basic_concepts power shape

5/22/2018 Basic_concepts POWER SHAPE

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PowerSHAPE

Basic concepts


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Disclaimer

Delcam plc has no control over the use made of the software described in

this manual and cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage

howsoever caused as a result of using the software. Users are advised that

all the results from the software should be checked by a competent

person, in accordance with good quality control procedures.

Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice

and does not represent a commitment by Delcam plc. The software

described in this manual is furnished under licence agreement and may be

used or copied in accordance with the terms of such licence. No part ofthis manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any

means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording,for any purpose without the express permission of Delcam plc.

Copyright 1999-2004 Delcam plc. All rights reserved.

Delcam plc

Talbot Way

Small Heath Business Park

Birmingham B10 OHJEngland

Tel: (UK) 0121-766-5544

(Int) +44 (0) 121-766-5544

Version number 5.7 - 02/12/04


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PowerSHAPE Basic concepts Contents i

Contents

Basic concepts 1Introduction......................................................................................1

PowerSHAPE 3What is PowerSHAPE?....................................................................3

How do I run PowerSHAPE? ..........................................................6

User interface 7What is each area of the screen? ......................................................7

What is a menu?...............................................................................7

How do I use the menus? .................................................................9

What is a toolbar? ..........................................................................11

How do I use the toolbars?.............................................................11

What is the Status bar?...................................................................12

How do I use the Status bar?..........................................................12

What is a dialogue box?.................................................................14How do I use dialogue boxes? .......................................................14How do I use the Arm? ..................................................................16

How do I use the mouse? ...............................................................17

How do I use the keyboard?...........................................................23

What is a graphics window? ..........................................................24How do I use a graphics window? .................................................24

What is the Intelligent Cursor? ......................................................25

How do I use the Intelligent Cursor? .............................................25

Models 29What is a model?............................................................................29

How do I create a model? ..............................................................29How do I save a model?.................................................................30

How do I save a model with a new name? ....................................31

How do I save a model with a thumbnail?.....................................35

How do I close a model?................................................................36How do I open a model? ................................................................36

How do I close and open zipped models?......................................41How do I reset a model? ................................................................42


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ii Index PowerSHAPE Basic concepts

How do I create a template model?................................................43

How do I change the description or password of a model?...........43

How do I delete a model?...............................................................45How do I keep track of changes made to a model? .......................47

How do I find out what a model contains? ....................................48How do I find out information about a model?..............................49

How do I compare two models? ....................................................51How do I find duplicate objects in a model? .................................53

How do I import data into a model? ..............................................55

How do I Import Materials?...........................................................63

How do I export data from a model? .............................................64

How do I use PS-Exchange to translate data? ...............................73

How do I export DXF files?...........................................................80

How do I export materials?............................................................81How do I create a .csv file for materials? ......................................83

How do I change the view of a model?..........................................85

Objects 87How do I create an object?.............................................................87

How do I edit an object? ................................................................88

Entering positions 91What is a coordinate system?.........................................................91

How do I enter positions? ..............................................................92What is a grid?................................................................................97

How do I use the grid? ...................................................................98

How do I use point-locking?..........................................................99

What is the Position dialogue box?...................................................100How do I use the Position dialogue box?..........................................100

Selecting objects 111How do I select objects? ..............................................................111

Calculator and measuring 119What is the calculator? .................................................................119

How do I use the calculator? ........................................................119

How do I measure using the calculator? ......................................125

Parameters 137What is a parameter? ....................................................................137


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PowerSHAPE Basic concepts Contents iii

How do I create a parameter? ......................................................138

How do I edit a parameter? ..........................................................140

How do I use a parameter?...........................................................140How do I find out if a value uses parameters?.............................141

Index 143


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iv Index PowerSHAPE Basic concepts


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PowerSHAPE Basic concepts 1

Basic concepts

IntroductionThis manual provides all the necessary operations such as selecting

objects and entering positions. You are also shown how to use the

interface.

You must be familiar with the operations in this manual in order to makefull use of the other manuals.

Other manuals availableGetting started

To get you quickly familiar with the operations of PowerSHAPE, we

strongly recommend that you work through the tutorials in the Getting

started Manual. The tutorials are designed to introduce you to the

concepts of PowerSHAPE.

PowerSHAPE introduces many new ways of working with complex

surfaces. Even if you are familiar with other Delcam products such as

DUCT5, you can also benefit from investing some time in working

through the examples.Wireframe modelling

Wireframe objects (points, workplanes, lines, arcs and curves) are

described in terms of how to create and edit them.

Menus and toolbars

This manual describes the menus and toolbars available within

PowerSHAPE and how the various functions work.

Solid and surface modelling

This manual covers:


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2 Basic concepts PowerSHAPE Basic concepts

Solid creation and editing Surface creation and editing Preparation for manufacture

Drafting

This manual covers the creation and editing of:

Drawings Drawing views Text Dimensions Hatching Balloons Symbols

Managing your PowerSHAPE system

This shows you how to manage PowerSHAPE and its data. Topics

include:

installing PowerSHAPE setting up new users model database areas backing up data archiving models workgroups trouble shooting

Training coursesTraining courses are available. Please contact your Delcam Sales Partner

for further details.


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PowerSHAPE Basic concepts PowerSHAPE 3

PowerSHAPE

What is PowerSHAPE?PowerSHAPE is a powerful 3D modeller for designing complex shapes.

It is ideally suited to preparing models for manufacture; either from

scratch or by editing a part-complete model, imported from another CAD

system.

PowerSHAPE supports standard Microsoft Windowsfunctionality such

as cut, copy and paste, drag and drop, and rubber-band editing of objects.Any modelling object (such as line, arc, curve) can also be edited via

pop-up menu - easily raised by clicking the right mouse button. The

menus contain all the main operations available for the selected object.

Power SolutionPowerSHAPE is integrated with all the other Power Solution products.For example: PowerMILL, which prepares NC data to cut PowerSHAPE

models on a CNC machine tool.

Over the years, DUCT has grown, from its roots at Cambridge University

in England, into the market leading software for the design and

manufacture of moulds, tools and dies around the world.The Power Solution products retain the power and flexibility of Delcams

DUCT5 CAD/CAM system, but with a modern Microsoft Windows

style interface. The DUCT range of integrated CAD/CAM products have

been continuously developed for over 20 years.

Ease of useEase of use is central to the product; most objects can be created with one

or two mouse clicks only. The dimensions are dynamically dragged by


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4 PowerSHAPE PowerSHAPE Basic concepts

using the object's editing handles to create the desired size and shape.

Discrete values can also be entered using dialogue boxes.

At the heart of the uncluttered user interface lies the Intelligent Cursor.

This generates construction lines and highlights objects snap points and

tangencies as the cursor passes over.

Modelling for manufacturePowerSHAPE simplifies the adding of manufacturing features such as

chamfers, fillets, split surfaces and draft surfaces. It is designed to handle

components with complex surface geometry, making it an excellent tool

for designing moulds, dies, electrodes and patterns.

Surfacing toolsPowerSHAPE offers sophisticated surfacing tools, including surface

creation from curves and dynamic surface manipulation, allowing quick

and easy creation and subsequent modification of the CAD surfaces.

PowerSHAPE optionsThe PowerSHAPE product is sold as four main options:

PowerSHAPE PowerSHAPE for Designers PowerSHAPE for Toolmakers PowerSHAPE for Design to manufacture

The PowerSHAPE option contains the core functionality.

