In order to be placed correctly on other 3D objects, 3D macros require information about the area with which they are placed and the direction in which they may have to be turned. This information is stored in the 3D macro by the definition of a placement area. The position of the placement area also determines the mounting depth to which the 3D object is positioned on a mounting surface. Nine handles are then automatically generated on the placement surface. You can use these for positioning. In addition, you can define a further handle via the Handle command (command path: Tab Insert > Command group Mounting aids > Handle or for 3D assembly macros: Tab Master data > Command group Macro > Create assembly > Handle). This handle is always projected onto the defined placement area when placing it.
Note:
The functionalities described here for creating and modifying placement areas can only be used for macros of a macro project. For self-built enclosures that you import as a design space, you already specify the placement area during the import. Enclosures that you download via the Data Portal already have placement areas that you must not change. Otherwise the enclosures are no longer compatible with the foreseen accessories and the enclosure configuration is made more difficult.
Preconditions:
- You have opened a macro project.
- You have opened the layout space navigator and a layout space.
- The layout space contains imported 3D solids which are to be saved as a macro.
Define placement area
- Select the following commands: Tab Insert > Command group Placement area > Define.
Or select the following commands for 3D assembly macros: Tab Master data > Command group Macro > Create assembly > Placement area. - Move the cursor over the surfaces of the 3D solid.
The surface beneath the cursor is automatically highlighted in color. - When you reach the surface you want, click it. The selected area is defined as the placement area. Any area that projects beyond the limits of the selected area will appear transparent. Handles are created at the corners and centers of the limiting edges.
Note:
The area that is to be defined as the placement area has to be limited by points that lie geometrically in a common level. Depending on the quality of the imported 3D data, surfaces may be generated which do not meet this condition. Placement areas cannot be defined on such surfaces.
The illustration shows a 3D macro with a placement area beneath the base plate. The handles are at the corners and centers of the edges.
Turn around placement area
The Turn around command rotates the placement area by 180° horizontally.
- Select the following commands: Tab Insert > Command group Placement area >
Turn around. The placement area and the 3D solid are rotated by 180°.
3D macro with a turned-around placement area
Move placement area
The Move command moves the position of the placement area in the Z direction. This allows the mounting depth of the 3D macro to be varied.
- Select the following commands: Tab Insert > Command group Placement area >
Move. - Enter the value of the displacement. If a positive number or a number without prefix is entered, the placement area is moved upwards. If a negative number with a preceding "-" is entered, the placement area is moved downwards.
The figure shows a 3D macro with a placement area moved by 100 mm.
Rotate placement area
The Rotate command rotates the placement area vertically around its center. This allows rotated placement of the 3D macro.
- Select the following commands: Tab Insert > Command group Placement area >
Rotate. - Specify the angle of the rotation. If a positive number or a number without prefix is entered, the 3D solid is moved counter-clockwise on the placement area. If a negative number with a preceding "-" is entered, the 3D solid is moved clockwise on the placement area.
The figure shows a 3D macro with a placement area rotated by -15°. The handles remain unchanged on the base area.
See also