow origin, and from the menu select Two Points. You can now pick the two points
that will define the extrude direction. (See Picking Points.)
The direction vector starts from the 1st point and proceeds toward the 2nd point. However, if the
extrude direction points the wrong way, you can always click on the arrow head or body to flip the
direction 180 degrees.

The extrude direction now follows the slope of the step.

CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪236

Setting a Direction: Cylindrical / Conic Center

In the example below, the Add Extrude function is to be used to extrude the circle. The extrude
direction is to be along the center of the conic feature.

By default, the extrude direction is normal to the sketching plane, in this case, vertical.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪237

Click on the arrow origin, and from the menu select Cylindrical / Conic Center. You can now
pick a cylindrical face, conic face, revolve face, circle, arc, or circular edge to which the extrusion
will be normal.
Pick the conic face shown below. (If the extrude direction points the wrong way, you can click on
the arrow head or body to flip the direction 180 degrees.)

To get the same results, you can also pick one of the circular edges.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪238

The extrude direction is now the same as that of the cone.

By Angle
In the example below, the Add Extrude function is to be used to extrude the circle.

By default, the extrude direction is normal to the sketching plane, in this case, outward from the
diagonal face.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪239

Left-click on the arrow origin, and from the popup submenu select By Angle.

The By Angle dialog is displayed.

Displays the Reference UCS which
serves as a reference for setting the
direction by angle.
Enables you to select a different
Reference UCS.
1. Press this button.
2. Select another reference UCS.
All subsequent angles/planes
are based on this reference
UCS.
Angle Projected on Plane
Angle from Axis
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪240

Angle Projected on Plane

This option indicates the angle between the projection of the arrow direction on the selected plane
and the axis (the X axis for the XY and XZ planes, the Y axis for the YZ plane). Using this option,
it is possible to define the angle for the Top / Front / Right view.
To change the projected angle:
1. Set the reference UCS.
2. Define the required plane using the plane dropdown list

3. Set the projection angle relative to the selected plane.

Angle from Axis

Enter the required angles values for each axis (based on the reference UCS).
To change the projected angle:
1. Set the reference UCS.
2. Set the projection angle for each axis.
Fix/Float buttons are associated with each angle. These can be
set automatically or manually.
Automatic Fix: The first changed axis is the dominant axis.
This angle value does not change when the second or third axis
angles are changed. Once you change the value of the second
axis, the first changed axis automatically becomes Fixed.

Manual Fix: Press the appropriate Float button to toggle it

to Fixed . This angle value does not change, until you either
toggle the button back to Float, or you set another axis as Fixed.
Only one axis can be defined as Fixed; setting a subsequent axis
to Fixed, automatically toggles another Fixed axis to Float.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪241

Click OK . The extrusion is created accordingly.

Tools (Part)

Tools
The Tools menu contains the following functions.
Add Pictures Add pictures to a CimatronE file and save the pictures as
JPG files in the CimatronE Explorer.
Attach Name to Attach properties (attributes/definitions) to entities within
Entity the catalog part. These entities could be cutting objects,
faces, axes, etc.
Check & Fix Check and fix problematic entities in the model.
Entities
CMM (XYZ The CimatronE CMM (XYZ Labeling) function enables
Labeling) you to define measuring points and a probe path for
checking part (mostly electrode) accuracy after
manufacturing.
Coordinate Create coordinate labels of specific points in a part file.
Label
Delete Duplicate Remove duplicated curves and faces.

ECO Create a log of all engineering changes, store pictures and

Documentation files relevant to each ECO, generate a detailed report of all
engineering changes and backup the entire project before
going into a new ECO.
Edit Add Rules When adding a catalog component, you can apply certain
(Tools) rules regarding the location and/or size of the added
components, by using the Add Rules functionality.
Edit Catalog Edit a catalog part.
Master
Hole Attributes The Hole Attributes feature enables adding special hole
attributes to faces in the model.
Immediate Sets The Sets - Create and Edit dialog lets you define which
entities will be included in sets.
PMI Tools CimatronE includes a set of functions that enable you to
create Product and Manufacturing Information (PMI).
Preferences Using Preferences, you can customize certain aspects of
your work mode, and control what appears in the display.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪242

Run Script Scripts can be run within CimatronE to perform specific

tasks.
Setup Displays the appropriate setup dialog relevant to the current
file type; eg. displays the Die Setup dialog if the current
file is a DieDesign file.
Threads and Attach thread (tap) attributes to circular edges and faces,
Ejectors closed loop edges or edges that have adjacent conic faces.

Add Pictures

Add Pictures
Add pictures to a CimatronE file and save the pictures as JPG files in the CimatronE Explorer.
The Add Pictures dialog is displayed (for instructions on how to invoke this tool, press the Access
button at the top of this Help topic):
See:
Dialog Structure
Approval Buttons
Capturing
Changing Added Pictures

Dialog Structure
1st One or two pictures can be added. The picture name field indicates
Picture whether a picture was added or image captured.
/
2nd If a picture was added (using the Browse button ), the full path name
Picture of the picture is displayed in the picture name field.
If an image was captured (using the Capture Image button ), the
words "Captured Image" are displayed in the picture name field.
Browse. Browse to add an existing picture (JPG file). The full path name
of the picture is entered into the picture field.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪243

Capture Image. Use the Capture Image tool to capture an image from the
graphics area. When an image is captured, it is saved to the CimatronE
Explorer and the Add Pictures dialog is re-displayed with the words
"Captured Image" in the appropriate picture name field.

Delete Image. Delete a picture from the Add Pictures dialog.

The 1st picture cannot be deleted before the 2nd picture is deleted, thus the
appropriate button for the 1st picture is grayed out.
When the 1st picture is deleted, it is replaced by the default picture
captured while saving.
After deleting the 1st picture, the 2nd picture controls become grayed out
(as if the 1st picture was never added/captured).

Note: Pictures can be added either by using the Browse button , or by using the Capture
Image button .
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪244

Approval Buttons - Add Pictures dialog

OK. Exit the Add Pictures dialog and save the image(s) to the CimatronE
Explorer
Cancel. Exit the Add Pictures dialog without saving the image(s).

Changing Added Pictures

After picture(s) have been added, re-invoking this tool displays the Add Pictures dialog. The word
"Attached" is displayed in the picture name field for each picture previously added.

These pictures can either be deleted ( ) or new pictures added by using either the Browse button
, or the Capture Image button .

Capture Image
The Capture Image tool is used in a number of CimatronE functions, such as Add Pictures or
Measurement (for instructions on how to invoke this tool, press the Access button at the top of this
Help topic).
The Capture Image dialog is displayed in the graphics area:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪245

The inner frame of the dialog defines the Select the White Background checkbox
borders of the image that will be captured, to temporarily create a white background
however, you can use the usual CimatronE in the graphics area.
view manipulation functions to define the
contents of the frame. For example:

If the White Background checkbox is selected, pressing one of the following approval options
reverts the background color to its original settings:
OK. Capture the image and exit the Capture Image dialog.

