Libraries of Mechanical Parts

All mechanical parts can be found on the Parts menu. The following parts are available:

• Screws (bolts)
• Nuts
• Washers
• Pins and splines
• Rings
• Rolled profiles (structural steel)
• SKF bearings
• Spline shafts (only for 2D)
• Threads (only for 2D)

The parts are created according to the following standards:

• ANSI
• DIN
• Other standards, including European standards and ISO

All parts have predefined default names and attributes. The names indicate the part definition and basic dimensions according to the chosen standard.

Selecting Mechanical Parts

Select the standard and the type of part (screw, washer, etc.) from the Parts menu. The icon menu appears from which you can select a specific part, such as a hex bolt. To define the dimensions, you can select:

• One basic dimension from the list. The other dimensions will depend on this basic dimension. For example, for defining a bearing, select the shaft diameter.
• One basic dimension from the list, then other dimensions from the list. For example, for defining a screw, select the bolt diameter. Then a list of lengths appears, depending on the selected diameter.
• One basic dimension from list, then enter the other dimensions manually. For example, for defining a rolled profile, select the profile dimensions and then enter the desired length of the beam.

Inserting Mechanical Parts into 2D

When defining part dimensions in 2D, you can also select the method of drawing or which view of the part will be inserted. For example, when a rolled profile is defined, you can choose whether or not to hatch the section. When defining a screw, you can choose to insert the front view, left view (axial view), and head.

Mechanical parts are inserted as blocks, and have predefined connection points. For details on inserting blocks, see Insert Block.

Mechanical part selection - 2D screw (bolt)

Inserting Mechanical Parts into 3D

When defining part dimensions in 3D, you can:

• Select whether the part is inserted as a new part, or replaces a defined part. An example of replacement would be replacing one type of screw with another. If you define the parts to be replaced by name, you can replace all instances of a part in the entire file. See also Selecting Solids.

Mechanical part selection - 3D screw (bolt)

Working with Mechanical Parts in 3D

Mechanical parts are created according to respective standards and they should not be modified. If you attempt to edit shape of library mechanical part, warning message is displayed. Rolled profiles can be edited without any warning.

Smart Functions using 3D Mechanical Parts

If possible, some mechanical parts have defined method of cutting or trimming other solids. For example, if you want to create hole for screw, you can use screw as “cutting tool” and create hole as exact negative copy of cylindrical part of screw. This method corresponds with creating hole with thread. If you select corresponding modification of counterpart, hole with diameter greater than screw diameter is created. Hole’s diameter is created according to respective standard.

Example of 3D library parts.