Our 3DEXPERIENCE platform circular saw project is over halfway done! At this point, the design for the rotating guard handle is complete, but we want to make a few modifications and create a drawing that can be shared with fabricators and other external members. Using the xDocument xApp for this, we will continue the work on a Macbook Pro because xApps don’t care what kind of computer we choose!
Watch the video below for all the details on how we use xDocument to create a shareable drawing!
In this article:
- Changing Properties
- Creating Standard Views
- Capturing Dimensions
- Selecting Tolerance Schemes
- Applying Surface Finish Marks
- Configuring Notes
- Creating a 2D PDF File
Changing Properties
We are opening the handle in the Design tab of the dashboard. In this case, we were already in xDocument, but if not, we can easily change between any of the xApps that we have access to by pressing the “x” key.
As you can see below, we can change the document standard between metric and English quickly. We can also change default document properties like font, default balloon characteristics, etc.
Creating Standard Views
Next, we will create the standard views, orthogonal views, isometric, and if needed an auxiliary view too. Creating this in xDocument is quick and allows us to capture the correct orientation of the model to pass along the necessary information. What’s even more convenient, this command allows us to repeat the command to capture all the necessary views at once.
Capturing Dimensions
Now that the views have been made, it’s time to capture dimensions. Adding dimensions is a couple of clicks away. We can align those dimensions and add pertinent text alongside those dimensions. 
Selecting Tolerance Schemes
As you can see below, any developed part needs to carry along tolerance information. Here we can select from a few standard tolerance schemes. We’ll put a quick plus/minus tolerance on the inner diameter to reflect its clearance fit with the mating screw.
>> Video Tech Tip: Revisioning in the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform
Applying Surface Finish Marks
We can also apply surface finish marks to illustrate the precision to which specific faces need to be constructed. Like many mature CAD environments, we can specify whether machining is required or prohibited, just as we would expect to fully illustrate how surfaces are to be finished.
Configuring Notes
Notes are always needed to capture those repeated items like common radius callouts and/or schemes that a company may use to pass standard information to the person downstream. The note here is easily configured and goes along for the ride to the attached annotation view.
Creating a 2D PDF File
Finally, we will create a 2D PDF of the file that can be shared on a personal 3DDrive and for that external collaborator, we can directly provide an external link so that person can immediately see the PDF and begin their work.
The xDocument xApp allows for 2D PDF generation to document any 3D design in a very simple to use interface and quick access toolbars so you can streamline the process to go from design to print as efficiently as possible. Ultimately, it is a seamless process to capture the dimensions and also provide the annotated document to any internal/external team member.
The 3DEXPERIENCE platform is jam-packed with features and abilities. But with so much to offer, it can be a challenge to know everything that is available to use. In the below on-demand webinar, “A Look Into the 3DEXPERIENCE Cloud Design Tools,” we break down the 3DEXPERIENCE platform so you can discover everything it has to offer!