Cancel. Exit the Capture Image dialog without capturing the image.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪246

Check & Fix Entities

This function checks and fixes problematic entities in the model. These problematic entities are
those with geometric or topological problems that ACIS (the geometric engine) cannot operate
correctly.
Using different methods such as Healing, Splitting/Fair unsmooth faces, Tolerant Modeler, etc., the
tool will fix the following problems:
• Invalid Entities
• Small Faces
• Heavy Faces
• Unsmooth Faces
The Check & Fix Entities dialog is displayed. This dialog contains the following sections:
See:
Dialog structure
Interaction
Dialog Buttons

Buttons:
Help

Check Entities

Fix Entities

Close

Dialog Structure
The dialog is divided into the following sections:
Selection Options
Results
Fix Options
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪247

Selection Options
The following selection options are available for checking entities:

All Include all entities in the file.

entities
Visible Include only the visible
only entities.
By pick Pick the entities to be
checked.

Results
This section lists the created sets and the columns detail the type of problematic entity.

When the Check Entity button is pressed, the system checks the part. If problematic entities
are found, the following message is displayed (for example):

Press OK to display a breakdown of the types of problematic entities, for example:

Press the appropriate Hide or Show button to display the relevant problematic set in the
graphic area.
Note: The recorded number of problematic entities may be less than the number of entities
displayed as an entity may belong to more than one set (overlap).
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪248

Fix Options
The following options are available for fixing entities:

Fix invalid Fix most of the problems mentioned above.

entities
Remove Remove faces that are smaller than the area defined.
small faces Example:

Replace Find 'heavy faces'(faces for which the evaluation of their points takes
heavy faces 100 times longer than for regular surfaces). These are faces that cause
a noticeable "slow down" in system performance. An example of such
a "slow down" would be a one-minute wait for a face Offset operation.
After a Replace heavy faces fix, the same Offset operation would take
a few seconds.
Split Split one or more unsmooth faces at points where the surface is not
unsmooth smooth. The parameter limits the number of faces that can be
faces produced from one face.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪249

Interaction
1. In the Selection Options, select the entities to be checked.

2. Press the Check Entities button to start the checking process.

3. Analyze the results.
4. Based on your analysis of the results, select a Fix Options strategy and press the Fix Entities

button .
The function fixes the problems you specified and automatically re-checks for remaining
problematic entities.
Depending on your Fix Options selection, a number of iterations of steps 3 and 4 may be
required to fix all the problematic entities.

Dialog Buttons
Check Entities: Check for problems in the entities specified.

Fix Entities: Fix any problematic entities according to the selected Fix
Options.
Close: Exit the function.

Help: Access the Online Help.

CMM (XYZ Labeling)

CMM (XYZ Labeling)
A Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) enables you to measure the physical geometrical
characteristics of an object by using a probe. These probes may be mechanical, optical, laser, or
white light, among others.
The CimatronE CMM (XYZ Labeling) function enables you to define measuring points and a
probe path for checking part (mostly electrode) accuracy after manufacturing. This determines if
the manufactured part is valid (according to defined tolerances) or not.
The function allows you to define different probes and measuring orientations, as well as the probe
path. When measuring electrodes, the CMM function automatically considers the burning
condition, and generates both graphic reports and raw data for the measuring program.
It is a common requirement to measure electrodes before using them in the EDM process. This
way, the mold maker makes sure there are no mistakes in the electrode machining process, and
especially that there is a match between the planned EDM burning conditions and the physical
electrodes.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪250

The CMM (XYZ Labeling) function enables you to define critical measuring points, and employs
a measuring method to attach XYZ coordinate information (3 or 5 axes) to part geometry points.
This measuring method uses the electrode geometry, probe data, and 3 axis and 5 axis probe path
and orientation.
The function also enables you to create standard reports in different formats (XML, CSV, XLS,
TXT, etc.).
The function can be activated by both the designer (Part environment), and the NC programmer
(NC environment), according to your company's working methodologies.
The CMM (XYZ Labeling) function consists of the following:
Attaching labels
Creating a report

CMM Attach Labels

CMM (XYZ Labeling) > Attach Labels

The CMM (XYZ Labeling) function is a measuring and calibration tool that enables you to
determine if the manufactured part is valid according to defined tolerances. The CMM (XYZ
Labeling) > Attach Labels function enables you to attach XYZ coordinate information (3 or 5
axes) to the part geometry points.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for CMM (XYZ Labeling).
Remember: You can
open the multi-stage
dialog at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Define the group parameters.

Required Step 2 : Pick a point on a face and then <exit> to approve it.

Optional Step 1 : Define the probe parameters.

Optional Step 2 : Define additional attributes.

CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪251

CMM (XYZ Labeling) > Attach Labels : Options and Results

The CMM (XYZ Labeling) > Attach Labels function enables you to attach XYZ coordinate
information (3 or 5 axes) to the part geometry points.
This function consists of the following steps:
Required Step 1
Required Step 2
Optional Step 1
Optional Step 2

Required Step 1
Define the parameters for each group of parts to be measured.
If points are already assigned, this step is skipped when the function is invoked; in this case, the
function opens at the required step 2. However, you can select this step if required.
The Groups dialog is displayed:
Dialog Parameters
Dialog Buttons
Renaming Groups
Using the EDM Setup Parameters
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪252

Dialog Parameters
The following parameters can be defined for each group:
Group Displays the names of the available groups of parts (in the example
Name above, only one group is displayed - Group #1). Groups contain
various features that define them. New groups can be added; existing
groups can be renamed, modified or deleted. The parameter settings
of the selected group are displayed in the lower sections of the dialog.
Ref. UCS All the values of the selected points and the clearance plane are
calculated using the location and orientation of this UCS.
Z Defines the location of the clearance plane.
Clearance
CMM Type There are two types of CMMs:
• General: The default type for non-electrode parts and for
electrode files with no EDM setup definition.
• Electrode: The default type for electrode parts with an EDM
setup definition (including NC files exported from the
electrode).
Electrode This dropdown box is grayed out when the CMM Type is General.
Type The following 4 electrode types are available:
• Rough
• Pre-Finish
• Finish
• Polish
The default values of the parameters of each option are retrieved from
the related data in the EDM Setup.
2D Orbit If an electrode is measured, the CimatronE model represents the
geometry that must be removed (burnt), and not the actual
geometry/size of the manufactured electrode. In order to select points
on CimatronE's model that correspond with the actual size of the
manufactured electrode, the Orbit Value (2D offset due to 2D orbit)
should be determined.
Spark Gap If an electrode is measured, the CimatronE model represents the
+ 3D Orbit geometry that must be removed (burnt) and not the actual
geometry/size of the manufactured electrode. In order to select points
on CimatronE's model that correspond with the actual size of the
manufactured electrode, the 3D Orbit and Spark Gap Values (3D
offset due to 3D orbit and Spark Gap) should be determined.
Geom. The global offset from the Part Surface at which the electrode
Offset performs milling. A positive offset of the part is considered as a
negative geometrical offset for the electrode.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪253

Probe A specific probe can be added for each group. The probe's properties
Name can be predefined in the CMM (XYZ_Labeling) feature's optional
stage or changed in this dialog.

Dialog Buttons
Use the following buttons to create and delete groups:
Add a new group. The new (default) group name is immediately displayed together
with default parameter settings in the lower sections of the dialog.
For example:
When the Create New Group button ...the new group name is displayed,
is pressed,... with the default parameters.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪254

Delete an existing group. Select the group to be deleted and press the Delete Group
button. The group is deleted from the Group Name pane.

Renaming Groups
Existing groups can renamed. The group name is changed, but the parameter definitions are
unchanged.
For example:
To rename a group,... ...double-click a group name and ...as required.
rename it...

