Generating Piece Parts

This task explains the procedure for generating piece parts.

The term 'generating piece parts' is used in the command because it is a shipbuilding industry term denoting the smallest individual component. For the purposes of this application a piece part is the same as a part, and the word part will be used here.

Parts need to be generated because in this application the components are essentially 2D objects, with the 3D dimensions defined as attributes. Using the command to generate parts creates CATParts from features, and these CATParts are used in downstream processes.

If the Piece Part Generator button is not visible you will need to change a setting. In the menu bar, click Tools - Customize, and click the Add Commands button. Find Piece Part Generator in the list, and drag it into your toolbar.

With your document open, click the Piece Part Generator button

. The Structure Piece Part Generator dialog box displays.

Select a target for the parts to be generated. A target is the product or component under which you want to create the parts. (The root Product is selected by default.) In this example the entry TestPPE is selected in the specifications tree. It will display in the Target field once you select it. To select a target, click in the Target field and the select the target in the specifications tree.

Select the type of system by clicking the down arrow next to the Filter On field, then click the down arrow next to the Selection field and make your selection. If you select a system then the Structure Piece Part Generator dialog box expands to display the Available Objects and Selected Objects panes. All objects in the selected system (or design unit) display in the Available Objects pane. You can only select one system at a time.

If you select All in Session then all systems in your session are selected, and all objects are available for generation. The Structure Piece Part Generator dialog box remains compressed, as shown in Step 1.

Select one or more objects and click on the Transfer Arrows in the dialog box to move them to the Selected Objects pane.

Click the Options button to display the Options dialog box, and select options, as explained below.

Feature

Coping Options:

Plate Extrapolation Offset: Selecting this check box creates nibbling on plates with respect to connected objects. At seam position coping is deactivated by default.

For example in the following figure the gap of 5mm is introduced between two plates. This gap is introduced due to extrapolation offset given to the operating element to avoid confusion faces.

Once this check box is selected, extrapolation offset field becomes available. Default value for extrapolation offset value is 0mm.

Shape Web Extrapolation offset: Selecting this check box creates a nibbling on the web of a stiffener or stiffener on free edge with respect to the supporting plate.

For example in the following figure the gap of 5mm is introduced between plate and stiffener. This gap is introduced due to extrapolation offset given to the operating element to avoid confusion faces.

Once this check box is selected, extrapolation offset field becomes available. Default value for extrapolation offset value is 0mm.

Shape Extremities: Selecting this check box creates extrapolation on extremities of profile with respect to the limiting element.

Instantiate Slot from Catalog:

Plate: If you select this check box, a slot on the SDD plate is created as a slot feature. If you clear this check box, the slot is created as an opening feature, that is, a cutout on the resulting SR1 plate. This option is not applicable to a SFD plate. A slot on a SFD plate is always created as a slot in the resulting SR1 plate irrespective of your selection in this check box.

Member: If you select this check box, a slot on the SDD member is created as a slot feature. If you clear this check box, the slot is created as an opening feature, that is, a cutout on the resulting SR1 member. This option is not applicable to a SFD member. A slot on a SFD member is always created as a slot on the resulting SR1 member irrespective of your selection in this check box.

For example, in the first image given below, the Nibble and Slot options are not selected. The slots are created as an opening feature in the resulting piece part. In the second image, the Nibble and Slot options are selected. The slots are created as a slot feature and the copings on the bulkhead are also created.

Nibble and Slot options not selected Nibble and Slot options selected

Tree Structure

Keep Functional Volume Structure: Selecting this check box, maintains the structure of the functional volumes in your document. Functional volumes, and the objects within them, in your existing document will be replicated when the parts are generated. If you select As Product then a product will be created under the target for each functional volume in your document. If you select As Component then a component will be created under the target for each functional volume in your document.

Keep System Structure: If you select this check box, then the specifications tree structure of your original document will be maintained when the parts are generated, beneath the target that you selected. If you select As Product then a product will be created under the target for each system in your document. If you select As Component then a component will be created under the target for each system in your document.

Keep Object Structure: When you select this checkbox, you can choose to define your specifications tree structure as product or component. If you select As Product then all objects you create in the document will be shown at the same level. If you select As Component then the objects will be organized by the top level object, in this case deck. The images below show both selections.

Click OK to apply the options you selected.

In the Structure Piece Part Generator dialog box, click Apply or OK to begin the part generation process. A progress bar will display during the process. If you click Apply you can continue with other objects. If you click OK then you exit the command when part generation is complete.

You can rearrange the product structure in the specifications tree after the part has been generated, using a cut and paste process. To do this, right click on the object and make your selection in the drop down menu.

This command also works with Compartment and Access wall systems. However, for the part to be generated accurately, you must have the correct entry for the resource CompAccessPlateGenerationOptions (Compartment Access Plate Generation Options) in the project resource management file. See also List of PRM Resources and Flags.