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BSTAFF

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  1. BSTAFF

    Learn about Structured Part Design!

    By BSTAFF,


    IronCAD
    Did you see the new structure part example tutorials on IronCAD.Academy? These videos are a great tutorial to learn about IronCAD’s different design capabilities. For users that are familiar traditional CAD systems, structured part mode can offer a familiar user experience, with the benefit of having IronCAD’s other industry leading features. On top of this flexibility, IronCAD can cover those cases where you may want to use multiple bodies and more of a rigid approach to your part design. This is just another way IronCAD offers users the choice how to design each part based on your design needs (and not forced one way or another). Check out the tutorial for an example.
    Note: In order to work in structured part mode, you will have to add the structured part tool bar to your ribbon bar by right clicking an empty space in your ribbon bar and selecting the option to Customize Ribbon bar and add the structured parts toolbar to the ribbon.
     
    https://ironcad.academy/tutorial/structured-part-example-1-single-wall-tray-with-a-flat-top-and-a-recessed-top
  2. BSTAFF

    Structured BOM

    By BSTAFF,


    IronCAD
    IronCAD has a structured BOM mode that allows users to collapse or show specific portions of their scene tree on command. When creating a BOM in ICD, ensure that you select the structured mode in the bill of Materials Style:

     
    When editing the BOM, you will now see an additional column present on the left side that contains + and – that will expand or collapse your BOM.


    When you press apply, the BOM will apply your changes and display the BOM as shown in the Edit menu without the +/- column. Note that Item Bubbles will follow the structured bom item numbers.
    Additionally, there is an option to expand the Structured BOM at creation by going to the BOM Style options and ensure that the “Expand Structured Bom at creation” is on.

     
    structuredbom.mp4
     
     
  3. BSTAFF

    Bulk View Auto Dimension

    By BSTAFF,


    IronCAD
    Did you know that IronCAD Bulk View creation tool can automatically add dimensions to your views when they are generated?
     
    These dimensions can automatically be created by the IronCAD application with a template that defines which views will have dimensions as well as the properties of the dimensions themselves. To get started, you can create a simple part and then save it to a location on your PC. A simple block is enough to work. Then create a drawing based on that block and add the views you would like to see when you make the document a template. Once your views are all set, right click the view, and go to view properties.

    In the Dimensions tab, check the box that says: “Auto Dimension view when used in Bulk Drawing creation” You will need to go to the Auto Dimension settings afterwards and define the dimension Type, placement settings and Origin Location.

    Save the template file to one of your Bulk Drawing template folders and then you are all set. When you select that template inside the BVC tool, IronCAD will automatically generate dimensions based on the template layout.
    2022-01-28 14-30-52.mp4  
     
    2022-03-04 13-37-48.mp4  
     
  4. BSTAFF

    Sketch Tips

    By BSTAFF,


    IronCAD
    Inside an IronCAD sketch you may notice that that there are blue dots whenever you select on a line segment. These blue dots allow you to modify the geometry while maintaining certain relationships with connecting geometry.
     
    On line segments, there is a Blue dot that is offset from the center of the middle of the line, touching the angle dimension. This dot switches sides whenever you select a different side of the line segment. By selecting this and moving your mouse, you will edit the angle of the line segment. This interaction will maintain the connected geometries angles so the line segment will change in size. Holding shift before moving the line segment will lock the lines total length and will break the connecting lines  angle.

     
    The Blue dot that is connected to the length dimension will control the length of the line segment without changing the angles of any connecting geometry. That means that connecting shapes will also change size depending on the geometry. Holding shift and moving that dot will change the lines length, but allow connecting geometry to change angle as well.

    These blue dots will also appear on arc geometry as well, so you can easily extend existing arcs as well.

    If you are looking to easily add constraints to a selected segment, you can select the line and use the property browser to quickly add context bases constraints for your parts.
     
