Creating Power Copies

This task shows how to use 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 in order to be used in a different context, and presenting the ability to be completely redefined when pasted.
This Power Copy captures the design intent and know-how of the designer thus enabling greater reusability and efficiency.

Open the PowerCopyStart1.CATPart document.

  1. Click PowerCopy Creation , or select Insert > Advanced Replication Tools > PowerCopy Creation from the menu bar.
    The Powercopy Definition dialog box is displayed. 

  2. From the specification tree, select the elements to be included in the Power Copy. 

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

  3. Define the Power Copy as you wish to create it:

    The Definition tab lets you assign a name to the PowerCopy and presents its components in the 3D viewer.

    Inputs
    The Inputs tab lets you rename the reference elements making up the Power Copy.

    You can do that for clarification purposes as to their roles, by selecting the elements in the viewer and entering a new name in the Name field.
    In this example, we renamed all three elements and in brackets you still can read the elements' default name based on their type.

    Parameters
    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.

    Simply check Published Name.

    Key in the field to give a more explicit name to the element.

    Documents
    The Documents tab shows the complete path and role of Design tables that are referenced by an element included in the Power Copy.

    Icon
    The Icon tab lets you modify the icon identifying the Power Copy in the specifications tree. A subset of icons is available from the Icon choice button.
    If you click ... the Icon Browser opens, giving you access to all the graphic icons installed with the CATIA software.
    Click Grab screen to capture an image of the PowerCopy to be stored with its definition in the catalog.
    Click Remove preview to delete the image captured with Grab screen.

  4. Click OK to create the Power Copy.

    The Power Copy is displayed close to the top of the specification tree.
 
  • Double-click the PowerCopy in the specification tree to display the Powercopy Definition dialog box and edit its contents.
  • A formula is automatically included in a Power Copy definition when all its parameters are included.
    Otherwise, i.e. if at least one parameter is not selected as part of the Power Copy, you have to manually select the formula to make it part of the definition. If you do so, all the formula's parameters that have not been explicitly selected, are considered as inputs of the Power Copy.