Creating Power Copies

You can create power copy elements, to be reused later. A power copy is a set of features (geometric elements, formulas, constraints and so forth) that are grouped to be used in a different context, and presenting the ability to be completely redefined when pasted.

The power copy captures the design intent and know-how of the designer thus enabling greater reusability and efficiency.

Before you begin: Create a 3D shape containing geometric elements to be used to create the power copy.
  1. From the Tools section of the action bar, click Power Copy .
    The Power Copy Definition dialog box appears.
  2. From the tree, select the elements to be included in the power copy.

    The Power Copy Definition dialog box is automatically filled with information about the selected elements.

  3. In the Definition tab, assign a name to the power copy in the Name box.

    This tab also presents its components in the 3D viewer.

  4. In the Inputs tab, you can rename the reference elements making up the power copy.
    You can do that for clarification purposes as to their roles, by selecting the elements in the viewer and entering a new name in the Name box. In this example, we renamed the extract feature; however in brackets you still can read the element default name based on its type. Use the arrows to move to selected element up or down in the list.
  5. In the Parameters tab, define which of the parameter values used in the power copy you will be able to modify at instantiation time.
  6. Select the Published Name check box and enter a name in the box to give a more explicit name to the element.
  7. In the Properties tab, you can modify the icon identifying the power copy in the specifications tree.

    A subset of icons is available from the Icon choice button. If you click ... the Icon Browser opens, giving you access to all the graphic icons installed with the software.

  8. Click Grab screen to capture an image of the power copy to be stored with its definition.
  9. Click Remove preview to delete the image captured with Grab screen.
  10. Click OK to create the power copy.
    The power copy is displayed close to the top of the tree.
    Tips:
    • Double-click the power copy in the tree to display the Power Copy Definition dialog box and edit its contents.
    • A formula is automatically included in a power copy definition when all its parameters are included. Otherwise, if at least one parameter is not selected as part of the power copy, you have to manually select the formula to make it part of the definition. If you do so, all the formula's parameters that have not been explicitly selected, are considered as inputs of the power copy.
    • Once your power copy is created, do not delete the referenced elements used to make up the power copy.