Using the EDM Setup Parameters

Some of these parameters can also be defined in the EDM Electrode Setup.
For example:
In the EDM Setup for When the CMM (XYZ Labeling) >
electrodes, if the parameter Attach Labels is re-invoked, the CMM
values in the Rough is now recognized as an Electrode
technology section are set to Type. The values of the electrode type
the following: are retrieved from the relevant EDM
Setup parameters.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪255

As shown in the example above, some of parameters that are defined in the EDM Setup also appear
in the CMM Groups dialog. If any of these parameters is subsequently changed in the Groups
dialog, the parameter is displayed in red to indicate that the value is different from the relevant
value in the EDM Setup.
For example:
Group dialog parameter values If one of these values is changed in
retrieved from the relevant EDM the Group dialog, it is displayed in
Setup parameters. red to indicate that the value is
different from the relevant value in
the EDM Setup.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪256

Although the probe's settings were predefined, they can still be changed at this stage. Any change
to the probe's settings in this dialog will only affect the probe used in this group, and not the probe's
original settings.

Required Step 2
Pick a point on a face and then <exit>(middle mouse button) to approve it. When a point to be
measured is selected, the probe is positioned at the selected point.
The following screen parameters are displayed together with the part and the defined probe.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪257

Pick a point on a face to When a point to be measured is selected, the probe is

indicate a point to be positioned at the selection point and the screen
measured. parameters (Approach Distance, Probe Rotation, etc.)
can now be modified. In addition, a label is displayed
(see below) and also an arrow (click on the arrow to
change the probe's direction).

Press <exit>(middle mouse button) to approve the point's location. The point's coordinates and all
other settings of the feature are now updated in the table of the probe's movement (see the
Hide/Show Table parameter explanation below).
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪258

Set the parameters as required:

Group Name The group name as defined in the first required step. However, you can select the
required group from the dropdown list which lists all the defined groups.
5 Axes If required, switch to 3 axes mode by clicking the 5 Axes (Approach) button.
(Approach) When selecting the 3 Axes (No Approach) option, all the options related to the
probe's approach direction or rotation are not available.
For example:
5 Axes 3 Axes

Approach Define the probe's approach distance.

Distance For example:
Approach Distance=0 Approach Distance=20
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪259

Approach Select the required approach direction from the dropdown list:
Dir.

Probe Set the rotation angle of the probe either by entering the angle directly, by using
Rotation
the arrow buttons or, graphically, by using the button and then using the
Angle
directional arrow.
Probe Tilting Set the probe tilt angle either by entering the angle directly or by using the arrow
Angle buttons.
For example:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪260

<Attribute(s)> If required (and if they are defined), select the required attributes from the
dropdown list.
These attributes can be defined in the second optional step of this function.
Free Pick From the dropdown list, select the method by which to pick points in order to
position the probe. The available options are:
Free This option enables you to pick any point on any face.
Pick
Lock This option enables you to define the Z height of a plane and to pick
Z any point that is on the plane (other points cannot be picked). When
this option is selected, a Z height parameter field is displayed,
enabling you to set the Z height with either positive or negative
values - the default value is 0.
For example:
Z plane at default height: Z plane at 23mm:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪261

Lock This option enables you to pick a plane (or a planar face), and then
By to pick any point that is on the plane (other points cannot be
Plane picked). When this option is selected, an arrow button is displayed
that, when pressed, enables you to pick the plane (or a planar face).
For example:
When the A plane is Pick points Other points
arrow button displayed on on the plane. cannot be
is pressed, the selected selected.
pick a plane entity.
or planar
face.

Hide/Show Toggle button to hide or show the figures (labels) that are displayed at every
Figures point picked to be measured.
For example:
Show Figures Hide Figures
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪262

Hide/Show Toggle button to hide or show the probe trajectory displayed at every point
Trajectories picked to be measured.
For example:
Show Trajectories Hide Trajectories

Hide/Show Toggle button to hide or show the table of the probe's movements.
Table
When you pick a point to be measured and then press <exit>(middle mouse
button) to approve it, the selected point's coordinates and all other settings of the
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪263

feature are updated in this table dialog. This dialog can be used to edit the probe's
measuring sequence and/or to simulate the probe's movement. See the table
explanation below.

Add a picture for the CMM Report.

Table of the Probe's Movements

This table is hidden or displayed by using the Hide/Show Table toggle button in the screen
parameters. The table displays the coordinates and all other settings of the selected points. See the
explanation of the buttons for ways of how to use this dialog.

The level of precision displayed in the dialog can be controlled by selecting the required precision
from the dropdown list.
For example:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪264

Dialog Buttons
Use the following buttons to create and delete groups:
Show all the column in the table.
Columns can be hidden by right-clicking the column header and selecting the Hide
option.
For example:

Select point to be edited, either by selecting the number on the appropriate label or by
selecting the index number (in the table) that corresponds to the label number to be

edited. Use the arrows to move the row either up or down to change the
sequence of the probe's movements.
Simulate the probe's movement to the previous point.

Simulate the probe's movement to the previous step.

Simulate the probe's movement to the next step.

Simulate the probe's movement to the next point.

CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪265

Optional Step 1
Define the parameters of the probe.
New probes can be added; existing probes can be renamed, modified or deleted. The parameter
settings of the selected probe are displayed in the lower sections of the dialog.
The Probe dialog is displayed:
Dialog Parameters
Dialog Buttons
Renaming Probes

All changes done here are also reflected in the Probe section of the Groups dialog in the first step.
For example:
A new probe, together When saved in the Probe Selecting the new probe in
with its parameters, is dialog, the new probe is the Groups dialog, also
defined in the Probe displayed in the dropdown displays its parameters.
dialog. list of available probes in
the Groups dialog.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪266

Dialog Parameters
Set the parameters
The following parameters can be defined for each probe:
Probe Dia. Set the diameter of the probe - see the examples below.
Probe Extension Set the length of the probe's extension - see the examples below.
Examples:
Probe Dia. = 11 Probe Dia. = 3
Probe Extension = 20 Probe Extension = 16

Dialog Buttons
Use the following buttons to create, save and delete probes:
Add a new probe. The new (default) probe name is immediately displayed
together with default parameter settings in the lower sections of the dialog.
For example:
When the Create New Probe ...the new probe name is
button is pressed,... displayed, with the default
parameters.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪267

Save the selected probe and its parameter settings.

Delete an existing probe. Select the probe to be deleted and press the
Delete Probe button. The probe is deleted from the Probe Name pane.

Renaming Probes
Existing probes can renamed. The probe name is changed, but the parameter definitions are
unchanged.
For example:
To rename a probe,... ...double-click a probe ...as required.
name and rename it...
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪268

Optional Step 2
Define additional attributes.
New probes can be added; existing probes can be renamed, modified or deleted. The parameter
settings of the selected probe are displayed in the lower sections of the dialog.
The Point Attributes dialog is displayed:
Dialog Buttons
Renaming Attributes
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪269

All changes done here are also reflected in the Probe section of the Groups dialog in the first step.
For example:
The Point Attributes dialog enables you If you require/define just one attribute...
to define up to five attributes.

These attributes are displayed as screen ... this one attribute is displayed as a
parameters in the second required step of screen parameter.
the function.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪270

Dialog Buttons
Use the following buttons to create, save and delete attribute values:
Save the defined attributes and values.

Add a new row of attribute values in the lower pane of the dialog.
For example:

Delete a row of attribute values in the lower pane of the dialog. This button is only
displayed if an attribute value exists in the lower pane.
Move a row of attribute values up or down. This button is only displayed if more than one
row of attribute values exists in the lower pane.
For example:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪271

Renaming Attributes
Attributes can renamed. The attribute name is changed, but the parameter definitions are
unchanged.
For example:
To rename a attribute,... ...double-click an attribute name and
rename it as required.

When finished, press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
If required, create a CMM report containing the measuring data results.

CMM (XYZ Labeling) > Attach Labels : Editing

There are a number of ways that probe movements defined in CMM Attach Labels can be edited;
for example:
Editing the settings in the Groups dialog
Editing the sequence of the probe's movements
Editing the location of the part geometry

Editing the settings in the Groups dialog

1. If you are not in the CMM Attach Labels function, invoke the function. The function
automatically opens at the second required step.
2. Select the number on the label of the movement to be edited. The number is highlighted, the
probe is positioned at the selected point and the screen parameters (the probe's approach
direction or rotation parameters - if 5 axes is selected) become available.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪272

If required, show the table of the probe's movements to view the parameter settings.

3. Select the first required step in the feature guide. The Groups dialog is displayed.
4. Edit the parameters as required and press <exit>(middle mouse button) to approve the
changes.
Notes:
• Changes to any parameter setting will affect all points belonging to the same group.
• When changing the UCS in an existing group (a group with selected points, i.e. not
empty), the new UCS must be positioned in the same orientation as the original UCS.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪273

Otherwise, the system cannot recalculate the position of the points and requests you
to delete them.

Editing the sequence of the probe's movements

1. Show the table of the probe's movements to view the parameter settings.

2. Select point to be edited, either by selecting the number on the appropriate label or by
selecting the index number (in the table) that corresponds to the label number to be edited.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪274

3. In the table, use the arrows to move the row either up or down to change the
sequence of the probe's movements. The label numbers are updated accordingly.
In this case, the selected row is moved one place up and this is reflected in updated labels.

Editing the location of the part geometry

1. Show the table of the probe's movements to view the XYZ coordinate settings.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪275

2. Move the part as required. In this case, (by using the Move Geometry> Linear function) the
part is moved 20mm along the X axis and -30 along the Y axis.
3. Re-invoke the CMM Attach Labels function and show the table to view the changed XYZ
coordinate settings (you can also observe that the part has moved). See how the points
correspond to the location change of the model (see the image below).

Note: If you also rotate the body (when using the Move Geometry feature), the result of the
updated CMM (XYZ_Labeling) feature will not be correct.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪276

The reason for this is the same as if you try to select a UCS with a different orientation (in a
group that has some points assigned to it) as the Ref. UCS. In order to change the UCS in an
existing group (which is not empty - with selected points), the new UCS must be positioned
in the same orientation as the original UCS. Otherwise, the system cannot recalculate the
position of the points and requests you to delete them.

CMM (XYZ Labeling) > Create Report

The CMM Report is generated in the following formats:
• Printed reports that include an image and tables with measuring data. This report is used by
the measuring machine operator both for manually programming the machine, and as a
reference for the automated measuring process (CNC).
• Text file that lists all the measuring points and their attributes (CSV format). This data can
be converted to the code that runs the measuring machine.
The CMM Report eliminates manual operation errors caused by the CMM machine.
After a report is created, the system can automatically run an executable file (*.exe, *.bat, etc.) that
can modify the report output as required; for example to change the output so that it becomes an
NC G-Code file for a Heidenhain controller.
For additional information on this functionality, see Run an Executable File on the Report Results
below.
For additional information on G-Code files, see NC Post Processing.
The Create Report dialog is displayed:
Parameter Explanations
Buttons
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪277

Set the parameter options as required:

Type of Select the type of template required. The following options are available
Template from the dropdown list:

Template Select the required template. The CMM templates are stored in the
Name folder:
\Program Files\Cimatron\CimatronE\Data\templates\CMM.
When you press the Browse button ( ), the template type(s) displayed
in the browse dialog are those defined in the Type of Template field.
For example, if you set Excel as the type of template, then only the .xlsx
templates are displayed in the browse dialog.
Initially, the Template name is blank, however, once a template is
selected, the system automatically displays the selected template and
also the folder from which the template was selected.
For example:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪278

Output Select the type of output file required. The available output file types
File that appear in the dropdown list depend on the Type of Template
selected.
Template = xlsx Template = xls

Template = mht, pdf Template = csv, txt

For information regarding the requirements to view the MHT, PDF,

Excel and Excel 2003 file formats, see the Output Format section of the
Standard NC Reports.
File The part name is the default file name. Browse to change the file name
Name and location.
<Full The full path name is displayed here.
Path
Name>
Open Select the checkbox to automatically open the report when you press
Report
OK .
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪279

Buttons
The following buttons appear in the dialog:
Select the groups of parts (defined when attaching labels) to be included
/ in the report. This is a toggle button that expands and collapses the dialog.
This button is grayed out if only one group exists.
In the expanded dialog, select the groups to be included in the report.
For example:

Accept the changes and exit the current dialog.

Apply the changes and remain within the current dialog.

Cancel the changes and exit the current dialog.

CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪280

The example report below shows information about two measuring processes with two different
probes.
The picture displayed in
the CMM Report is
captured from the second
required step of the Attach
Labels function, by using
the button.
The size of the picture
displayed in the CMM
Report is defined in the
Preferences > General >
XYZ_Labeling.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪281

Run an Executable File on the Report Results

After a report is created, the system can automatically run an executable file (*.exe, *.bat, etc.) that
can modify the report output as required; for example, to change the output so that it becomes an
NC G-Code (see NC Post Processing) file for a Heidenhain controller.
To enable this functionality, create the required executable file in the appropriate sub-folder under:
\Cimatron\CimatronE\Data\CMM\Customized EXE.
The following sub-folders exist under the folder Customized EXE:
csv
txt
xls
After a report (csv, txt or xls) is created, the system looks for an executable file in the sub-folder
appropriate to the type of report created. For example, if a csv report is created, the system searches
for an exe file in the folder:
\Cimatron\CimatronE\Data\CMM\Customized EXE\csv.
If an exe file exists in the appropriate sub-folder, the system runs the executable file and uses the
full path name of the report that was just created as the input parameter.

Coordinate Label

Coordinate Label
Create coordinate labels of specific points in a part file. These labels can then be used in the
Drafting application to automatically display coordinate labels.

General Interaction
The following is the Feature Guide for Coordinate Label.
Remember: You can
open the multi-stage
dialog at any time on
the graphic display
area by right-clicking.

Required Step 1 : Create Coordinate Labels.

Optional Step 1 : Display the Coordinate Label Table.

CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪282

Coordinate Label : Options and Results

Required Step 1
Create Coordinate Labels.
1. The following parameters are displayed. These are toggle buttons which alternatively Hide
or Show the appropriate coordinate label.

2. To attach coordinate labels to points, pick the required points on the display. For example:

3. In the example above all the coordinate labels are shown. Toggle the buttons to alternatively
Hide or Show the appropriate coordinate label ( ). For
example, to hide the required coordinate label, press the appropriate Hide button as shown
below:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪283

4.
Click to hide the index number. The following is
displayed:

Click to hide the X coordinate number. The following

is displayed:

Click to hide the Y coordinate number. The following

is displayed:

Click to hide the Z coordinate number. The following

is displayed:

Click to hide the UCS name. The following is

displayed:

Click this button to hide all the coordinate labels.