PowerSHAPE for Designers contains:

Core functionality PS-Assembly PS-Render Global surface editing Solid bulge feature B-spline sketching PS-Draft


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PowerSHAPE Basic concepts PowerSHAPE 5

PowerSHAPE for Toolmakers contains:

Core functionality PS-Assembly PS-Moldmaker PS-Electrode and electrode set up sheets PS-Draft

PowerSHAPE for Design to manufacture contains:

PowerSHAPE for Designers PowerSHAPE for Toolmakers

Please note:If you have not purchased a licence for any option, youcan still try the functionality using the evaluation licence (Tools-EvaluationMode).

The following shortcuts start the modules of PowerSHAPE.

PS-Estimator

-estimator or -e

PS-Draft

-draft or -dfPowerSHAPE for Designers

-design or -de

PowerSHAPE for Toolmakers

-toolmakers or -t

PowerSHAPE for Design to manufacture

-manufacture or -m

PowerSHAPE

No argument

For example, the following starts PowerSHAPE for Design to

manufacture:

powershape -m

When you start PowerSHAPE, the shortcut determines which licences

you can use. If there is a problem accessing any licence, a message will

appear stating which licence is not available.


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6 PowerSHAPE PowerSHAPE Basic concepts

How do I run PowerSHAPE?1. Log in to a user account.2. Double click the PowerSHAPEicon on your desktop.

You can also start up PowerSHAPE by typing in an operating

system window:

powershape

You can start up PowerSHAPE and open an existing model at the

same time by typing:

powershape model_name

After a brief wait, the program starts up.A new large window appears on the screen. This is PowerSHAPE.

To get you quickly familiar with PowerSHAPE, a tutorial introduction is

provided in the Getting started Manual.


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PowerSHAPE Basic concepts User interface 7

User interface

What is each area of the screen?The PowerSHAPE display uses a Windows style interface with pull -

down menus and toolbars.

Each area of the screen and how to use the various components aredescribed next.

What is a menu?

Virtually every function within PowerSHAPE can be controlled from a

menu. These drop down from the main menu bar, which is permanently

displayed across the top of the PowerSHAPE window.


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8 User interface PowerSHAPE Basic concepts

The following provides brief details, but for full information, refer to

How do I use the menus?and the individual menu chapters which

describe the tools and functions available.

File menu- This controls model file related tasks such as Open,Save, Close, and Delete.

Edit menu- This provides the Undo/Redocommands and toolsfor handling the clipboard such as Cut, Copyand Paste. It also

provides general editing tools applicable to most object types, such

as Mirrorand Rotate. There is also a button which raises the EditToolbar, providing one click shortcuts to the editing options.

View menu- This controls how the model(s) appear in thegraphics window(s), providing a range of pre-set views. Using

View Layout will display the View Edit dialogue box, whichallows you to customise the view.

Object menu- This provides tools for creating all the availableobject types. These include Workplanes,Surfaces,Lines, andso on. The menu option for each type walks through to a sub-

menu showing the available creation methods for each one.

Format menu- This provides options to change line types,colours and to assign display levels. Levels are used to reduce

screen clutter on complex models.

Tools menu- This provides miscellaneous tools, including macrorecording, surface splitting and trim region editing. It also allows

you to set the PowerSHAPE options (your preferences on how

PowerSHAPE operates).

Application menu- The Application menu lists all applicationsyou can run whilst using PowerSHAPE.

Window menu- The Window menu lists all the graphicswindows and allows you to manage them.

Help menu- This controls the dynamic help (pop-up tool tips)and the online help system. It also contains the software version

and release details.

Pop-up menus - These are raised by clicking the right mouse buttonover an object. A menu appears under the cursor containing

commands appropriate for editing the object. Right clicking within

a graphics window, but away from any objects raises a view menu.


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How do I use the menus?The PowerSHAPE main menu is fixed at the top of the program window.

Using the mouse to click on a menu option opens the menu that can

contain commands, sub-menus and/or dialogue boxes. Options aredimmed when not available.

If you hold the mouse button down and drag the cursor over the menus,

the sub-menus open and close as the mouse passes over. The item under

the cursor is selected when you release the button. If you decide to not

select anything, move the cursor away from a menu before releasing the

button.

A similar effect is achieved by holding the Altkey down and pressing an

appropriate underlined character. For example Alt eopens the Editmenu.

You can also navigate around the menus with the arrow keys to

pre-select items. Enter selects an item and Esccloses the menus.

Some menus contain walk through options, indicated by the button at

the right of the option. To use these, click the menu option and click

again on the button. The walk-through expands and you can now select

an option in the usual way. The arrow keys also work with walk-

throughs. Just press the arrow when the option is highlighted. You can

then arrow up and down the walk-through list.

Pop-up menusPop-up menus are raised by clicking the right mouse button in the

graphics window. The menu options vary according to what you click

over.

If you right click over an object, a pop-up menu is raised and displays the

common edit options for that object. At the top of the menu, the type and

name of the object are displayed. The name of the level on which theobject lies is in brackets.


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A click of the right mouse button in the graphics window, but not over an

object, raises the Viewpop-up menu. This pop-up menu provides theshading options from the Viewmenu and other common options.

If a mixture of objects is selected and you click the right mouse button on

one of the selected objects, the Selectionpop-up menu is displayed.This pop-up menu provides some common edit commands.

Object dialogue boxes and toolbarsDouble clicking over an object raises an object related dialogue box or atoolbar. The options vary according to the object type.


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Refer to:

"How do I edit an arc?" in the Wireframe modelling Manual "How do I edit a curve?" in the Wireframe modelling Manual "How do I edit a line?" in the Wireframe modelling Manual "How do I edit a power surface?" in the Surface modelling

Manual.

"How do I edit a primitive surface?" in the Surface modellingManual.

"How do I edit a workplane?" in the Wireframe modelling Manual

Option menusOption menus are buttons used in dialogue boxes and toolbars. Theyshow the current selection and expand when clicked to show all the

options in the menu.

Refer to "Option menusin How do I use dialogue boxes?".

What is a toolbar?

The toolbars contain buttons with graphical images (icons) to indicate

their operation. In most cases, these provide shortcuts to options that you

can reach from the menus.

The Main Toolbarshown across the top of the above example picture isalways visible. Other toolbars are displayed or hidden according to thefunctions in use. The image above also shows the Edit Toolbardisplaying the LimitSelectiontools.

How do I use the toolbars?The toolbars contain many of the features used in dialogue boxes.

Typically: command buttons, text boxes and option menus. To use a

toolbar, position the mouse pointer over a button and click the left-hand


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mouse button. The button appears to press in and the function is

activated.

Most of the toolbar buttons are labelled with an icon to represent its

function. Some have a text description. Many buttons provide shortcuts to

main menu items. A few buttons raise secondary toolbars, for example,Surface Edits. Other toolbars change according to the functionselected, this occurs on the Edit Toolbar. These have specific purposesand do not necessarily duplicate main menu options.

If you are not sure what a button does, hover the mouse pointer over it.

After a few seconds, a dynamic help text appears to describe the buttons

purpose.

Toolbars become fixed once they are displayed. To remove a toolbar

from the screen, click the Crossbutton on the left of the toolbar.

What is the Status bar?This is the area at the bottom of the PowerSHAPE screen. It allows you

to set the default drawing plane, enter point co-ordinates and open the

Positiondialogue box.

How do I use the Status bar?The Status baris fixed at the bottom of the PowerSHAPE window. The

picture below shows all the features in the Status bar.

Temporary workplanebutton - This allows you to create or removea temporary workplane. See "Creating a temporary workplane"in the


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"Workplanes"section in the Wireframe modelling Manualfor further

details.

Workplanedrop down list - This allows you to activate andde-activate workplanes. You can also use it to change the name of the

selected workplane. See "Workplane combo box"in the "Workplanes"section in the Wireframe modelling Manualfor further details.

