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ptc-40409531-Visitor
1-Visitor
April 26, 2013
Question

Managing details and contours in IsoDraw

  • April 26, 2013
  • 3 replies
  • 9590 views

Hello all,

I am working in IsoDraw version 7.2, and I need to show a simplified outline (the customer calls it a “phantom”) of the assembly to help with locating the components of the assembly that are called out. Also, the simplified assembly needs a different color fill than the components(s) being called out.

I have imported IGES output from SolidWorks. There is great amount of detail that needs to be cleared out (numerous holes, vents, etc.) to simplify the assembly.

I have experimented with settings for converting to 2D to try to reduce some of this detail. Hiding, deleting, or using no pen for components to clear out the detail seems a little tedious.

I have a lot of experience doing this in 2D drawing programs such as Illustrator and CorelDraw--I would probably just trace the contours, apply the fills to the shapes, then layer shapes with lines accordingly. But IsoDraw is a different animal, and while it may be able to do this, I think the process will be quite different.

Does IsoDraw offer any advantage over 2D drawing software that makes this process less tedious? Or is it more feasible to work in a 2D drawing application outside of IsoDraw to accomplish this, and to use IsoDraw as just a bridge between 3D and 2D?

I expect there are multiple ways to go about it. I would appreciate any thoughts, perspectives, or tips you may have for approaching this task.

Thank you.

3 replies

R
RichardErnst1-Visitor
1-Visitor
April 26, 2013

Hi Renee,

First, I would consider playing with your 3D Projection-Set options when converting to 2D. Look up information on these settings in your online help manual.

You may need to enable/disable:

  • surface borders as necessary
  • Fill contour option from the 3D Projection -Set window to add a contour fill around the component.

Consider doing a separate conversion of only the phantom assembly. To simplify the phantom assembly, Ungroup and edit the geometry so that your view is simplified. Group the elements back together and re-apply object information as necessary. When edits are done, copy/paste it back into your drawing.

You may want to consider taking some of PTC's online or instructor-lead training which covers many of these topics in a lot more detail. It would fast-track your learning and help to better familliarize yourself with specific features of the UI.

Good Luck,

With kind regards,

Rick

P
ptc-40409531-VisitorAuthor
1-Visitor
April 29, 2013

Thank you, Rick, for your detailed response. I had talked to another illustrator I used to work with, and I think you have both confirmed it: IsoDraw does not offer any "magic bullet" for doing this task.

I was concerned that after taking the online courses from PTC and searching through the help that I am still trying to do this the long way. Parts of it will be tedious, but I guess even the best way possible is still tedious.

Thanks again.

T
thendricks12-Amethyst
12-Amethyst
April 29, 2013

Depending on your definition of 'magic bullet' there is a feature available in 7.3 f00 and beyond. What it allows you to do is take you're 3D model and apply a fill to it. Once you project to 2D it maintains that fill.

Sorry that I didn't get this to you sooner but I just installed this version last week and hadn't had a chance to experiment. Worked pretty slick when I tried it though.

M
mbalko1-Visitor
1-Visitor
April 29, 2013

I don't know if I catch you right. But I think with IsoDraw it is easiest to create outlines with "Contour"

Do you need something like that? That's something which can do with one step ...

Example.jpg

P
ptc-40409531-VisitorAuthor
1-Visitor
April 29, 2013

Hi Markus,

For the drawings I have been working with, "Generate Contour" has been hit or miss. Most often, it will not trace the complete contour of the component. When I try to fill the contour with color, random chunks are missing. I have to completely isolate the component to get a full contour.

It could just be my drawings.

M
mbalko1-Visitor
1-Visitor
April 29, 2013

so that's something which works really fine with version 7.3 ...

R
RichardErnst1-Visitor
1-Visitor
April 29, 2013

In 7.3 - You can use contour sets to create different fill colours and then apply these sets to 3D object before converting to 2D.

T
thendricks12-Amethyst
12-Amethyst
April 29, 2013

I hate suggestion workarounds, but...

It is possible to run two versions of IsoDraw on one machine (we use floating licenses). Depending on value you may be able to justify getting a copy of 7.3 on your machine and use it for the contour function and then save back for IsoDraw 7.2. Main issue there is making sure you save back otherwise other users won't be able to get the file.

In regards to updates, I understand. We just switched from 7.1. We were a bit behind ourselves. 😉

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