Advanced Handles
Entry posted by BSTAFF
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IronCAD handles have advanced functionality that allows users to have even more control over the design process of their parts. Some users might know that there are Right-click options on IronCAD handles that enable you to resize your part to the exact specifications. Still, many don't know that IronCAD offers another set of handles that allow users to push and pull on sketches to edit their parts.
This advanced functionality can be used to change the size of fillet and chamfer shapes inside sketches, or it could allow users to push and pull on the geometry of a sketch without needing to use the Edit Cross-section command. These push and pull mechanics works well if you have constrained a sketch because these handles will not break those constraints, and push and pull geometry that isn't always aligned with the traditional Length, Width, and Height size boxes.
Along with these push and pull mechanics, you can also associate your handles to an edge, which will ensure that your sketch will always be touching that edge. This functionality is similar to using a mate constraint, with the exception that it will automatically resize the feature that you associated for you when you edit the handle.
IronCAD handles also allow users to choose a point that is offset from the handle and will allow you to use the Shift snap commands to snap to that point instead. These handles also have off the option to allow users to change the orientation of the geometry handles, so you can pull the profiles in any direction you desire.
Another great feature about handles is that you can select multiple bodies at the same time and change several handles at once. For instance, you could have several holes in a part, not connected with links, and be able to synchronize the diameters or heights by shift selecting the IntelliShape, then editing the dimensions in the property browser. Remember that editing Heights of IntelliShapes works from its respective anchor.
In addition to changing the size of multiple features at once, you can also edit the size and move features at once. Selecting all features and editing a handle will edit the size. However, if you toggle the Shape/Sizebox handle on individual features in the selection, features set to the shape handle will move when the other handles are pulled versus sizing.
Users can also set active handles so that whenever you come back to edit a size box, you will always edit the set handle first. If you find yourself selecting the same handle consistently, it might be worth your time to set it as the active handle.
We look forward to seeing how you use these innovative tools in your next design.
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