Origin of the active workplane- This is three boxes, which containthe X, Y, Z coordinates (in red) of the origin of the workplane.

Principal planebuttons - These allows you to set the principalplane of the current workspace. Each button displays the label of the axis

that is normal to the principal plane. For example, the button with label Z

represents the XY principal plane. Select one of the buttons to change the

principal plane.

Point lockbutton - Turns on point-locking, for entering positionsusing the mouse. See "How do I use point-locking?"for further details.

Grid on/offbutton - Turns on and off the grid.

Grid scale- Displays the scale of the grid when it is switched on.

See "What is a grid?"for further details.

Coordinates box- This is three boxes, which contain the X, Y, Z

coordinates of the cursor.Positionbutton - When you are in object creation mode (such as,creating lines), this button is available. When you click on this, it displays

the Positiondialogue box which gives you various ways of enteringpositions.

Refer to "How do I use the Position dialogue box?".

Calculatorbutton - Start the PowerSHAPE calculator. Refer to "Howdo I use the calculator?" in theBasic concepts Manual.

Connect/Disconnect the Armbutton - Connects or disconnectsthe Arm. To connect to the Arm, you need to have a PS-ARM licence file

installed on your computer. See "How do I use the arm?"for further

details.

Tol- This displays the value of the general tolerance. You can use thistext box to change the value.

Data entry box- This is used to enter data or to view previouslyentered data.

To enter data, either:


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Move the mouse cursor into the Data entry boxand click in thebox. Type in the data and press return.

Or

Move the mouse cursor into the graphics window and type in thedata. The data will appear in the Data entry box. Press returntoenter the data.

To view previously entered data:

1. Move the cursor into the Data entry boxand click in the box.2. Use the up and down arrow keys on the keyboard to display the

previously entered data.

The up arrow key will display previously entered data upwards

from the last entry.The down arrow key will display previously entered data

downwards from the first entry.

If you want to enter any of the data again, press returnwhen it is

displayed in the Data entry box.

What is a dialogue box?

These are movable data input boxes which are raised by PowerSHAPEwhen it needs you to provide information. Dialogue boxes contain

various data entry boxes and buttons. Clicking the Acceptbutton causesPowerSHAPE to use the new information and close the box.

How do I use dialogue boxes?Most PowerSHAPE operations are controlled by pointing and clicking or

via the menus. Some raise dialogue boxes. For example, when you want

to open a particular model, PowerSHAPE provides a dialogue box foryou to select one from a list. This topic covers the features that can be

found on most dialogue boxes.

Text boxes and data boxes

These allow you to enter text or numbers. Click in the box, keeping themouse cursor inside the box, then type the characters. The data is entered

when you press return.


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Drop Down Lists

As for Text boxes, click in the box and type in your data. Clicking the

arrow button causes the box to expand showing any previous entries.You can then click on the one you want.

Option menus

These appear as drop down lists which expand when clicked to show a

menu list.

To use an option menu click on the button, then either click on or drag to

the option you want. The menu shrinks back to the button which alwaysshows the selected option.

Tabs

Tabs are used in dialogue boxes to show a different work page for each

tab.

Radio buttons

These are small buttons placed next to their options. When one button is

clicked, a dot appears in the button and the other previously clicked

button pops out. Only one radio button can be ON at any time and its not

possible to have them all off.

Toggle buttons


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These are fully independent. A group of these can be any combination of

ON and OFF. Just click a button to set ON and click again to set OFF.

Buttons

Each button displays a unique image or text to represent a command.

When clicked, the button appears to press-in and the associated command

is activated. When the command is not available, the icon image or text

appears grey and the button will not press-in when clicked.

Accept button

This causes PowerSHAPE to make the changes required and close the

dialogue box. Note that pressing Enteralso accepts a dialogue box.

Apply button

This causes PowerSHAPE to make the changes required, but to leave the

dialogue box displayed.

Cancel button

This removes the dialogue box from the screen, discarding any edits

carried out on the model while it was displayed.

How do I use the Arm?There is an Arm button on the status bar that connects or disconnectsthe Arm. To connect to the Arm, you need to have a PS-ARM licence file

installed on your computer.

If the Arm button is selected, you are connected to the ARM, and

PowerSHAPE is ready to accept the digitised components of the probe.

Using the probe

To digitise any physical geometry, you need to

1. Select a creation option, for example, line or bezier curve.


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You can digitise a surface using the arm with Surface Creationfrom Patches.

2. Use the probe to pick a point.Picking a point with the probe is the same as picking a point with

the mouse. The coordinates picked by the probe are in World

workspace.

When using the probe, the following should be noted:

The small green box shows the current X, Y and Z coordinates ofarm probe.

Pressing the right button on the arm paddle, enters the pointselected by the probe.

Pressing the left button finishes entering the command. Pressing both the buttons simultaneously, cancels the current

command.

How do I use the mouse?The mouse is the main device for controlling PowerSHAPE. Clicking

buttons or objects with or without certain keyboard modifier keys alters

the way you can create, select, move, edit or view models on the screen.For simplicity we have used specific instruction conventions within this

manual:

Clickmeans press and release the Left mouse button. Double click means rapidly click the left mouse button twice. Drag means hold down the left mouse button and move the mouse

while holding the button down.

When other mouse buttons are to be used we specify the required button

e.g. middle-click, middle-drag or right-click.

The mouse controls such as double click speed and hit radius are set to

default values, but can be controlled from the Mousepage of theOptionsdialogue box.


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Left-hand mouse buttonThis is the main mouse button for selecting menu

options, clicking buttons on toolbars and dialogue boxes

and for editing model objects. It has different effectsaccording to where the cursor is within the PowerSHAPE

window.

Over a menu

Single clicking highlights and selects menu options.

Double clickinghas no particular effect over menus.PowerSHAPE assumes you intended to single click.

Dragging moves the cursor over the different options,highlighting the ones that are available. When yourelease the button over a highlighted option, it is selected.

Over a non -act ive graphics w indow

Single clickingin a non-active graphics windowactivates the window. The title of the active window is

highlighted.

Over an act ive graphics w indow

Single clickingin an active graphics window usuallysignifies an attempt to select an object or to enter a

position (see Single clicking in "On an object..."below).

When selecting objects, clicking away from any object

clears the current selection.

When entering positions, clicking away from any object

inputs a position on the principal plane of the active

workplane.

Double clicking has no effect unless you are pointingat an object. Refer to On an objectbelow.

Dragging draws a rubber band box. Objects within thebox are selected. This is indicated by their yellow

highlight colour and handles. See "Selecting multiple

objects"for further details.

Any other objects already selected and not within the box becomedeselected.

If the box contains no objects, the current selection is cleared.


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Note: When more than one object is selected, the graphical handles arenot displayed.

Shift-Dragging(holding down the Shiftkey while

dragging) draws a rubber band box. Objects within thebox are added to the current selection.

Control-Dragging(holding down the Controlkeywhile dragging) draws a rubber band box. Objects within

the box are added to the current selection or deselected if

they are already selected.

Ctrl-Shift-Dragging (holding down both the Controland Shiftkeys while dragging) draws a rubber band box.Objects within the box are deselected from the current

selection.

Shift -Alt-Dragging (holding down the Shiftand Altkeys while dragging) rotates the view around the X axis.

On an ob ject

Single clickingover an unselected object, selects it andthe object turns yellow with its key points shown as

graphical handles. The selected objects key point

closest to the cursor when selected becomes its anchorpoint.

Any other objects already selected become deselected.

If the Intelligent Cursor is ON, the cursor changes as you

move over objects and current selections.

Double clicking selects the object, but also sends thecommand Edit-Modify. This raises a dialogue box ortoolbar allowing you to edit the objects properties.

