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Contents
1. 3DCS Analyst Tutorial ................................................................................................................... 1
1.1. Lesson 1: Review an Existing Model ..................................................................................................................2
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1.
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1.1.
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product to be assembled? How will the product be evaluated such that good and bad parts can be separated?
3DCS represents the requirements with measurements. Product requirements can be changed by design
changes that modify the sensitivity of the customer. Requirements can also be modified at the cost of customer
satisfaction. Requirements can also be met through reworking or scrapping of unacceptable parts.
The 3DCS model needs all four of these components in order to generate analysis results, but the components can
be added to the model in any order. Changes to any of the components represent changes to the dimensional
management plan. The finalized plan should be reflected in the detail part drawings, control plans, assembly
tooling, and measurement plan.
Outputs from variation modeling
Simulations: The detail parts are given the assigned variation and the deviated parts are assembled as per the
assembly plan. The resulting amount of variation in the product is then recorded. This allows quantitative
comparison between the desired outcome and the simulated outcome. Furthermore, the simulated outcomes
between dimensional management plans can be compared.
Sensitivity: The tolerances are run at set levels (typically the high, low, and middle) and the changes in the
results are compared. The tolerances are then ranked by their effect on the measures. Thus it helps locate
areas where changes would have the greatest impact during problem solving.
GeoFactor: The slope of the tolerance versus measure curve is calculated for every pair. These values are
combined to rank the tolerances by their effect on the measures. The analysis separates the effect of the range
of the tolerance from its geometric relationship to the measure. Thus it helps locate areas where changes would
have the greatest impact during problem solving.
Move, Tolerance, Measurement (MTM's) Data Location In Assembly Tree
When creating a 3D Tolerance Analysis Model, the MTM's can be created in any order. Moves first, then
Tolerances, then Measurements or in any combination.
When the software runs the Monte Carlo Simulation, it will apply the Tolerances first, then the Moves, then the
Measurements. It will do this, starting with the lowest order or farthest most inboard child, working its way out to
the highest most outboard parent in the Catia tree.
To get the correct analysis results, the user needs to take into account the following:
Moves should always be at least one level above the parts or assemblies (being moved) it is applied to.
Tolerances are generally applied at the part level. If multiple parts are being treated as a black box, or a
subassembly with no moves (the parts in the subassembly are treated as one), then the tolerances can be
applied at the subassembly level.
Measurements can be located anywhere in the assembly tree. Generally they are applied at the upper most
outboard parent assembly, or the final assembly. The measurements will only pick up the variation at the level
they are applied to. If a measurement is applied at the part level it will only read the detail part tolerances or
variation. If it is applied at the final assembly level it will read the part tolerances plus the assembly variation
caused by the moves.
Below is an Assembly tree illustrating the typical placement of MTM's.
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Getting Started
In this tutorial, you will perform Variation Analysis on an assembly of a Headlamp, Turnlamp and Bracket, and a
Fixture. You will begin by reviewing a completed model. This is the model you will be constructing from scratch
with this tutorial.
The objective of this first lesson is to help a new 3DCS user to become familiar with the 3DCS workbench and tool
bars. This tutorial will take you through the main tool bar menus. All icon functions can also be found on the 3DCS
pull down menu.
Start with 3DCS Analyst, CAA V5 Based open.
Open the finished 3DCS model: Lesson5.CATProduct
The Tutorial files and the Example Models install to the following default directories:
Windows XP: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\DCS\"Version"\tutorials\V5_Analyst_tutorial\UserLessons\...
Windows 7: C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\DCS\"Version"\tutorials\V5_Analyst_tutorial\UserLessons\...
Click the
Spec tree
Update Geometry icon to update the mesh surface data and select the Lamp_SubAsm in the
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Isometric View
Label Part Features icon to display point labels if they are not shown
1.1.1.
The points and mesh on a part are used to show the locations of individual features. Sometimes it is easier to work
with the 3DCS model when the mesh is hidden. The functions in the Display Mesh tool bar will allow you to
change the visualization of the mesh and points.
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or
) icon to toggle the hide/show status of all the mesh on all parts in
or
Hide/Show Points icon to toggle the hide/show status of all the points on all parts in the model
Click the
Label Part Features icon to hide or display labels of the part which has a highlight in the CATIA
tree. If a product is highlighted and the function is selected, then the product and all its sub-parts in the model
will have their point names hidden or displayed
Click the
Click the
Hide/Show Part (Mesh & Points) icon to show or hide mesh and points per each part,
individually. Click the icon then click on the Headlamp part. Both the mesh and the points on the Headlamp
will be hidden. Click on the Headlamp part again. The mesh on the Headlamp part will be visible again.
Close the Pick Part dialog
Note: The Hide/Show Part command does not override the other Hide/Show commands. Therefore, if you use
Hide/Show Part (Mesh & Points) to hide a part's features, you must use it again to show them (Hide/Show
Mesh won't affect that part's mesh)
Click the
Select Color icon to change the color of a part's mesh and modeling points. After selecting this
function, the Pick Feature dialog will appear. Each part and each feature of the part has a separate color
setting
Change the Selection Type as desired and select the desired part(s) or feature(s), OK
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When finished, press Cancel to close the Pick Feature dialog box
1.1.2.
Preferences
To set the 3DCS Preferences, select from the menu 3DCS
located in the DCS Tools toolbar.
Options
icon
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Under the Report Dir tab, set the Model's Report Directory of your choice
Select OK to save the settings
If you made any changes, click
Update Model icon and
Update Geometry (then select the
Lamp_SubAsm in the Spec Tree) to implement them. Not all preferences require this step after modification. For
more information, see the Preferences section of the Help Manual.
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1.1.3.
The Graphical analysis tools work with a special viewing mode. 3DCS has two display modes:
Creation Mode
and
Animation Mode. Creation Mode will show the CATIA parts, whereas Animation mode will display a
Compressed Graphical Representation (CGR) of the parts to better display their assembly animation or continuous
deviation. The icon which toggles between the two modes is in the Model Reset toolbar. Anytime you use one of
the first five functions in the Graphical Analysis toolbar, the mode will automatically switch to Animation Mode.
When you need to access the CATIA parts you must toggle the mode back to Creation Mode.
The following steps will lead you through the different functions of the Graphical Analysis toolbar.
Click on the
The mesh on the trim edges of the Headlamp and Turnlamp will start deviating. This represents the part by part
surface profile variation.
If the surface mesh appears to be deviating too fast, increase the Delay to slow it down (to increase control of
the delay function use the left and right arrow keys on the keyboard to adjust in increments of 5)
You may also Pause and Continue the deviations at any time
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Click the
If you wish to see how the parts look in their assembled positions without any variation, use the Nominal Build
Function.
Click the
Nominal Build icon to assemble the parts to their nominally built positions
You can visualize the effects of assembly variation by using the Continuous Deviation function while the parts are
built.
Click on the
Continuous Deviate button
Select Close to stop the deviation
The
Deviate To Offset button will set the points to their offset location. This is a supplemental functionality for a
target study. It does not build the assembly, but sets all target points to their offset location with no deviation. Is
useful when there are meanshifts within the part. If the assembly is in Separate position only the points with an
offset tolerance will be repositioned. If the assembly is in Nominal Build position, the part will deform due to the
offset points.
The repositioning of the parts from build to build shows the variation from the assembly process. The mesh is also
deviating to shows the part deviation.
Click the
There are two functions used to visualize the part constraint and assembly sequence.
