The Part environment
The Part environment
The Solid Edge part modeling environment allows you to construct 3D solid models.
The part modeling process starts with a base feature, such as a block or cylinder, which you build upon with part features to create a part model. Part features include protrusions and cutouts (extruded, revolved, swept, and lofted), holes, thin-walled solids, rounds, chamfers, draft angles, and so forth.
When you design parts in Solid Edge, all geometry is created in the context of constructing features. The software keeps track of construction elements for you, making them available when you edit the feature but hiding them from view while you work on other parts of the design.
You can also add your own construction geometry, such as extruded, lofted, and swept surfaces, intersection curves, projected curves, and intersection points.
In the ordered environment, the PathFinder tab displays the make-up of a solid part in an outline format. You can use the PathFinder tab to select part features for editing and to re-order part features. You can use Feature Playback to run an animated playback of feature construction. PathFinder and Feature Playback are especially helpful when you are working with parts constructed by other designers.
In the synchronous environment, the PathFinder tab displays the make-up of a solid part in an outline format. You can use PathFinder to select part geometry for editing, to hide or display geometry, and so forth.
The flow of each feature command is controlled by the command bar—a user interface element that guides you through each step of creating a feature. Command bar also allows you to return to a step you have already taken. For example, after creating a rib, you can quickly modify its profile or change its thickness.
IntelliSketch helps you draw precision 2D sketches for use in feature construction. As you draw, IntelliSketch gives you instant feedback about relationships between the elements you are drawing and other sketch elements or part edges. You can use IntelliSketch to make elements horizontal or vertical, to make an element parallel or perpendicular to another element, or to connect a profile element to a part edge.
If you have used a CAD system in the past, then you are probably familiar with the tedious process of trying to locate a particular element among a crowd of others—you usually have to reject many choices as the software tries to find the element you want. QuickPick puts you in control and lets you pick the element you want.