Exploding a Constrained Assembly 

This task shows how to explode an assembly while taking into account the assembly constraints. This explode type is applicable only to specific cases, when the assembly is assigned coincidence constraints:
  • axis/axis
  • plane/plane
aprereq.gif (1223 bytes) Open the  EXPLODE_CONSTRAINED_ASSEMBLY.CATProduct document. 
  1. Select Explode I_ExplodeP2.gif (249 bytes).

    The Explode dialog box is displayed.
    If you are in a product-view window, you also see the Manipulation toolbar.
  2. Select the Wheel Assembly (if it is not already selected by default).

    If you are in a product-view window, you can also use the drag and drop capability (drag the Explode I_ExplodeP2.gif (249 bytes) icon and drop it onto the required product in the specification tree).
  3. Set Depth to All levels (if not already set).

    The Depth parameter lets you choose between a totally (All levels) or partially (First level) exploded view.
  4. Set Type to 3D (if not already set).

    If you are in a product-view window, you can generate a sequence from the exploded view, if you select the Generate Sequence check box before launching the explode operation.
    aprereq.gif (1223 bytes) For more detailed information refer to Generating a Sequence from an Exploded View.
  5. Click the Apply button to perform the operation.

    Note that you can move products within the exploded view using the 3D compass.
    If you are in a product-view window, the manipulation toolbar is also available once you move an object with the 3D Compass.
    The Scroll Explode field gradually displays the progression of the operation. The application assigns directions and distance. Once complete, the resulting exploded view looks like this:
    Suppose you are not satisfied with this result because the nuts are not correctly positioned and the constraints are not respected. Therefore, you opt to replay the scenario while selecting the constrained type.
  6. Still in the Explode dialog box, set Type to Constrained.

  7. Select a fixed product: for this task, select Rim1 either in the specification or PPR tree, or in the geometry area.

  8. Click the Apply button to perform the operation.

    Once complete, the resulting exploded view looks like this:
    The nuts are correctly positioned, the exploded view corresponds more to the reality and to a technical documentation.
  9. Select the OK button to confirm the operation or select the Cancel button to restore the initial view.

    If you select the OK button, the following warning message is displayed because the exploded view is kept when exiting the command. In this case, if you need to restore the initial view, select the Reset .
The explode functionality enables users to understand better how an assembly is structured. You can use it for purposes such as creating scenes, printing an exploded view, keeping the exploded view as an archive document or generating a drawing 
aprereq.gif (1223 bytes) Please refer to DMU Navigator User's Guide: Getting Started: Creating Enhanced Scenes.