Project: HiCAD 3-D

Delete Structure Parts

Simplify > Delete structure parts

Part structures often contain assembly levels and dummy parts which are superfluous and can be confusing. This problem can be solved with this function. The function deletes all "superordinate parts of the entire drawing that serve exclusively the purpose of structuring for the part structure, and moves the remaining parts to the uppermost level of the part structure.

When executing the function, please note the following:

1. The function will always be applied to the complete model drawing.
2. The subsequently listed parts will always be deleted, irrespective of whether they are superordinate or subordinate parts:

• Assemblies and main assemblies - even if they contain, e.g. assembly points,
• Dummy parts,
• Point parts (parts with isolated points) and
• Plant Engineering parts without geometry, i.e. empty Plant Engineering parts containing only points.

3. All parts not mentioned in Point 2. will be preserved. Besides classic solids, the following parts will remain, i.e. they are treated like solids:

• Edge parts (parts with free edges / 3-D sketches),
• Surface parts (parts with free surfaces),
• Sheet Metal main parts,
• Superordinate parts of multi-part beams and profiles (e.g. series beams/profiles), and
• Bolting groups.

4. The parts to be deleted will not only be deleted as superordinate parts, but even if they are subordinated to parts that are not to be deleted (see 2.) - for example, if a dummy part is subordinated to a solid or to a Sheet Metal main part.
5. If parts that are not to be deleted are located beneath solids, they will be moved to the uppermost level of the part structure.

• For example, if a solid is located directly beneath a dummy part, and beneath the dummy part there is another solid, the dummy part will be deleted and the solid beneath it will be moved to the uppermost level.
• This rule also applies to solids which are located directly beneath other solids.
• Excluded from this rule are solids beneath Sheet Metal parts, multi-part beams/profiles, and bolting groups (see 3.) The solids contained therein, e.g. flanges and bend zones beneath Sheet Metal parts, will be preserved.

Points 4. and 5. also concern parts beneath referenced parts. After calling the function you can specify in the dialogue window shown below how to proceed here:

• Leave referenced parts unchanged
  This is the ISD default setting.
  
• Break up referencing if required
  If parts beneath referenced parts are deleted or moved to the uppermost level, the referencing and the link to HELiOS (if any) will be removed.

Example - Left: before; Right: After execution of function

• If parts to be deleted are located beneath non-referenced parts that are only locked via HELiOS, and the Break up referencing if required option has been selected, the links to HELiOS will be removed. This will also happen if in the Configuration Editor at System settings > Referencing the Lock parts against processing if HELiOS article master is locked checkbox is active.

• If the function cannot be executed, e.g. because all solids are located on the uppermost level of the drawing, or because the function has already been applied to the function, a message will be displayed:

Example:

The assembly shown below (with referenced parts and managed via HELiOS) is to be simplified to enable the use of the simplified assembly in a superordinate assembly, or its passing on to someone else. The simplified drawing is to be saved, independent of its original, to a new .SZA file.

Step 1: Delete all links to HELiOS

In the ICN, select all parts beneath the main assembly, right-click and select HELiOS > Article master > Delete assignment. Then, apply the function to the main assembly.

Step 2: Break up all referencings

Right-click one of the referenced parts in the ICN and select Referencing > Break up > Break up referencing, All parts

Step 3: Delete standard parts

Activate the Part filter function on the transparent toolbar. On the Manual filter tab, select the part types Boltings and Individual Standard Part.

Click Execute.

In the ICN, all found parts will be marked. Right-click a marking and select Delete 3-D part.

Step 4: Delete structure parts

The clean-up of the drawing is now completed. However, the still existing superordinate parts are still bothersome during further simplifications.

Now, activate the Delete structure function.

Save the drawing under a different name. The parts of the drawing can now be further simplified if desired, e.g. through a deletion of standard processings, the creation of envelopes etc.

You can also use the Merge all solids function here.

Identification Modes • Select Parts • Find Parts • Feature (3-D) • Parametric Dimensions (3-D)