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Click the
Continuous Animate icon to animate the parts moving together. The Animation will show you
the assembly sequence as well as the parts being constrained in their assembled positions
Fast Animate icon to step through the individual Moves. See the help manual page on
Select the
Animate for assistance on all of the button functions
Finish by
Separating the parts and setting the model to Creation Mode by clicking the
icon appears as follows:
.)
1.1.4.
The purpose of the Simulation analysis is to evaluate the variation in the process output. The Sensitivity analysis,
also referred to as High-Low-Median (HLM) analysis, determines which tolerances within the assembly have the
largest contribution for a particular measurement.
Begin by putting the parts in their
Nominal Build positions. This step must always be performed before
an analysis for the assembly process to be considered in the analysis
Click the
Run Analysis icon to run the tolerance simulation and/or sensitivity for the entire assembled
model
The Assembly Status window will appear warning about Failed Validation on model, click the Continue?
button
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You will see that the Summary Information window appears next to inform why the validation failed, click OK
Once the Run Analysis window appears, set the Total Runs to 2000
Click the Start>> button to start the simulation
Note: As the simulation is performed you will see the combined Run dialog displaying how many simulated
assemblies have been made, and how many factors have been analyzed.
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After both simulation and sensitivity are completed, you will see the Analysis Report window with all of the
simulation and sensitivity results. Use the blue arrows
>>> Your results may not match the above illustration <<<
Notice all the measures have a shift between the spec limits and the mean. This offset increases the percent outof-spec.
Close the Analysis Report window when you are finished looking at it
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The GeoFactor Analysis is used to determine the geometric effect of each tolerance in the model on a particular
measurement.
Click the
GeoFactor icon to bring up the Set GeoFactor dialog
Click the Start >> button to start the analysis
>>> Your results may not match the above illustration <<<
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You can page through the three Measures using the orange arrows
Close the GeoFactor window when you are done looking at it
1.1.5.
1.1.5.1.
This will bring up the Move List dialog containing all the moves associated with the assembly. From this menu
you can either create new Moves by selecting the Add button, or Modify, Delete or Copy (duplicate) existing
Moves. To change the type of a move that already exists, select the desired type and click Change Type. A
confirmation window will appear asking to accept changes.
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Highlight the Headlamp_to_Bracket Move in the Move list and select the Modify button
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From this dialog you are able to define how a part gets constrained within a model. The title bar of the Move
window will tell the type of the Move as well as the part it is contained in. You will learn more about how to define
a Move in Lesson 4.
Click Cancel when you are finished looking at the Move dialog
Click OK to close the Move List dialog
Tolerances are set to specify the limits which control the dimensions of important features on a part. There are
two ways to apply tolerance to modeling points:
DCS Tolerances created by the modeler
DCS GD&T Tolerances extracted from FTA in the CATIA model.
The next few steps will take you through the Tolerance List dialog.
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Select the Bracket part in the tree and then select the
From this menu you can select specific types of tolerances to add to DCS points or you can modify tolerances
which already have been defined.
Highlight the Surface_Profile tolerance in the list and select the Modify button
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This menu defines the surface profile tolerance added to the Bracket. The locations where the tolerance will vary
are shown in the Features list. You will learn more about creating DCS Tolerances in Lesson 5.
Click Cancel when you are finished looking at the dialog
Click OK to close the Tolerance List dialog
The next few steps will take you through the DCS GD&T dialogs.
Select the Headlamp and then select the
DCS GD&T icon and the GD&T Tolerance menu will appear
From this menu you can view and edit CATIA based FD&T or FT&A that has been imported into the model. No
GD&T will be listed as none has been added to the Headlamp. You will add GD&T in Lesson 10.
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From this menu you can select specific types of Measures to meet your needs, or you can modify or delete
Measures which already have been defined.
Highlight the Upr_Gap measure in the list and select the Modify button
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This menu defines a measurement between two points on different parts within the model. In this case, one of
the points is on the Headlamp and one is on the Turnlamp. You will learn more about creating Measurements in
Lesson 3.
Click Cancel when you are finished looking at the dialog
Click OK to close the Measure List dialog
1.1.5.2.
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With this dialog box, you can create or modify one or more points that are associated to a feature on a part. You
will learn more about how to create feature points while creating Moves and Measures. This model will not be
saved, so try the different options.
Click the Feature button and select any feature of the part
Depending on the settings of the feature point parameters, different points can be created. No points are actually
created until the Create Point(s) button is selected. Notice the points in grid mode versus one point mode. Also
notice the red X point marker in the center of the feature you selected. This is the Feature Locator Point, and can
be moved with the Feature Locator Offset values. This point is used where a feature is selected in a point based
mode.
You can also select Point and click on any of the feature points in the model
This makes the point active, and modifications to the point can be made. The location can be adjusted with
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changes to the U and V values. The arrow indicator will move with the changes, but the point will not be updated
unless the Apply Changes button is selected.
Click Fast Point Creation
This mode allows the user to place points on the surfaces or centers of features with GUI point clicks. Hover over
a feature surface and click the mouse. A point is created. Switch to center point mode and click on the pins.
Select the Close button to close the Feature Point(s) dialog
Feature Mesh
When a surface is selected directly in an MTM, 3DCS creates a mesh on the surface to use in calculations. The
mesh is a set of intersections connected by line segments. When selected in a feature-based MTM, every
intersection in the mesh is considered in the calculations. When selected in a point-based MTM, the mesh is
condensed to a single point and vector.
Dynamic Midpoint
A Dynamic Point is associated to one or two other Control Points. Control points can be DCS points, Feature
points, or other Dynamic points. Dynamic points are automatically created in the same part as the first control
point.
One Control point can be used as an offset point along the control point's vector direction
Two Control points can be used when it is necessary to vary a point by a ratio of the distance between two
points. If this ratio is 0.5, the Dynamic point will be placed at the middle location of the two Control points
In either case, the Dynamic point cannot be varied by placing it within a tolerance. Its variation is entirely
dependent on its Control Point(s).The Dynamic point and its Control point(s) may be placed in separate parts. If
these parts are in separate sub assemblies care must be taken. If the sub assemblies are opened separately,
undesired results may occur.
Creation Mode
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Click on the
Notice the Description indicates all the points are Feature Points. The coordinate fields are grey because they
cannot be modified here.
Click the Add button. A new point will appear. Make sure you have the new point selected. Since it is a
Coordinate Point, you can modify the coordinate fields
Select Cancel button to close the Create/Edit Point dialog box
Close the Lesson5.CATProduct assembly without saving.
1.2.
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1.2.1.
Inserting Parts
Whenever you create a new model, it is important to get the part structure set up properly before beginning.
Rearranging the parts in the model is difficult and can cause data loss if done incorrectly.
The purpose of the part structure is to ensure that the Simulation Sequence of the model is the sequence
intended. Each part may have MTM's attached to it. These components can be added in any order, but this
order will affect the model results. The analysis will use all of the inputs in a set order. The model performs
tolerances first, then moves, and finally measures in each part starting at the lowest part in the tree. Child parts
are always completed prior to the parent part.
In this structure, 3DCS can only see "down," i.e, an MTM can only reference parts within its branch of the tree.
You will begin by creating a "top level" (or "final assembly level" or "root") part (a CATProduct file) to insert the
part files into. MTM's in the "top level" part can reference all the parts in the model.
Begin by closing any open files within CATIA. Leave CATIA open. From the Start menu, select Analysis &
DCS Tolerance Analysis... and a new CATProduct file will be created.
