Defining Components

You can define a product-based component also referred to as a structured component to enhance a product structure with some applicative data.

Use this command to generate a product-based component that is a product or part with specialized publication and assembly features. You can then use this product-based component in an object type. You must always use the Define Component command to create the positioning axis system publication before assigning a product-based design model to an object type. When creating an object type, you can directly associate the product-based component to the product-based design model of the object type.

For more information, see Smart Mechanical Components User's Guide: Working with Smart Mechanical Components: Defining Technological Impacts of a Component on Its Environment.

See Also
About Object Types
Creating an Object Type
  1. Open a typed or a non typed 3D part or product as a component .
  2. From the Component section of the action bar, click Define Component .
    When at least one right-handed axis system is found, it becomes the current axis system. Its name is also displayed. The current axis system specifies the component specification feature.
    Note: If no valid axis system is detected, a message is displayed to inform you. Consequently, an axis is automatically created before the Define Components dialog box appears.
  3. Select Create Axis System .
    A new axis system is created, it becomes the current one.
  4. Select an axis system, either the current one (in the dialog box or in the work area) or another one (in the work area).
    It is highlighted in the work area.
  5. In the context toolbar:
    1. Select Reframe to inspect the axis system.
    2. Select Replace to determine the selected axis system as the current one.

      Replace is available only for the current axis system.

  6. In the dialog box, expand the Impacting Elements section.
    All the candidates (impacting elements) are listed as check boxes. They define the assembly features to create.
    Note: When working with an assembly, only the impacting elements of the current assembly child are listed. Use List All Candidates to find impacting elements in all the assembly children.
  7. Select a body in the work area, or a check box in the dialog box.
    The body is highlighted and a context toolbar appears.
  8. In the context toolbar, expand the list of impact types, and select the type to apply:
    • Not Defined
    • Drill Hole
    • Tap Hole
    • Pad
    • Pocket
    The list of impacting elements is updated accordingly.
  9. Still in the context toolbar,
    1. Select Reframe to inspect the selected element.
    2. Use to activate or deactivate an impacting element in the list.

The 3D part or product is defined as a component with the required base axis system, assembly features and publications. This is an example of what you can obtain: