How to Handle Custom Part Orientations

Introduction

In this example, you learn how to use the stock orientation options to create stock for a part that is oriented in an arbitrary location in the graphics area. The part model is shown first. This example will also provide links to related topics.

Example

In the Stock Specification dialog box, Rectangular is selected for the Stock Type by default. Stock automatically appears around the model because the Auto from workspace option is also selected, and the stock coordinate system orientation is the same as the WCS (world coordinate system) by default. For this scenario, a custom stock orientation must be defined. To do this you use the Stock Orientation options.

 

 

  1. To begin aligning the stock to the part, in the Stock Orientation group, click X Direction, and select the desired X-axis direction from the part geometry as shown next.



    The X-axis of the stock coordinate is aligned to the selected surface edge.

    Further refine the direction of the axis with the Reverse button as needed.

  2. To further align the stock to the part, click Y Direction, and select the desired Y-axis direction from the part geometry as follows.



    The Y-axis of the stock coordinate system is now aligned to the selected surface edge.

    Further refine the direction of the axis with the Reverse button as needed.

Tip: When setting the X- or Y-Direction, you are not limited to using the part geometry. You can use any geometry that exists in the graphics area.

 

Tip: The (reverse) buttons be used to flip the orientations of any axis as needed.

 

The stock is now aligned with the part, and the stock coordinate system is at the top and center of the stock.

 

Now that the stock orientation is aligned to the part, you can add an offset to the stock. When you add an offset for custom stock orientations, the axis directions are based off of the stock coordinate system and not the WCS.

 

This concludes the example.

Related Topics

The Stock Wizard Tutorials