When entering a series of points (for example, for aseries of lines or a curve), a double click finishes the

series. A subsequent single click starts a new series.

Dragging on a selected object picks it and while thebutton is pressed, the object follows the mouse. The

object is held when picked and placed when you release

the button.

When selected, objects are displayed with additional edit handles. For

example: Lines have key points at each end.


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Curves have key points on arms extending from the selectedcontrol point on the curve.

Arcs have key points at the centre and at the start and end of the arcsector.

Workplanes have a control rectangle and origin.If you drag a key point, only the aspect of the object controlled by the

point will move. To move the whole object, be careful to click on the

object itself, but away from any of its key points.

Shift-clicking (holding down the Shiftkey whileclicking) allows you to add objects to the currentselection.

Toggles the Patch snappingoption on the Mousepage of the Optionsdialogue box. Patch snappingallows you to click a position inside a surface patch or a

solid face.

Ctrl-clicking (holding down the Controlkey whileclicking) allows you to add objects to the current

selection or deselect those already selected.

Alt-clicking (holding down the Altkey while clicking)allows you to create composite curves. See "Creating a

composite curve"in the Wireframe modelling Manualforfurther details.

Ctrl-Shift-clicking (holding down both the Controland Shiftkeys while clicking) allows you to deselectobjects from the current selection.

Control-Dragging(holding down the Controlkeywhile dragging) copies the selected objects. The copy is

dropped when you release the mouse button.

Note: This copy does not over-write data already on the Cut/Copyclipboard.

In a dialogue bo x

Single clickingselects options and presses buttons.

Note:On slider controls, clicks on the track cause theslider to step towards the cursor.


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Double clicking is not effective on all dialogues.

You can double click in a text box to select all the text. If

you then type new text, the selected text is replaced by

the new text.

You can also double click on items in lists it selects the

item and accepts the dialogue box. For example, double

clicking a file name in the Open Modeldialogue box,accepts the dialogue box and opens the model.

Dragging is used on slider controls to move the sliderbutton.

Shift-clicking (holding down the Shiftkey whileclicking) is used to select multiple items in a list. Allitems between the last item selected and the current item

clicked become selected.

After a Cut/Copy ...

Ctrl-Alt-clicking (holding down the Controland Altkeys while clicking) inputs an anchor point for PasteSpecial. See "Edit - Paste Special"in theMenus andtoolbars Manualfor further details.

Middle mouse buttonThis button with keyboard modifier keys, controls the view of your

model. It is not used within the dialogue boxes and does not alter a

models design.

Note that if you have a two button mouse, operations using the middlemouse button are available using the other two buttons. See "Right-handmouse button"and "Left and right mouse buttons"for further details.

To rotate the view, hold down the middle button andmove the mouse. The model turns as if the cursor is

pushing and pulling on the outer surface of a ball and a

ball graphic appears over the centre of rotation to show

what is happening.

To Pan a particular point to the centre of the view, holddown the Shift key and click the point in the model youwant to appear in the middle of the view.


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To Pan a particular point to the centre of the view, holddown the Control key and click the point in the modelyou want to appear in the middle of the view.

To Panthe view, hold down the Shiftkey and drag themiddle button. The view follows the mouse movements.

To Zoomthe view, hold down the Controlkey anddrag the middle button. Moving up the screen magnifies

the view. Moving down the screen reduces the view

To Zoom to a box,hold down the Shift andControlkeys and drag the middle button. A rubber-band box

appears. When you release the mouse button, the viewzooms to the box size.

Shift -Alt-Dragging (holding down both the ShiftandAltkeys while dragging) rotates the view around the Yaxis.

Right-hand mouse button

Over an object ...

Right mouse clicks in the active model window raise a

pop-up menu, containing a number of options includingCut, Copy, Pasteand Delete.Clicks over differentobject types or blank space cause the pop-up menu to

show options relevant to the object type.

Refer to "Pop-up menus".

In a text b ox ...

In a numeric text box, this opens the calculator. Thecalculation results appear automatically in the text box

when you press the enter key or move the mouse outside

the numeric text box.

In a text box, this displays a pop up menu with options

undo, cut, copy, paste, delete and select all. You can use

these options on the data in the box.

In a numeric text box, this displays a pop up menu with

options undo, cut, copy, paste, delete and select all. You

can use these options on the data in the box.


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Over an act ive graphics w indow ...

To Pan a particular point to the centre of the view, holddown the Shift key and click the point in the model youwant to appear in the middle of the view.

To Pan a particular point to the centre of the view, holddown the Control key and click the point in the modelyou want to appear in the middle of the view.

To Panthe view, hold down the Shiftkey and drag theright button. The view follows the mouse movements.

To Zoomthe view, hold down the Controlkey anddrag the right button. Moving up the screen magnifies the

view. Moving down the screen reduces the view

To Zoom to a box,hold down the Altkey and drag theright button. A rubber-band box appears. When yourelease the mouse button, the view zooms to the box size.

Ctrl-Shift-Dragging (holding down both the Controland Shiftkeys while dragging the right mouse) rotatesthe view. The model turns as if the cursor is pushing and

pulling on the outer surface of a ball and a ball graphic

appears over the centre of rotation to show what is

happening.Shift -Alt-Dragging (holding down the Shiftand Altkeys while dragging) rotates the view around the Z axis.

Left and right mouse buttonsShift -Alt-Dragging (holding down the Shiftand Altkeys while dragging) rotates the view around the Y axis.

To rotate the view, hold down both the left and right

buttons and move the mouse. The model turns as if thecursor is pushing and pulling on the outer surface of a

ball and a ball graphic appears over the centre of rotation

to show what is happening.

How do I use the keyboard?The keyboard is usually used to enter information into a dialogue box.

This might be when you want to create or edit an object to a specific sizeand position.


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Certain modifier keys are also used with the mouse to change the way

the mouse behaves. These are covered in How do I use the mouse?.

There are also a number of keyboard shortcuts that allow you to do a

variety of operations such as open and close models. For a full list of the

shortcuts available in PowerSHAPE, see "Shortcuts" in theMenus andtoolbars Manual.

What is a graphics window?PowerSHAPE runs within its own program window, which contains the

Menu bar, Toolbar, Status bar and a large graphics area. The graphicsarea can contain a single graphics window (filling the area) or several

independent graphics windows which overlay each other and the graphics

area. These can be placed anywhere on the screen, not necessarily within

the PowerSHAPE graphics area.

Each graphics window displays views of a single PowerSHAPE model.

You can open as many windows for each model as you like, but closing a

models last window also closes the model.

How do I use a graphics window?Creating windows, deleting windows and swapping between windows isachieved via the Window menu. Changing the view shown within awindow is done via the View menu and/or with the mouse middle button.

You can set the graphics area to show a single working window (filling

the whole area) or you can have many overlapping windows. Only one

window is active at any time, being indicated by its highlighted title. To

make a different window active, click in it or select it from the Windowmenu.

Single window modeClicking the Windows fix/floatbutton causes the active graphicswindow to fill the graphics area of the PowerSHAPE program window.

To display a different window, select it from the list on the Windowmenu.

Multi-window mode

When the graphics window is filling the graphics area, clickingWindows fix/float causes each window to be displayed in their own


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moveable/resizable frames. Each has a banner across the top which show

the window name. Clicking on the banner (or the border) pops the

window to the top above the other windows. Dragging the banner movesthe window around the screen.

The top left corner of each window contains a button which, whenclicked, closes the window. Windows also have resize handles at the

corners and borders. When dragged, these change the window size. For

more information, refer to your operating system documentation.

What is the Intelligent Cursor?The Intelligent Cursor provides dynamic assistance when you are

selecting existing objects or positioning new objects. It draws

construction lines and the cursor icon will change to assist you when

selecting and editing objects.

