PC-DMIS Tech Tip: This Tech Tip video will show improvements in PC-DMIS 2021.1 - Modernized Summary mode and how to use "Paste with Patterns" in PC-DMIS 2021.1 and in the previous versions on PC-DMIS (2020 R2 and older versions).
Click Here to learn more about our affordable Software Support Packages - the same group that makes these Tech Tips!
Welcome to another video on tech tips from CMMXYZ. With the new release of PC-DMIS 2021.1, in this video, let's discuss about some of the notable improvements in the utilities used while programming in PC-DMIS.
The first improvement that can be instantly noticed is the transformation of summary mode in the Edit window. Edit window continues to offer command mode in its conventional form of multiple command lines, which is simplified or summarized in summary mode. In 2021.1, there is a change in the physical appearance of the contents in summary mode represented in the form of tails when compared to its previous version, which has flat text, making the new version more interactive with the modern user.
Now, we can toggle the display of the feature labels in graphic display window directly in summary mode. This is done by show/hide icon placed at the right side of all the created features. The toggle can be done to individual features, grouped features, and selecting multiple features at a time. In the new summary mode, we can view the feature properties using peek window option, which can be enabled using the settings located at the top right corner of the Edit window. After enabling the peek window option, hover the mouse over the feature to get a peek at the values without changing Edit window to command mode. The dimensions of the features in the new summary mode shows the conformance of the measured features, with green as pass and red as fail.
The next improvement in the latest version is Paste with Pattern utility along with the new technique, Pattern on Curve. Paste with Pattern is used to create duplicate features on a part at an offset distance or angle between the features relative to the active alignment. To compare the changes in the Paste with Pattern utility, let's construct features using pattern function in one of the previous versions of PC-DMIS and in the new 2021.1 version.
Now, let's create a linear pattern of circles at an offset distance of 28 millimeters using the previous version of PC-DMIS, that is, 2020 R2. First, let's create an auto circle in the pattern and copy the circle. Then, go to Edit, Pattern, and enter the offset distance between the holes in the pattern and the number of offsets needed to create a pattern, and press OK to save the parameters. After saving the parameters, go to Edit, Paste with Pattern, and this would create the circle at a given offset distance.
Now, let's check how Paste with Patterns works with PC-DMIS 2021.1. Like the previous version, first, let's create a circle on the pattern and copy the circle. Then, go to Edit, Patterns, and enter the offset distance between the features in the pattern and the number of offsets needed to create a pattern. Then, check mark on Apply "Paste with Pattern" on OK option. By having this option checked, a pattern will be created on pressing OK. This will eliminate an extra step from the previous version and creates the pattern immediately after setting the parameters.
Next, let's create an angle pattern using PC-DMIS 2020 R2. To create an angle pattern, the active alignment has to be moved to the center of the pattern to have a common rotation axis. First, create a circle at the center of the pattern. Then, move the active alignment to the center of the created feature by translating in X and Y axes. Then, create a circle in the pattern and copy the circle. Go to Edit, Pattern, and enter the angle of rotation between the patterns and the number of offset values, and click on OK to save the parameters. Finally, go to Edit, Paste with Pattern to create the features in an angular pattern.
Let's check how creating angle patterns has been improved in PC-DMIS 2021.1. Like the previous versions, create a circle feature on the pattern and copy the circle. Then, go to Edit, Pattern, and select the center of the pattern by clicking on the CAD model. This will record the coordinates of the rotation axes. Enter the angle between the features in the pattern and the number of offsets needed to create a pattern. Check the Apply "Paste with Pattern" on OK to create the angular pattern. This will eliminate an additional step of alignment to move the active alignment to the center of the pattern.
PC-DMIS 2021.1 has a new Pattern on Curve creation technique. This enables us to create a pattern of points along the perimeter of the CAD model at a required offset and spacing. To create a pattern of points on the curve, create a vector point at a required offset from the perimeter and copy the point feature. Then, go to Edit, Pattern, and choose the Curve tab in the dialog box. Enter the required spacing between the points and select the surface along which the pattern of points has to be created. Press and hold CTRL to select multiple surfaces. We can adjust the length by pressing and dragging the corner of the selected perimeter. Check mark on the Apply "Paste with Pattern" on OK option and press OK to create the pattern on the curve. We can see that the points are created at a required offset and has a specified space.
This was a video on improvements in PC-DMIS 2021.1. Thank you for watching the video.