Simulation
2.1 Change Part Names
Change the part number of the new "top level" part.
Select the new product from the Spec Tree (it will be orange)
From the Edit menu, select Properties
In the Properties window, select the Product tab
Change the Part Number to Lamp_SubAsm
Choose OK when finished
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1.2.2.
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Update Model
Note: You must Update Model for 3DCS Analyst, CAA V5 Based to work properly after using CATIA specific
operations. Five of the most common reasons to use Update Model are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Creation Mode)
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Click the Exit Scene icon shown below in the Enhanced Scenes toolbar to return to the model
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After saving the Nominal scene the user can separate the parts (see Lesson 3 - Separating Parts) and if later
they want to move the parts back to their original poisitions, the user can open the Nominal scene (by double
clicking on it in the Navigation window), and select the
Update Model
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1.2.3.
Separating Parts
Many users prefer parts to be translated away from each other to allow assembly order and movement to be seen.
CATIA includes multiple methods for translating parts. You may use the following method or a method you prefer.
2.6 Translate the Headlamp and Turnlamp Away From the Bracket
Drag the Compass to the Turnlamp by clicking on the square at its base
In the Spec Tree, highlight the Turnlamp and Headlamp (the Compass should turn green)
By dragging the Compass direction, drag the two parts in the V direction about 200 mm
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Select only the Turnlamp in the Spec Tree by clicking in the graphics window and then re-selecting it
By dragging the Compass direction, drag the Turnlamp in the U direction about 100 mm
Return the compass to the corner
For further information on this function, please go to Manipulation, or see the CATIA Online Documentation page
entitled "Moving Objects Using the 3D Compass."
Note: The Translation or Rotation command may also be used to translate and rotate parts or subassemblies. This command will translate and rotate components by a specified increment.
Select the
Fit All In icon and then Zoom until the parts fill the graphics area.
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Create a scene at the separated position. For steps on how to do this, see Lesson 2: Changing Part Parameters.
1.3.
Use the Save Management function to Save your model in the UserLessons folder with the name
Lesson2.CATProduct.
Most moves represent the attachment of one part (or assembly) to another. The part being attached is referred to
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as the object part. This attachment restrains the object part's DoF. A part is partially restrained if it can still move,
i.e., it has one or more DoF unrestrained. A part is completely restrained if it can't move after attachment. The
attachment has restrained all six DoF.
The features used to attach the parts are known as locators. Locators can be on a part or in a fixture. The locators
are typically represented in a model with points. Most moves use either DCS Points or Feature Points to define
how parts mate together on the locators. It is the job of the move to reflect how the variation of the locating
features are transmitted through to a product. This is the main difference between moves and CATIA constraints.
CATIA constraints are dealing with perfect parts. 3DCS is concerned with the assembly of parts with variation.
If a part still has movement after attachment, as in a hinge assembly, it has restrained less than six DoF. A hinge
joint typically can still rotate in one direction, so it has one DoF. A part that bends during attachment is considered
over-constrained. Many models assume that the parts are rigid and cannot be over-constrained. Bending is a
powerful tool that can be done with moves, however, and is typically covered in the intermediate training.
In order to model the many different ways that parts can be attached to each other 3DCS contains many different
move routines for restraining a part's DoF. The most common type of move will restrain the object part by aligning
six points to six planes. Each point-plane pair restrains one DoF. Three of the planes must have approximately
the same direction. Two of the planes must have approximately the same direction, and it must be approximately
perpendicular to the first direction. The last plane must have a direction approximately perpendicular to the other
two directions. This type of move is referred to as a 3-2-1 locating scheme. The first three planes are referred to as
the Primary Plane, the next two planes are referred to as the Secondary Plane, and the last plane is referred to as
the Tertiary Plane. The math to put the six points on six planes in order will have one solution.
The 3DCS moves Three-Point, Six-Plane, and Step Plane all model what is referred to as a 3-2-1 locating scheme.
You will use the Step Plane Move to locate the Headlamp and Turnlamp. A Three-Point move is simpler, but
requires that the features of location are coplanar and that some are coincident. The lamp locators do not meet
these requirements. The Six-Plane has less prerequisites, but is more complicated. It allows the primary plane can
be curved, and needs six vectors to be defined. The Six-Plane move could be used here, but all vectors would
need to be manually defined.
The Step Plane move will locate six object points on six target planes. The planes are defined with the target point
and a direction vector. The plane is normal to the vector and through the point. In the case of the step plane move
the same vector (Dir1) is used to create the first 3 target planes; T1, T2, and T3. A vector (Dir2) is used to create
target planes T4 and T5. Finally, a third vector (Dir3) is used to create target plane T6. This move is the best move
for the lamps.
Although the move is based on points, features may be picked directly in the move dialog. Every feature has a
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Feature Locator Point associated with it. This point is internally defined by 3DCS, usually about the center of the
feature. When features are selected in a point-based MTM, the MTM will be executed as though the Feature
Locator Point has been picked.
1.3.1.
Feature Creation
Features can be created either while creating a move or before starting a move. In this lesson, you will first create
and name all the features used in the moves. Then you will create moves and select the new features.
For each feature used, you must decide whether to use a Feature Mesh, a Feature Point, or a DCS Point.
Generally, the former is the fastest to use and the latter is the slowest.
3.1 Naming the Locating Features
The three pin bosses on the Turnlamp are the three primary locators. Each is a separate feature which will
completely contact the Bracket. Therefore, they may be selected directly in the move. First, you will rename the
features.
).
Label Part
Next rename the other five surfaces. You do not need to close the dialog between selecting features. Use the
following names, HeadLp_X1, HeadLp_X2, HeadLp_X3, TurnLp_X1, TurnLp_X2, and TurnLp_X3 as shown in
the following picture.
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The pin shafts will be the secondary and tertiary locators. Each is a separate feature which will completely
contact the Bracket. Therefore, they may be selected directly in the move. First, you will rename the Turnlamp
features.
Feature Point(s) dialog
Open the
Click on the Feature button and zoom in to the outboard small pin on the Turnlamp
Select the outside of the pin's cylinder surface (as in the following picture)
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Click on the Feature button again and zoom in to the lower outboard pin on the Headlamp
Select the outside of the pin's cylinder surface
The Feature Point(s) dialog will reappear
In the field next to the Feature button, rename the Feature HeadLp_YZ
Click on the Feature button again and zoom in to the inboard pin on the Headlamp
Select the outside of the pin's cylinder surface
The Feature Point(s) dialog will reappear
In the field next to the Feature button, rename the Feature HeadLp_Z
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1.3.2.
Use the Save Management function to save the model in the UserLessons folder with the name
Lesson3.CATProduct
Slot Function
The geometry of the Bracket contains a slot which will locate a Headlamp pin. Before the slot can be used in the
move, it must be defined in the model using the Edit Slot/ Tab function.
3.3 Creating the Bracket Slot
Go To 3DCS
Features
Slot/Tab or click the
Select Create in the Edit Slot/ Tab window
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The Bracket slot consists of two half-cylinders and two flat surfaces (called walls or sides.) The sides of the slot
are the Headlamp locators.
Select each of the walls of the slot
The slot will be created and the Edit Slot/ Tab will reappear
Rename the slot HeadLp_Z
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1.3.3.
1.3.4.
Define/Edit Move icon from the toolbar and select the Lamp SubAsm
If a part is already selected the move list for that part will open. Make sure that the Move List for the
Lamp_SubAsm appears.