How do I use the Intelligent Cursor?

Turning on or off the Intelligent cursor1. From the Tools menu, select Options to display the Options

dialogue box.

2. Click the Mouseoption.


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1. In the Intelligent Cursorsection, turn on Active(on by default)to switch the intelligent cursor ON. Turn off Activeto switch OFFthe intelligent cursor.

The intelligent cursor provides the various cursor types,

construction lines, construction labels and construction distances in

the graphics window.

Keypoints on a curve are displayed as small circles when theintelligent cursor is moved over them. This is to help you find them

more easily and quickly. The keypoint markers display in creation

and edit modes.


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For further details on the other options on this page of the dialogue

box, see "Mouse options"in the "Tools - Options"section in the

Menus and toolbars Manual.

2. When you have set the option, click Acceptand PowerSHAPEwill use the new Intelligent Cursor settings.

You can also turn on or off the intelligent cursor by right clicking in an

empty space in the graphics window to display the Viewpop up menu.From the menu, select Intelligent Cursor.

Object highlightingThis is active when selecting objects. Objects that can be selected are

highlighted when the cursor travels over them.

Refer to "Selection using the Intelligent Cursor"under"How do I select

objects?".

Construction linesConstruction lines are automatically drawn on all models, appearing on

the Construction Level. This level is switched off by default, but the linesare selectively displayed by the Intelligent Cursor. It shows only the lines

relevant to a particular key point, hiding them again when moved away

from the point.

When adding or editing objects, you can wake up lines by hovering the

cursor over a key point. The lines appear (helping you to correctly align

your object) and disappear when you move away.

Note: You can turn off these construction lines temporarily by holdingdown the Shiftkey.

If you really want to see all the lines as you work, set the Format -

Levelsoption to show the Construction level(refer to Levelsin theFormat Menuchapter in theMenus and toolbars Manual). However,the construction level is not intended to be visible and the screen will

soon become very cluttered. We strongly recommend that you normally

work with this level switched off.


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Construction labelsConstruction labels are generated by the Intelligent Cursor to show when

objects key points are within snap range of key positions in the model.They appear and disappear as the cursor passes over, but are not drawn on

the construction level.

The labels mean that you do not have to be totally precise with the cursor.

Clicking when a label is shown causes the cursor to snap to the labelled

position.

Here is the list of labels:

Endindicates the key point at the end of a line or an arc. Mid-pointindicates the mid point of a line or an arc between the

start and end key points.

Onindicates the cursor is on a line, but is not within snap range ofan end or mid point.

Inindicates a position on the inside of a surface patch or a solidface (not one of the key points or positions along a curve).

Centreindicates the centre of an arc or circle. Intersectionshows where two objects cross. Tangentshows when a tangent to an arc can be made. It works

whether you are placing a line to an arc, an arc to a line or an arc to

an arc.

Key-pointshows the key points on curves and surfaces. That is,where they can be manipulated. It can also show the origin of a

workplane.

Endsign shows when clicking will complete a curve orcontinuous series of lines.

You can set the fonts of the labels using the ProportionalFontoptionon the Propertiespage of the Optionsdialogue box (which isdisplayed using the Tools- Optionscommand).


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PowerSHAPE Basic concepts Models 29

Models

What is a model?A PowerSHAPE model is a representation of a real life (usuallyengineering) component, built on the computer. You build models from a

set of geometric objects (lines, arcs, curves and surfaces) which together

represent the components.

A PowerSHAPE model can be viewed from any angle and can be colour

shaded to look very similar to the real component. It can also model other

properties such as weight and volume.

How do I create a model?From the Filemenu, select New.

This is the same as clicking the New modelbutton on the Maintoolbar.

This creates a new model and opens a new graphics window for it.

The new window automatically becomes the active window. The window

title shows the model name (in this case New_Model) and a sequentialnumber.

The first time you save this model, the Save Model As dialogue boxwill appear prompting you to enter a name for your model. Refer to

How do I save a model with a new name?for further details.


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30 Models PowerSHAPE Basic concepts

How do I save a model?When you want to keep your work:

From the Filemenu, select Save.This is the same as clicking the Savebutton on the Maintoolbar.

If a model was originally opened with write access, it is automatically

saved, overwriting the stored version.

For a new or read-only model, the Save Model Asdialogue box isdisplayed allowing you to enter a new model name.

Read-only models cannot be saved using the same name.

Checking for corruptionTo spot any corruption as soon as possible after it has occurred, the FileDoctor is run whenever you save a model. For further details on the File

Doctor, see "Tools - File Doctor"in theMenus and toolbars Manual for

further details.

If the File Doctor finds any problems, you are asked to save the model

under a new name or run the File Doctor in fix mode to correct the

problem.

To stop running the File Doctor on every save, turn off the CheckModel Before Saveoption on the Modelpage of the Optionsdialogue box (this dialogue box is displayed using the Tools - Optionscommand).

A set of options is available from the Modelpage of the Optionsdialogue box. You can select which ones to use when using the File

Doctor. For further details, see "Model options"in the "Tools - Options"

section in theMenus and toolbars Manual for further details.


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How do I save a model with a newname?

When you want to keep your work but dont want to overwrite anexisting model, you can save the model using a new name.

1. From the Filemenu, select Save Asto display the Save ModelAsdialogue box.

2. Use the dialogue box to save your model using a new name.See "Save Model As dialogue box"for further details.

Note: If your models are single files and stored outside the database, youcan always display the Save Asdialogue box instead of the SaveModel Asdialogue box.

To do this, turn on the Always save and open from outside thedatabaseoption on the Modelpage of the Optionsdialogue box.

Save Model As dialogue box

This dialogue box is used to save a model using a new name.


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Each item on the dialogue box is discussed below.

Model Name- Type a suitable name for your model. If there is alreadya model with the name that you enter, a warning message is displayed, to

avoid you accidentally overwriting an existing model. You can choose to

continue saving your new model to an existing filename, in which casethe existing model will be overwritten.

If you import files into a new model, the name of the last one imported

minus its extension is automatically displayed as the Model Namewhenyou save the model. For example, if the name of the last file imported is

handle.igs, the Model Nameis handle.

Named- This determines how you name the model. It is only availableif you have a naming_convention.mac file in your shareddb folder.

The naming_convention.mac file allows you to save vault and temporarymodels. See "Defining your naming scheme"in theManaging your

PowerSHAPE systemManualfor further details.

Explicit- With this option, you must type in the name of the model inthe Model Nametext box.

By fields- If you select this option, the Locationand Saving byFieldssections appear on the dialogue box. These make it easier to namethe model as a temporary or vault model.

If you use the Explicitoption and the name matches the pattern of atemporary or vault model, it is saved as one of those models.

Location- Use this option to select whether the model is saved as a

temporary or vault model.


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Saving by Fields- These fields are used to name temporary and vaultmodels. When you change the Locationoption, different fields aregreyed and ungreyed, depending on how you define them in the

naming_conventions.mac file.

You can change these fields for temporary and vault models by changing

your naming_conventions.mac file.

Note: If you save the model as a vault and a model using that namealready exists, the revision number field automatically displays the next

available number.

Description- Type a suitable descriptive message. This is to help youfind specific models that might have similar names.

You can leave this box blank if you do not need a description.

Password- If you want to protect the model, enter a password.However, dont forget it, because you may not be able to open the model

when you need to.

Store outside Database- This allows you to store models anywhereon the local disk or network. Click the button to display the Save Asdialogue box. Use the Save Asdialogue box to select where to save themodel and then click Saveto store the model.

If models are stored in the database, PowerSHAPE saves and organises

models on the local disk or network. When you want to open the model,you only need to remember the model name and PowerSHAPE will find

the appropriate files.


