Creating Power Copies

You can create powercopy elements. A powercopy is a set of features (geometric elements, formulas, constraints and so forth) that are grouped in order to be used in a different context, and presenting the ability to be completely redefined when pasted.

This powercopy captures the design intent and know-how of the designer thus enabling greater reusability and efficiency.

Before you begin:

To perform this task, create a basic 3d shape as the one below.

Related Topics
More about the Creation of PowerCopies
Instantiating Power Copies Using One Step Instantiation

  1. Select Insert > Knowledge Templates > Power Copy... .

    The Powercopy Definition dialog box appears.



  2. Select the elements making up the Power Copy from the specification tree.

    For the purposes of our scenario, select Part Body.



  3. The dialog box is automatically filled with information about the selected elements.

  4. Define the PowerCopy as you wish to create it:

    The Definition tab lets you assign a name to the powercopy and presents its components in the 3D viewer. For example, enter Test in the Name: box.

  5. The Inputs tab lets you define the reference elements making up the Power Copy. You can rename these elements for a clearer definition by selecting them in the viewer and entering a new name in the Name box. In parentheses you still can read the elements' default name based on its type. For example, select xy plane and rename it as "Plane1".

  6. The Parameters tab lets you define which of the parameter values used in the Power Copy you will be able to modify at instantiation time. This can be a value, or a formula for example. Simply select the parameters and check the Published Name button. In case of a formula, you can set it to false or true. For example, select PartBody/Hole.1/Diameter.

    Use the Name box to give a more explicit name to this element. For example, enter Hole.1.

  7. Click the Properties tab.

    This tab lets you modify the icon identifying the PowerCopy in the specifications tree. A subset of icons is available from the Icon choice button. If you click ... the Icon Browser opens, showing all icons loaded on your application session. Click .

  8. The Grab screen button lets you capture an image of the Power Copy to be stored with its definition. Click the Grab screen button. You can zoom in or out the image to adjust it.



  9. Click the Remove previewbutton if you do not need this image.

  10. Click OK to create the Power Copy.

    The Power Copy is displayed close to the top of the specification tree.

    Notes:

    • Double-click Test in the specification tree to display the Power Copy Definition dialog box and edit its contents.
    • A formula is automatically included in a Power Copy definition when all its parameters are included. Otherwise, i.e. if at least one parameter is not selected as part of the Power Copy, you have to manually select the formula to make it part of the definition. If you do so, all the formula's parameters that have not been explicitly selected, are considered as inputs of the Power Copy.
    • Measures and user features cannot be used as elements making up power copies.