MechDesigner Reference & User Interface > 2.2 Mechanism-Editor: > Model elements

A Mechanism, in the context of Add Mechanism, is a Mechanism-Editor - a new Mechanism name-tab.

Use Mechanism-Editors to add Parts, Joints, Cams, Gears, Belts, ... to design your machine.

MD-GRAVITY-VECTOR

IMPORTANT: Gravitational Vector ( g = 9.81665 m/s/s )

The Gravity Vector is in the negative Y-axis direction (Green Arrowhead) in the Model-Editor.

Before you add the first Mechanism-Editor, consider which Mechanism-Plane is the best to model your machine.

Model elements toolbar

Add menu > Add Mechanism

< Model elements toolbar > Add Mechanism

Command-Manager

STEP 1.Click Add Mechanism

The message in the Command-Manager is:

Add new Mechanism-Editor. Select a Plane

Command-Manager - Plane element

STEP 2: Click a Plane

Click a Plane in the graphic-area or the Assembly-Tree.

Note : To see Planes in Mechanism-Editors: Enable Visibility toolbar >Show Solids in Mechanisms.

STEP 3: Click in the Command-Manager

You jump immediately to the new Mechanism-Editor.

The new Mechanism-Editor is a child to the Plane you click in STEP 2.

The Front-View of the new Mechanism-Editor:

: Base-Part has a rectangular Green Part-Outline

: Mechanism name-tab

: Contextual Toolbars (left and right of the graphic-area)

: Graphic-Area

: Local XY-axes of the NEW Mechanism-Editor and Base-Part

•The +X–axis is horizontal, to the right ( > )

•The +Y–axes is vertical, and upwards ( ^ )

•The +Z–axis is towards you (◎)

The hierarchy of the new elements

•Mechanism2 - is a child to Plane4

•BasePart2 - is a child to Mechanism2.

The XY-Plane of Plane4, Mechanism2, and Base-Part2 are coplanar and coincident.

Mechanism | Add Mechanism (Editor)