Creating PowerCopies

This task shows you how to create PowerCopy elements from functional features.
A PowerCopy is a set of features (geometric elements, formulas, constraints and so forth) that are grouped in order to be used in a different context, and presenting the ability to be completely redefined when pasted.
This PowerCopy captures the design intent and know-how of the designer thus enabling greater reusability and efficiency.
Open the PowerCopyInitial.CATPart document.

  1. Prior to defining the power copy element, use the Tools -> Options -> Infrastructure -> Part Infrastructure and select Display tab to check if parameters and formulas are defined for the part: check the Parameters and Relations options in Display In Specification Tree if they are not checked.

    Taking a look at the specification tree, the PowerCopyInitial.CATPart document contains three parameters and eight formulas.

  2. To create the power copy, select Insert ->Knowledge Templates -> Power Copy... .
    The Powercopy Definition dialog box is displayed.

  3. From the specification tree, select the elements to be included in the PowerCopy. 
    we strongly recommend you locate all required functional and GSD features within functional sets prior to generating powercopies.

    In our example, select the three parameters, all the formulas and Functional Set.1 to select the cutouts of our geometry.





    The     PowerCopy Definition dialog box is automatically filled with information about the selected elements. 

  4. Define the PowerCopy as you wish to create it: for details about all options, see Powercopy Definition Dialog Box. Click the Parameters tab.
    This tab allows you to define which of the parameter values used in the PowerCopy you will be able to modify at instantiation time.

  5. Double-click the three parameters to make them public.

    The Published Name option is then checked for each of them, indicating that the parameters can be modified at instantiation time.

  6. Click OK to create the PowerCopy.
    The PowerCopy.1 node is displayed in the specification tree, just below the Relations node.
 

Powercopy Definition Dialog Box

In this dialog box, you can define a powercopy using these options:

Definition

The Definition tab lets you assign a name to the Powercopy and presents its components in the 3D viewer. If desired, you can enter the name of your choice in the Name field.

Inputs

The Inputs tab lets you define the reference elements making up the PowerCopy. You can rename these elements for a clearer definition by selecting them in the viewer and entering a new name in the Name field. In parentheses you still can read the elements' default name based on its type.

Parameters

The Parameters tab allows you to define which of the parameter values used in the PowerCopy you will be able to modify at instantiation time. Double-click the parameters to make them public. The Published Name option is then checked for each of them, indicating that the parameters can be modified at instantiation time.

Properties

The Properties tab lets you modify the icon identifying the PowerCopy in the specifications tree. A subset of icons is available from the Icon choice button.

Click ... to display all icons loaded on your application session.

The Grab screen button lets you capture an image of the PowerCopy to be stored with its definition. Click the Grab screen button. You can zoom in or out the image to adjust it.