This task shows you how to import parts into V5 from third-party software. The process involves exporting part data - attributes and values - to a prescribed XML format, and applying it to a template CATpart (or the physical shape of the part) created in V5. This process can also be used to create resolved parts and is especially useful when you have to create a large number of parts. | ||
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1. | Create a set of template CATParts, corresponding to the
parts that you want to import. You can create the parts by following
instructions given in Building Parts. The parts must have the part type
defined.
Sample template CATPart documents are in the directory: ...intel_a\startup\EquipmentAndSystems\MigrationDirectory\PartGeneration\TemplateCATParts |
2. | Define a set of part definition files, or one file
containing all part definitions. A part definition file is in XML format
and must follow the structure as shown in the sample part definition file
which is in: ...MigrationDirectory\PartGeneration\PartDefinitions
A portion of the sample part definition file is shown above.
You can use a special program - if you have one or can write one - to extract data from your parts. Or you can use the sample file mentioned above and enter the data in that file. |
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3. | Before you run the commands described in Steps 4 & 5, you
must edit the script and enter the location of the Migration Directory (AECMIGR_DIRECTORYPATH)
on your installation. The script is named CATAecPartGeneration.bat
and is located in ...intel_a\code\command.
Using a text editor like Notepad, change the words "Your Path" in the
DIRECTORYPATH field to define the directory path in your installation. A
portion of the part generation script is shown below.
If the value of CNEXTOUTPUT equals CONSOLE then a window will inform you of the progress of the process. If you change the value of CONSOLE to a file name and location then the results of the process will be saved in that file. |
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4. | After you have the part definition file and
the template CATParts set up, you can run the command to add attributes to
the template CATPart and generate resolved parts. The template will not
change. Open a command prompt window and change to the directory: ...intel_a\code\command.
Enter the following and press Enter: CATAecPartGeneration.bat
XXX.xml where XXX is the name of your part definition file. You can
run this command several times, if you have more than one part definition
file. You will get error messages if there are inconsistencies, such as if
the part type in the template CATPart does not match the part type listed
in the part definition file (this has been left in the sample part
definition file as a test case). A message will inform you when the process
is complete and the generated parts will be placed in the directory
...MigrationDirectory\PartGeneration\ResolvedCATParts.
For Unix run the command: CATAecPartGeneration.sh XXX.xml The two images below show the template CATPart "Gate Valve FLHW" and a 4-inch gate valve FLHW after it was generated using the sample part definition file. You can see that the attribute values and geometry have changed.
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5. | To place the parts you just generated in a catalog, move them from ...MigrationDirectory\PartGeneration\ResolvedCATParts to your desired location. Then you can add them to a new or existing catalog, using the create/modify catalog command. | |
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