Chapter 2. Create electronic product catalog - Overview

Interaction of different PARTsolutions and eCATALOGsolutions modules

Before a component can be displayed in the PARTdataManager can be displayed, selected and exported to CAD, the catalog structure is created individually during catalog creation in PARTproject the catalog structure is created individually (e.g. taking into account existing structures in the delivery program).

Interaction of different PARTsolutions and eCATALOGsolutions modules

Interaction of different PARTsolutions and eCATALOGsolutions modules

In PARTproject project files are created and the data associated with the component such as 3D object, table, preview images, dimension drawings, technical views and other additional information are integrated or created.

  • Maintenance of general information: PARTproject -> General tab page

  • Assignment of dimensioning views: PARTproject -> Views tab page

  • Translations: PARTproject -> Translation tab

    Basic language for the catalog creation is English.

    However, when the catalog is finished all used terms can be translated in any desired language.

  • Preview images

    Preview images can be created manually or generated and created automatically.

  • Additional information

    In addition to the geometry as such, additional information can be integrated. This is usually available in *.html, *.txt or *.pdf format, as these formats guarantee cross-platform functionality within external programs (e.g. browser or Acrobat Reader).

  • From PARTproject the module PARTdesigner is started.

    PARTdesigner

    PARTdesigner

    • The geometry is modeled feature based. With sketches, extrusions, rotations and geometric operations components are created fully parametric.

      Sketch sample: Rotational solid

      Sketch sample: Rotational solid

      Sketch sample: Cut extrusion

      Sketch sample: Cut extrusion

    • Tables (*.tab, *tac files)

      The geometry is linked to the characteristic attribute table.

      The characteristics table

      • ... is based on DIN 4000-1.

      • ... is also created with PARTdesigner created.

      • ... can also contain definitions of value ranges and extensive characteristic algorithms [Attribute algorithms] (e.g. IF, THEN, ELSE conditions) in addition to pure variable values.

      • ... may, under certain circumstances, contain far more variables than the user ultimately sees. Thus, for instance, columns of auxiliary variables may be hidden even though these dimensions are "fitted" geometrically.

  • Display in PARTdataManager

    After inclusion in the directory index (PARTadmin ), the created parts are available in PARTdataManager (and other platforms) for export to the CAD system.

    PARTdataManager (Part selection) with directory structure

    PARTdataManager (Part selection) with directory structure

    Details on the component display in the PARTdataManager and the various enriched information can be found under Section 3.1.5, “ User interface” in PARTsolutions user manual.