    2021-10-15 16-06-19.mp4
  5. BSTAFF
    Here are some quick tips for creating drawing files quickly from your large assembly files:
     
    IronCAD can create drawings that exclude hidden objects from the creation process. Simply hide the parts you don't want to show in a drawing and select the create drawing button. The following Prompt will appear:

    This tool is asking if you want to show the parts that you have hidden in your drawing file, selecting Yes will show the hidden parts in the drawing, and selecting no will leave them hidden, and unselected in the views. Once in the view creation tool, you can see on the left side with the Select Part/assembly button, that the hidden part is not selected in the tree structure. IronCAD will remember your selection for the future, so updates to this drawing will not include the hidden part when you update the view. 
    hiddenpartscreationdrawing.mp4
     
    IronCAD also has the ability to create drawings with views to only show selected parts during creation. This process can be done by selecting all the parts you want to show in a drawing, then right click a part, and select Create Drawing from Selection. This process is similar to the hidden parts creation tool, as any updates to the part will not add parts to the view that were not initially selected in the creation process, unless you were to use the Select part/assembly function. 
    selectedpartsdrawing.mp4
     
  6. BSTAFF
    IronCAD has a whole list of ways to create copies and links of parts. But what if you have externally linked parts in an assembly that you want to use elsewhere or in another design? We will cover the many ways you can do this in IronCAD. Let dive in:
    If you want to use a part that exists in a large assembly inside of another design, you can use the save as part/assembly external option from the home menu to create an external linked copy in another location. This tool is very useful for live designs that you can edit once, and all linked instances will update. But what if you do not want to edit the part that currently exists inside your scene, and you want to make small edits for another design? In that case, you can go to the part you want to make a copy of and right-click open part/assembly. The linked scene file will open, and from there, you can use the save as function to start to save a copy to a new location. This is where you need to ensure that you select the Save as Copy option at the bottom of the menu that appears. If that option is not specified, then changes that are made will update the master file that you have open. In some cases, this might be what you want, but for our example, we want this new scene file to be independent for use on other projects, so we will select the Save as copy option. The process is now complete, and you can use the part however you want.
    2021-03-26 16-16-00.mp4
    There are a few other options for creating copies of externally linked parts that will not affect existing files, such as:
    When all files are closed, find the file you want to copy inside the windows explorer, make a copy of the file and rename it. That process will create a copy without linking it to the master file.
    2021-03-26 16-40-05.mp4
    The last method you can use is to drag a linked file into the catalog and select the option for Do not create a link. This will make a copy of the file that you can place into an empty scene for use.
    2021-03-26 16-19-53.mp4
     
  7. BSTAFF

    Common Components

    By BSTAFF,


    IronCAD
    Common components reduce the amount of time required for a user to create bulk drawings by connecting pre-created drawings to common parts and assemblies. These common components have preexisting drawings associated with them when used from the IronCAD catalog system in the 3D scene. When you need to make a  bulk drawing for your assemblies, the drawings' look and feel will remain consistent for parts that have already have drawings and will update to the changes performed on these parts/assemblies . This advancement will save time and effort for repeated objects like screws and other small hardware, as well as allowing you to automatically select complicated drawing files for components that are commonly used and take too much time to redraw for each project you work on.

    Example of Creating/Loading a Catalog of Common Components from a Folder
    To create a common component, you must have an existing scene file with your commonly used part/assembly.  Then create a drawing for that file. Ensure that you place your views and select the correct templates because the layout you choose for this file will remain that way unless you open the file up again and edit it. You can then add the component to your catalog by creating a library of common components that contain your scene files and using The Browse/update common component button that is located in the right-click options of your catalogs. This button will prompt you to select a folder to import into a catalog, so create a folder and add all the files you would like to fill the catalog with. IronCAD also has a grouping feature that will grab subfolders found within the selected folder and create an item in the catalog containing another catalog. Next, use these parts and assemblies in your design. Use the Bulk View Creation tool to create a drawing of your new assembly and these used common components will automatically connect to the drawings in the dialog and will update with the changes in this assembly and will add as sheets to the new drawing file (see the video below). 
    commoncomponents.mp4
     
  8. BSTAFF
    IronCAD has a partnership with KeyShot, a rendering program that creates beautiful images using an easy-to-use tool and a Real-time rendering scene to show you a preview of your pictures and animations. IronCAD can directly export over to KeyShot using the buttons located in the add-ins section.