Select the Step Plane move from the pulldown menu, then select the Add button to create the move
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The Step Plane Move dialog should look like the following picture:
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It is important to use Move names and descriptions which help describe the move.
Change the Move Name to Turnlamp_to_Bracket
Type in a description of 1st fasten OB hole, 2nd fasten lower IB hole, 3rd fasten upper IB hole
The three pin bosses on the Turnlamp are the three primary locators.
Select the All Objects button
Make sure you are in
Creation Mode
Select the three pin boss surfaces (the order selected does not matter, zoom in to click on the CATIA
surface)
The pin shafts will be the secondary and tertiary locators.
Select the outside of the Turnlamp's outboard pin's cylinder surface (see the following picture)
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Select the outside of the Turnlamp's lower inboard pin's cylinder surface
Because it locates the Turnlamp in two directions, the TurnLp_YZ feature must be added to the move twice.
Select the outside of the Turnlamp's outboard pin's cylinder surface
The move dialog will now reappear with the object features selected.
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Next the Bracket features will be selected as target features in the Turnlamp move.
Note the order of the Primary (the first three) Object Features
Select the All Targets button
Select the three Bracket "Turnlamp mating surface" features in the same order as the Primary Object
Features. Be sure to select the small mating surfaces on the side of the Bracket towards the lamps
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The next step is to define the move's Directions. The terms direction and vector are used interchangeably in this
tutorial. Directions are always "normalized," i.e., the length of the vector is 1. Therefore, they use I, J, and K as
coordinates. A direction and point pair define a locating plane normal to the vector.
For the Step Plane move, there are three directions to define. The first direction, Dir#1, defines the primary
planes. Therefore, it should be normal to the Bracket surface (in the X direction.)
Set the Dir. Index to Dir#1 and ensure its Dir. Type is AssocDir and verify that the direction is approximately
(-1,0,0). Generally, a vector and its opposite will be equivalent in a move
The second direction, Dir#2, defines the secondary planes. It should be normal to the primary vector and to the
line between the two locating pins (the two pins will both locate the part in this direction.)
Set the Dir. Index to Dir#2 and ensure its Dir. Type is Default. 3DCS will automatically calculate the
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direction. Verify the direction matches the one shown in the following figure
The third direction, Dir#3, defines the tertiary plane. It should be parallel to the line between the two locating pins
(only one of the pins will locate the part in this direction.)
Set the Dir. Index to Dir#3 and ensure its Dir. Type is Default. 3DCS will automatically calculate the
direction. Verify the directions are similar to the one shown in the following graphic
Leave the direction option as Target Plane
Only one of the Bracket holes, the "4-way" hole, locates the Turnlamp in all directions. The second, "2-way" hole
does not locate the Turnlamp in the Tertiary direction. Therefore, the hole is assumed to be slotted or large
enough to accommodate all the part variation. Otherwise, the hole and pin would interfere ("wink,") and the
Turnlamp could not be assembled. Furthermore, the third hole does not locate at all, i.e. it is a clearance hole,
and could interfere in any direction. 3DCS does not automatically check for this condition. Measures can be
made, however, to prove no interference is occurring.
Finally, you must define which part you want to move. When adding object features, the Move Parts field will
automatically be filled. You must ensure, however, that it is filled correctly. This move should only move the
Turnlamp.
Ensure the Move Parts field matches the following picture. If not, delete any extra parts in the Move Parts list
and use the Add button to add the Turnlamp to the list.
Below the Move Parts area of the Move dialog, are three Show buttons. These buttons invoke functions which
allow you to visually verify that your Move is defined properly. Experiment using all three Show buttons to see
their effects.
The first button Features will show which points are being used in the Move. Object features will show up
with a O1, O2, etc. label next to them. Target features will show up with a T1, T2, etc. label next to them.
The second button Directions will show three arrows pointing in directions Dir#1, Dir#2, and Dir#3.
The third button Summary will generate a text summary of all parameters of the move.
Select OK to save the move.
Set the floats as inactive. To do this open the Move List, highlight the desired Move and click the
Modify button, click the Options button in the move dialog and uncheck the active option. By default,
floats are active when moves are created.
It is good practice to frequently save your model.
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1.3.5.
Use the Save Management function to save the model in the UserLessons. You will keep the name
Lesson3.CATProduct and thus overwrite your earlier save.
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Now the Bracket features may be selected as target features in the Headlamp move.
Note the order of the Primary (the first three) Object Features
Select the All Targets button
Select the three Bracket HeadLp_X# features in the same order as the Primary Object Features
Next, select the HeadLp_YZ feature
Next select the HeadLp_Z slot by clicking on either side of the slot
When the Select MultiPoint dialog appears, be sure to highlight the slot (HeadLp_Z) and select OK
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Finally, select the HeadLp_YZ feature again (since it locates in two directions it is selected twice)
The move dialog will appear. It will be similar to the following picture:
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The next step is to define the directions. Unlike the Turnlamp move, where multiple points used the same
direction, each pair of points will have a different direction.
The first three directions define the primary planes.
Set the Dir. Index to Dir#1 and ensure its Dir. Type is AssocDir and verify that the direction is (-1, 0, 0)
Set the Dir. Index to Dir#2 and ensure its Dir. Type is AssocDir and verify that the direction is (-1, 0, 0)
Set the Dir. Index to Dir#3 and ensure its Dir. Type is AssocDir and verify that the direction is (-1, 0, 0)
The next two directions define the secondary planes. They should be perpendicular to the walls of the slot.
Set the Dir. Index to Dir#4 and notice its direction is incorrect
Change the Dir. Type to PickPtDir and select one of the walls of the slot (Slot_Lwr)
If the Select MultiPoint dialog appears, select the surface feature, not the slot, and select OK. The vector will
now be parallel to the Z direction
Set the Dir. Index to Dir#5 and set it the same as Dir#4
The last direction define the tertiary plane. It should be parallel to the walls of the slot.
Set the Dir. Index to Dir#6 and notice its direction is incorrect
Change the Dir. Type to Type In and set the vector to (0, 1, 0)
Finally, you must define which part you want to move. When adding object features, the Move Parts field will
automatically be filled. You must ensure, however, that it is filled correctly. This move should only move the
Headlamp.
Ensure the Move Parts field matches the following picture
Below the Move Parts area of the Move dialog, are three Move Information buttons. These buttons invoke
functions which allow you to visually verify that your Move is defined properly. Experiment using all three Move
Information buttons to see their effects.
Show Features will show which points are being used in the Move. Object features will show up with a O1,
O2, etc. label next to them. Target features will show up with a T1, T2, etc. label next to them
Show Directions will show six arrows pointing in all the directions Dir#1, Dir#2, etc.
Show Summary will generate a text summary of all parameters of the move
Select OK to save the move
If the Move List is open, select OK to close it
Set the floats as inactive. To do this open the Move List, highlight the desired Move and click the
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Modify button, click the Options button in the move dialog and uncheck the active option. By default,
floats are active when moves are created.
Use the Save Management function to save the model in the UserLessons folder with the name
Lesson4.CATProduct
It is important to validate any move you create. The first way to validate the moves is by assembling the parts.
Click the
Nominal Build icon and verify that the parts are assembling properly. The assembled parts
should look like the following picture.
Check the measurements' current value to ensure that the nominal build matches the design measurement value.
You can also validate that the parts are assembling properly by using the Animate functions.