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Save - This saves the model and removes the dialogue box from thescreen. The model is saved in the default format. See "Changing the

default format for saving models"for further details.

Temporary models are saved in the same folder as any other model.

Vault models are saved in the same folder if their database field is the

same. In our dialogue box, the ProjectNumber is the database field.

Models with the same ProjectNumber are stored in the same folder.

The database field is specified in the naming_convention.mac file.

If you saved a vault model with a new name in the database field, the

following dialogue box appears, prompting you to provide a path.

Use this dialogue box to define the folder for storing the vault model.

Select the folder and then click OK.

Cancel - This removes the dialogue box from the screen without savingthe model.

Note:On a new or read-only model, File - Saveraises the Save

Model As dialogue box.

Changing the default format for savingmodelsWhen you install PowerSHAPE, you can select the default format for

storing models as follows:

a single file (psmodel). a set of files in a folder.


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In the current session of PowerSHAPE, you can change the default

format for storing models.

1. From the Toolsmenu, select Optionsto display the Optionsdialogue box.

2. Select the Modeloption.3. In the Model Save As Format section, select the default method

for storing models.

Directory- Stores your model using the directory structure.

Single- Stores your model as a single file.

4. Click Accept.Note: With the File Save command, a model is always saved using thesame structure regardless of the Model Save As Format option.

How do I save a model with athumbnail?

By default, a new thumbnail of your model is automatically created

whenever you save your model.

You can choose to save the thumbnail when you want by changing the

settings as follows:

1. Open the model.2. From the Toolsmenu, select Options to display theOptions

dialogue box.

3. Click the Modeloption to display the Modelpage of the Optionsdialogue box.

4.

Change the Save Modesetting to Manual.5. Click on Accept.

To save the thumbnail,

1. Change the view of the model to the one you want to appear inyour thumbnail.

2. From the Filemenu, select Save Thumbnail.3. From the Filemenu, select Saveor Save Asto save the model

and the thumbnail. The Save mode setting is also saved so

whenever you open the model you can manually update thethumbnail.


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How do I close a model?Close a model as follows:

1.

If you have more than one model open, make active the model youwant to close by clicking in its graphics window or selecting the

model from the Windowmenu.

2. From the File menu, select Closeand the active graphics windowcloses.

If the model contains unsaved edits, you will be prompted that youare about to lose those edits.

ClickingYeson the dialogue box closes the file and unsaved editsare lost.

Clicking Noon the dialogue box stops the close routine. You canthen save the model and repeat the close routine when ready. See

"How do I save a model?"for details on how to save a model.

Other ways to close a model

Close the last open graphics window of the model (by selectingClosefrom the Window menu).

Exit PowerSHAPE. Using the File - Close and Zipcommand.

How do I open a model?Each model you open is displayed in a separate graphics window on the

screen. You can also show each model in a number of windows and can

have up to 20 models open at the same time.

You can open a model and select its read/write status.

1. From the Filemenu, select Opento display the Open Modeldialogue box.

This is the same as clicking the Open modelbutton on theMaintoolbar.


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2. Use the dialogue box to open a model.See "Open Model dialogue box"for further details.

Note: If your models are single files and stored outside the database, youcan always display the standard Windows Open Modeldialogue boxinstead of PowerSHAPE's Open Modeldialogue box.

To do this, turn on the Always save and open from outside the

databaseoption on the Modelpage of the Optionsdialogue box.

Open Model dialogue box

This dialogue box is used to open models.


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Models - Select a model name from the list.

If you select any item, you can use the keyboard arrow keys to move

to the next model.

Note: Models of the form NEW_MODEL_ are created whenFile - Newis selected. These only appear in the Modelslist if you havesystem administrator security.

Filter -When the list of model names becomes very long, it can bedifficult to find the model you want. Entering a filter reduces the list to

only those models which match the filter pattern, for example, entering a

filter of *.rgwill list only those models which have the extension .rg.

We suggest that you use a designers initials for model name extensions.

For example, mymodel.vnl.

The filter is not case sensitive. Entering a filter of *.rgwill list models

that have the extension .RGas well as those with the extension .rg.

Further detail is contained in "Filter options"under the "Tools - Options"

menu in theMenus and toolbars Manual.

Clear- This clears the text in the Filterbox.

Password -If the model is protected by a password, enter it in the textbox.

Read Only - If you want to open the model, but prevent it from beingoverwritten, click the Read Onlybox until it shows a tick.

If you decide to save any changes, you will need to save the model under

a new name using File - Save As. See "How do I save a model with anew name?"for further details.

Check & Fix- When ON, File Doctor examines the selected model and

corrects any errors before opening the model. Refer to "Tools - FileDoctor" in "Tools menu" in theMenus and toolbars Manual.

Preview Picture and Properties -If a thumbnail of the model hasbeen saved, it is displayed in the top window. Information about the

model appears in the bottom window, including file dates, size and

description.

Browse- This opens models stored as single files and not in thedatabase. Click the Browsebutton to display the standard WindowsOpen Modeldialogue box. Use this dialogue box to select and open a

model.


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Models stored in the directory format and not in the database must be

imported.

Search- This allows you to create a filter based on the fields used fortemporary and vault models. It is only available if you have a

naming_convention.mac file in your shareddb folder.

The naming_convention.mac file allows you to save vault and temporary

models. See "Defining your naming scheme"in theManaging your

PowerSHAPE systemManualfor further details.

Click the Searchbutton to display the Search for filesdialogue box.See "Search for files dialogue box"for further details.

Recover- This button only appears if you select a model that was notclosed properly, for example, if there was a power failure while working

on the model. Recoveropens the model and restores it back to its statebefore the failure.

Open - The selected model is opened. If the model you are opening isshaded, you can open the model in wireframe mode by pressing the

button next to the progress bar on the status bar.

Cancel -Removes the dialogue box from the screen without opening amodel.

Search for f i les dialogue box

Creates a fi lter in the Open M odel dialogue box to search for temporary

and vaul t models.

Each option on the dialogue box is discussed below.

Get the Latest from the Vault- This finds the vault models with thehighest revision numbers, which match the Filterin the Open Modeldialogue box.

Note that you can open any one of the copies of a vault model.


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All the fields - These fields are those used to name temporary and vault

models. In one or more of the fields, type in the text of the model you are

searching for.

As you type in strings in the fields, the Open Model dialogue box

changes:

A filter appears in the Filtertext box. Only models, which match that filter, are displayed in the Models

list.

Dismiss- Removes the dialogue box.

Starting up PowerSHAPE and opening a

modelWhen you start up PowerSHAPE at the command prompt, you can open

an existing model at the same time by typing:

powershape model_name

See also "Other ways of opening psmodels in PowerSHAPE".

Note:For the above commands to work, you must have FILE OPENIFNONE in your login macro. For further details on the login macro, see

"What is the login macro?" in the"PowerSHAPE users" section of theManaging your PowerSHAPE system Manual.

Other ways of opening psmodels inPowerSHAPEAs well as using the File Opencommand to open models in the singlefile format (psmodel), you can also:

Double-click a psmodel file. If PowerSHAPE is not running, it willstart up and then open the model. Right click the .psmodel file in Windows Explorer and select

Open. You can open a selection of models in this way.

Drag and drop one or more .psmodel files into the PowerSHAPEwindow.

Double-click a PowerSHAPE.EXE shortcut. Double-click a .psmodel shortcut.


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In a web browser, click on a URL to a psmodel, for example,file://pshape/models/bottle_example.psmodel. You can either open

the model immediately or download it and open it later.

Recently opened modelsUp to four recently opened models are listed at the bottom of the Filemenu. The read or write status when they were opened is also shown.