    The "Render in KeyShot" button will bring up a fresh KeyShot scene file, and will add your parts into it automatically. The "Export to KeyShot" button will create and save a KeyShot file for you automatically, with the parts and textures taken from IronCAD.  The "Update KeyShot" button allows you to send new model geometry to the KeyShot scene file with only a single click. IronCAD also offers a few options to make it easier to organize your materials and textures for the rendering by having the option to link matching materials in IronCAD so that KeyShot will apply all changes to that material to the corresponding parts. This option allows users to organize their matching materials in IronCAD to easily link and create the look and feel for their parts in KeyShot. IronCAD also offers an option that will allow you to dictate which direction should be upwards for your model inside the KeyShot scene. You can then use the vast array of tools available in KeyShot to create renderings perfect to your needs.
    KeyShot offers a wide range of preset utilities that can make your part look like anything you want. A library of textures that come with advanced options for colors and roughness will allow you to choose and edit your materials to create designs. KeyShot's environment can be customized to change the lighting, background, and other settings that will change your renderings' look and feel. Users can also choose to edit the lighting and camera location so you can snap back to the shop you want to capture with a couple of clicks. KeyShot also allows users to change their renderings' scale and resolution to spend the right amount of time on their work rendering their projects as necessary.
    keyshotvidoe.mp4
    To learn more about how KeyShot works, check out their website for using KeyShot and check out some of the impressive renderings that users have made with the program. https://www.keyshot.com/resources/learning/
    If you are interested in learning more about how KeyShot can work with your workflow, please contact your Reseller for pricing and options.
     
  9. BSTAFF

    Sheet Metal Loft

    By BSTAFF,

    The Sheet metal loft command allows users to create complex sheet metal geometry with only using two 2D sketches. Ensure that your sketches consist of an open profile and smooth edges so that the part can finish without any errors.

    Some options available when using the sheet metal loft command ask you if you would like to choose a profile location. This determines where your sheet metal will be placed relative to the 2D sketches you created.  Be sure that you select the correct location when starting, or you might have to right-click the part later on and switch the location.  You can also choose to change the sheet metal stock used for the loft and the features that will come after creation. If you didn't select the correct stock, you could always edit it later on by right-click – part properties.
    Default bend lines are an essential property when creating a loft that has gradual turns and curves. This tool will do what it says; determine the number of bends to be used when approximating these bends. This will be noted on the unfolded part for manufacturers to follow.  
    The press bend command can be used to make a press break developed part. You can choose the parts minimum bend radius and select individual bend lines to use for your parts. Using this option also changes the loft's look to represent the # of bends you selected earlier.
    2020-09-17 14-05-09.mp4
    The Sheet Metal Loft Tool is one of the most powerful tools in IronCAD. To learn more, check out our Help section inside of IronCAD, visit the IronCAD Academy (https://www.ironcad.academy/tutorial/sheet-metal-loft), or ask us personally at support@ironcad.com.
     