Separate the parts by selecting the
Click the
Click
Separate icon
Continuous Animate icon and watch the Headlamp and Turnlamp assemble to the Bracket
Separate icon once again to return the parts to their original location
If you have made changes to the model, use the Save Management function to save the model in the
UserLessons folder with the name Lesson3.CATProduct
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1.4.
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The first way is to add a DCS Tolerance directly to the points or features.
The second way is to add a DCS GD&T Tolerance. This uses CATIA-based FT&A (V5) to vary specific part
features in the model. The mesh and feature points associated with those features will then vary according to the
specified tolerance. In Lesson 10, you will extract these callouts into the 3DCS model.
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Define/Edit Tolerance icon, then select the Bracket part in the tree
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Set the Range value to 1 mm and the Distribution is set to RightSkew (this will set the diameter of the
tolerance limits to 1 mm)
Change the Rand. Index to Rand#2 and ensure the Distribution is Uniform and the Range is 360 deg
Note: These settings will result in a Normal distribution of variation measured along a vector.
The completed tolerance dialog should look like the following picture.
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Now you will add tolerances to the Headlamp and Turnlamp parts. By adding a Feature Tolerance, both the
Feature mesh and the Feature points will vary. For this lesson, we will create one feature-based tolerance
on each part.
Note: The locating surfaces and pins are the datums for the part. Typically, these are pre-qualified on the
GD&T drawing, meaning that the features vary and then become datums. The rest of the tolerances,
including the trim edge tolerances, are back to the datum locations after they have varied. Therefore, the
pre-qualifying tolerances do not affect the measure results. To keep the model simple and avoid
unnecessary work, the datums are left at nominal and the profile of 2 mm is applied to the surface.
Select the
Define/Edit Tolerance icon, then select the Headlamp part in the tree to bring up the
Headlamp Tolerance List
In the Modification area, select Feature as the type of tolerance, then select the Add button
Change the tolerance Name to Surface Profile
Change the tolerance Description to Surface Profile on Trim Edge
Set the Mode to Independent and the Type to Profile
Select Add, then pick the trim edge surface (highlighted in the following graphic) of the Headlamp
Click OK in the Pick Feat dialog
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Select OK to close and save the tolerance, then exit the Tolerance dialog
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The next step is to create a similar surface profile tolerance on the trim edge of the Turnlamp.
Create a feature tolerance on the trim edge (TL_TrimEdge) of the Turnlamp, repeating the steps
outlined for the Headlamp. The trim edge is shown in the following illustration
Select OK to close and save the tolerance, then exit the Tolerance dialog
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Use the Save Management function to save your model in the UserLessons folder with the name
Lesson4.CATProduct
1.5.
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1.5.1.
Creating Points
In order for the model to make the Point Distance measures, the points at which the measures will be taken must
be created. Feature points can easily be created and named as seen in Lesson 1. When feature points are
created, the vector of the surface the point is on is called the associated vector. Using the vector from the
Turnlamp's surface would take the measurement as though the gage was aligned on the Turnlamp. The front
points will be used instead of the back points as they are the first to be seen.
5.1 Create Points for the Upper and Lower Gap Measurements
You will create a series of points for the following gap measurements.
Select the
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In the Feature Point dialog, select the Feature button and then select the TurnLamp trim edge
Change the name of the CadSurf to TL_TrimEdge
Set the Parameters to Grid Points, keep the U,V Segments 1 and 1
Note: Using the Grid Points option is for practice- you will create two extra points with this method that will not
be used for any Moves, Tolerances, or Measurements.
Click Create Points
With the Feature Point Dialog still open, create the same points on the HeadLamp by selecting the adjacent
trim edge
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1.5.2.
Creating Measures
5.2 Create the Upper Gap Measure
You will create the measure in the "top level" part (Lamp_SubAsm) so that the measure can reference both
lamps. As you create the measure, you will also create the necessary points.
Click on the Lamp_SubAsm in the Spec Tree to highlight
Select the
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In the Modification area, select Point Distance from the pulldown menu
Select Add to open the measure dialog
Change the Measure Type pulldown menu to Point-Point
The Measure dialog should look like the following picture.
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Nominal Build
and select the Current button to show an updated value with the parts in the built position
Select the Features button and the two points you are measuring between will appear on the model as
shown in the picture below
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Click Close
Select the Direction button in the show area and in the graphics display you will see an arrow pointing in the
measured direction
Click Close
Select the Summary button to display the measurement's information in a notepad window
Select the Current button to update the measure value
Since you have not modified the part positions, this value is the design gap. The difference between the design
data (~5.7 mm) and the specification nominal (6 mm) may indicate an error in the design data. In this case, you
will continue to use the design data as is and keep the specification nominal at 6 mm.
Select OK in the Measure dialog to save it to the Measure List
Noting the Current value from the CAD data is important for more than finding possible design errors. Part of
validating a model is checking if the measures' current values after Nominal Build are the same as the values in
the design data original state. If the values change in Nominal Build, it indicates possible design or modeling
errors. If the CAD data is not available in the design position then this validation step will be unavailable. You
will only be able to compare the measure values after Nominal Build to the specification nominals.
Creating measures in the design position can be difficult because the parts are close together. Hiding parts can
help with this issue.
5.3 Create the Lower Gap Measure
Create another Point Distance Measurement between the lower two points of the Headlamp and Turnlamp.
Note that the corner points are already created, so they only need to be selected and their names changed.
The finished Measure dialog should look like the following picture. Again, visually validate your measure between
the Headlamp and Turnlamp using the Show Direction and Show Features buttons. Don't forget to select OK in
the Measure dialog to save it to the Measure List.
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Notice the difference in the way the Spec limits are called out. By using the Relative Spec. Mode, you ignore the
specification nominal of 6 mm and apply the +/-1.5 mm specification range directly to the measure's Nominal
Build value. Therefore, you are assuming that either the spec limit will be changed, the design data will be
changed, or the moves will change the measure nominal value to 6 mm.
As you did with the other two measures, you should visually verify that you have picked the correct features by
using the Show Features button.
Select OK in the Measure dialog to save it to the Measure List
The Measure list should now look like the picture below:
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1.6.
Use the Save Management function to save your model in the UserLessons folder with the name
Lesson5.CATProduct
Select the
Continuous Deviate icon and examine the points at the top and bottom of the gap (see
image below)
In the assembled position, you can see the assembly build variation by repositioning (shifting) the Headlamp and
Turnlamp from build to build. In this model, the Headlamp and turnlamp are shifting their positions because of the
Bracket surface profile tolerance on which they are both mounted is rocking both parts. In addition to the
assembly build variation, you can also see the part variation from the mesh surface deviating from the trim edge of
both parts.
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Select Close to close the counter window when you are finished visualizing the build and part variation
Reset the model by selecting the
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For your model, you will perform 2000 Total Runs or simulated assemblies
The Initial Seed is a starting point number for the program's internal random number generator. It is important to
keep this number consistent when you are trying to produce identical results from two simulations.
Verify that the Initial seed is set to a value of 1
The Run Sensitivity section will tell you the number of factors, or sources of variation (such as tolerances) in
your model, and the number of measures.
Begin the Simulation by selecting the Start>> button
If you see a warning that the *.hst file will be overwritten, click OK to ignore the warning
You will be shown a counter to display the Simulations progress. When all the Runs have been simulated, the
Sensitivity analysis will start automatically. After both analyses are completed, the Analysis Report window will
open to display the results.
