VISI-Design: Getting To Know..

Getting to know...
3
VISI-Design
This chapter will begin to explain the nec- This chapter looks at
essary functions required to be able to
create a controlled 2D drawing.
• Using construction lines, seg-
We will also look at the ‘Dataset’ concept ments & arcs to create a 2D
of parametric editing. drawing
• Creating a constrained sketch
• The ‘Dataset’ concept
45
Chapter 3 VISI-Design
Creating a 2D Drawing
The object of this following example is to highlight the common functions you will use when
trying to create a two-dimensional drawing within VISI-Design (see Figure 3.1).
Figure 3.1: A machining fixture.
46 Getting to know... The VISI-Series®

Creating a 2D drawing Chapter 3
Step 1 - Creating a new file
You can also create a

new file by pressing the
To create a new file you can either open a new VISI-Series
session or you can select the File | New option from the main-
[Control] and [N] keys menu (see Figure 3.2).
on your keyboard.
! When creating a new

file, you may be asked
to delete all databases.
By choosing ‘Yes’ you
will loose any additional
information added to
your file from the last
‘Save’ (unless it has
been saved recently).
Figure 3.2: Creating a new file.
NOTE
You can use the [F2]

and [F3] keys on your Depending on the configuration of your software, when you
keyboard to move create a new file, the system will automatically be set to the
through the available ‘Dynamic’ view by default (designed for three-dimensional
views. work).
By pressing the [F2] key on your keyboard, you should be moved

For more information to the ‘Top’ view (designed for two-dimensional work).
? press the [F1] key on
your keyboard.
Getting to know... The VISI-Series® 47

Step 2 - Creating the base geometry
We will now create the main shape of the component (see Page
2) using circles and segments.
You can also select the

‘Parallel’ function using
1. Select the Wireframe | Segment/Line | Parallel option
from the main-menu.
the toolbar located
down the left-hand side 2. Using the ‘Line Filter’ icon (see Figure 3.3), select the ‘X
of the VISI-Series® inter- Axis’ icon (see Figure 3.4).
face.
Segment Filter Line Filter
Figure 3.3: The ‘Line Selection’ toolbar.
X Axis Y Axis
Z Axis
Figure 3.4: The ‘Axis Selection’ toolbar.
3. Enter a distance value of ‘0’ and a copy value of ‘1’ into

the ‘Insert The Distance’ dialogue box (see Figure 3.5).
For more information

your keyboard.
Figure 3.5: The ‘Insert The Distance’ dialogue box.

A construction line will now be created within your workspace.

‘Parallel’ function using from the main-menu.
the toolbar located
down the left-hand side 5. Using the ‘Line Filter’ icon (see Figure 3.6), select the ‘Y
of the VISI-Series® inter-
face.
Axis’ icon (see Figure 3.7).
X Axis Y Axis
Z Axis

For more information Figure 3.8: The ‘Insert The Distance’ dialogue box.
your keyboard.

A second construction line will now be created within your

workspace (see Figure 3.9).
Figure 3.9: The first and second construction lines.
We will use the construction line following the X axis as the base
line of the drawing, and the construction line following the Y
axis as the centre line of the drawing.
Now that we have created our construction lines, we can create

the circles required to form the shape of the component.
You can also select the 7. Select the Wireframe | Circle/Arc | Centre Radius op-
‘Centre Radius’ function tion from the main-menu
using the toolbar locat-
ed down the left-hand 8. Using the ‘Cartesian Co-Ordinate’ icon (see Figure 3.10),
side of the VISI-Series®
interface.
enter an X value of ‘30’, a Y value of ‘20’ and a Z value
of ‘0’ into the ‘Insert Co-Ordinates’ dialogue box.(see
Figure 3.11).

your keyboard.

Current Environment (Point) Mouse Selection

Cartesian Co-Ordinates Polar Co-Ordinates
Intersection Point Two Element Intersection
Parametric Point Circle/Arc Centre
Circle/Arc Quadrant Point Selection
Figure 3.10: The ‘Application Point’ toolbar.
Figure 3.11: The ‘Insert Co-Ordinates’ dialogue box.
9. Enter a radius of ‘20’ into the ‘Enter The Radius’ dia-

logue box (see Figure 3.12).

your keyboard.
Figure 3.12: The ‘Enter The Radius’ dialogue box.