To open a recently opened model, select the File menu and click themodel name you want. It will open with the same read or write status as

last time.

If the model is not listed or you want a different read/write status, use the

File - Openoption. Refer to How do I open a model?for further

details.

How do I close and open zippedmodels?

Files in windows can be compressed to make them take less disk space.

This is known aszippinga file.

By zipping a model, you can save about 60% of disk space, but it takeslonger to open as it needs time to unzip.

1. Save the model if you haven't already done so.2. From the Filemenu, select Close and Zip.

The model file is stored in a zip file and the original file of the

model is deleted.

To open a zipped model:

1. From the Filemenu, select Opento display the Open Modeldialogue box.

2. Select the model using the dialogue box.If the model is stored outside the model database, click the

Browsebutton to display the Opendialogue box. Use thisdialogue box to select and open the zipped model. You may need

to select Zipfrom the Files of type menu.

3. Click Open.


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A copy of the model is extracted from the zip file and stored in the

same folder as the zip file. While the model is open, PowerSHAPE

saves changes to the copy.

Note that zipped directory models are opened using File Import.

When you finish working on the model, you can close it using:

File - Close- This saves the copy you are working on and deletesthe zip file.

File - Close and Zip- This adds the copy to the zip file and thendeletes the copy.

How do I reset a model?You can delete all the changes you have made to a model since you last

saved it.

Caution:Resetpermanently removes all unsaved edits from the active model. Itraises a warning, but once accepted, it cant be undone.

From the Filemenu, select Reset. PowerSHAPE raises a warningdialogue.

If you want to lose the edits, clickYESand the model is reset.

If you do not want to lose them, click NOand the reset command isignored.


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How do I create a template model?You can create a model from which all new models are created. This

model is called:

NEW_MODEL_MASTER_10

This model is known as the template model.

Each time you create a new model using the File - Newcommand, if thetemplate model exists, a copy of the template model is created, ready for

you to use.

In your template model, you can store all your company defaults for

model dependent options on the Optionsdialogue box such as tolerance.It can contain your standard level settings and names, and/or line styles.

Even standard geometry (such as symbols) can be included in this model.

Note:You must have system administrator security to create and edit thetemplate model.

To create a template model:

1. Make sure no one else is using PowerSHAPE.You must have system administrator security.

2. Create a model containing all the required settings.3. Save the model with the name NEW_MODEL_MASTER_10.4. Delete all existing models with names of the form

NEW_MODEL__10, for example

NEW_MODEL_1_10.

You can edit the template model as you would any other model.

How do I change the description orpassword of a model?You can change the description and password of a model as follows:

1. Open the model with read-write permissions.2. In a graphics window of the model, click in an empty space to

make sure nothing is selected.

3. From the Edit menu, select Modifyto display the Edit Modeldialogue box.


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4. Use this dialogue box to edit the description and password of themodel.

See "Edit Model dialogue box"for further details.

Edi t Model dialogue box

This dialogue box is used to edit the descri ption and password of a

model.


Description- This gives the current description of the model. You can

change the description.

Current Password- You must enter the current password here if oneexists. If you don't, you cannot make any changes using this dialogue

box. The password is not displayed as you type in the characters.

New Password- Type in a new password here. The new password willnot be displayed as you type in the characters. To remove a password

from a model, put a space character in this textbox.

Accept- Checks if the Current Passwordmatches the model. If it

does, then changes as defined on the dialogue box are made and thedialogue box is removed from the screen.

Cancel- No changes are made to the model and the dialogue box isremoved from the screen.


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How do I delete a model?You can delete unwanted models, which are stored in the database.

Models stored outside the database can be deleted like any other file

using Windows Explorer.

1. From the Filemenu, select Deleteto display the Delete Modeldialogue box.

2. Use the dialogue box to delete the model.WARNING:Deleted models are permanently removed and cannot be recovered.


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Delete Model dialogue box

This dialogue box is used to delete models.


Models - Click on a listed model name (to select it) and the item ishighlighted.

If you select any item, you can use the keyboard arrow keys to movethe highlight and scroll the list.

Note: Models of the form NEW_MODEL_ are created whenFile - Newis selected. These only appear in the Modelslist if you havesystem administrator security.

Filter -When the list of model names becomes very long, it can bedifficult to find the model you want. Entering a filter reduces the list to

only those models which match the filter pattern, for example, entering afilter of *.rg will list only those models which have the extension .rg.

The filter is not case sensitive. Entering a filter of *.rgwill list modelsthat have the extension .RGas well as those with the extension .rg.

Further detail is contained in "Filters options"under the "Tools -

Options"menu in theMenus and toolbars Manual.

We suggest that you use a designers initials for model name extensions.

For example, mymodel.lal.

Password- If the model is protected by a password, enter it in the textbox.


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Delete- When you click this button, the following warning dialogue boxappears:

ClickYes to remove the model from the database and return to theDelete Modeldialogue box. If the Use Recycle Bin option is selectedon the Modelpage of the Optionsdialogue box, the model is sent to theRecycle Bin (providing the bin is not full). Otherwise, the model is

permanently removed from the system.

Click Noto do nothing and return to the dialogue box.Close- When you have finished deleting models, click Close to removethe Delete Model dialogue box from the screen.

How do I keep track of changes madeto a model?

If PS-Team is installed on a server and visible from your PC, you can set

up a topic to keep track of the changes made to your models.

On the PS-Teampage of the Optionsdialogue box, you can specify thenames of the topics to use for models named explicitly or by fields. We

refer to vault and temporary models as models named 'by fields' and all

other models as 'explicitly'. You can also specify the server and the URL

for PS-Team.

PS-Team is an Internet-based software tool, provided by Delcam, tosupport communication between teams of people.

To start PS-Team, select PS-Teamfrom the Applicationmenu todisplay PS-Teamin the browser window. If the server and URL for PS-Team are not set up on the PS-Teampage of the Optionsdialogue box,a dialogue box appears asking for them.

If the browser window is displayed, you can click:

the PS-Team tab to display the PS-Team page the Historytab to display the task associated with the

current model.


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When a model is saved with a new name, a new task is automatically

created in PS-Team.

In the task for the model, you can manually add information to the task

associated with a model to record any changes.

When you import and export data, the task is automatically updated

giving details of the import and export files.

If you delete a model, the status of the task is changed to complete.

For further details on how to use PS-Team, click Helpin the PS-Teamwindow.

How do I find out what a model

contains?You can find out how many objects are stored, details of current levels

and levels of objects in the selected model.

From the File menu, click Properties to display the File Propertiesdialogue box.

File Properties dialogue box

This dialogue box contains information about levels and objects for thecurrent model in PowerSHAPE.


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This dialogue box tells you the following:

Which levels are turned on and off. The current creation levels for objects.

The number of objects of a particular type in the model. The levels on which particular types of objects lie. Totals for objects if they lie on more than one level, Details about when the model was created, last modified and last

accessed.

Path of the model.Close - This removes the dialogue box from the screen.

Note:

To print the information that is displayed, right click in the dialogue boxand select Print.To save the information that is displayed, right click in the dialogue box

and select Save To File.When you right click in the dialogue box, a pop up menu appears with

various options to copy, print and save the information given.

How do I find out information about amodel?

You can find certain information about a model, without opening it in

PowerSHAPE.

1. In Windows Explorer, select a psmodel.


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2. From the Filemenu, select Propertiesto display the File -Propertiesdialogue box for the model.

