Constructing base features

What is a base feature?

What is a base feature? When constructing a 3D model in Solid Edge, it is helpful to evaluate the basic shape of the part, and develop a plan as to how you want to construct the model. The overall shape of the part can be captured in the very first feature, called the base feature.

How do we define the shape of the base feature? Create a region (a series of sketch elements that create a closed area). Select the region to construct the base feature using either the Extrusion or Revolved Extrusion command. Once the base feature is created, material can be added or removed by the definition of other features.

Creating base features

Creating base features Intuitive commands based on context Depending on the design context you are working in, you can add material to or subtract material from a base feature without choosing a command. Use the same workflow to create extrusions and cutouts, and the result of a particular operation is dependent on the defined extent direction. For a base feature, the result will be an extrusion, because there is no existing body (or material) to subtract from.

Intuitive commands based on context For features on an existing body, the extent direction defined by cursor position with respect to the sketch’s planar surface or plane determines whether you create an extrusion or cutout. If the sketch extends away from the model volume, this creates an extrusion.

Intuitive commands based on context If the sketch extends toward the volume of the model body, this creates a cutout.

Base feature creation methods Once a region exists, two workflows are available for creating a base feature. Selection workflow Select a region. Click the extrude handle to create a solid from the sketch region.

Creation workflow On the Home tab→Solids group, choose the Extrude command. Select a region to define the feature. Right-click or press Enter to accept. You may find that the first method minimizes interaction with the command bar and lets you work faster. The creation workflow has other advantages that you learn about in a later section. Note

General workflow for constructing a base feature Whether you use the selection workflow or the creation workflow, the basic steps for constructing a base feature are the same. Workflows: Extrude a region Revolve a region

Constructing synchronous extruded features using the Select tool Extent options • Activity: Create a base extruded synchronous feature Revolved features • Activity: Create a base revolved synchronous feature Adding and removing material activities: • Activity: Remove material from a base feature • Activity: Add material to a base feature

Creating subsequent features

Using the feature construction commands Solid Edge provides a feature-based modeling workflow. This workflow is where you select a feature construction command first, such as Extrude, Hole, or Round, then the software guides you through the rest of the process, letting you know what type of input you need to provide at each step. The first step is to click the feature command. You can then use the command bar to define the input required to complete the feature. PromptBar, at the bottom of the working area, also displays prompts as to what you should do.

Command bar The command bar for each feature command contains all the options available for the command. All options specific to the command are included in the command bar, and are generally organized in the sequence you would use to complete the command. You can also use the command bar to go back to a previous step, or to go to an optional step. Although feature construction is a sequential process, you do not have to start all over again if you want to change something you did in an earlier step. Along with the command bar, the PromptBar will guide you as you complete the necessary command options.

Model Dimensions

Model Dimensions Dimensioning the model Editing model dimensions • Activity: Dimension a model

Coordinate systems

Coordinate systems Base coordinate system User-defined coordinate system • Activity: Model with a coordinate system

Sets

Working with user-defined sets You use user-defined sets to group a set of features, faces, sketches, and other modeling elements into one entry in the Synchronous portion of PathFinder. This can make it easier to manipulate the set of elements when modifying the model. When you create a user-defined set, it is added to the User-Defined Set collection in PathFinder. For example, you can create a user-defined set that includes an extruded feature, two cutouts on the extruded feature, and the round features between the extruded feature and the rest of the model.

Working with user-defined sets You can then select the user-defined set in PathFinder and use the steering wheel to quickly move the user-defined set to a new location.