‘Centre Radius’ function
10. Select the Wireframe | Circle/Arc | Centre Radius op-
tion from the main-menu
ed down the left-hand
side of the VISI-Series® 11. Using the ‘Cartesian Co-Ordinate’ icon (see Figure 3.13),
interface. enter an X value of ‘70’, a Y value of ‘125’ and a Z value
of ‘0’ into the ‘Insert Co-Ordinates’ dialogue box.(see
Figure 3.14).

For more information Figure 3.14: The ‘Insert Co-Ordinates’ dialogue box.
your keyboard.

12. Enter a radius of ‘20’ into the ‘Enter The Radius’ dia-
We will now create additional construction lines for use later on

in this example.

‘Centre Radius’ function from the main-menu.
ed down the left-hand 14. Using the ‘Line Filter’ icon (see Figure 3.16), select the
side of the VISI-Series® ‘Y Axis’ icon (see Figure 3.17).
interface.
X Axis Y Axis
Z Axis

your keyboard. 15. Enter a distance value of ‘-50’ and a copy value of ‘1’ into

A third construction line will now be created within your work-

space.
NOTE
You can cycle through the different possible results using the
[SPACE BAR] on your keyboard.
16. Select the Wireframe | Segment/line | Element Angle

‘Element Angle Line’
Line option from the main-menu.
function using the tool-
bar located down the 17. Using the ‘Line Filter’ icon (see Figure 3.19), select the
left-hand side of the ‘Circle/Arc Quadrant’ icon (see Figure 3.20).
VISI-Series® interface.

your keyboard.


18. Select the application point - ‘P1’ on the second circle

✓ Switch the ‘Application
Point’ toolbar over from (see Figure 3.21).
‘Point’ to ‘Element’, then
select an element as ap-
posed to a point.
P1
Figure 3.21: The application point on the second

circle.
19. Using the ‘Y Axis’ icon (see Figure 3.22), enter an angle
of ‘45’ into the ‘Segment/Line Element Angle Line’ dia-

your keyboard.

X Axis Y Axis
Z Axis
Figure 3.23: The ‘Segment/Line Element Angle Line’

dialogue box.
A fourth construction line will be created within your workspace

(see Figure 3.24).
Figure 3.24: The fourth construction line.
For more information NOTE

your keyboard. You can cycle through the different possible results using the

Since the component is symmetrical, we can save time by using

the Mirror function to copy our current geometry and paste a
mirrored version on the opposite side of the drawing.
20. Select the Edit | Mirror option from the main-menu.
21. Using the ‘Copy On’ icon (see Figure 3.25), select the
✗
Selecting elements that
will not change position following elements - ‘C1’, ‘C2’, ‘L1’ and ‘L2’ (see Fig-
when mirrored will result ure 3.26).
in duplicate elements
(elements that lie on top
of other elements).
Copy Off Copy On
2D/3D Mirror Last Selection
Figure 3.25: The ‘Copy Selection’ toolbar.
C1
L1
L2
C2
Figure 3.26: The elements to copy.
22. Using the ‘Cartesian Co-Ordinate’ icon (see Figure 3.27),

enter an X value of ‘0’, a Y value of ‘0’ and a Z value of
‘0’ into the ‘Insert Co-Ordinates’ dialogue box (see Fig-
For more information ure 3.28).
your keyboard.


" Alternatively, you could
use the ‘Intersection
Point’ icon to lock-on to
the intersection point Circle/Arc Quadrant Point Selection
where the ‘X, Y, Z’ axis
meet.
23. Select the ‘Y Axis’ icon (see Figure 3.29).
X Axis Y Axis
Z Axis
? press the [F1] key on Figure 3.29: The ‘Axis Selection’ toolbar.
your keyboard.

We are now at a stage where we can create a series of lines to

complete the general shape of the component.

‘Element - Element’
24. Select the Wireframe | Segment/line | Element - Ele-
ment option from the main-menu.
bar located down the
left-hand side of the
VISI-Series® interface. 25. Using the ‘Segment Filter’ icon (see Figure 3.30), select
the ‘Element’ environment (see Figure 3.31).
Current Environment (Element) Set/Reset Filters

Circle Filter Arc Filter
Point (Single) Filter Curve Filter
Profile Filter Polyline Filter
Symbol Filter Text Filter

Dimension Filter Point (Set) Filter
Mesh Filter Solid Filter
Toolpath Filter

your keyboard.