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>>> Your results may not match the above illustration <<<
Probably the most common value referenced when evaluating the range of variation is the "6-sigma" value.
"Sigma" is a Greek letter which is mathematically used to denote the Standard Deviation of a distribution. In the
Analysis Results window, Standard Deviation is abbreviated as "STD". Therefore the "6STD" value is the 3
standard deviation range of variation for the particular measurement. Standard Deviation is most meaningful if
the data is normally distributed.
The Estimated Range is the difference between the Estimated High and Low values. In the case of the Normal
curve, this range corresponds to 6STD.
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You have three measures in your model. Each Measure will have a page of Simulation and Sensitivity results.
To scroll through the Measures in the model, use the blue arrow icons
If another window is moved on top of the Simulation Results window, it may become blank. To refresh the
contents, simply select the
Redraw icon to redraw the contents of the window.
Close the Analysis Report window when you are finished looking at the results
6.2 Run GeoFactor
The GeoFactor analysis is used to determine the geometric effect of any tolerance within the model on a
particular measurement. Typically, of the tolerances which affect a measurement, the ones which fall closest to
the measure usually have the greatest geometric effect although this is not always the case.
Select the
GeoFactor icon to bring up the GeoFactor window and Set GeoFactor dialog
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>>> Your results may not match the above illustration <<<
Output can be customized for your specific needs by selecting Options
window and checking the fields you want displayed
The column titled "G Factor" is the true geometric effect of that particular tolerance on the measurement. In the
picture above, the tolerance with the largest geometric factor is the Surface profile of the Bracket. If you were to
increase the range from 1.00 to 2.00, the effect on the measured result would increase from 2.10 to 4.20 (2 *
2.10). A "G Factor" of 1.0 would have an even effect on the measurement.
You can index forward or back through the measurements in the model with the arrow icons
Close the GeoFactor window when you are finished looking at the results
Since you did not modify the model in this lesson, you do not have to save the model.
Close the model
1.7.
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So far you have created a model where the Headlamp and Turnlamp mount to the Bracket. You will now take your
model one step further by Moving the entire assembly to a Fixture. A Fixture could represent a mounting fixture, or
it could represent mounting points on the successive part. The tolerances applied to the fixture would be different
for each case.
The Fixture will not have any CATIA solids, lines, or points within it. The Fixture part will be used to only contain
DCS Points. These points will represent mounting target points for the entire Lamp Sub-Assembly. This is a
standard use for DCS points because the Catia features do not exist.
For the purposes of this model, we want the fixture to be at a higher level in the assembly than the Headlamp SubAssembly. Therefore, we will need to create a new product, and then insert the Lamp_SubAsm into it.
At this point you should not have a model open.
This will insert the complete Lesson 5 model into the new product, including all DCS modeling data. Your Spec
Tree should look like the following illustration.
Existing Component
Note: Fixture.CATPart is a blank CATIA part file that will only contain DCS data. Therefore, no geometry will
appear on your screen
Your Spec Tree should now look like the following illustration.
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Now that the product tree is structured as desired, we can begin modeling the fixture itself. First, the model will
need to be updated.
Click on the
All of the modeling information from Lesson 5 should be visible on the screen at this point
The Sub-Assembly will be located on the Fixture. The Bracket mounting surface will control 1 translation (along
X) and 2 rotation (around Y and Z) DoF. The lower right hole will be bolted first with a counter sunk fastener, and
this will fix the SubAsm's translations in Y and Z. The lower left hole will then be fastened and this will stop the
rotation around X by fixing the Z value of the hole. The step plane move will be used to model this behavior.
The features of the Fixture are assumed to have identical coordinates as the Bracket. To create them, you will
simply copy the features from the Bracket after you create them. Since feature mesh cannot be copied, you will
create Feature Points on the Bracket to represent its mounting features. Three surface feature points and two
hole feature points will be needed on the Bracket.
7.1 Create Mounting Feature Points on the Bracket
Select the
Feature Point icon
Select the Feature button
Select one of the three surface features that locate the Bracket to the Fixture (be sure to select the small,
white circular mating surfaces on the side of the Bracket away from the lamps)
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Change the Parameters to One Point and both the U[0-1] and V[0-1] values to 0.5 (a preview arrow will
appear on the screen)
Click Create Point(s) to create a point at this arrow
Select Yes in the warning dialog
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Repeat this process with the other two circular mating surfaces on the side of the Bracket away from the
lamps
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The Bracket's Create/Edit Point dialog will appear as the following graphic when all the points are renamed.
Click OK to save the new point names
7.2 Create DCS Points in the Fixture for Mounting the Bracket
The names coordinates of the Fixture Points will be identical to the Bracket points. Use the Copy Data function to
quickly duplicate the information.
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The Fixture now has size tolerances automatically created for each point copied from Bracket
Deactivate all size tolerances listed under the ToleList in the Navigation tree
The new Fixture points will overlap the Bracket points. To separate them translate the entire Lamp_SubAsm in
the negative X direction.
Highlight only the Lamp_SubAsm in the spec tree
Drag and place the compass on one of the three parts and drag in the negative X direction or use a method
you prefer
Select the
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When creating the move, Add the Lamp_SubAsm from the tree to the Move Parts dialog box and Delete the
Bracket component in the Move Parts dialog box. The Bracket may appear by default and the operation will only
move the Bracket if the Lamp_SubAsm is not selected.
Validate your moves using the
Animate,
Separate, and
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You now should have two new tolerances in the Fixture part Tolerance list.
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Note: The points in the bracket are feature points and they represent the datums of the bracket. Therefore, the
points do not get additional tolerances.
7.5 Save the Model
Things become a bit more complicated at this point when saving the model. We have inserted Lesson 5 as a
sub-assembly in this product. If you simply choose save, then the previously save Lesson 5 model will be
overwritten. Furthermore, if Lesson 5 is modified again the changes will affect this Lesson 7 model. Therefore,
we must save both the Final Assembly and the Lamp Sub-Asm as different files.
Choose File
Save Management
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As you can see, all of the files that are open are listed in the dialog: four CATPart files and two CATProduct files.
You must save the two CATProduct files. The States and Location of each open file may not match those listed
for your model.
Note: No saving actually occurs until "OK" is chosen in the Save Management dialog. If a mistake is made,
simply Cancel and repeat the steps before choosing OK.
Select Final Assembly.CATProduct and then choose Save As. Choose to save the file in the UserLessons
folder with the name Lesson7.CATProduct
Select Lesson5.CATProduct and choose Save As, choose to save the file in UserLessons also, under the
file name Lesson7Sub.CATProduct
The dialog should look similar to the following graphic:
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1.8.
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1.8.1.
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Open Lesson7.CATProduct
Click on
Click on the
Notice in the Description two of the Coordinate points are specified as holes. They used the Bracket data when
created. You will change them to pins and add a size tolerance.
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Notice that when a feature point is selected, the Size Tolerance button becomes inactive on the Bracket features.
8.3 Size Tolerances
To specify a Size Tolerance on feature mesh or a feature point, a new Feature Tolerance has to be created.
Follow the steps below in order to create Size Tolerances on the Bracket features.
