Generating Piece Parts

This task explains the procedure for generating piece parts.
The term 'generating piece parts'  is used in the command because it is a shipbuilding industry term denoting the smallest individual component. For the purposes of this application a piece part is the same as a part, and the word part will be used here.

Parts need to be generated because in this application the components are essentially 2D objects, with the 3D dimensions defined as attributes. Using the command to generate parts creates CATParts from features, and these CATParts are used in downstream processes.

If the Piece Part Generator button is not visible you will need to change a setting. In the menubar click Tools - Customize, and click the Add Commands button. Find Piece Part Generator in the list, and drag it into your toolbar.

 

 

 1. With your document open, click the Piece Part Generator button . The Structure Piece Part Generator dialog box displays.
  2. Select a target for the parts to be generated. A target is the product or component under which you want to create the parts. (The root Product is selected by default.) In this example the entry TestPPE is selected in the specifications tree. It will display in the Target field once you select it. T select a target, click in the Target field and the select the target in the specifications tree.
  3. Select the type of system by clicking the down arrow next to the Filter On field, then click the down arrow next to the Selection field and make your selection. If you select a system then the Structure Piece Part Generator dialog box expands to display the Available Objects and Selected Objects panes.  All objects in the selected system (or design unit) display in the Available Objects pane. You can only select one system at a time.

If you select All in Session then all systems in your session are selected, and all objects are available for generation. The Structure Piece Part Generator dialog box remains compressed, as shown in Step 1.

  4. Select one or more objects and click on the Transfer Arrows in the dialog box to move them to the Selected Objects pane.
  5. Click the Options button to display the Options dialog box, and select options as explained below.

Keep Functional Volume Structure: Checking this maintains the structure of the functional volumes in your document. Functional volumes, and the objects within them, in your existing document will be replicated when the parts are generated. If you select As Product then a product will be created under the target for each functional volume in your document. If you select As Component then a component will be created under the target for each functional volume in your document.

Keep System Structure: If you check this then the specifications tree structure of your original document will be maintained when the parts are generated, beneath the target that you selected. If you select As Product then a product will be created under the target for each system in your document. If you select As Component then a component will be created under the target for each system in your document.

Keep Object Structure: When you check this option you can choose to define your specifications tree structure as product or component. If you select As Product then all objects you create in the document will be shown at the same level. If you select As Component then the objects will be organized by the top level object, in this case deck. The images below show both selections.

Click OK to apply the options you selected.
  6. In the Structure Piece Part Generator dialog box, click Apply or OK to begin the part generation process. A progress bar will display during the process. If you click Apply you can continue with other objects. If you click OK then you exit the command when part generation is complete.
  7. You can rearrange the product structure in the specifications tree after the part has been generated, using a cut and paste process. To do this, right click on the object and make your selection in the drop down menu.
This command also works with Compartment and Access wall systems. However, for the part to be generated accurately, you must have the correct entry for the resource CompAccessPlateGenerationOptions (Compartment Access Plate Generation Options) in the project resource management file. See also List of PRM Resources and Flags.