26. Select the following elements - ‘C1’ and ‘C2’ (see Figure
3.32).
3.32).
C1 C2
C3 C4
Figure 3.32: The elements to select.
Two lines will be created within your workspace (see Figure

3.33).
Figure 3.33: The first and second lines.

your keyboard.

NOTE
28. Select the Wireframe | Segment/line | Element - Ele-

left-hand side of the 29. Using the ‘Segment Filter’ icon (see Figure 3.34), select
VISI-Series® interface. the ‘Point’ environment (see Figure 3.35).

30. Using the ‘Intersection Point’ icon (see Figure 3.36), se-
lect the following points - ‘P1’ and ‘P2’, then ‘P2’ and
‘P3’, then ‘P4’ and ‘P5’, then ‘P5’ and ‘P6’ (see Figure
3.37).
your keyboard.


"
Alternatively, you could
use the ‘Break Direct’
function to automatically P1 P4
break the construction
line at the selected ap-
plication point. P2 P5
P3 P6
Figure 3.37: The points to select.
Four lines will be created within your workspace.
Now that we have created the main shape of the component, we

‘Set Drawing Filters’
can use the Break Direct function edit the circles in order to cre-
ate arcs. To simplify this action, we can also use ‘Filters’ func-
bar located down the tion to switch off the ‘Line’ filter.
31. Select the Window | View | Set Drawing Filters option
from the main-menu.
? press the [F1] key on 32. Using the ‘Set Filter/Layer’ dialogue box, de-select the
your keyboard. ‘Line’ filter checkbox (see Figure 3.38).

Figure 3.38: The ‘Set Filter/Layer’ dialogue box.
You can also select the 33. Select the Edit | Break Direct option from the main-
‘Break Direct’ function menu.
ed down the left-hand 34. Select the following elements - ‘C1’, ‘C2’, ‘C3’ and ‘C4’
interface.
(see Figure 3.39).
C1
C2
C4 C3
NOTE
your keyboard. 35. Select the Window | View | Set Drawing Filters option
from the main-menu.


‘Set Drawing Filters’
36. Using the ‘Set Filter/Layer’ dialogue box, select the
‘Line’ filter checkbox (see Figure 3.40).
Figure 3.40: The ‘Set Filter/Layer’ dialogue box.
Now that we have finished using some of our construction lines,

we can use the Erase function to delete the unwanted elements.
37. Select the Edit | Erase option from the main-menu.

‘Erase’ function using
the toolbar located 38. Select the following elements - ‘L1’, ‘L2’, ‘L3’ and ‘L4’
down the left-hand side (see Figure 3.41).
face.
L2
L3
L1 L4

your keyboard. Figure 3.41: The elements to erase.

Step 3 - Creating the feature geometry
We will now create the first three features of this component (see
Page 2) using circles and segments.
39. Select the Wireframe | Circle/Arc | Centre Radius op-

‘Centre Radius’ function tion from the main-menu.
ed down the left-hand 40. Using the ‘Circle/Arc Centre’ icon (see Figure 3.42), se-
side of the VISI-Series® lect the following elements - ‘C1’, then ‘C2’, then ‘C3’,
interface.
then ‘C4’ (see Figure 3.43).

C1 C2
C3 C4

your keyboard. 41. Enter a radius of ‘10’ into the ‘Enter The Radius’ dia-

42. Select the Wireframe | Segment/lines | Parallel option

the toolbar located
down the left-hand side
43. Using the ‘Line Filter’ icon (see Figure 3.45), select the
face. ‘X Axis’ icon (see Figure 3.46).
X Axis Y Axis
Z Axis

your keyboard.


space.

45. Select the Wireframe | Segment/lines | Parallel option
from the main-menu.
the toolbar located
face. ‘X Axis’ icon (see Figure 3.49).
X Axis Y Axis
Z Axis

? press the [F1] key on A fourth construction line will now be created within your work-
your keyboard. space.


48. Select the Wireframe | Segment/Line | Element - Ele-
left-hand side of the 49. Using the ‘Segment Filter’ icon (see Figure 3.51), select
VISI-Series® interface. the ‘Intersection Point’ icon (see Figure 3.52).

50. Select the following points - ‘P1’ and ‘P2’, then ‘P3’ and
‘P4’ (see Figure 3.53).
P1 P2
For more information P3 P4

your keyboard. Figure 3.53: The points to select.