Click on the
Define/Edit Tolerance icon and zoom in and click on the Bracket part
Expand the drop-down list in the Modification section, choose Feature from the list and click Add
In the Name field, type Size Tolerance
In the Description field, type Size tolerance on all features in part
Change the Mode to Group Feature
In the Type list, select Size Only in order to specify a size tolerance
Specify a Distribution of Uniform and Range of 0.5 mm
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Using Add in the Feature area, select the hole surfaces as you did before (the inside cylindrical surface) that
are associated to the two feature hole points
Select the three hole surfaces (the inside cylindrical surfaces) used to locate the lamps
Finally, select the Slot
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Verify that you have chosen the correct surfaces by choosing Show: Features
Click OK to create
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Note: The CadSurf numbers(#) may be different from the picture above.
This completes adding size to the holes in the bracket. The pins in the headlamp and turnlamp also need
tolerancing. The points in the Headlamp and Turnlamp are feature based, so as in the Bracket feature points the
Size tolerance will be applied with a feature size only tolerance.
Click on the
Define/Edit Tolerance icon and zoom in and click on the Turnlamp part
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Expand the drop-down list in the Modification section, choose Feature from the list, and then click Add
In the Name field, type Size Tolerance
In the Description field, type Size tolerance on all features in part
Change the Mode to Group Feature
In the Type list, select Size Only in order to specify a size tolerance
Using Add in the Feature: area, select the three pin surfaces (as before, you must select the cylindrical
surface)
Specify a Distribution of Uniform and Range of 1 mm
Verify that you have chosen the correct surfaces by choosing Show: Features
Click on OK, OK to save
Size Tolerance has now been specified for the Turnlamp_1.
Note: If all selected features in the part have the same Size Tolerance and Offset, only one DCS Size
Tolerance entry needs to be created. If features within one part have different Size Tolerances and Offsets, a
different Size Tolerance entry is needed for each different value. For example, if a part has 3 pins and 2 holes,
the 1st pin and the 1st hole have a size tolerance of 0.125 and an Offset of 0.0, the 2nd and 3rd pins and the
2nd hole have a size tolerance of 0.05 and an offset of 0.0, then two Size Tolerance entries are needed: The
first one has a range of 0.25 and an Offset of 0.0, and includes the 1st pin and the 1st hole, and the second one
has a range of 0.1 and an Offset of 0.0 and includes the 2nd and 3rd pins and the 2nd hole.
Create a Size Tolerance for the pins in Headlamp_1 in the same way the Turnlamp tolerance was done
The following table summarizes the features that should be added to each size tolerance. There are two size
tolerances for the fixture and three feature tolerances (size tolerances) for the parts in the model.
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1.8.2.
Hole-Pin Floating
Before you continue, open your Fixture and verify you have 2 DCS Pins in the point dialog box.
8.4 Holes/Pin Float in the Headlamp to Bracket
The hole-pin floats are now defaulted on in the move dialogs.
To learn more about how a pin floats inside a hole, see the Move Options section of the manual.
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Note: The indexes Rand #1 and Rand #2 are similar to radial coordinates. Rand #1 controls the magnitude of
the offset between the hole and pin centers. Rand #2 controls the angular direction of the offset between the
hole and pin.
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In the Move Options, the Pick Const Ang automatically set the distribution type to 'Constant' and used a direction
picking function to calculate the starting angle based on the settings and set the offset to -45.
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Using Save Management, specify the Lesson7.CATProduct file to be saved in the UserLessons folder with
the name Lesson8.CATProduct
Also, specify the Lesson7Sub.CATProduct file to be saved in the UserLessons folder with the name
Lesson8Sub.CATProduct
Update Geometry,
1.9.
1.9.1.
, Validate
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Once all three measures are created, select OK to close the Measurement List
Nominal Build
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>>> Your results may not match the above illustration <<<
Save the model using Save Management, save the top product as Lesson 9a, and the SubAsm as Lesson
9aSub
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1.9.2.
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Nominal Build
, select the Run Analysis
Run 2000 samples and OK
icon
Notice the new list when the Histogram window appears. This list can show series of sample data that failed with
the Pattern move. It tells what the user can change to make the pins and holes fit.
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Inspect the Circle Interference measures in the Histogram window and notice the change from Lesson 9a.
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>>> Your results may not match the above illustration <<<
Save the model as Lesson9b and Lesson9bSub
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1.10.
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Begin with the previously saved Lesson7.CATProduct model. ****NOT Lesson 8****
>>> Your results may not match the above illustration <<<
Either print or manually record the 6STD result of measurement Upr_Gap- you should have a value of about
4.5 mm
Either print the results of measurement Upr Gap or record the top 5 contributors
The Sensitivity results should state that the combined contributions of the Surface_Profile tolerance on the
Bracket add up to about 36% of the variation for the Upr_Gap measurement (not all contributors to the
Surface_Profile tolerance on the Bracket are shown in the picture above) . Therefore, you will be tightening the
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Surface Profile tolerance on the Bracket to reduce the amount of variation on the Upr_Gap measurement.
Note: Because this is a major contributor, the detail part process that results in this tolerance should be looked
into. This part would be a stamped sheet metal process, and the normal expectation from such a process is 1.0
mm. With the addition of a re-strike station in the stamping die that tolerance could be reduced. Other options
such as restricted tolerance (thickness) steel or reworking of the details could also be looked into, to find a way
to produce the detail with less variation. Just changing the number on the print will not improve things, a
physical change to the plan must be incorporated for this to have meaning. The actual cost of this change will
need to be evaluated in order to decide if it is the correct action to take.
Modify the Surface_Profile tolerance on the Bracket and change the range from 1.0 mm to 0.5 mm
Set the model at Nominal Build position, re-run the Analysis (using the same settings) and compare the
6STD results of the Upr_Gap Measurement to the previously recorded amount
>>> Your results may not match the above illustration <<<
Note: The costs of this change would include potentially a more expensive die or a piece price increase. If the
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decision is made before the die is built the cost would not be as high as if after the die is completed, but there
would still be a cost.
Using Save Management, specify the Lesson7.CATProduct file to be saved in the UserLessons folder with
the name Lesson10a.CATProduct
Also, specify the Lesson7Sub.CATProduct file to be saved in the UserLessons folder with the name
Lesson10aSub.CATProduct
Close the model
GeoFactor analysis
>>> Your results may not match the above illustration <<<
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Notice that the largest geofactor (G Factor) occurs at the TurnLp_X1 feature as it varies in the Surface_Profile
tolerance. A separate geofactor occurs at the TurnLp_YZ feature as it varies in the Hole_Position tolerance.
These are the features that you will be replacing with different locations with a lower GeoFactor.
The change we are proposing would look like the following. The Mounting point is set closer to the gap, so the
variation will not have the distance to magnify. The DCS software will allow the geometry changes to be modeled
easily, so that the information needed to decide if this is the correct change can be generated prior to the work of
changing the Catia models. The features we are proposing do not exist in the current Catia model, so to add
them into the DCS model they must be DCS points.
Run a
Simulation Analysis and record the 6STD result for the first measurement- you should have a
value of about 4.5 mm
Creation Mode
Note: The features we are proposing do not exist in the current Catia model, so to add them into the DCS
model they must be DCS points.
Begin by selecting the
Feature Point icon
Select Feature and choose TurnLp_YZ
Select Center for Feature Point Parameters, then create a point using the Create Point(s) button (a feature
point will be added to the base of the Turnlamp longest pin)
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Use the
Dyn. Point to create an offset point 30 mm inside the pin (it's automatically named dyn5_5)
No tolerances are to be applied on this point for this study
Rename the new point dyn5_5 as New_point
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Create a similar dynamic offset point on the Bracket. The feature TurnLp_YZ is used to create center feature
point 6, which is then used to create the dynamic offset point dyn6_6.