However, the points remain in place as shown below.
To remove a point from the graphic display, double-
click the point.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪284

Notes:
For each point you can click the button to hide the coordinate labels. The point
•
remains in place on the graphic display.
• To remove a point from the graphic display, double-click the point.
Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
When completed, the Coordinate Label item appears in the feature tree, as follows:

Optional Step 2
Display the Coordinate Label Table.
After clicking the OK button on the feature guide, the next time you enter the Coordinate Label
function you can view the table containing the coordinate labels that were previously created.
From the feature guide click the optional Show Table button. The coordinate label table is
displayed, as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪285

Note: Press the Exit button at any time to return to the graphic display area and define new
coordinate labels to show or hide.

Coordinate Label : Editing

Editing the Coordinate Label by the Feature Guide
Right-click on the Coordinate Label name in the Feature Tree, and select Edit Feature.
The Feature Guide will appear, automatically open to Required Step 1. You now return to the
same situation in which you created the Coordinate Labels and you may pick new points or
unpick the points of existing Coordinate Labels as required.
Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
See also:
ƒ Editing a Feature
ƒ Deleting a Feature

Delete Duplicate
Remove duplicated curves and faces. This tool is used in conjunction with the ECO Manager.
The following is the Feature Guide for Delete Duplicate.
Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display by
right-clicking.

The Delete Duplicate tool enables you to remove duplicated curves and/or faces that have been
picked. A group of entities can be picked using multi-pick. All duplicated entities are detected and
removed (only one entity from the two or more duplicates remains). The entities being checked can
have different attributes (color, pen, line font, etc.).
Notes:
• Only full overlapping between two or more entities (within user defined tolerance) is
detected.
• Invisible entities (located on undisplayed sets or hidden entities) are not considered.
• Face edges are ignored .
• Composite curves and sketches are not considered for checking.
• The default maximum distance deviation is 0.01 for mm files or 0.001 for inch files.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪286

• Only faces that are not stitched to any other face(s) may be deleted. If faces are stitched they
are only detected by "show" (not deleted).
When Delete Duplicate is run, the following parameters are displayed:

To remove duplicated curves and faces:

1. Click Max. Distance and enter a value. This value is the maximum deviation allowed
between two entities in order for them to be considered duplicates.
2. Pick the required entities.

3. To view the number of duplicated entities, toggle Do Not Show Duplicate to Show
Duplicate. A message is displayed showing how many entities were detected and whether
they will be deleted or not. Press OK. The duplicated entities appear in red.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪287

4. Select one of the following toggle parameters:

Delete One Group Delete one of the duplicate entities.
Delete Both Groups Delete both of the duplicate entities.
5. Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide. The duplicated entities are deleted.
When completed, the Delete Duplicate function will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:

ECO Documentation
ECO Documentation
In a typical system development cycle, the specification or the implementation is likely to change
during engineering development or during integration of the system elements. These last-minute
design changes are commonly referred to as engineering change orders (ECOs) and affect the
functionality of a design after it has been wholly or partially completed.
The ECO Documentation function enables you to create a log of all engineering changes, store
pictures and files relevant to each ECO, generate a detailed report of all engineering changes and
backup the entire project before going into a new ECO.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪288

The ECO Documentation function holds records of all ECO done in a certain mold or die project.
A record consists of an "ECO Number", a written description of the ECO, a picture, data regarding
associated ECO files, etc. It also holds the "ECO status", indicating what the current status of the
ECO implementation is ("New", "In Progress", "Completed", etc.).
The function should be invoked before implementing the revision. You will open a new record and
fill in relevant data before going on with the actual implementation. In addition, you will be able to
back up the project in its pre-modified state.
You can use the ECO Documentation function anytime while implementing the ECO in order to
change the relevant data, etc. In addition you will update the "ECO status" as ECO implementation
progresses.
After implementing the ECO, it will be finalized (the ECO record receives a "Closed" status) and a
new ECO record may then be created.
Once a record gets a "Closed" status, it cannot be undone; however, some editing (changing text,
picture) is still available.
The ECO database is saved in the project assembly.
The ECO Documentation function should be used in conjunction with the ECO Tools which
enable you to easily complete the ECO process.
When the ECO Documentation function is invoked(for instructions on how to invoke this
function, press the Access button at the top of this Help topic), the ECO Documentation dialog is
displayed, showing the details of the last created ECO record.
See ECO Documentation Dialog for an explanation of the function dialog.
See ECO Documentation Process for an example ECO Documentation dialog process.

ECO Documentation Dialog

When the ECO Documentation function is invoked(for instructions on how to invoke this function,
press the Access button at the top of this Help topic), the ECO Documentation dialog is displayed,
showing the details of the last created ECO record. If no previous ECO database exists for this
project, an appropriate message is displayed. Press the OK button in the message dialog to create a
new database. The ECO Documentation dialog is then displayed; initially, this dialog is displayed
empty:
Example:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪289

See ECO Documentation for an introduction to this function.

See ECO Documentation Process for an example ECO Documentation dialog process.
The ECO Documentation dialog:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪290

Table Area
ECO Details Area

Approval Buttons:
OK: Accept
the changes
and close the
function.
Apply: Accept
the changes
and leave the
function/dialog
open.
Cancel: Close
the function
without
accepting the
changes.

Table Area:
The table at the top of the dialog displays the existing ECO records for this
project. The records are displayed top down according to their date of creation.
Example:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪291

When a record in the table is selected, the relevant data is displayed in the lower
pane of the dialog.
The last created ECO record is selected by default.
When an empty row in the table is selected, all lower the pane controls are
displayed empty and disabled.
The column headers in this table can be added or removed, moved forward or
backwards, etc. The order of the records cannot be sorted as they are displayed
according to their creation date.
Export the table contents to a CSV file.
An export dialog is displayed. Browse to the required folder and save the CSV
file.
Edit Edit an ECO record. Pick a record (row) from the table and press the Edit button
and edit/view the record as appropriate. See Deleting a Record below.
If the picked record does not have a "Closed" status, all the fields in the dialog are
enabled and editable.
If the picked record does have a "Closed" status, the ECO Number, ECO Status
and ECO Source controls are disabled. However, the ECO History, ECO Files and
Attachments can be viewed.
When you have completed editing the existing ECO record, press the Apply
button to implement the change and to update the table at the top of the
dialog.
Notes:
• While a record is being edited, you cannot select another record from the
table.

• If the Cancel button is pressed, the record is not edited.

Deleting a Record
To delete a record, select the appropriate row in the table, right-click and select
Delete from the popup menu. An appropriate message is displayed requiring
confirmation of the deletion.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪292

New ECO Creates a new ECO record. The lower pane controls become enabled and you can
enter all relevant data.

The new record is added to the bottom of the table when the Apply button is
pressed.
Notes:
• Before opening a new ECO record, all previous records must have a
"Closed" status. An appropriate message is displayed if you do press the
New ECO button while all the previous ECO records are not "Closed".

• If the Cancel button is pressed, no record is added.

