Parametric Hardware

This section covers the HARDWARE, HOLE, and SHAFT commands. They are used for part creation as opposed to drawing annotation.

ITEMODES Command

The ITEMODES command is used to set options that affect hardware, hole, and shaft items.

Command: itemodes

A dialogue box similar to the following figure is displayed:

When a button is grayed out, it indicates that the option is not available for that particular item.

Model type

This group of buttons sets the model type for item creation.

Designer

This button specifies creation of a Designer item. Designer must be loaded to use this option. Unless you intend to modify the part using Designer, Solid is the more efficient setting.

Solid

This button specifies creation of a solid item.

Wire

This button specifies creation of a wire frame model. When combined with Direct generation, this is the fastest and most efficient 3D model option.

2D

This button specifies creation of 2D models.

View generation

This group includes a Direct generation toggle and a set of buttons to set the ITEMALTD DPVAR variable. Standard display, Alternate - option 1, and Alternate - option 2 indicate a setting of 0, 1, or 2. Only some items are affected by this setting. For instance, a clip can be drawn in either an open or closed position.

Direct generation

This toggle sets the ITEMGEN DPVAR variable. It indicates direct creation of 2D and wire frame models when possible. If toggled off, all 2D and wire frame items are created by solid projection.

Projection options

This pair of toggles sets options for projected items.

Tangent lines

This toggle sets the ITEMTAND DPVAR variable. It indicates that tangent lines will be drawn on projected items. For instance, an edge that shows the transition between a fillet and a straight side can be displayed or not.

Hidden lines

This toggle sets the ITEMHIDLIN DPVAR variable. It indicates that hidden lines will be drawn on projected items.

Thread Option Setting

This group of buttons sets the THREAD DPVAR variable. It controls the display of threads in most instances.

Simplified

This button set the threads to a simplified representation for 2D views and wire frame models. This is the fastest and most efficient setting. Solids are created as a straight shank or hole at the nominal thread diameter.

Schematic

This button sets the threads to a schematic representation for 2D views. It applies to external threads only.

Detailed

This button sets the threads to a detailed representation for 2D and solids. It does not apply to internal 2D threads. The threads are represented as angled lines on 2D views. Solids are created with annular threads.

Helical

This button sets the threads to a helical representation for 2D direct views. It applies to external threads only. It is much less efficient than detailed threads and gives little additional information. Solid threads cannot be helical.

When a thread setting is not supported by the current view, it will revert to the next simpler setting.

Gear/sprkt max teeth:

This group sets the TOOTHMAX DPVAR variable. It controls the maximum number of teeth that will be displayed on gears and sprockets. When drawing solid items with a large number of teeth, a high value will cause slow generation. When set to a low number such as 3 for instance, only three teeth will be displayed, regardless of the actual number of teeth on the gear or sprocket.

Gear tooth segments:

This group sets the TOOTHSEG DPVAR variable. It controls the accuracy of gear teeth. A setting of 1 is adequate for drawings. If you intend to cut teeth directly from the drawing file, then a higher setting is required. Gears with a low number of teeth require a higher setting to maintain accuracy. A higher setting results in slower generation.

Centers

This group sets the ITEMCTRL and ITEMCTRM DPVAR variables to control center lines and center marks on items.

Linetype:

This pop-up list sets the ITEMLTYPEH DPVAR variable. It controls the linetype used for hidden lines. Any linetype defined in the current drawing can be selected.

Color...

This button displays the color dialogue box and sets the ITEMCLRH DPVAR variable. It controls the color used for hidden lines.

Insert on current layer

This toggle sets the ITEMCLYR DPVAR variable. When checked, items will be inserted on the current layer. Otherwise they are inserted on the layer defined in the SI Mechanical layer map table.

View Orientation

The HARDWARE, HOLE, and SHAFT commands create items that represent physical features or objects. They can be created in a variety of views relative to your current drawing coordinate system. A group in the dialogue box containing a pop-up list sets the orientation. The group will be similar to the following figure:

Front

This setting specifies creation of a front, orthogonal view. Sometimes called the plan view, it looks down a hole or shows the plan view of an item such as a screw head.

Right

This setting specifies creation of a right side orthogonal view. It shows the entire length of a hole or item such as a screw.

Back

This setting specifies creation of a back orthogonal view. It shows the underside of an item such as a screw head. For items like washers, the front and back views are the same.

Left

This setting specifies creation of a left side orthogonal view.

Top

This setting specifies creation of a top orthogonal view.

Bottom

This setting specifies creation of a bottom orthogonal view.

SW Iso

This setting specifies creation of a southwest isometric view.

SE Iso

This setting specifies creation of a southeast isometric view.

NE Iso

This setting specifies creation of a northeast isometric view.

NW Iso

This setting specifies creation of a northwest isometric view.

North Iso

This setting specifies creation of a north isometric view. The item is tipped forward at an angle. An example would be a bolt projecting down into an assembly.

South Iso

This setting specifies creation of a south isometric view. The part is upside down and tipped forward at an angle. An example would be a bolt projecting up into an assembly.

Top back

This is another back view rotated 90 degrees as projected from the top view.

HARDWARE Command

The HARDWARE command creates a variety of items from parametric data. There are many types and sizes available. All can be represented as a 2D view or 3D model.