On this dialogue box, the following are stored whenever a model is saved

as a psmodel:

Date of creation

Company Application name The name of the model and its description The names of the drawings (contained in the model) and their

descriptions

When saving a psmodel for the first time (with a save as), the following

are stored on the Windows Explorer's Propertiesdialogue box: Current user as the Author (on the Summarypage) Version of PowerSHAPE in the Commentssection (on the

Summarypage)

Revision is set to 0 (on the Statisticspage)When opening a psmodel, the following will be read from the Windows

Explorer's File - Propertiesdialogue box and stored by PowerSHAPE:

title subject


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author keywords comments last saved by revision number manager company information

This information can be used when creating text. See "How do I insert

strings from the File Properties?"in theDrafting Manualfor further

information.

How do I compare two models?You may have two models of the same component and want to see what

the differences are between the two models.

1. Open the two models you wish to compare.Suppose we have the following two models.

2. Click in the graphics window of the model in which you want todisplay the differences. This makes the graphics window active.

In our example, we made Model_1 the active model.

3. From the Toolsmenu, select Model Compareto display theModel Comparedialogue box.


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4. Use the dialogue box.See "Model Compare dialogue box"for further details.

Model Compare dialogue box

This dialogue box is used to compare models.Each item on the dialogue box is discussed below.

Primaryselection - This is used to choose the model in which thedifferences are shown. On the right of this, the name of the model is

displayed. When you first display this dialogue box, the Primaryselection is the model of the active graphics window. You can change the

Primaryselection if you want. Do this by pressing down the button onthe left of Primary, if it not already pressed down, and then clicking inanother graphics window. The name of the model of the new selection is

displayed. We will call this model the primary model.

Secondaryselection - This is used to choose the second model in thecomparison. On the right of this, you can see a cross. This indicates that

no model is selected yet. To select the second model, press the button to

the left of the Secondarybutton and click in the graphics window of themodel you want to compare. We will call this model the secondarymodel.

Surface Trimming Comparison- You can choose how to compare

surfaces with trim boundaries and p-curves. There are three options:


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Exact- This option finds surfaces with exactly the same pcurvesand trim boundaries.

Boundaries- This option finds surfaces with exactly the sametrim boundaries. Any p-curve not part of a trim boundary is

ignored in the comparison.

None- This option treats two surfaces as the same if theuntrimmed surfaces are the same - even if they have different

trimmed regions.

Accept- Compares the two models. All objects, which are in theprimary model and not in the secondary model, are highlighted as

selected in the primary model.

Note that objects that are in the secondary model but not in the primary

model are not shown. To show these objects, simply carry out the above

steps with the secondary model as the primary model and the primary

model as the secondary.

Warning: Models are compared on the basis of positional information(XYZ coordinates) only. Differences, for example, in tangent direction,

colour and level, are not picked up. This is done for reasons of speed.

This command can be a useful tool to aid comparison of models, but you

must use it with care and check manually for small differences that the

command may not pick up.

How do I find duplicate objects in amodel?

Sometimes, you may have a copy of an object on top of itself. This

command allows you to check if you have any duplicate objects by

highlighting them in the model.

1. Click in the graphics window of the model in which you wish tocheck for duplicate objects. This makes the graphics windowactive.


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2. Select objects if you want to check for duplicates in the currentselection.

3. From the Toolsmenu, select Find Duplicatesto display theFind Duplicatesdialogue box.

4. Use the dialogue box.See "Find Duplicates dialogue box"for further details.

Find Duplicates dialogue box

This dialogue box is used to find dupl icate objects within a model.

Selection- This displays the name of the model to find duplicatesobjects in. By default, it is the active model. You can choose another

open model by either clicking in its graphics window or selecting it from

the Windowmenu to make it active.

Find duplicates in the current selection- If on, duplicates arefound only in the objects which are currently selected. Otherwise, the

whole model is checked.

Select first instances - If on, any instance of the object before the lastis considered to be a duplicate. If off, any instance of the object after the

first is considered to be a duplicated.

Find Duplicates Method- Duplicate surfaces are selected depending

on the two options below.


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All- This selects duplicate surfaces depending on the SurfaceTrimming Comparisonoption.

Untrimmed- If all duplicate surfaces are untrimmed, this optionselects all the duplicates. If some of the duplicate surfaces are

trimmed, it selects all of those duplicates which are untrimmed.In some imported models, each surface is supplied untrimmed andtrimmed. This command allows you to select all the untrimmed

surfaces.

Surface Trimming Comparison- You can choose how to comparesurfaces with trim boundaries and p-curves. There are three options:

Exact- This option finds surfaces with exactly the same pcurvesand trim boundaries.

Boundaries- This option finds surfaces with exactly the sametrim boundaries. Any p-curve not part of a trim boundary is ignoredin the comparison.

None- This option treats two surfaces as the same if theuntrimmed surfaces are the same - even if they have different

trimmed regions.

Accept- The dialogue box is removed from the screen. All duplicatedobjects are highlighted as selected. Note that for each set of duplicate

objects, one is not selected. This allows you to operate on all duplicates

within a model. For example, you can now delete them all by pressing theDeletebutton .

Warning: Duplicates are detected on the basis of positional information(XYZ coordinates) only. Objects may be selected as duplicates even if

they differ in level, colour, tangent direction, or other non-positional

ways.

How do I import data into a model?When you import a PowerSHAPE model, it is automatically opened as a

new model. However if you import any other file, it is opened in the

current model window.

You can use one of the following commands to import data:

File - Import command. Import Wizard- This is similar to the File - Import command

except it gives options to set up the data once it is imported.

You can also import files by dragging and dropping them into thePowerSHAPE window.


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Using the File - Import command1. From the Filemenu, select Importto display the Import dialogue

box.

This is the same as clicking the Importbutton on the Maintoolbar.

2. Use the dialogue box to choose a file.See "Import dialogue box"for further details.

3. Click Open.Import dialogue box


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This dialogue box is used to select f i les.


Look in - Select the correct directory.

Up one levelbutton - Click this button to go up one level in thefolder structure.

Create new folderbutton - Click this button to create a new folder.

View menubutton - Click this button to display a menu containingoptions on how to display the files in the dialogue box.

File name- Select or type the name of the file.

Files of type- This displays the filter pattern which filter the file namesof the current directory. By default, the pattern is *.* which displays all

files. This selector lists the default filters for the file types that can beimported. You can select a filter from the pull down list. Once a filter is

selected, files satisfying that filter are displayed.

Note that Files of typeis only used to help find files more easily. Itdoes not determine the type of file to be imported. When a file is

imported, PowerSHAPE looks at the contents of the file to determine its

type and not its name. For example, if Files of typeis set to *.pic, youcan still import an IGES file by typing in the name in the File name text

box. If an IGES file is called file.pic, this filter will help find it, but the

file will still be imported as an IGES file.

The types of files that can be imported are given below.

PowerSHAPE Model

(*.psmodel)

This is the PowerSHAPE model using the

single file format. If you have a model on

removable media (tape or disk) which doesnot appear in your model database, it can

be imported into your model database.

Each model is held in a directory thatcontains the model files.

Model (doc.det) This is the PowerSHAPE and DUCT5

model using the directory format (a set of

files in a folder). If you have a model on

removable media (tape or disk) which does

not appear in your model database, it must

be imported. Each model is held in a

directory that contains the model files.

DUCTdraft drawing(drawing.det)

This is the DUCTdraft drawing format.The contents of the drawing are imported


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into a new model with the same name as

the drawing.

Delcam Geometry

(*.dgk)

This is a special format that defines

PowerSHAPE and PowerMILL data in a

single file.Delcam Machining

Triangles (*.dmt)

This file is imported as a symbol. The

symbol definition is also stored in themodel and has the same name as the file.

See "Symbols"in theDrafting Manualfor

further details.

IGES (*.ig*) This defines the model according to the

IGES (International Graphics Exchange

Standard) specification. Most high levelCAD system

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