MechDesigner uses symbols to represent different elements in the graphic-area.
You can change the size of symbols with Application Options | Accessibility > Graphics
Planes in the Model-Editor. The model has three fixed Planes in the Model-Editor. Model Axes in the Model-Editor The model shows the fixed Red, Green and Blue axes. They locate the Origin of the Model. |
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Planes in the Mechanism-Editor. The axes on each Plane show its orientation. The smaller Red, Green and Blue axes are the X, Y, and Z-axes, respectively. The axes intersect at the Origin of the Plane. |
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Part-Outlines: Added Parts and Base-Part The Part-Outline is the symbol for a Part. To edit a Part, you must select the Part-Outline.
Each Part has its local x-axis and y-axis. They are at the start-Point of the Part. Each added-Part has a CAD-Line |
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Part-Outlines: solved and unsolved Parts The Part-Outline can have two colours:
Other terms for a Solved Part are a kinematically-defined Part, or a Green Part.
Other terms for an Unsolved Part are: free Part, and Blue Part. |
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Pin-Joint in the Mechanism-Editor When you Add Pin-Joint, you select a Point in two Parts. The symbol for a Pin-Joint between Points in
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Slide-Joint in the Mechanism-Editor When you Add Slide-Joint, you select a Line in two Parts. This symbol for a Slide-Joint between Lines is:
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Part-Axes in the Mechanism-Editor The Part-Axes symbols are 'small' in a Mechanism-Editor.
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Part Axes in the Part-Editor The Part-Axes symbols are 'large' in the Part-Editor.
The length of the CAD-Line maybe longer or shorter than the X-axis. If you zoom-in, the CAD-Line will appear to become longer relative to the axes. |
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Point Symbols
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'+' : centre-Points (centre of Arcs and Circles) 'O' : start-point or end-point of Lines or Arcs. ' |
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![]() Not Locked ![]() Locked |
The 'Locked Point' Symbol
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A Vector Symbol You can show vectors in the graphic-area when you:
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Function-Block input-connector and output-connector Symbols Function-Blocks
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Motor Symbol
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Spring The Spring FB element has three symbols in the graphic-area: Symbol Symbol Symbol |
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Ball-Joint and Connecting-Part Symbol
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Mass Symbol
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2D-Cam Contact Points When you add a 2D-Cam, the Contact points between the Cam and the Cam Follower are shown as small dowel symbols. If these Points do not delete when you delete a cam, then edit the Cam-Part, and delete them. |
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Motion-Points The Symbol for a Motion-Point is a small triangle inside a small circle. The circle is slightly smaller than the standard symbol for a Point. |
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Gear-Pairs The Symbol for a Gear is two involute Gears, The Gear-Pair is a kinematic-element - it transmits motion from its input part to the output-part. You can edit the number-of-teeth, and other parameters. |
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Pulleys The Symbol for a Driving Pulley See Application Settings Graphics > Display colours. A Belt can drive the Pullets, or a Pulley can drive the Belt. |
The Base-Part is a Random colour. If the Base-Part is a not Green:
When this icon is set to display Force Vectors, each Part is given a random colour. To make the Part Green, you should:
When the icon is gray the Base-Part should be Green. |
![]() BasePart partial hidden by a Plane. |
The Base-Part is being hidden by a Plane. This is because:
When the Model is being shown in the Mechanism, we also show the Planes. You can:
- or -
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The Base-Part is being hidden by the Base-Part in a Mechanism-Editor that is front of the active Mechanism-Editor
When this is set to Show Other Mechanisms, it also shows Other Part-Outlines in other Mechanisms, and, if:
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