  10. BSTAFF
    The assembly feature command allows users to create holes in several parts at the same time from one individual part. This Assembly feature will drill into any part that it is touching and remove material. What makes this different from a part feature is that these Assembly features can be used to cut through any part it contacts or just the ones you want.  If you move a part that is being affected by an assembly feature, you will notice that the cut will no longer show or move with that part as it is not really a feature of the part yet. If this isn't the intent you want and you want it to be a real feature, you can use the option to create a part feature to have the assembly feature create a new feature under your affected parts. This tool is excellent when you have to drill holes that travel through several parts and assemblies because, by default, IronCAD features do not apply to multiple parts at once.
    The Assembly Feature command has a couple of options upon creation that allow you to determine the scope of the assembly feature. 
    By default, the assembly feature will only apply to the part that it is dropped on, meaning that it will only affect the one part, much like a feature. The "Apply to all assemblies/parts under the affected level"  command will allow the assembly feature to cut through all geometry inside the scene. This option does not affect any new parts that are added into the scene. Lastly, the "Empty" option does not cut through any parts in the scene, and all parts must be added inside the Assembly features right-click menu with the "Edit assembly feature scope" command. This command allows you to select a part in the scene and remove or add it to the list of parts that the Assembly feature will cut through. Assemblyfeatures.mp4
    IronCAD mechanical expands on the Assembly feature command by allowing users to create solid shapes that will cut through parts with which they interact. This command will enable you to do things like place piping through walls or cut elements intersecting with other parts with just a simple drag and drop. You can also create offsets for the drilled parts that automatically cut a clearance for your parts. This command is enabled by renaming the features you want to cut through other parts "drill", and IronCAD will automatically cut it for you when you drop the tool out into the scene. You can remove the drill cuts by using the Remove DrillHoles at any time for easier editing. Iprodrill.mp4
  11. BSTAFF
    Assembly Expansion BOM properties allow users to determine which items they want to show on their BOMs with a few rules that users can apply. Users can choose to have their assemblies be treated as a single part when entered into the BOM with the Treat as -Part option inside of the Assembly Expansion in BOM. This option can be applied to all link assemblies, so only the total number of assemblies are counted. This tool is great for cases where you reuse the same assemblies like fasteners that are all standard.  This tool has functionality that works on multiple assembly levels, so you can choose which assemblies you would like to be treated as a part and won't be included inside of the BOM.

    In the example, we have the main assembly with two sub-assemblies beneath it.

    Each of these sub-assemblies contain a body and fastener assemblies underneath them, which is seen when we create the BOM for this scene.

    We can then go ahead and edit the properties of the fastener assembly and treat as part for all linked instances.

    This will change the BOM to only present the # of assemblies rather than the total parts within those assemblies.

    If we were to take a sub-assembly and change the BOM properties to treat as part, that means that the fastener assemblies located beneath the sub-assembly will not be counted towards our BOM.


    As you can see, this tool is a simple solution that allows you to include only the information that you need on your BOMs, and is a simple process that you can get to by right clicking an assembly. Lastly, take this capability a bit father when working with External link assemblies. For example: In your external assembly file and its associated drawing, you may want to have the BOM account for all the parts in the assembly.  When you insert this assembly into another design however, you may want to treat "Only This Assembly" as a part so that it is recorded as a single line item in that files BOM.
     
    Fasteners within their own assembly:

    Fasteners when inserted into another Scene file and edited the Sub-assembly level to Treat as Part:

     
    This is a powerful tool that helps build a expanded and collapsed BOM based on where a file is used and for the desired BOM's for manufacturing for each case. 
  12. BSTAFF

    Importing/Exporting

    By BSTAFF,

    Importing parts into IronCAD is easy to do. Users can import parts from the following list, note that  CATIA V5/V6, Pro/E (Creo), UG/NX, SolidWorks, SolidEdge, JT, Inventor, and IFC require the IronCAD Native translator:
     
     
    Open a new scene inside of IronCAD, and then use the import geometry button.

    Choose from a list of different file types available if you have several files in the same folder, there are several import options available users. Options like the import Data Types allow users to select which types of Geometry come into a scene. That means that if you would only like the solid geometry to come into your scene, you can turn off options for other types of data. You can also choose to make different types of data, geometry references, that will have a lesser impact on the scene but will not have intelligent manipulative features.

    There are also several options available for importing different file types from a certain CAD format as well. These tabs only apply to the file types assigned to them, so don’t worry about these options affecting other file types.
     
