TOP-TIP 1 - Complex Sketches in the Part-Editor.
The Part-Editor is not as powerful as those found in 3D CAD software. The Part-Editor is not meant to be a sketch editor for complex geometry. Do not try to add a very complex sketch. Keep them basic. Remember, MechDesigner is a design and analysis tool for kinematics - not a 3D Modeling tool. |
TOP-TIP 2 - Construction vs Sketch-Loop Geometry.
Construction geometry: Add each sketch-element as a 'free element', then use Constraints |
TOP-TIP 3 - Large-Models
Large Models: •Toggle-out the Auto-Update tool. •Toggle-in the Auto-update occasionally, to make sure the model is up-to-date. •Toggle-in the Auto-Update before exporting data changes. |
How to use the Part-Editor
•How do I start the Part-Editor?
•How many Parts can I edit at one time?
•How do I know I am using the Part-Editor?
•Why does the Part-Outline go out of view when I start the Part-Editor?
•Can I edit (and other questions relating to ) the Part-Outline?
•How do I edit the length of a Part?
•How to delete a Sketch-Element or a Sketch-Constraint
•Why is the dimension negative in the Dimension dialog?
•Why do I need to add Geometry to the Base-Part?.
•What are the colors used in the Part-Editor?
Trouble-shooting the sketch-editor.
Where is my Sketch?
 Incorrect Arc |
If your sketch changes in an unexpected way, and you cannot Drag to recover it: Use Edit Menu > Undo, or CTRL + Z To return the sketch to state it was in before: Use Edit menu > Undo or CTRL + Z Sometimes the Sketch 'Collapses' to a small dot. Use Edit menu > Undo or CTRL + Z Sometimes the Sketch 'Explodes to the size of a planet. Use Edit menu > Undo or CTRL + Z |
 Correct Arc - After Undo |
Why is my sketch BLACK when it should be BLUE?
Sometimes, a sketch-element is BLACK but you know it should be BLUE. You should be able to add a dimension or constraint to it, but you cannot. Or, a sketch-element is BLUE when it should be BLACK. The best solution is to do one of these actions: •Delete the sketch-element to add it again. •Click the sketch-element so it shows in the Selection-Window •Right-click a constraint, or the sketch-element, and select 'Delete Element'. - or - •Use Edit menu > Undo or CTRL + Z Then add a different constraint. You can add the same constraint again, or use a different constraint, to see if the sketch-element turns BLACK. In our defense, the Part-Editor is continuously improved. |
Why is my sketch Blue, and I cannot add any more constraints?'
Sometimes, a sketch-element is BLUE but you cannot add more constraints. You might be able to drag a sketch-element that is blue, but when you come to add a new constraint, MechDesigner does not accept it. In this case, a new constraint may remove two degrees-of-freedom, but the sketch has only one remaining degree-of-freedom. Example: Add Coincident Constraint between the center-Point of a Circle and a Point at the end of a Line. If: the center-Point of the Circle has a Coincident Constraint with the Line Then: it is not possible to also add a Coincident-Constraint with the start-Point or end-Point of the Line 1.SHIFT+CLICK the Line or the center-Point of the Circle so the Coincident-Constraint shows in the Selection-Window 2.Delete the Coincident Constraint using the Selection-Window |