Now that we have finished using some of our construction lines,

we can use the Erase function to delete the unwanted elements.

‘Erase’ function using
51. Select the Edit | Erase option from the main-menu.
the toolbar located 52. Select the following elements - ‘L1’ and ‘L2’ (see Figure
3.54).
face.
L1
L2
Figure 3.54: The elements to erase.

‘Break Direct’ function
53. Select the Edit | Break Direct option from the main-
menu.
interface. 3.55).
C1 C2

your keyboard.

NOTE
We will now create the last two features of this part (see Page 2)
using arcs and segments.

You can also select the 55. Select the Wireframe | Segment/Lines | Parallel option
the toolbar located
of the VISI-Series® inter- 56. Using the ‘Line Filter’ icon (see Figure 3.56), select the
face. ‘Y Axis’ icon (see Figure 3.57).
X Axis Y Axis
Z Axis

your keyboard.


space.

58. Select the Wireframe | Segment/Lines | Parallel option
from the main-menu.
the toolbar located
face. ‘Y Axis’ icon (see Figure 3.60).
X Axis Y Axis
Z Axis

? press the [F1] key on A fourth construction line will now be created within your work-
your keyboard. space.


61. Select the Wireframe | Segment/Lines | Parallel option
from the main-menu.
the toolbar located
of the VISI-Series® inter- 62. Using the ‘Line Filter’ icon (see Figure 3.62), select the
face. following elements - ‘S1’, then ‘S2’ (see Figure 3.63).
S2 S1

your keyboard. Construction lines will now be created within your workspace.

NOTE

‘Break Direct’ function
64. Select the Edit | Break Direct option from the main-
menu.
side of the VISI-Series® 65. Select the following elements - ‘L1’, ‘L2’, ‘L3’ and ‘L4’
interface. (see Figure 3.65).
L1
L4 L2
L3
We are now at a stage where we can add the required fillets to

the feature geometry.

‘Fillet’ function using the
66. Select the Wireframe | Circle/Arc | Fillet option from
toolbar located down the main-menu.
the left-hand side of the
VISI-Series® interface. 67. Enter a radius value of ‘5’ into the ‘Fillet’ dialogue box
(see Figure 3.66)

your keyboard.

Figure 3.66: The ‘Fillet’ dialogue box.
68. Select the following points - ‘P1’, then ‘P2’, then ‘P3’
and then ‘P4’ (see Figure 3.67).
P1 P2
P4
P3
NOTE
It is not necessary to highlight both target elements when creat-

ing a fillet. Indicating the position/point of the fillet is enough.
Since this component is symmetrical across the Y axis, we can

mirror this particular feature.

your keyboard.

✗ Selecting elements that

will not change position
69. Select the Edit | Mirror option from the main-menu.
when mirrored will result
in duplicate elements
70. Using the ‘Copy On’ icon (see Figure 3.66), select the
(elements that lie on top ‘Multiple Selection’ icon (see Figure 3.67).
of other elements).
Copy Off Copy On

2D/3D Mirror Last Selection
Figure 3.66: The ‘Copy Selection’ toolbar.
Inside Window Inside & Clipping Window

Outside Window Select All
Colour Selection Multiple Selection
Figure 3.67: The ‘General Selection’ toolbar.
71. Select the following elements - ‘S1’, ‘S2’, ‘S3’, ‘S4’,

‘A1’, ‘A2’, ‘A3’ and ‘A4’ (see Figure 3.68).
S1
A4 A1
S4
S2
A3
S3
A2
? press the [F1] key on Figure 3.68: The elements to select.
your keyboard.

"
Alternatively, you could 72. Using the ‘Cartesian Co-Ordinate’ icon (see Figure 3.69),
use the ‘Intersection enter an X value of ‘0’, a Y value of ‘0’ and a Z value of
Point’ icon to lock-on to
the intersection point
‘0’ into the ‘Insert Co-Ordinates’ dialogue box (see Fig-
where the ‘X, Y, Z’ axis ure 3.70).
meet.

73. Select the ‘Y Axis’ icon (see Figure 3.71).

your keyboard.

