A simplification definition contains all relevant parameters necessary for executing one simplification operation. A simplification operation processes the currently loaded version of the part or assembly using the attached definition.
The processing hierarchy of a definition is:
• Parameters of the top definition are valid for the whole operation including sub-assemblies and parts.
• If a sub-assembly or part has its own simplification definition, the following rules apply:
◦ If a sub-assembly has not yet been simplified, parameters belonging to the currently applied definition are used.
• A simplification operation (in general) does not process children of containers.
• A simplification operation does not affect or modify already-assigned mass properties.
The simplification definition is stored with the part or assembly it is assigned to. If the original part or assembly is modified, the definition is automatically kept up-to-date. Additionally:
• If the original part or assembly is modified, the simplified part or assembly needs to be recalculated.
• When changing a simplification-feature parameter, save the original object before executing the simplification operation in order to keep the parameter.
• A part or assembly may have several simplification definitions attached to it.
The result of applying a simplification definition (referred to as the simplification operation) can either be a fixed structure or a merged structure.
Once the definition has been defined, it is applied to the part or assembly. You do this by starting the operation. The system automatically starts several process and runs through a number of sequences as summarized below (depending on which parameters are selected):
• Detection of hidden parts (this may involve several cycles)
• Simplifying the parts according to the selected parameters
• Optionally, merging the resulting parts into a new sub-structure with fewer parts.
• A final check is done.
To create a simplification definition,
Click Simplification and then, in the Feature group, click New. The Create dialog box opens. Use the Create dialog box to create the simplification definition which is then applied to the model. The Create dialog box has the following options:
• Owner: Specifies the owner of the simplification definition.
• FeatName: Specifies a name for the simplification definition.
Click to create the simplification definition.
At this point, the definition contains default options only. You can accept these and go on to create the simplified model or modify the definition using the buttons in the Options group.
To delete a simplification definition,
Click Simplification and then, in the Feature group, click Delete. The Delete dialog box opens. Use the Delete dialog box to delete a simplification definition. This menu has the following options:
• Owner: Specifies the owner of the simplification definition
• FeatName: Specifies a name for the simplification definition you want to delete.
If more than one simplification definition exists, it can be selected from a table
New. The Create dialog box opens. Use the Create dialog box to create the simplification definition which is then applied to the model. The Create dialog box has the following options:
to create the simplification definition.
Delete