Offset TurnLp_YZ on the Bracket 30 mm using
Rename the new point dyn6_6 as New_point
Dyn. Point
The parent Point 6 is a feature point, so the Hole_Position tolerance applied on the TurnLp_YZ feature (on the
Bracket) will also apply to Point 6.
For surface profile tolerance, add Point 6 to the Surface_Profile tolerance
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The Dynamic offset point will follow the deviation of the parent Point 6, therefore no tolerance needs to be added
to it:
Change the Turnlamp/Bracket Move so that the TurnLp_X1 and the TurnLp_YZ features are replaced by
the New_Point features (see below)
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Run a
GeoFactor Analysis and compare the old GeoFactor values with the GeoFactor values of
New_Point
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>>> Your results may not match the above illustration <<<
As you can see, the GeoFactor for New Point in the Surface_Profile tolerance is about 1.003 and it has been
reduced to fifth in ranking. This is a significant reduction from the GeoFactor of the previous feature, which was
2.10 and second in ranking.
Run Analysis and compare the measured results for Upr_Gap before and after using the New_Point
Point
>>> Your results may not match the above illustration <<<
If the new point was found to be more optimal for locating the Turnlamp, both the Turnlamp and Bracket shape
would have to be modified to support the Turnlamp at this location. If this is decided before tooling was built then
the change could actually be a cost savings, but if after the change cost would be very high. Clearance to
another part may have driven the original shape, and this must also be considered with the change.
Using Save Management, specify the Lesson7.CATProduct file to be saved in the UserLessons folder with
the name Lesson10b.CATProduct
Also, specify the Lesson7Sub.CATProduct file to be save in the UserLessons folder with the name
Lesson10bSub.CATProduct
Close the model
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Run Analysis and record the 6STD result for the first measurement
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Nominal Build function (if the parts do not assemble properly, check the
Perform a
Simulation with the modified move
Compare the Simulation analysis results before and after you changed the move as in the picture below
>>> Your results may not match the above illustration <<<
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Using Save Management, specify the Lesson7.CATProduct file to be saved in the UserLessons folder with
the name Lesson10c.CATProduct
Also, specify the Lesson7Sub.CATProduct file to be save in the UserLessons folder with the name
Lesson10cSub.CATProduct
1.11.
Note: Selecting Yes in the Replace Mode window will replace all instances of a given part. If you need to select
No, follow the alternative saving instructions below.
This action will replace the current Headlamp part with a similar Headlamp part which contains FT&A.
If you receive a Part number conflicts error, click on the Automatic rename button and press OK
Repeat the process to replace the Turnlamp part with the TURNLAMP_FTA.CATPart part, also located in
the UserLessons folder
The tree and parts should look like the following picture:
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Click
Update Model
Link the parts when the Tree Link Wizard appears
Highlight Headlamp_1 in both lists and click the Link button
Do the same with the Turnlamp (when complete the dialog will close)
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Close the Lost Feature Links warning if it appears (you will re-link the features later in a Lesson)
11.2 Saving
Using Save Management, save the model to distinguish it from the original. First check the State of all the parts.
If only Lesson8 and Lesson8Sub are in the Modified state:
Select the Lesson8.CATProduct and save as Lesson11.CATProduct in the UserLessons folder
Select the Lesson8Sub.CATProduct and save as Lesson11Sub.CATProduct in the UserLessons
folder
Click on the OK button
If either the Headlamp or Turnlamp have a Modified state, CATIA will want to save them. Since 3DCS only
modifies CATProducts, you should not save the CATParts, especially since they are part of other models.
Choose File
Save Management
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Repeat the process for all faces listed. Remember: when re-linking center points, you must select the cylindrical
surface of the feature (not the end surface).
11.4 Extracting GD&T or FT&A
Select the
Update GD&T icon
When prompted to select a part from the tree to search the GD&T, select the top product (Final_Assembly)
Selecting Final Assembly will cause 3DCS to read the GD&T attached to all Final Assembly child parts, including
the Headlamp and the Turnlamp.
Select
Update Geometry
Select the
DCS GD&T icon and select the part to view the imported FT&A for the Headlamp and
Turnlamp
Scroll through the different callouts
You will now have to delete the Headlamp and Turnlamp tolerances that were created in earlier lessons. These
tolerances have been included in the GD&T that will be imported, thus, they will cause double tolerancing if not
removed
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Select the
Define/Edit Tolerance icon and select the Headlamp
Choose the Surface_Profile and the Size_Tolerance and select Delete
Repeat these steps for the Turnlamp
You now have completed a 3DCS model with Catia V5 parts both with and without FT&A
Click
Update Model,
Update Geometry,
Note: Since the tolerance values are similar, you should get similar results.
Save the model
If you used Save Management with the Enable independent saves box active before, you must use it again
to save
Answer OK to the Warning Box which appears
Choose Lesson11.CATProduct and Lesson11sub.CATProduct and click on Save for each one
Select OK
1.12.
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Under File Name, specify the path where you want the results to be stored can be modified
After running the Simulation/Sensitivity Analysis, the Analysis Report window pops up. It shows numerical and
graphical data describing the results. The window has many options for displaying and formatting the data. Use
the View
Simu. Options function.
Note: The Simulation and Sensitivity results can be turned On/Off anytime. Click on the
to turn it off, in the Analysis Report window.
Sensitivity button
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>>> Your results may not match the above illustration <<<
12.2 Analysis Saving Options
There are several formats in which the data can be stored; go to File
Save As.
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>>> Your results may not match the above illustration <<<
Save As *.CSV: This will save it as in a spreadsheet file format, that could be imported or opened in
MSExcel. From there it could also be printed
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>>> Your results may not match the above illustration <<<
Save Simu As *.JPG: This function creates a JPEG of the current measure. The picture below shows the
display format of Simulation results saved as .jpg file
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>>> Your results may not match the above illustration <<<
Save Simu As *.HTM: This creates an HTML file and a set of JPEG's. The file can be opened in an internet
browser to show graphics and numbers. This file format is a good choice for creating quick reports
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Under File Name, the path where you want the results to be stored can be modified
After running the analysis, the Analysis Report window pops up. Click on the
Simulation button to turn it off,
in the Analysis Report window. The Sensitivity results show numerical data describing all contributors to variation.
There are several ways this data can be displayed and manipulated to reach different destinations or meet
different preferences.
12.4 Sensitivity Options
Select View
Sens. Options to specify what type of data are displayed in the window.
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Save As.
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>>> Your results may not match the above illustration <<<
Save As *.RSS: This will save the file as a .rss file, which then can be opened as text only in NotePad. From
there it could be printed. The picture below shows the Notepad format of Sensitivity results saved as an .rss
file
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>>> Your results may not match the above illustration <<<
Save Sens As *.JPG: This will allow the user to open this file in an internet browser, such as MS Explorer. It
could also be inserted into a MSWord file. The picture below shows the display format of Sensitivity results
saved as .jpg file
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>>> Your results may not match the above illustration <<<
Save Sens As *.HTM: This will save it as in a web page format which could be viewed using MS explorer.
From there it could also be printed. The picture below shows the format of Sensitivity results saved as an
.htm file
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>>> Your results may not match the above illustration <<<
When running GeoFactor on a model that is not built, the following option appears asking to continue at the
separated position. If Yes is chosen, the following analysis results will appear.
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>>> Your results may not match the above illustration <<<
1.13.
Customer Support
For more information regarding modeling, the user can access the Help Manual using the
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