ECO Details Area:

ECO The ECO number is an attribute that is available in any Cimatron file. The input
Number here is used to attribute relevant documents associated with this project. Any file
in the project folder automatically gets the ECO number currently defined.
For every ECO, enter a unique ECO number. If the number already exists in the
system, an appropriate message is displayed.
The ECO number may be modified if color and hole attributes are changed, as
defined in the Preferences.
ECO Source Radio buttons enable you to indicate if the ECO source is Internal or External
(i.e. initiated by the customer).
Set ECO This button displays the Set ECO Files dialog, which enables you to associate
Files new master file(s) received from the customer, with the current work files. The
associated ECO files are used when creating new "Diff" parts.
Example dialog:

The number of rows in the dialog is derived from project data; if three works parts
were placed in MoldDesign, the dialog enables the setting of three ECO files; if
two masters were used in DieDesign, the dialog enables the setting of two ECO
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪293

files.
The Current Master File field is filled in automatically, as derived from the project
data (previous ECO).
To select a new ECO file, double-click the right cell to display the CimatronE
Explorer and browse for the new ECO file. The full path name of the folder is
displayed in the cell.
Example:

Right-click on the cell to display a popup menu of operations that can be

performed on this file.
Example:

Open Open the new ECO file. The ECO file is opened in a 2nd
Document session (of CimatronE) while ECO Documentation dialog
remains open, otherwise a message is displayed prompting
you to close the dialog.
Remove Remove the file from the table and clear the cell.
Document

Headline Enter an appropriate headline which is displayed in the record table at the top of
the dialog.
Description Enter an appropriate description, if required.
Images Add pictures to the ECO.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪294

Press the Add Pictures button to display the Add Pictures dialog, which
enables you to capture images or browse for existing ones.
Example:

When you have added the images to the dialog, press the OK button to
display the images in the ECO Documentation dialog.
Example:

Double-click any of the images - they will be opened with the default application
used in your system to view pictures, allowing you to see the picture in good
quality.
Example:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪295

Attachments Attach additional files to the ECO.

Press the Attach / Open button to display the Attachments dialog, showing any
files that are already attached and enabling you to attach new files.
Example:

To attach a new file, press the Attach New File button and browse for the
appropriate file.
Double-pick a row in the dialog to open the attached file.
Right-click a row to display a popup menu of operations that can be performed on
this file.
Example:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪296

ECO Status Displays the current status of the ECO. Select the appropriate status from the
dropdown list of options.
Example:

A new ECO is automatically given a "New" status. A "Closed" ECO cannot be re-
opened (the "Closed" status cannot be changed to any other status) - a
confirmation message is displayed before the status change can take place.
You can manage the status list (add or delete a status) via the Preferences.
ECO Displays a log of any changes done in the current ECO record.
History Example:

The ECO History is updated when the Apply button is pressed. This means
that a number of events may be registered at once (such as changing data and
status).
Backup Backup the ECO.
Press the Backup button to display the Backup dialog, showing the backup folder
and backup options.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪297

Example:

The Backup button can only be used once per ECO. It is disabled if the defined
backup folder is not empty; however, it is enabled again if the folder contents are
deleted or if another backup folder is defined.
The backup folder can either be a default folder (created and named according to
the definitions in the Preferences), or you can browse to the required folder.
Select the required backup option from the dropdown list or use the default option
defined in the Preferences.
Example:

ECO Documentation Process

When the ECO Documentation function is invoked(for instructions on how to invoke this function,
press the Access button at the top of this Help topic), the ECO Documentation dialog is displayed,
showing the details of the last created ECO record. Below is a example ECO Documentation
dialog process, to demonstrate how the function is used.
See ECO Documentation for an introduction to this function.
See ECO Documentation Dialog for an explanation of the function dialog.

To create an ECO Documentation record:

1. Invoke(for instructions on how to invoke this function, press the Access button at the top of this
Help topic) the ECO Documentation function.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪298

The ECO Documentation dialog is displayed, showing the details of the last created ECO
record.
If no previous ECO database exists for this project, an appropriate message is displayed.
Press the OK button in the message dialog to create a new database. The ECO
Documentation dialog is then displayed; initially, this dialog is displayed empty:
Example:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪299

2. Enter initial ECO details and press the Set ECO Files button:

3. The Set ECO File dialog is displayed. Double-click the right cell to display the CimatronE
Explorer and browse for the new ECO file.

The full path name of the folder is displayed in the cell:

All master parts automatically become available and a new ECO file can be defined for each
one of them (in this case only one master part is used).
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪300

4. Press the OK button.

5. Press the Add Pictures button to displayed the Add Pictures dialog, which enables you to
capture images or browse for existing ones:

6. When you have added the images to the dialog, press the OK button to display the images
in the ECO Documentation dialog:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪301

Double click any of the images - they will be opened with the default application used in
your system to view pictures, allowing you to see the picture in good quality:

7. Close the picture and hit the OK button at the bottom of the ECO Documentation dialog.
A new ECO record is created
8. Invoke the function again and note that the record is entered in the table at the top of the dialog.

9. Change the ECO Status to "In Work" or another option as defined in the Preferences.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪302

10. Press the ECO History button to view the changes made for this ECO record:

11. Press the Apply button .

12. Close this dialog and the ECO Documentation function.
13. Save the assembly.
The ECO Documentation data base is kept within the main project assembly. In order to
save this data base, the main assembly has to be saved as well.

Hole Attributes
The Hole Attributes feature enables adding special hole attributes to faces in the model. This data
is important for example in Drafting, when defining Table of Holes or Label of Holes features, and
in NC files when drilling procedures are performed.
The system provides two types of hole attributes sets, as follows:
• Ignore Hole
• Accurate Hole
The colors of these two sets can be defined by the user in the Preferences.
The following is the Feature Guide for Attach Hole Attributes.
Remember: You
can open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display
by right-clicking.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪303

Ignore Hole
The Ignore Hole option in this procedure defines which holes you want the system to ignore when
drilling in an NC file. This option can be used for example in plates that already contain holes in
various locations.

Required Step 1
To define Ignore Hole attributes:
• Ensure the Ignore Hole option is selected and then selected the four corner faces, as shown
below:

Note: Avoid selecting planar faces since they are not relevant for this option.
The picture above displays the holes that should not be drilled, even though they exist. The
Ignore Hole option in this procedure defines which holes to ignore when drilling. This
option can be used for example for catalog parts that already contain holes in various areas.
• Toggle the Show/Hide Symbols option to show or hide the hole attributes as shown below:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪304

Show Hole Symbols Hide Hole Symbols

Note: You can also show or hide the Ignore Hole attributes in the displayed picture by
selecting View > Details > Hole Attributes, or by selecting Hide or Show Hole
Attributes from the Hole Attributes toolbar.

Accurate Hole
The Accurate Hole option in this procedure attaches the accurate hole set of attributes to the
selected faces.

Required Step 1
To define Accurate Hole attributes:
• Ensure the Accurate Hole option is selected and select the required faces, as shown below:

Note: Avoid selecting planar faces since they are not relevant for this option.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪305

The Accurate Hole set of attributes has been added in the picture above. The faces (meaning
the holes) containing these attributes differ from the other holes on the plate and this
information is important when performing a drilling procedure in NC for example.
• Select the required option, as follows:
o H6: Select this option to define the ISO standard H6 predefined accurate grade.
o H7: Select this option to define the ISO standard H7 predefined accurate grade.
o User 1: Select this option to define the your User 1 accuracy.
o User 2: Select this option to define your User 2 accuracy.
• Toggle the Show/Hide Symbols as required (see the Ignore Hole option for an
explanation).
Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪306

Threads and Ejectors

Threads & Ejectors

Attach thread (tap) attributes to circular edges and faces, closed loop edges or edges that have
adjacent conic faces.
Two holes before running this function. The holes after being "threaded". A thread
attribute is attached to each of the selected
holes.

A thread or ejector pin attribute can also be attached to holes that are not complete (where the
cylinder or arc is not full), as in the example cases shown.
Examples:

The following is the Feature Guide for Threads & Ejectors.

Remember: You can
open the Feature
Guide at any time on
the graphic display by
right-clicking.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪307

Required Step 1 : Pick the entity to be threaded and set the thread parameters. The following
entities can be picked: circular edges and faces, closed loop edges or edges that have adjacent conic
faces. Multiple entities can be picked by using box selection.

Optional Step 1 : Select the required Catalog and Thread Type (for Free Thread only).

Threads and Ejectors : Options and Results

Attach thread (tap) attributes to circular edges and faces, closed loop edges or edges that have
adjacent conic faces.

Required Step 1
Pick the entity to be threaded and set the thread parameters. The following entities can be picked:
circular edges and faces, closed loop edges or edges that have adjacent conic faces. Multiple
entities can be picked by using box selection.
The following parameters are displayed:
Pick the required entity.

Once picked, the appropriate symbol is Ejector Pin:

displayed on the entity, either Thread,
or ...
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪308

Set the parameters:

Thread This is a dropdown list that enables you to define the type of attribute to
attach to the selected entity. The dropdown list options are as follows:
Thread: Attach Thread attributes to the selected entity. See the Thread
parameters below.
Ejector Pin: Attach Ejector Pin attributes to the selected entity. See the
Ejector Pin parameters below.
Delete: Delete previously attached attributes. See the Delete parameter
below.

Thread parameters:
Thread Attach Thread attributes to the selected entity. If this option is selected,
additional parameters are available; press the down arrow to
display the parameters.
Example:

These dropdown parameters are initially set to their default values until
the entity to be threaded is selected. The default value for the Hole
Diameter parameter is the diameter of the last selected entity to be
threaded.
When the entity to be threaded is selected, the thread symbol is attached
to the entity and the dropdown grayed out parameter values are
automatically updated to reflect the dimensions of the entity. These
parameters include the hole diameter and the minimum and maximum
hole length.
Note that if the Associative parameter is selected (in the left group of
parameters), the Catalog Name of the thread is also automatically
updated - see the parameter description for Associative, below.
Example:
The thread symbol is attached to the entity and the dropdown grayed out
parameter values are automatically updated to reflect the dimensions of
the entity.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪309

Insert Enter any text that is to be attached to the thread. Click the
Text Insert Text parameter and enter the required text.
Example:
Enter the required text. Press Enter.

This text is added as Symbolic Text:

%%THREAD_TEXT

Tap This is a dropdown list that enables you to define the type of attribute to
attach to the selected entity. The dropdown list options are as follows:
Tap Create a thread attribute on a hole.
Screw Create a thread attribute on a shaft.
Use The option enables you to pick a separate object
External containing a thread. The attributes of this thread are
then copied to the picked closed edge.

Associative The Associative/Free toggle button allows you to select Threads either
from the associated catalog or to manually enter the thread diameter.
Example:
Toggle option Toggle option Toggle option Free,
Associate, Associate, after the after the entity is
before the entity is selected. Note selected. Manually
entity to be that the catalog name enter the Thread
threaded is of the thread is now diameter.
selected. displayed.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪310

If Associative is selected, the name of the catalog is displayed instead of

the parameter Catalog Name. This catalog name is added as Symbolic
Text:
%% THREAD_CATALOG
If the thread is created as "associative" and the diameter of the hole it is
attached to is changed, the thread catalog is automatically updated
according to the CSV file - for an example of a CSV file, see below.
Full Depth This is a dropdown list that enables you to define the depth of the thread:
Full Depth The thread goes through the entire length of the solid
object.
By The thread length according to the manually entered
Distance delta value. An additional parameter is displayed.
Example:

Hole The thread length according to the Through distance

Length - minus the manually entered delta value. An additional
Delta parameter is displayed.
Example:

Ejector Pin parameters:

CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪311

Ejector Attach Ejector Pin attributes to the selected entity.

Pin When the appropriate entity is selected, the ejector pin symbol is
attached to the entity and the Nominal Diameter parameter is
automatically updated to reflect the dimensions of the entity.
Example:
The ejector pin symbol is attached to the entity and the Nominal
Diameter parameter is automatically updated.

Nominal Enter the diameter of the ejector pin. Once the required entity has been
Diameter selected, this value is automatically updated to reflect the dimensions of
the entity. However, this value can be edited and the preview of the
ejector pin symbol changes in accordance to the value entered.
Insert Text Enter any text that is to be attached to the ejector pin. See the Insert
Text parameter explanation under the Thread parameters.

Delete parameter:
Delete Delete previously attached attributes, either by picking them individually
or by deleting them all.

Notes:
• The thread attributes (type, color, etc.) can be defined in the Preferences.
• Using the CimatronE Data Interface application, the thread symbol can be exported as
wireframe entities to other CAD file formats.
• The thread symbols can be hidden during ZPR (Zoom, Pan and Rotate) operations.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪312

Optional Step 1
Select the required Catalog and Thread Type (for Free Thread only).

The thread catalog is a standard CSV file (threads.csv) located in <Root

directory>\Cimatron\CimatronE\Data and can be fully edited.
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪313

Catalog Name Definition

"Hole" Type Thread
The system looks for the first "mm" catalog .Then, the row (Max Tap diameter) with a nominal
diameter which is the closest to the diameter and largest than the diameter of the cylinder attached
to edge (7). Then the string in the fourth column (Catalog String) is shown in the SP.
mm: If the diameter of the cylinder attached to the edge is 10 mm, and the row matching this
diameter (in the first, "mm" catalog is "M") is 11 (9.8 is too small), the text in the SP will appear as
"M12".
Inch: If the diameter of the cylinder attached to the edge is 1 inch, and the row matching this
diameter (in the first, "inch" catalog is "UNC") is 1.0468, the text in the SP will appear as: "1 1/8 -7
UNC".
"Shaft" Type Thread (Screws, Bolts)
The system looks for the first "mm" catalog. Then the row (Max Screw diameter) with a nominal
diameter which is the closest to the diameter and largest than the diameter of the cylinder attached
to edge (7). Then the string in the fourth column (Catalog String) is shown in the SP.
mm: If the diameter of the cylinder attached to the edge is 11 mm, and the first "mm" catalog is
"M" and in this catalog the first Max Screw diameter is 11.7, the text in the SP will appear as
"M11".
Inch: If the diameter of the cylinder attached to the edge is 1 inch, and the row matching this
diameter (in the first "inch" catalog is "UNC") is 1.0982, the text in the SP will appear as: "1 -8
UNC".
Notes:
• For each catalog row, the second column is the Thread type (selected by the user from the
list), the third column is the actual nominal diameter of the thread (in mm or inch according
to the definition in the header row) . The fourth column is the SP (3) text and the last
column is the attached text.
• The "header" row must start in the first column.
• The string after the comma must be mm or inch. If not, the entire catalog will be ignored.
• If no unit definition (mm / inch) is defined in column 2 for the catalog name (column 1), it
will be treated as mm.
• The "quotation" marks in the Thread type column will be ignored.
• A comma must be inserted between groups in the row.

