Creating a Power Copy   

This task shows how to create Power Copy elements, to be reused later.
A Power Copy is a set of features (geometric elements, formulas, constraints and so forth) that are grouped to be used in a different context, and presenting the ability to be completely redefined when pasted.
Before performing the scenario, make sure that the Parameters and Relations options are checked (Tools>Options>Infrastructure>Part Infrastructure>Display).

  1. Open the PktCreatePowerCopy.CATPart document.

  1. From the Start>Knowledgeware menu, access the Product Knowledge Template workbench.

  2. Click the Create a PowerCopy icon (). The Power Copy Definition dialog box is displayed.

  1. Select the elements making up the Power Copy from the specification tree. For the purposes of our scenario, select the following items:

    • The Parameters

    • The Relations

    • Line.1 (under Geometrical set)

    • The Geometry
    The components of a Power Copy must be consecutive elements if they are located in an ordered set like an Ordered Geometrical Set. To know more, see Frequently Asked Questions: PowerCopies. 
    If a Power Copy embeds a relation (i.e. rules, checks or formulas) that references one of the inputs of the Power Copy, the selection of a geometrical Sub-element for this input will not be possible at instantiation time.

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

  1. Define the Power Copy as you want to create it:

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    The Definition tab lets you assign a name to the Power Copy and presents its components in the 3D viewer. For example, enter "Driver" in the Name: field.

    This tab also allows you to use the contextual Add all authorized inputs command in order to automatically add all authorized inputs allowed to be selected as components. This command is available either on a geometrical component or on the template reference node itself.

    In order to illustrate the Add all authorized inputs command, follow the steps described here bellow:

    • Select the Relations item.

    • Right-click the Power Copy  icon ()  and select the Add all authorized inputs command.

    • The Selected components section automatically displays all the allowed features for the given component as shown below.

     
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    The Inputs tab shows you the inputs (elements to select at instantiation) of the Power Copy. 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. For example, select xy plane and rename it as "Plane1".

    This tab also allows you to reorder the list of inputs of a template reference at creation time.  Note that the customized order will be reused at instantiation time. For example, select zx plane and move it down by clicking on the icon.
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    The Parameters tab lets you define which of the parameter values used in the Power Copy you will be able to modify at instantiation time. This can be a value, or a formula for example.

    Select the parameters and check Published. For a formula, you can set it to false or true. For example, select Driver_X_Position.

    Use the Name field to give another name to this element. For example, enter X_Position and publish it.
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    The Documents tab shows the complete path and role of Design tables referenced by an element included in the Power Copy.
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    The Properties tab lets you modify the icon identifying the Power Copy in the specifications tree. A subset of icons is available from Icon choice. If you click ... the Icon Browser opens, showing all icons loaded on your CATIA session. Click the envelope icon .

    Grab screen lets you capture an image of the screen. If you want to display the Power Copy component, display them and click Grab screen. You can zoom in or out the image to adjust it. Click Remove preview if you do not need this image.

  2. Click OK to create the Power Copy. Save your file. Click here to open the created file.
See the Quick Reference topic for a comprehensive list of the interactions that can be carried out on Power Copies.