In this tutorial we will use the CM-Parts library to create a combined item to demonstrate the freeform features.

Features discussed in this topic are...

• Selecting points and polys;
• Editing selected points and polys;
• Viewing machining in 3D views;
• Creating a single compounded item for formatting;
• Filtering the visibility of machining.

Step 1: Create Example File

Place required cabinets/parts on drawing (for this tutorial create a new drawing)...

1. Select the CM-Parts library
2. add an 'End'
3. add a 'Shelf' and ensure it touches the 'End', as shown in image below.

Here we used the Breadcrumbs Bar to view the 'End'. Notice the shelf has already donated holes to the 'End'.

Step 2: Selecting Points

To open the machine step properties, double click on the area of interest - in this example, one of the donated holes circled above.

As seen in the example below, the properties inspector provides related information, which are reflected on the status bar.

Click here to view the Property Inspector

Step 3: Editing Points

You can use the properties inspector to edit the part, for example, you can adjust the position and amount of Holes and spacing.

There are a number of ways to Move points.

1. One way is to use the Movement toolbar which allows you to specify exactly where to move the points to i.e. distance and direction.
   

   Example

   Notice that the selected points have moved 25mm to the left and the movement is confirmed on the Status Bar. (Measurements using Tape Measure have also been added).

   The image on the left shows the Status Bar Model X position as 496mm. After the move, the Model X position is 471mm i.e. 496mm minus 25mm.

   

2. A second way is to click and drag, which has been moved left 26mm and down 41.5, as verified by the Delta.
   

   Example

   Notice the Status Bar here, the Delta reflects the drag movement measurements.

   

3. A third way is to use a precision input dialog for movement which works almost everywhere e.g. points, poly selections, even drawing a wall.

   Activate by pressing the keyboard dot while starting to drag. The resulting dialog takes over and allows you to specify a precise movement.

   Example

   

Step 4: Editing Polys

We can also edit the edges of the panel. For example...,

1. Select the polyarc i.e. outside edge and it will turn blue, as shown below.
2. Right click and a menu will allow you to select 'Curve Edge'.
   
   
   • Then move your cursor to control the dimensions of the curve.
     Notice that the relevant dimensions are displayed in real time as you move the mouse.
     

     Example

     

   • Release the mouse when required dimensions are achieved.
     You can, if required, use the menu as shown to make copies - see Select Into and Duplicate.
     

     

Step 5: View Machining in 3D

Machining can be viewed in 3D Wireframe by using the Show/Hide Machining option on the Display tab.

• Turn off by unticking the View Machining check box and the wireframe view is displayed in black.
• Turn on by ticking the View Machining checkbox and machining view is displayed in red.
  • You can use filters to limit the machine steps that are displayed - see Step 7 below.
    
    

• You can also zoom in and out and pan in the 3D view - see Mouse Shortcuts.

  If we zoom in, we can see that the holes are tapered so we can see which direction the holes are drilled.

  The holes themselves are not tapered when generated by a 'Machining' machine step. They are always cylindrical holes but if you are drilling (say) a division rather than a left or right end, it is sometimes not obvious which side you are drilling from if they are 'through holes'. So the taper helps you to confirm holes are being drilled as intended by showing an artificial tapering "pointing" in the drilling direction.

Step 6: Machining and Filters

You can create a compound item and further customise individual parts, before or after adding the item to your library catalog.

For this step, we will simply create a compound item so that we can see the options available.

• In Plan view, select both parts and use the right click menu Convert to Compound Item option, as shown.
  
  
• The resultant item can now be formatted.
  • Either double click on the item or use the right click menu 'Format Compound Item...' option (shown);
    • The properties title shows that it is now a single item called a 'End Left_Shelf Part'.
    • You can select the individual components to customise e.g. End Left:Part Machining (shown).

  

Filtering Visible Machining

You can use filters available on the View Options [F9] properties to restrict viewing.

In the following example, we have used the Visibilities page to isolate the different sections of the part.

You can filter to restrict viewing to just the machining of interest (a layer, a depth range, routing or holes only, etc) on the Machine Options page.

In the following example, we have turned off the 'Border' layer (which now displays in black).