When completed, the Threads & Ejectors function will appear in the Feature Tree as follows:
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User Guide ⎪314

Threads and Ejectors : Editing

Access the Edit mode for threads and ejectors using one of the following methods:
• From the Feature Guide:
Right-click on the Threads and Ejectors name in the Feature Tree, and select Edit
Feature.
• From the display (graphics area):
Right-click on a face containing a thread and select Edit Thread from the face popup
menu.
This option is grayed out if the selected face does not contain a thread or if multiple faces
were selected.
If the selected face contains multiple threads, the edited thread is the one closest to the
location where you right-clicked the face.
• From the display (graphics area):
Right-click on the thread or ejector in the display area and select Edit Thread or Edit
Ejector from the popup menu; as shown below.

Note: To select the thread from the display area, ensure that the threads are displayed and
that the thread option is selected in the Selection Filter or Quick Filter.
Once in Edit mode, the Feature Guide will appear, automatically open to Required Step 1. You
now return to the same situation in which you created the Threads and Ejectors and you may pick
new points or edit the parameters of existing Threads and Ejectors as required.
Press OK or Apply in the Feature Guide to complete the function.
See also:
ƒ Editing a Feature
ƒ Deleting a Feature
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User
Guide ⎪315

Index
A Coordinate Measuring Machine........ 249
Add Pictures...................................... 242 Copy function.................................... 139
Capturing ....................................... 244 Along Curve .................................. 152
Along axis, setting a direction .......... 225 Linear............................................. 140
Along line / axis, setting a direction . 225 Linear Array .................................. 145
Always Available Functions ............. 202 Mirror............................................. 161
Attach Hole Attributes ...................... 302 revert boolean ........................... 165
Auto Hide.... 14, 101, 102, 104, 115, 129 Radial Array .................................. 149
Axis Function.................................... 191 D
Defined By (through)..................... 198 Datum Functions............................... 168
Intersection .................................... 197 Axis................................................ 191
Main Axes...................................... 196 Plane .............................................. 168
Normal ........................................... 194 Defined By, creating a Plane ............ 182
Parallel ........................................... 191 Defined By, creating an Axis............ 198
Axis, using to set a direction............. 225 Defining Leading Dimensions ...... 64, 70
B Delete Duplicate................................ 285
By QuickSplit Direction - Direction Deleting parts, features ....................... 27
setting............................................. 228 Dependency, feature dimensions ........ 48
C Dimensions
Capture Image................................... 244 Leading ............................................ 69
Catalog Dimensions - Relating ........... 62 Defining.................................. 64, 70
Center of circle / arc, using to set a Displaying .................................... 71
direction ......................................... 236
Editing .......................................... 72
Check and Fix Entities ...................... 246
Dimensions of features, editing .......... 34
CMM................................................. 249
Edit Parameters Dialog.................... 40
Attach Labels................................. 250
Parametric dependency.................... 48
Create Report................................. 276
Direction, setting............................... 218
Compare Parts (to detect engineering
changes) ......................................... 131 Along line / axis............................. 225
Conflict Solver .................................... 16 Along UCS axis ............................. 227
Examples ......................................... 20 Along X, Y, or Z............................ 230
Coordinate Label....................... 281, 285 By Angle........................................ 238
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User
Guide ⎪316

By QuickSplit Direction ................ 228 Expression

Cylindrical / conic center............... 236 Removing......................................... 63
Normal to Curve ............................ 220 F
Normal to plane ............................. 222 Failure in creating features.................. 16
Normal to Screen ........................... 223 Feature Guide...................................... 76
Plane and Angle............................. 231 Auto Hide 14, 101, 102, 104, 115, 129
Tangent to Curve ........................... 219 Single-Step dialog............................ 77
Two points ..................................... 234 Features Tree..................................... 107
Directional Arrow ............................. 218 Operations...................................... 109
Displaying Leading Dimensions......... 71 Popups ........................................... 111
Dynamic Section................................. 29 Structure......................................... 108
E Symbols ......................................... 110
ECO Fix Entities ........................................ 246
Documentation............................... 287 G
Dialog ......................................... 288 General Work Method ........................ 14
Process........................................ 297 H
Edit Parameters Dialog ....................... 40 Hide/Show All Components ............. 121
Exiting ............................................. 67 Highlight Leaf..................................... 77
Editing Dimensions............................. 38 Highlight Next Suppressed Feature .... 81
Editing Leading Dimensions............... 72 Hole Attributes.................................. 302
Editing Numerical Parameters ............ 38 I
Editing objects, features...................... 34 Icons, multi-stage dialog..................... 76
Edit Parameters Dialog.................... 40 Immediate Functions......................... 202
Parametric dependency.................... 48 Inclined, creating a Plane.................. 180
Suppress / Unsuppress ..................... 96 Insert - Replay..................................... 86
Updating .......................................... 65 Interrupting an Execution Operation .. 82
Editing parts, features ......................... 34 Intersection, creating an Axis ........... 197
Editing Simple Dimension Values...... 46 L
Ejectors and Threads......................... 306 Leading Dimensions ........................... 69
Equations for feature dimensions........ 48 Defining ..................................... 64, 70
Exiting the Edit Parameters Dialog..... 67 Displaying........................................ 71
Export & Email ..................................... 3 Editing ............................................. 72
 Index

Line, using to set a direction ............. 225 Parallel ........................................... 169

M Plane, normal to - setting a direction 222
Main Axes, creating an Axis............. 196 Popup Submenus................................... 9
Main Planes, creating........................ 176 Part..................................................... 9
Menu Bar .............................................. 3 Preview, feature guide ........................ 76
Part..................................................... 3 R
Mid Plane .......................................... 178 Reference Dimensions ........................ 48
Move function................................... 208 Regenerating objects, features ............ 65
Linear............................................. 208 Relating Catalog Dimensions ............. 62
Mirror............................................. 214 Relating Setup Parameters .................. 58
Radial............................................. 212 Relation Analyzer ............................... 82
N Relations - Rerouted ........................... 64
Normal to Plane, setting a direction.. 222 Remove from Parting Tree................ 121
Normal to Screen, setting a direction 223 Removing an Expression .................... 63
Normal, creating a Plane................... 174 Renaming Dimensions ........................ 39
Normal, creating an Axis .................. 194 Replay ................................................. 86
P creation process ............................... 86
Parallel, creating a Plane................... 169 Insert ................................................ 86
Parallel, creating an Axis .................. 191 inserting features.............................. 89
Parametric dependency, feature Trim ................................................. 86
dimensions ....................................... 48 trimming .......................................... 91
Parametric Expressions/Relations....... 48 Rerouted Relations.............................. 64
Part Display........................................... 2 Reset History....................................... 95
Part Menu Bar ....................................... 3
S
Part Popup Submenus ........................... 9 Setup Parameters - Relating................ 58
Parting Tree............................... 107, 117 Show Only Active Faces................... 121
Popups ........................................... 121 Single-Step dialog............................... 77
Structure......................................... 119 Stages of part functions....................... 76
Plane Function .................................. 168 Steps of part functions ........................ 76
Defined By..................................... 182 Suppress / Unsuppress ........................ 96
Inclined .......................................... 180 Symbols in Trees............................... 110
Main Planes ................................... 176
T
Normal ........................................... 174 Threads and Ejectors......................... 306
CimatronE 10.0 Part – General User
Guide ⎪318

Tools ..................................................... 7 U
Dynamic Section.............................. 29 Updating objects, features................... 65
Tree Pane ............................................ 99 W
Auto Hide 14, 101, 102, 104, 115, 129 Working in Part................................... 14
Tree Symbols .................................... 110 X
Trim - Replay...................................... 86 XYZ Labeling (CMM)...................... 249
Two points, setting a direction.......... 234