    When it comes to exporting different types of file types, IronCAD allows users to export several file types. A full list is below. When exporting from IronCAD, some export options might appear, asking to select options related to the formatting of the file.


     
     
     
     
  13. BSTAFF
    IronCAD Bulk drawing creation tool allows users to create many drawings from only a few clicks quickly.  This tool takes drawing templates that users have already created and attaches views, dimensions, BOM’s, and other settings to generate drawings automatically.
    The user can choose exactly which parts will get their drawings and whether they want to include assembly drawings as well. This tool is customizable to meet any companies demands. Find an .icd file that you have completed, and that you would like to use to create future drawings as the basis for the template. Ensure that the view position, orientation, BOM location, logos, styles, and dimensions are all in the set correctly and in the right positions. You can then save the file into the Bulk drawing creation folder (C:\Program Files\IronCAD\2020\AppData\en-us\Template\Drawing) (Note: Starting in IronCAD 2020 PU1, the Bulk drawing template location has been changed to C:\Users\bstaff.IRONCAD\AppData\Roaming\IronCAD\IRONCAD\22.0\en-us\Template\Drawing\Bulk, ensure that you save withing one of the folders inside that location) which will allow you to select the file within the tool.
    Use the Bulk drawing creation tool inside of IronCAD to select your template file after finishing modeling your part(s). Remember that you can choose a different file for each of the various configurations or parts/assemblies. You can also select a template and use it as a default if you would like to select multiple files with the same template as well. Upon creation, the Bulk drawing views are then free to customize, and you can switch sheets at the bottom of the screen. Below is a sample process of the Bulk View Creation.
    icdbvc.mp4
    CAXA Draft also offers this functionality, but the process to use it is slightly different. You will want to create a template file by creating a drawing of a part, then use the Save as function, Choose the drop-down option that says CAXA CAD 2018 Template. After saving the file, go ahead and close the template file.  You will be moving the location of that template file to C:\Program Files\IronCAD\2020\bin\CAXADraft\Template\en-US\
    (You can create a custom bulk drawing folder in that location, or you can use an existing folder under en-US, you will need to save your file inside a folder under that path)
    Now that you have saved a Bulk template, you can now use the Bulk Drawing creation tool with CAXA. Proceed to activate the Bulk drawing tool, and look for the checkbox that says: Use CAXA Draft. Select that option, and you should see that the templates have been replaced in the table above. You can then assign your templates to be used in your drawings the same way that we did before.
    caxabvc.mp4
  14. BSTAFF
    If you are a user that likes to fully customize their IronCAD experience with Shortcuts, Ribbon Bars, Etc, and don’t like having to set up the shortcuts between each version, there are ways to bring your settings with you to the new version. In the example below, we will be transferring from 2018 to 2019, so we will copy the XML files located at:
    C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\IronCAD\IRONCAD\20.0\Customization
     to the new location at:
     C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\IronCAD\IRONCAD\21.0\Customization

    After doing so, you will need to edit the all the files using notepad and replace the text that says:
    IRONCAD20 (or your current version)
    To: IRONCAD21 (or whatever the newest version is)
    (Use Ctrl + F to find the Text within the File)
    Save the XML file Repeat this for all the files you moved. Your settings should be there for you in the new version of IronCAD. 
    Note: New commands added in the new version of the product will not be available in your older files. You can perform a document compare using standard text compare software to locate the new commands added to add them to your older files. This can give you the latest XML's with your customizations!
  15. BSTAFF

    Advanced Handles

    By BSTAFF,

    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. 
    2020-03-12 11-20-56.mp4

    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.  2020-03-06 14-10-17.mp4
    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. 
    2020-03-12 13-14-02.mp4
    Another great feature about handles is that you can select multiple bodies at the same time and change several handles at once. For instanc e, 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.
    2020-03-06 14-25-28.mp4
    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.
    2020-03-13 12-46-18.mp4
    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. 2020-03-06 14-11-57.mp4
    We look forward to seeing how you use these innovative tools in your next design. 
  16. BSTAFF

    Configurations

    By BSTAFF,

    Configurations:
    IronCAD configurations are a powerful tool that allows users to create variations of their content. There are several different options when creating the variations, so be sure to choose the correct type that matches your needs. The different types of configurations are Exploded, Design Variation, Position, and Suppression.