X Axis Y Axis
Z Axis View Direction
Now that we have created all of the features of this particular

component, we can complete the drawing by adding the final fil-
lets to the outside boundary.
74. Select the Wireframe | Circle/Arc | Fillet option from

‘Fillet’ function using the the main-menu.
toolbar located down
the left-hand side of the 75. Enter a radius value of ‘20’ into the ‘Fillet’ dialogue box
VISI-Series® interface. (see Figure 3.72)
Figure 3.72: The ‘Fillet’ dialogue box.
76. Select the following points - ‘P1’ and ‘P2’ (see Figure
3.73).

your keyboard.

P1 P2
Now that we have finished with our construction lines, we can

use the Delete All Pro_Lines function to completely remove all
of the projection lines from the drawing.
77. Select the Wireframe | Segment/Lines | Delete All

Pro_Lines option from the main-menu.
We have now completed the final stage of creating this drawing

by using arcs, circles and segments (see Page 2).
Step 4 - Adding dimensioning
With a completed drawing it is now important to be able to di-

mension and detail so that others will be able to read the drawing
correctly.
Within the CAD there are many ways to dimension a part and
many designers prefer to dimension in a certain style.
When using the dimension tools it is important to note that the

system uses the same point selection methods as the rest of the
For more information CAD.
your keyboard.


‘Single Element’ func-
78. Select the Annotation | Single Element option from the
main-menu.
tion using the toolbar lo-
cated down the left-
hand side of the VISI- 79. Using the ‘Circle/Arc Centre’ icon (see Figure 3.74), se-
Series® interface. lect the following elements - ‘C1’ then ‘C2’ (see Figure
3.75).

C1 C2
You will now be able to dynamically drag the dimension to the

required position (drag the dimension below the component and
confirm using the left hand mouse button).

? press the [F1] key on 80. Select the Annotation | Single Element option from the
your keyboard. main-menu.


81. Using the ‘Circle/Arc Centre’ icon (see Figure 3.76), se-
lect the following elements - ‘C1’ then ‘C2’ (see Figure
3.77).
hand side of the VISI-
Series® interface.
C2
C1
82. Using the ‘Dimension Selection’ toolbar, select the ‘Ver-

tical Dimension’ icon (see Figure 3.78).

your keyboard.

Cursor Grid Tolerance/Annotation Text

Diameter Dimension Witness Line (On/Off)
External Arrows Internal Line (On/Off)
Set Parallel Reference Set Perpendicular Reference
Horizontal Dimension Vertical Dimension
Direct Dimension Incline Dimension
Internal Arrow
Figure 3.78: The ‘Dimension Selection’ toolbar.

required position (drag the dimension to the left-hand side of the
component and confirm using the left hand mouse button).
NOTE
Since the two selected points are not orthogonal, the system will
default to the ‘Direct Dimension’ option. Using the icons within
the ‘Dimension Selection’ toolbar can vary the dimensioning
style.

‘Single Element’ func- main-menu.
84. Using the ‘Circle/Arc Centre’ icon (see Figure 3.79), se-
Series® interface. lect the following elements - ‘C1’ then ‘C2’ (see Figure
3.80).

your keyboard.


C1 C2

required position (drag the dimension above the component and

cated down the left- main-menu.
Series® interface. 86. Using the ‘Circle/Arc Centre’ icon (see Figure 3.81), se-
lect the following elements - ‘A1’ then ‘A2’, and ‘A2’
then ‘A3’ (see Figure 3.82).
your keyboard.


A1 A2 A3

cated down the left- 87. Select the Annotation | Single Element option from the
hand side of the VISI- main-menu.
Series® interface.
88. Using the ‘Intersection Point’ icon (see Figure 3.83), se-
lect the following points - ‘P1’ then ‘P2’ (see Figure
For more information 3.84).
your keyboard.


P1 P2
Figure 3.84: The points to select.
89. Using the ‘Dimension Selection’ toolbar, select the ‘Set

Perpendicular Reference’ icon (see Figure 3.85).

your keyboard.

Cursor Grid Tolerance/Annotation Text

Diameter Dimension Witness Line (On/Off)
External Arrows Internal Line (On/Off)
Set Parallel Reference Set Perpendicular Reference
Horizontal Dimension Vertical Dimension
Direct Dimension Incline Dimension
Internal Arrow
90. Select the following element - ‘S1’ (see Figure 3.86).
S1
Figure 3.86: The element to select.


? press the [F1] key on 91. Select the Annotation | Single Element option from the
your keyboard. main-menu.


