xFrame is 3DEXPERIENCE’s 3D Structure creator. Its main capabilities include creating basic structure framework sketches, structure profiles, structure members, and corner treatments.  What sets it apart from the traditional weldments capabilities in SOLIDWORKS is collaboration across the platform, it is browser based, and integrates with PartSupply (which allows users to search/access/use 3D components provided by suppliers and manufacturers).

Today we are going to focus on the different types of structural members that can be created in xFrame.  Within xFrame, the following members can be created: path segment members, reference plane members, members at intersection of faces and plane, point-based members, and members between members.  A path segment member is a structural member that follows a segment, curve, or edge.  A reference plane member is a structural member that involves two parallel planes, an axis of the member, and a plane that determines location.  A member at intersection of faces and plane is exactly as it sounds it uses intersections to determine member location and size.  There are three types of point-based members: point to length, point to point, and point to plane.  Point to length members creates a member using a point as starting place and extends to a specified length.  A point-to-point member creates a member that starts at a point and extends to a destination point.  A point to plane member creates a member starting at a point and extends up to a plane.  The final type of members that can be created in xFrame is members between members that creates structural members between existing pairs of members.

Below we will go over how to create each of the structural members discussed above.

1. Path Segment Member

• Select segment, curve, or an edge
• Specify member profile related parameters

2. Reference Plane Member

• Select start and end planes
• Select axis of member
• Select location of member Specify member profile related parameters

3. Members at Intersection of Faces and Planes

• Click face selection
• Select faces/surfaces
• Select intersecting plane
• Select planes that intersect with selected face/surface
• Specify member profile related parameters

4. Point-Based Members

• Select between point to length, point to point, or point up to plane
  • Point to length:
    • choose start point (point, reference point, or model vertices)
    • Specify length in distance field
    • Choose direction
  • Point to point:
    • Select start and end points (sketch points, reference points, or model vertices)
    • Select continues selection if member is in series
  • Point to plane:
    • Select start point
    • Select end plane
    • Specify plane for direction
  • Specify member profile related parameters

5. Members Between Members

• Select pair of members
• Choose continuous selection for members in series
• Choose start condition
  • Distance from member: specifies locations of new member on first and second member
  • Intersecting Plane: creates new member between two existing member at an intersection of plane/face
• Under location choose option to align new member at pierce point of an existing member
• Specify member profile related profiles