    Positioning Configurations:
    The most common uses of configurations are to have a quick state to move and hide parts for drawings, or to show motion in an assembly. Once you create a configuration, ensure that you set the option to have the configuration track positioning. That will ensure that whenever you make a change in the new configuration, the default one will not be affected.
    trackposition.mp4

    Suppression Configurations:
    These configurations are used to hide parts/assemblies/features. You might want to show off your design without the fasteners, or you want to hide certain parts from showing up in an export. If you wish to suppress features independently of your other configurations, ensure that you select the option Track suppression for Intellishapes in addition to Parts/Assemblies.
    tracksuppressionconfig.mp4

    Design Variations:
    IronCAD users find that creating different configurations with different design variations to be helpful when Designing and presenting their parts. Generally, if you were to have just one design variation change in your scene, it might be easier to right-click the part and switch it. But since configurations can track your choice in design variations, as well as positioning and suppression, some workflows would benefit from creating a configuration that tracks several design variations to switch between quickly. To use this properly, ensure that you select the design variation you want to use on each configuration and select the option for Add to active configuration. That ensures that whenever you switch back to the current configuration, the chosen variation will always be active, even if you select another design variation before switching off.
    designvariationconfig.mp4
    Exploded View:
    Exploded configurations are one of the most common uses of configurations. When creating a configuration, select the option for Exploded Configuration in the advanced properties. This option will allow you to freely move your parts around the scene to create an exploded view. At any time, you can go back to your default configuration and continue working on the part, without having to reset the positioning. The exploded constraint also breaks all constraints and relationships to make it easier to move the parts as needed, as well as unlocking all anchors allowing you to drag parts freely.
    explodeconfig.mp4
    Adding Configurations to Files:
    Configuration based designs are useful for inputting into your other designs. By inserting a part/assembly with configurations, you can easily switch between the different configurations available to right-clicking the link under the part in the Scene tree. This ability makes it easy for users to implement variations into their large assemblies, saving time on their projects. It is essential to know that when you import these files into other scenes, that any changes that you make to the assemblies/parts will update the original file. That means any changes in positioning and suppression will be seen on the parent file. You can use the Manager Properties on the Child file, and change the two local configuration settings at the bottom to prevent changes on the parent file in these cases. The first option is for suppression, and positioning, while the latter is only for suppression changes.
    Adding Alternate Position Views:
    IronCAD drawings can make use of multiple configurations in a single view by having Alternate position views. Using this option allows you to add the contents of another configurations with a different line style and color. This is great for showing the differences in configurations in reference to each other. To create an Alternate position view, go a created view in your drawing and right-click. Select Alternate position view,  then go down to the Alternate position drop down, select the view you want to show, and then press add. You will see the selection in the box below. Edit your line type and line color, and press the green check mark when finished. See video for an example:
    alternateposition.mp4
  17. BSTAFF
    IronCAD allows for the creation of parameterized parts, allowing users to set up equations and systems that enable them to change their parts systematically. After learning the process of how to set up parameters, within a short amount of time, users with configuration-based designs can create and fit their parts to their projects.
     
    IronCAD users can easily create parameters. Go ahead and design your part using your usual methods, and when you are ready, you can begin to add parameters. There are a few ways of doing this; the first is by going into the cross-section of the features you would like to remain dynamic. Next, add constraints that restrict the movement of parts you do not want to move and add dimensions to sketch as well. These dimensions create the base of our parameters. When you right-click the part and go to parameters, and select the part in the parameter tree, you will now see that the dimensions you added appear in the list. Go ahead and create some new parameters on the part level in the table and give them names that express what dimensions they represent, i.e., width, length. Ensure that you select the proper type of value type based on your needs. We can then assign the dimensions on our part to the parameters we created. You do this by changing the expression of the dimension to match the name of the parameter. Your parts are now parameterized. If you decide to change the value of a parameter, the dimensions on your parts will change automatically as well.
     
