As we move forward in our journey creating an electric carving knife handle using the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, we will capitalize on the firm foundation built in our previous article using the Project Planner app. 

In this article, we will be defining what needs to be done to the assembly, using the 3D Product Architect role on the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform. This provides tools to define a product structure outside of a CAD System. It is a perfect solution for project managers who need access to CAD data, but don’t need a full seat of SOLIDWORKS.

This article covers:

• Using the Product Structure Editor
• Design Revision
• Adding a New Component
• Post to the Community
• Full Video on Organizing Product Structure

Using the Product Structure Editor

First, we launch Product Structure Editor. This is a browser-based application that allows the opening of CAD data and interrogating the corresponding structure. We get access to all the components that compose an assembly, and the associated meta-data like description, part number, material, etc. We can also select which revision needs to be placed and create new revisions on the fly.

Design Revision

In Product Structure Editor, a user has the ability to remove components that aren’t needed for the new design revision and add existing components. In this case, the old handle is removed and the required battery pack is added. Not only can a user add the new component, but the viewing window allows the component to be moved into place, showing a designer exactly where the component belongs.

>> Revisioning in the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform

Adding a New Component

Once this is done, it is simple to add a new component into the assembly as well. For our carving knife, a new handle component is added to the structure. This creates an empty part in which the designer can place the handle geometry. This part has the part number already assigned.

Post to the Community

Now that the structure is set for the new knife design, a simple post to the community allows other users to know that the design is ready to move to the next step.        

Video Overview

Watch the video below that details how to use the 3DEXPERIENCE tools to define a product structure outside of a CAD System.           

TriMech’s dedicated team of engineers helps businesses solve their trickiest problems at any stage of the process, whether it is in design, scanning, simulation analysis, data management or bolt-on additive manufacturing solutions. Learn more about what we can do and how we can help your company today.