Define Graphic Representations for a Part

This task shows you how to create multiple graphic representations for a part.  See also Switching Graphic Representations.

 

Once you have created a  part and specified a type, you can create one or more graphic representations, i.e., create the body of the part. You can define multiple graphic representations when you need to show more than one graphic of the same component. For instance, you may need to show a hanger as "double", which is like a 3D version, as "single", which means represented by a single line, or "envelope", which also includes the working area needed around a hanger. These three categories are defined in this application. You can create these three graphics of the same hanger and display whichever one you prefer in a document.

Before you create multiple representations you should set up a Graphic Representations file. (You do this by creating a file - a default is provided if you want to use it - and noting its location in your resource management file. See Understanding Project Resource Management.) A Graphic Representations file allows you to classify each graphic that you create into a specific category. In addition to the categories that are defined in the application and that were described above, you can create categories based on your specific needs.

1. When you create a part as explained in Create a Hanger, it is given the first classification listed in your Graphic Representations file. In this example it is Double as shown in the illustration below. To start making graphic representations for the part, you will first create a graphic for the Double representation that you have already created. To do this double click on Rack2 to bring up the Part Design product. (Not all users may have a license for Part Design - contact your system administrator.)

 

2. Create your part (in this case a trapeze hanger) using Part Design. (See Part Design documentation if you need help.) You have now created the Double graphic representation of the part. 

There are certain special requirements for creating hangers that will be used in electrical products, and for adding connectors. These are explained in Requirements for Building Hangers..

3. To create a second graphic representation, double click on Rack2 (Rack2.1) to return to Hanger Design.
4. Click the Build Part button to display the Create Part dialog box and click on the hanger to make it active. The buttons in the Create Part dialog box will become active.
5. Click the Manage Representations button . The Manage Graphic Representations dialog box displays.

6. The Defined column shows which representations exist for the part. If a name has No against it you can create a representation by clicking on No. It will change to Yes and the graphic name will be added to the specifications tree. You now need to create a body for it, as described above. 
7. If the value for a graphic in the Activated column is Yes it means you can see that graphic. (You can toggle between Yes and No by clicking on it.) If you check the box Expand representations you can see more than one representation of that part in the same document - if the representation exists.