This version contains:
Revision and Extensions of Mechanical Part Libraries.
Although some features were already available in previous releases, all mechanical part libraries are now revised and data are changed in compliance with the latest standards. Libraries contain some new parts and a completely new section - JIS parts (Japanese Industry Standards). Dialog windows related to library parts are more legible.
Right-click Options Available for New Library Parts.
A pop-up menu open after right-click a solid contains new options related to mechanical library parts. According to situation, you can insert a counter-part. For screws, options offer insertion of a nut or washer. For nut, you can insert a washer. If you click a surface of any solid, there are other possible options. For threaded surface, you can insert a screw (if a threaded hole is detected), or a nut (for outer threaded cylinder). For a shaft, you can insert bearing or ring. For a hole, you can insert a screw, pin, ring or bearing.
In all situations, dimensions of selected types of parts are pre-defined. If there is only one possibility, a new part is ready for insertion. For instance, click a screw M10 and select “Insert nut”. After standard and type definitions, a nut M10 is selected automatically and you can confirm insertion.
Pre-selection of Dimensions of Mechanical Part Libraries.
While selecting library part dimensions, you can pre-select values. This depends on a specific type of library part. Usually, you can detect a thread in 3D, measure distance, outer or inner diameter, width or height or thickness. Pre-selected values are not definitively selected, they are marked by icons in list of values (usually, icons show if a value comply or not, or if it is greater, equal or less). Also, you can select a part of same type (like select a screw, if you define screw dimensions) and pre-select all possible dimensions. In such case, values are marked by icons and if possible, dimensions are selected and ready for insertion.
Changing Dimensions or Type of Parts Inserted from Libraries.
For a single part (right-click options), or multiple parts selected in 3D, you can change type of these parts – that is, if all parts in selection are the same (All selected are screws, or nuts, or bearings …). If all selected parts have the same dimensions, you can also select different ones – like change length of selected screw or screws, or change diameter. Solids can be selected in 3D space, or in assembly-tree scheme.
Selecting Old Parts Inserted from Libraries.
New features related to mechanical part libraries are completely available for parts inserted in version 2020-1.0 or higher. Obviously, they require additional data which are not present in older files. Some features are available for old library parts, similarly as for any other 3D objects. Right-click a threaded surface offers the same options for old parts, as for new ones.
To make sure you select library parts supporting advanced features, you can switch selection mode in 3D space. Right-click an empty area and choose “Selection method” in pop-up menu. Then, select “Detect library parts, advanced features”. For given step, only part libraries containing related data are detected. To end such selection mode, press ESC.