Project: HiCAD Parametrics

3-D C-Edge HCM: General Information

HCM

The 3-D C-Edge Constraint Manager is based on HCM 3-D and is an aid for positioning and moving composite edges, with the relevant elements being linked by means of constraints, i.e. by means of dimension relations, logical connections and restrictions. The composite edge Constraint Manager then transforms the relevant elements to enable the defined constraints to be met.

Note that constraints are assigned to individual elements of composite edges. These elements can be points, lines, circles and circular arcs.

In addition to assigning constraints and the associated positioning of elements, the Dragger is an important component of the 3-D composite edge Constraint Manager. It allows you to use the mouse to move individual elements, while complying with constraints that have already been assigned.

Procedure

Defining a parametric composite edge model mainly consists of the following steps:

1. Constructing the relevant composite edges or loading an existing construction
2. Calling the 3-D composite edge Constraint Manager
3. Activating the system and defining the constraints
4. Using the Dragger to test the model
5. Correcting the constraints or specifying missing constraints

Please note:

• Elements of a composite edge part can also be positioned relative to elements of another composite edge part. However, the assigned HCM constraint is always assigned to the active composite edge part.
• Only composite edges that have been drawn "cleanly" can be handled properly. That is why, for example, the same points should also be actually identical and a line should not consist of many segments.
• 'Normal' HiCAD dimensionings are NOT dimensional constraints of the 3-D composite edge Constraint Manager!
• You can modify a parametric composite edge model only via the constraints assigned within the 3-D composite edge Constraint Manager.
• You can also use the 3-D composite edge Constraint Manager without restrictions for 3-D sketches.
• The elements of an HCM model are highlighted in colour, depending on the corresponding degrees of freedom:

• fixed: orange
• underdefined: blue
• overdefined: red
• fully defined: green

3-D Composite Edge Constraint Manager