    There are special cases where you will need to change something like the height on an extrusion or another feature that doesn't appear in a cross-section. In these cases, you can type in a custom parameter name into the feature option itself, and IronCAD will automatically create a parameter in the parameter table. Be sure to create a part level parameter in the table to link this new parameter to, because it does not appear in the design variations by default.
     
    Design variations can be created by going to the Add-ins tab and selecting the new Design Variation. Once created, you select the edit Design Variation button. From here, you can add a new design variation. You can then edit the Design Values of your existing parameters to match your specifications. You can then generate a picture of the photo to use for reference and create any additional designs you need. When finished, press OK and then right-click the part you designed, you can see at the bottom, that you can switch your design variation or edit existing ones from the popup menu.
     
    For a more visual aide, take a look at the step by step video we created with easy to follow instructions. If you have mastered the basics of parameters and are looking for more advanced material, be sure to check out our helpful articles listed below:
    https://www.ironcad.com/blog/dynamic-parametric-cad-design/
     
     
    Parameteres and designvariation.mp4
     
  18. BSTAFF

    Updating Your License

    By BSTAFF,

    IronCAD has several different license types available for use. Each one has a different process for updating the license.
     
    Named User:
    Named user licenses can activate their new license by using the serial # and codeword that is located on the license certificate. You will need to go the IronCAD license manager, which can be accessed inside of IronCAD or by searching for that term in your windows search. When you come to the license registration screen, you can select the option to activate a software license and type in the serial # and codeword.
     
    Dongle:
    Dongle license users can now update their dongle by going to the Manage Dongle License page inside the license manager, and clicking Update. This will install the latest license to the dongle for you to use.
    updatedongle.mp4
    Network dongle:
    Network dongle licenses are updated a new PKG file that IronCAD will send with the license certificate. Import the new license into the Network license server. Our documentation that comes with the software has more information on this process. You can download the document using the link below:
    http://download.ironcad.com/download/License/Dongle_Licenses.zip
     
    Sentinel:
    Sentinel Licenses are different from other license types, because it requires more information in order to update the license. In short, you will need to run the Hardware ID tools we provide to get the Ethernet Address and Disk ID. Send us that information, and we will generate a .ICL file that will contain the new licenses. Import that file using the WlmAdmin tool. Your machine should now be able to use the new license. More details of this process can be found within our document.
    http://download.ironcad.com/download/License/NLM_Instructions.pdf
    Second Instance Licenses (Home Licenses):
    For Second Instance licenses, when the support contract expires on the computer, IronCAD will no longer be able to run. After you renew your support contract, you can use the update button inside of the "Show Current Activated Licenses" option to automatically upgrade any second instance licenses on the machine.
    update 2nd instance.mp4
     
     


  19. BSTAFF
    It is possible to find the moment of inertia for any cross-section you like by using the section tool. Select the part you would like to section and select the section tool. Inside of this tool, you should select the box that says, Define Section Tool. Then select the face, edge, or point you want to section about, and ensure that you choose the correct Section tool type to see the cross-section you want. When you see the result you want,  press the green checkmark to finish the command. Find the Section Tool feature inside the Scene Browser, and right-click it. Select the option that says “Create Section Geometry” Select the profile generated from the command and go to the Analysis command inside of the tools ribbon bar. Select the Tab for Moments of Inertia. Press Compute. A dialog appears asking if you would like to treat the sheet bodies with surface mass, select No. We also have a quick video guide showing the process as well, Check it out below!
    2019-08-22 12-59-58.mp4
     
  20. BSTAFF

    Attachment Points

    By BSTAFF,

    Attachment Points are used to join parts at specific locations when dropped out of catalogs. These points can also include constraints that limit the degrees of freedom when moving those parts. This article covers a few topics; First, how to create, position, and name Attachment Points. Then, we explore the constraints that you can use to fine-tune the motion in mechanism mode.

