Chapter 1. Create electronic product catalog - Overview

Interaction of various ENTERPRISE and eCATALOG 3Dfindit modules

Before a part can be displayed, selected and exported to CAD in 3Dfindit (PARTdataManager), the catalog structure is created individually during catalog creation in PARTproject (e.g. taking into account existing structures in the delivery program).

Interaction of the ENTERPRISE and eCATALOG 3Dfindit modules

Interaction of the ENTERPRISE and eCATALOG 3Dfindit modules

In PARTproject project files are created and the data associated with the component such as 3D object, table, preview images, dimension drawings, technical views and other additional information are integrated or created.

  • Maintenance of general information: PARTproject -> General tab page

  • Assignment of dimensioning views: PARTproject -> Views tab page

  • Translations: PARTproject -> Translation tab

    Basic language for the catalog creation is English.

    However, when the catalog is finished all used terms can be translated in any desired language.

  • Preview images

    Preview images can be created manually or generated and created automatically.

  • Additional information

    In addition to the geometry as such, additional information can be integrated. This is usually available in *.html, *.txt or *.pdf format, as these formats guarantee cross-platform functionality within external programs (e.g. browser or Acrobat Reader).

  • From PARTproject the module PARTdesigner is started.

    PARTdesigner

    PARTdesigner

    • The geometry is modeled feature based. With sketches, extrusions, rotations and geometric operations components are created fully parametric.

      Sketch sample: Rotational solid

      Sketch sample: Rotational solid

      Sketch sample: Cut extrusion

      Sketch sample: Cut extrusion

    • Tables (*.tab, *tac files)

      The geometry is linked to the characteristic attribute table.

      The characteristics table

      • ... is based on DIN 4000-1.

      • ... is also created with PARTdesigner created.

      • ... can also contain definitions of value ranges and extensive characteristic algorithms [Attribute algorithms] (e.g. IF, THEN, ELSE conditions) in addition to pure variable values.

      • ... may, under certain circumstances, contain far more variables than the user ultimately sees. Thus, for instance, columns of auxiliary variables may be hidden even though these dimensions are "fitted" geometrically.

  • Display in 3Dfindit (PARTdataManager)

    After inclusion in the directory index (PARTadmin ), the created parts are available in 3Dfindit (and other platforms) for export to the CAD system.

    3Dfindit with directory structure and part selection for export to CAD

    3Dfindit with directory structure and part selection for export to CAD

    Details on the component display in 3Dfindit and the wide range of enriched information can be found under Chapter 4, User interfaces in ENTERPRISE 3Dfindit.

    PARTdataManager (Part selection) with directory structure

    PARTdataManager (Part selection) with directory structure

    Details on the component display in the PARTdataManager and the various enriched information can be found under Section 3.1.5, “ User interface” in ENTERPRISE 3Dfindit (Professional) - User.