Feature Variant

Create
Load
Catalogue

Create feature variant

The Create feature variant function is used to create the variant.

Once the system has prompted for the name of the variant file, the following files are generated under this name:

Name.VAD
Name.FEV
Name.FEV.KRP
Name.FEV.KRP.DBA3
Name.FEV.KRP.FEA
Name.FEV.KRP.FEA.ARCHIV

All variables used during construction are transferred here. All variables used within a value input for sizes (e.g. height or fillet radius) and in the point options are identified.

Load feature variant

Feature variants can be inserted into any drawing. Use the Insert Part >Parts/Variants function and select the desired FEV file for loading.

In the variant file, the relevant part or the assembly can be defined in a wide variety of sizes. Each variant consists of a data record with a unique type number. Each type includes a record with the parameters that define the part/assembly. Once a variant has been saved for the first time, the variant file initially contains only a data record with type number 1. However, you can add to these files individually - either directly in HiCAD or using the HiCAD variant editor.

To select a variant, first click on the type number in the selection window. The parameters of the selected type are displayed.

You then have the following options:

Adopting the displayed parameters without changing them and clicking OK to exit the window.
Changing the values and clicking OK to exit the window. HiCAD then asks whether you want the changed parameters to be saved. If you enter YES, a new type is created or an existing type changed. Enter the type number. The relevant variant file is then changed accordingly. This type number will then also be available for selection when you next call the window.
If you enter NO, the changes will be used when the part/assembly is inserted, but the variant file will not be changed.
To enable the part/assembly to be inserted, HiCAD initially displays a graphic preview and asks you to specify a fitting point on the part/assembly. Next, specify the position of this point in the drawing.

Catalogue

Like Parts, Feature variants can be saved to the HiCAD Factory standard catalogues. Their various sub-types can be inserted in any other drawing via selection from a graphical catalogue system . The following steps are required for this:

• Step 1: Create and parameterise
• Step 2: Create Feature variant
• Step 3: Create new table in the Factory Standards catalogue
• Step 4: Define columns
• Step 5: Create data records
• Step 6: Save the table

An extensive description can be found in the Online Help of the Catalogue Editor.