Model Builders Overview

3D PartStream.NET lets manufacturers display 3D models and 2D drawings that subscribers can view and download over the Web. The basic steps needed to create this type of electronic catalog include:

Access

Access to 3D models by customers involves the following sequence:

  1. Customer visits the Web page, browses the catalog, and identifies a model.

  2. Customer reviews the viewing and download options.

  3. Web request is automatically sent to the 3D PartStream.NET server, identifying a model and format.

  4. Model is located, opened, and translated in the format requested by the customer.

Configurations

Among its capabilities, 3D PartStream.NET dynamically rebuilds models using customer-specified parameters. Configurations efficiently create multiple variations of a part or assembly within a single document. You can use configurations when models are geometrically similar.

Design Tables

You can add the value $PRP@3DPSDRAWINGFILE to a column in the SolidWorks design table.

With this value in the column of the design table, the drawing file selected is used to generate the final drawing. The final drawing is generated regardless of specific configurations (standard or parametric) that exist for the model.

The default configuration row in the design table is used to generate parametric configurations. With the value $PRP@3DPSDRAWINGFILE added to a column in this same row, you can generate any specific configuration.

You can also program the value $PRP@3DPSDRAWINGFILE to be dynamic, based on the value of the parameters driving the model.

Model Builder's Responsibilities

As the model builder, you should determine the following:

  • What level of detail to include in each model and drawing:

    Can the product be modeled as one part or does it need to be an assembly?

    In most cases, a single part can represent an entire product. However, in some cases, a multiple-part assembly includes options such as switches and mounting brackets, that are easier to add as components in an assembly rather than as features in a part.

    Which features should you show?

    You must include mounting points and connection interfaces. Other features, such as lubrication points and fan vents may also be required.

    What level of cosmetic detail is necessary to make the part appear realistic?

    Fillets and rounds, while not always necessary to the engineer or designer, make the part appear more realistic.

    What should be the model’s default orientation?

    Because the models are displayed in 3D, the standard isometric view should depict an easily recognizable image of the product.

    What textual attributes should travel with the part?

    You can store any attribute in file properties. Properties such as name, address, part number, cost, and so on are helpful to the end user who downloads the model.

    Is the 2D drawing required to provide dimensional information or simply geometry for use in other drawings?

    Drawings give customers the ability to incorporate the product geometry into other 2D prints. Both the model builder and the supplier need to decide what views and dimensions to include.

General information:

Exploring 3D PartStream.NET

3D PartStream.NET Overview