92. Using the ‘Current Environment (Point)’ icon (see Figure
3.87), switch the environment to ‘Current Environment
(Element)’ (see Figure 3.88).
Series® interface.

Current Environment (Element) Filters (On/Off)

Point (Single) Filter Spline Filter
Mesh Filter Solid/Surface Filter
Toolpath Filter
93. Select the following element - ‘C1’ (see Figure 3.89).

your keyboard.

C1
Figure 3.89: The element to select.
94. Using the ‘Tolerance/Annotation Text’ icon (see Figure

3.90), then enter ‘ TYP.’ into the ‘After’ text box of the
‘Multiple Icon Selection’ dialogue box (see Figure 3.91).
Diameter Dimension Cursor Grid

Tolerance/Annotation Text Centre Cross (On/Off)
Internal Line (On/Off) Arc Continuation
Horizontal Dimension Zig-Zag Dimension
Radial Dimension

your keyboard.

Figure 3.91: The ‘Multiple Icon Selection’ dialogue

box.


main-menu.
cated down the left- 96. Using the ‘Current Environment (Point)’ icon (see Figure
hand side of the VISI- 3.92), switch the environment to ‘Current Environment
Series® interface. (Element)’ (see Figure 3.93).

your keyboard.


Current Environment (Element) Filters (On/Off)

Point (Single) Filter Spline Filter
Mesh Filter Solid/Surface Filter
Toolpath Filter
97. Select the following elements - ‘C1’, then ‘A1’, then

‘A2’, then ‘C2’ (see Figure 3.94).

your keyboard.

C1
A1
A2
C2
You will now be able to dynamically drag the dimensions to the

required position (drag the dimension to the right-hand side of
the component and confirm using the left hand mouse button).
98. Select the Annotation | Angular Dimension option from

‘Angular Dimension’
the main-menu.
bar located down the 97. Select the following element - ‘S1’ (see Figure 3.95).
S1

your keyboard. Figure 3.95: The element to select.

98. Using the ‘Axis Selection’ toolbar, select the ‘X Axis’

icon (see Figure 3.96).
X Axis Y Axis
Z Axis
You will now be able to dynamically drag the dimensions to the

required position (drag the dimension to the right-hand side of
the component and confirm using the left hand mouse button).
We have now completed the dimensioning of this drawing by us-

ing the dimensioning tools that are available to us (see Page 2).
Step 5 - Creating ‘Datasets’
The ‘constraint manager’ is an intelligent design tool. It will an-

alyse a 'group' of geometrical elements, (which we call a data-
set), determine the associativity between these elements, and
then when one element is changed in some way, it will change
all the other elements that form some association with it.
As a simple example; if a triangle is created, and one of the seg-

ments moved, then the constraint manager will extend the other
lines to the point of intersection, maintain the angle at the apex
of the triangle, and update the associated dimensions.
One important fact to note is that the process of creating the ele-
ments (its history) is completely irrelevant. It does not matter
who defined the geometry, or indeed where it was created. If ge-
ometry is imported via IGES or DXF it can still be assigned to a
data set, its geometrical associativity analysed, and then changed
For more information so that intersection points are maintained. Tangent elements re-
? press the [F1] key on main tangent, and the overall shape is retained.
your keyboard.

Each ’set’of connected elements is referred to as a data set. There

may be up to 255 data sets in a file, but an element cannot belong
to more than one data set simultaneously. As many designs have
common features, a data set can be saved (rather like a symbol),
and subsequently recalled into the current workfile. When a
workfile is saved through the standard file options however, the
data set information is not saved with it.
All data set elements must lie on the same workplane. In the un-
likely event that the number of allowable data sets is exceeded it
is necessary to save the work file, and any required data sets, and
create a new file.
A dataset contains a database, which defines the connectivity be-

tween its elements. It does not contain the data that describes the
physical spatial location of its elements.
The dataset option contains the following functions:
Create Dataset
This function creates a dataset. The elements are selected using

the standard techniques including enclosing the elements in a
box, picking etc. If an element already belongs to an existing
data set it is de-selected, and a warning will be given.
When the selection is confirmed the dataset is analysed (see also
Set Dataset Defaults). The following types of element may be as-
signed to a dataset: Segments, circles, arcs and dimensions.
Move Element
This function allows a segment, circle or arc to be moved. For

segments the ’moved’ element is parallel to the original element
and passes through the picked point. For circles and arcs the cen-
tre is effectively being moved.

your keyboard.

