Creating an Opening with a 3D Object

This task explains creation of an opening using a 3D object.  The image below shows an opening for an escape trunk in two decks, and the 3D object used to create them. The 3D object has been made transparent for better visibility.
  You can use a surface, or a wireframe object, as your 3D object. The two have different behavior. Both are explained below.

 

 

 

 

 1. Click the Opening button to display the Opening dialog box.
  2. CATEGORY: Select a category by clicking on the down arrow. The last 10 categories you selected will be displayed. If the category you want is not visible then select More to display the class browser and make your selection.  The categories available to you depends on what your administrator has added.
  3. NAME: The application can assign a name to the object you are creating using the object naming function if you check the Automatic checkbox. If you want to assign your own name then uncheck the box and enter a name.
  4. The Applied To field shows the object to which the opening will be applied. You can click in the field and select a different object. You can click in the field and select a different object. Openings can be applied to plates, stiffeners web, or stiffeners on free edge web.
  5. METHOD: Choose Select 3D Object for applying the opening.
  6.

Using a Surface

To create openings using a surface, the cutting object must physically intersect the object in which you are creating an opening, as shown below. After you have taken the steps shown above:

  • Select the 3D object you want to use. The object displays in the Cutting Elements field, and a preview of the opening is placed on the object you selected.
  • You do not need to make any selection in the Direction Type field if you are selecting a surface to define your 3D cutting object.
  • If you are using the same 3D object to make openings through more than one deck, as in this example, you need to repeat the process with the other decks.

NOTE: As your cutting element, you can use an existing 3D object, or create one using an application like Generative Shape Design.
  7.

Wireframe

There is a significant difference in behavior if you use a wireframe 3D object as your cutting element. As an example, when placing an opening in a plate, the wireframe object and the plate do not intersect, therefore the opening is created by projecting your selected wireframe contour on to the plate.

By default, the projection is perpendicular to the plate on which the opening is to be placed. You have the option of changing the default projection, and making it perpendicular to the wireframe object you are using. You can also specify a direction by selecting a line or plane.

To create an opening using a wireframe object, follow Steps 1 to 5 and then:

  • Select the wireframe object you want to use. The object displays in the Cutting Elements field, and a preview of the opening is placed on the object you selected.
  • Select a direction (X, Y, Z) in the Direction Type field. If you do not want to select an X, Y, Z direction, then select Unspecified, in which case the direction will be along the plane of the wireframe object. If you want a different direction, then select a line or plane. The object, plane or line you select will display in the Direction field.
  8. Click OK in the Opening dialog box to create the opening.