     

    Creating Attachment Points is simple and can be done in a couple of ways. The first way is to use our Attachment Point tool within the Tools Ribbon bar. (Note that you can place Attachment Points on the feature and part level, so pay attention to which drill down you are on) The second way of creating an Attachment Point is to activate the TriBall on the part/feature, right-click, and select Create Attachment Point based on TriBall Location. After placing the point, you can move the Attachment Point by clicking the point until it glows yellow, then activating the TriBall. You can now move the Attachment Point to any location you choose. Keep track of the Axis directions when moving the Attachment Point, as this is important for when you constrain it.
     
    Now that we have an Attachment Point created, we can constrain it. Right-click the Attachment Point and select “Set Name.”

                        

    You should see this screen.
    Set an Attachment Point name to tell IronCAD which Attachment Points you want this point to connect with using the Attachment Point Name box. Set the Type, which determines how it interacts with points of the same name. Finally, we can set the constraints, which limits the degrees of freedom our point has to move in the scene.
    CnP: This is the Coincident constraint; it stops all Translation for the parts attached while allowing the part to rotate freely. CoAxis: This constraint ensures that the selected axis is coincident with the corresponding axis. Example: CoX: ensures that the X-axis is always coincident with the other X-axis, this prohibits Translation in the Y, and Z direction, but allowing rotation about the X-axis. PL: This is the Parallel constraint, this constraint does not limit Translation at all, but it ensures that the selected Axis’ are parallel to each other. Example: PLX allows Translation in the X, Y, and Z direction, but only allows rotation about the X-axis. You can connect your Attachment Points by dragging the part into the catalog, dropping it onto a part that has an Attachment Point with the same name. Attachment Points can be also be paired by using our Attachment Point Connector Tool in the Tools Ribbon.
    Additional tips:
    Attachment Points often overlap with other Attachment Points on a part, so it difficult to select the correct point when hovering over a cluster. You can select the one you want by using the Ctrl-Alt- Left-click shortcut to see a menu of all the points you are hovering over. Attachment Points work well with the IronCAD TriBall, allowing you to easily create copies and links to other Attachment Points in a part. You can even create attachment points with the TriBall. Deactivate the TriBall and move it to the desired locations. Right-click on the TriBall and select Create Attachment Points. Also when you have multiple attachment points on a shape, Turn the TriBall on and Hit Tab to toggle through the attachment point locations. This is a useful way to setup locations for Translation and Rotations on parts without having to manually reposition the TriBall each time.  Attachment Points can be saved in a catalog, allowing you to drop them on the parts you want also want to constrain. Simply Drag and Drop them into the catalog for reuse.
     
  21. BSTAFF

    IronCAD Web Viewer

    By BSTAFF,

    The IronCAD Web Viewer is an excellent tool for sharing your design with others. Because it only requires an HTML compatible Web Browser, this tool is great for presentations, Websites, and Mobile collaboration.  Designers have several tools at their disposal with the Web Viewer, like the ability to hide smaller features for optimal load times and IP protection. Watch the videos below for a demonstration on how to use the tool and a quick video on how to deploy on the cloud or to a local server.
    Share Files for Viewing on the Cloud Instantly
    2019-08-02 10-08-01_1.mp4
     
    Share Files for Viewing Locally or On Your Own Network
    ICWebViewer.mp4
  22. BSTAFF

    UI Customization

    By BSTAFF,

    IronCAD offers users a wide range of options for personalizing their product to be look exactly how they like it. In the video below, IronKevin will show you how to change the location of property browsers and catalog browsers for quick access, edit your menu bars to get the tools you need all on the same tab, and how to move your personal settings over to other computers for ease of use. UI Customization.mp4
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