Change Length/Radius
This will change the length of a segment or the radius of a circle

or arc. For segments it is possible to move the start, or end, or
both ends of the segment.
For circles or arcs where there is tangency, it is necessary to se-

lect either to move the circle centre (thus maintaining the relative
position of the tangent elements) or to maintain the centre.
Change El-El Distance
This will change the distance between two circle or arc centres
or between two parallel segments.
For parallel segments either or both segments may be moved.
For circle/arc distances, in addition to the selection of certain el-

ement(s) to be moved, the distance may be defined as horizontal,
or vertical or (provided the element centres do not lie on one of
the workplane axes) centre-centre distance.
Change Dimension
If the data set contains dimensions then the movement of any el-
ement will also update the associated dimension. Sometimes it
may be easier to change the dimension directly. The options
available depend upon the type of dimension.
The location of dimensions needs to change after the elements

referenced have been moved. However the ’best’ positions are
very much in the eye of the designer. There is no analytical best
position. Therefore be prepared to move them again yourself.
(i) Single Dimension - A linear dimension can be modified

For more information provided it refers to the distance between two circle cen-
? press the [F1] key on tres, or two parallel lines.
your keyboard.

As with ‘Change El-El Distance’ a number of options are

available as to which element is to be changed.
(ii) Circle/Arc Dimensions - All circle/arc dimensions can

be modified.
(iii) Angular Dimensions - Angular dimensions can be

changed by moving the first, second or both elements.
Dataset Defaults
When a dataset is selected, it is analysed using the constraints

defined in the parameter list. These parameters are:
Shared Points
A shared point is a common point between two elements. If a

segment ends at one point and another starts at the same point,
then this is a shared point. If one element is subsequently moved
then any other that shares a point on that element must be moved.
Intersection Points
An intersection point is where one element starts or terminates at

its intersection position with another. If the intersecting element
is moved, then its 'length' must be recalculated to produce anoth-
er intersection point with the intersected element.
If the two elements are segments then provided the two lines are
not parallel, an intersection point will always exist (it need not
lie within the extents of the intersected element). If either ele-
ment is an arc or a circle then this imposes a physical restriction
on the amount by which either element can be moved.
For more information NOTE

your keyboard. The segment cannot move beyond this line (see Figure 3.97) as
the intersection point would be lost.

Figure 3.97: physical restriction.
Concentric Circles
If two or more circles or arcs share the same centre then the
movement of one of them will force the movement of the others.
Tangency
This switch determines if elements are tangent. If they are, then

when an element is moved, the tangent elements are re-calculat-
ed so that they remain tangent.
Physical Tangency
This switch is only relevant if the tangency switch is set. If set an

element is seen as being tangent, provided the actual tangency
points lie within the extents of all the tangent elements. For ex-
ample:
(i) Original Shape - Although the arc is not physically tan-

gent (see Figure 3.98) you can see it is tangent to both
outer segments.

your keyboard.
Figure 3.98: Original shape.

(ii) Physical Tangency (Off) - If this switch is off, the ele-

ments do not have to be physically touching to be seen as
tangent (see Figure 3.99). In this case if the bottom seg-
ment is moved, the arc is automatically updated.
Figure 3.99: Physical Tangency (Off).
(iii) Physical Tangency (On) - If this switch is on, the ele-

ments have to be physically touching to be seen as tan-
gent (see Figure 3.100). In this case if the bottom segment
is moved, the arc will not be updated.
Figure 3.100: Physical Tangency (On).
Collinear Segments
Two (or more) collinear segments exist when an infinite line

passing along one of the segments also passes through the others.
For more information As all these segments will then share a single parent, moving any
? press the [F1] key on one of the segments will force a move of all the others so that
your keyboard. collinearity is maintained.

Create Variable
Creating a variable allows you to reference numeric values from

one dimension to another. If one dimension were to change, then
the other would update. For example:
The 20 radius arc is variable A

The 10 radius arc is variable B
Variable B is referenced to A with a value of: B = A-10

Therefore if variable A is changed to 25
Variable B will automatically change to 15
Delete Dataset
Destroys the dataset selection. When any element belonging to

the dataset is selected, all the data set elements are highlighted
and on confirmation the data set is deleted. This destroys the
constraint database for these elements, but does not delete or
change in any way the elements themselves.
Step 6 - Printing geometry
To print on-screen geometry you will have to select the File |

You can also print your
geometry by pressing
Hardcopy option from the main-menu (see Figure 3.101).
the [Control] and [P]
keys on your keyboard.

your keyboard.

