First you select the alignment geometry. Then you enter the prompt that VX will display upon insertion (e.g., "Select the first mounting hole diameter."). You can then select from six different mating conditions using the Options Form. For example, a circular edge and the concentric mating condition can be the default handle on a "bolt" part. To insert the bolt, you then only have to select the top edge diameter of a hole in the parent part.

 

You can create multiple handles to align a part. Each is entered into the part's history in the order created. This same order will be implemented upon insertion. The name of the handle is displayed as an attribute on the part. To edit an alignment handle, right-click on its name in the History Manager and select Redefine.

3D Alignment is Simplified during Component Insertion

 

 

 

1st entity

Select a curve, edge, face or datum to align with. You can use the pick filter options to isolate the entity. When inserted, the component will be aligned with this entity automatically.

 

Prompt

Enter the prompt for this handle's mating condition. This is the prompt that will be displayed when you insert the component into an assembly. For example, you might enter "Select the parent point to align with." (without the quote marks).

 

 

 

This options form is context sensitive. This means that only the constraint options that can apply to the 1st and 2nd entity selections (see above) will remain active. See 3D Constraints for a matrix of supported constraint conditions and a few examples.

 

This creates a coincident constraint. The components will remain coincident (i.e., share the same curve, edge, face or datum plane). The Offset option is supported (see below).

 

This creates a tangent constraint. Supports the Offset option.

 

This creates a concentric constraint. Supports the Offset option (see below).

 

This creates a parallel constraint.

 

This creates a perpendicular constraint.

 

This creates an angular constraint. Complete the Angle option (see below).

 

Offset

Use this option to specify an offset distance. The constraint will apply as well as this offset. Used with the coincident, tangent and concentric constraints (see above).

 

Angle

Specifies the angle of the constraint. Used only with the Angle constraint (see above).

 

Same facing, Opposite

If faces or datum planes are selected for the 1st and 2nd entity inputs above, select "Same facing" to force an alignment where the faces or datum planes are facing the same direction.