Figure 3.101: Printing geometry.
NOTE
You may need to setup your printing/plotting device before you

can print/plot the on-screen geometry successfully. This can be
done by using the File | Printer/Plotter Setup option from the
main-menu.
After you have selected the geometry to print, you have an

" Play around with differ-
ent settings, to see the
option to use the customisable VISI-Series® software settings for
type of results you can
the actual printing/plotting (see Figure 3.102).
obtain.

your keyboard.
Figure 3.102: The ‘Hardcopy’ dialogue box.

Using the software settings will allow special line styles and
widths that may not be supported by your printing/plotting
device to be printed correctly to the original on-screen
information.
Step 7 - Saving data
To save data you will have to select the File | Save option from

You can also save a file the main-menu (see Figure 3.103).
by pressing the [Control]
and [S] keys on your
keyboard.
Figure 3.103: Saving data.
You can also use three other methods to save information:
For more information (i) Save As - This will allow you to specify a file name
? press the [F1] key on when saving the on-screen data.
your keyboard.

(ii) Save Part As - This will allow you to select specific

geometry you wish to save.
(iii) Export - This will allow you to save the file in a

different format type (i.e. IGES, DXF, Parasolid).
" Play around with differ-
ent settings, to see the
type of results you can
obtain.

your keyboard.

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Getting to know...

• Creating a constrained sketch

• The ‘Dataset’ concept

Figure 3.1: A machining fixture.

46 Getting to know... The VISI-Series®

Step 1 - Creating a new file

 You can also create a

! When creating a new

Figure 3.2: Creating a new file.

 You can use the [F2]

By pressing the [F2] key on your keyboard, you should be moved

Getting to know... The VISI-Series® 47

Step 2 - Creating the base geometry

 You can also select the

Segment Filter Line Filter

Figure 3.3: The ‘Line Selection’ toolbar.

Figure 3.4: The ‘Axis Selection’ toolbar.

3. Enter a distance value of ‘0’ and a copy value of ‘1’ into

For more information

48 Getting to know... The VISI-Series®

A construction line will now be created within your workspace.

4. Select the Wireframe | Segment/Line | Parallel option

Segment Filter Line Filter

Figure 3.6: The ‘Line Selection’ toolbar.

Figure 3.7: The ‘Axis Selection’ toolbar.

6. Enter a distance value of ‘0’ and a copy value of ‘1’ into

Getting to know... The VISI-Series® 49

A second construction line will now be created within your

Figure 3.9: The first and second construction lines.

Now that we have created our construction lines, we can create

For more information

50 Getting to know... The VISI-Series®

Current Environment (Point) Mouse Selection

Figure 3.10: The ‘Application Point’ toolbar.

Figure 3.11: The ‘Insert Co-Ordinates’ dialogue box.

9. Enter a radius of ‘20’ into the ‘Enter The Radius’ dia-

For more information

Getting to know... The VISI-Series® 51

 You can also select the

Current Environment (Point) Mouse Selection

Figure 3.13: The ‘Application Point’ toolbar.

52 Getting to know... The VISI-Series®

Figure 3.15: The ‘Enter The Radius’ dialogue box.

We will now create additional construction lines for use later on

13. Select the Wireframe | Segment/Line | Parallel option

Segment Filter Line Filter

Figure 3.16: The ‘Line Selection’ toolbar.

Figure 3.17: The ‘Axis Selection’ toolbar.

Getting to know... The VISI-Series® 53

Figure 3.18: The ‘Insert The Distance’ dialogue box.

A third construction line will now be created within your work-

16. Select the Wireframe | Segment/line | Element Angle

Segment Filter Line Filter

Figure 3.19: The ‘Line Selection’ toolbar.

For more information

54 Getting to know... The VISI-Series®

Current Environment (Point) Mouse Selection

Figure 3.20: The ‘Application Point’ toolbar.

18. Select the application point - ‘P1’ on the second circle

Figure 3.21: The application point on the second

For more information

Getting to know... The VISI-Series® 55

You can also create a

You can use the [F2]

You can also select the

You can also select the

You can also select the

You can also select the

You can also select the