Command: hardware
2D, Front, ISO 4017, M6 X 1
Insert point <options>: Pick point.
<Rotation angle>/Reference: Pick point or type angle.

The command line shows the current hardware settings. The settings can be changed by responding with [Enter] to the insert point prompt. A dialogue box similar to the following figure will be displayed:

Standard

This pop-up list is the primary search criteria for hardware and is based on standards. All available categories in the selected standard will be displayed in the Category pop-up list.

Category

This pop-up list is the is the secondary search criteria for hardware and is based on category. All available items in the current hardware standard and selected category will be displayed in the Type pop-up list.

Type

This pop-up list is used to select the type of hardware to draw. The list contains a description of each item. After picking an item, a picture of it is shown in the box below the pop-up list.

Add/Edit...

This button displays the Edit Row dialogue box for the current hardware type record in the hardware table.

Size

This group contains a pop-up list to set the size of the current hardware type.

Add/Edit...

This button displays the Edit Row dialogue box for the current size record in the hardware item table.

Orientation

This group contains a pop-up list to set the orientation of the item to be inserted.

Add/Edit...

This button displays the Edit Row dialogue box for the current orientation record in the view table.

Length:

This group contains a combination edit box and pop-list to specify the length of the hardware.

Pick <<

This button temporarily hides the dialogue box so that the length can be indicated graphically.

Make image

This button creates a separate slide image of the current item to display in the hardware dialogue box. The image from the slide library is normally displayed. If the button is grayed out, a new slide is already being displayed, and you must erase the slide in order to replace it.

Modes...

This button displays the ITEMODES dialogue box to configure how items are created.

The SYMCHG command can be used to change the hardware item at a later time. See the SYMCHG and SYMUPD commands for more information.

The symbols are created as a single entity. If the symbol is exploded it reverts back to the base entities. Once a symbol has been exploded it cannot be edited with SYMCHG or SYMUPD.

See the following DPVAR variables that directly affect the HARDWARE command.

HDWCSKH, HDWPEME, HDWTYPE, ITEMALTD, ITEMCLYR, ITEMCLRH, ITEMCTRL, ITEMCTRM, ITEMDSPL, ITEMGEN, ITEMSIZE, ITEMHIDLIN, ITEMTAND, ITEMVIEW, THREAD, TOOTHMAX, TOOTHSEG, UNIT

HOLE Command

The HOLE command creates holes from parametric data. Various combinations of features in all standard sizes can be created. All can be represented as a 2D view or 3D model.

Command: hole
Solid, Front, MM-STD, M6 X 1, Drill depth: 20.0
Insert point <options>: Pick point.

An additional rotation angle prompt is presented when the ITEMVIEW DPVAR variable is set to 4 (right view) or one of the other side views.

<Rotation angle>/Reference: Pick point or type angle.

If the DRILLDIST DPVAR variable is negative, an additional prompt is presented:

Through point: Pick point.

The command line shows the current hole settings. The settings can be changed by responding with [Enter] to the insert point prompt. A dialogue box similar to the following figure will be displayed:

Type

This pop-up list is used to select the type of hole to draw. The list contains a description of each item.

Add/Edit...

This button displays the Edit Row dialogue box for the current hole type record in the hardware table.

Size

This group contains a pop-up list to set the size of the current hole type.

Add/Edit...

This button displays the Edit Row dialogue box for the current size record in the hole item table.

Orientation

This group contains a pop-up list to set the orientation of the item to be inserted.

Add/Edit...

This button displays the Edit Row dialogue box for the current orientation record in the view table.

Hole depth

This group contains an edit box to specify the hole depth, a pick button to graphically indicate the depth, and a check box to set it to a through hole. The picture in the dialogue box will display these features.

Tap depth

This group contains an edit box to specify the tap depth, a pick button to graphically indicate the depth, and a check box to set it to a through tap. A depth value of 0.0 indicates no tap. The picture in the dialogue box will display these features.

Pick <

These buttons temporarily hide the dialogue box so that a value can be indicated graphically.

Start

This group contains two check boxes to set counterbore, countersink, or both. The picture in the dialogue box will display these features.

Modes...

This button displays the ITEMODES dialogue box to configure how items are created.

The SYMCHG command can be used to change the hole at a later time. See the SYMCHG and SYMUPD commands for more information.

The symbols are created as a single entity. If the symbol is exploded it reverts back to the base entities. Once a symbol has been exploded it cannot be edited with SYMCHG or SYMUPD.

See the following DPVAR variables that directly affect the HOLE command.

DRILLANG, DRILLDIST, DRILLM, HOLESTART, HOLETYPE, ITEMALTD, ITEMCLYR, ITEMCLRH, ITEMCTRL, ITEMCTRM, ITEMDSPL, ITEMGEN, ITEMSIZE, ITEMHIDLIN, ITEMTAND, ITEMVIEW, TAPDIST, THREAD, UNIT

HOLECLIP Command

The HOLECLIP command is used on holes to clip the end of a thru hole at an angle.

Command: holeclip
Select item to clip: Do so.
Endpoint of hole: Pick point.
Clip angle: Pick point or type angle.

The endpoint of the hole should be the intersection of the hole center line and a line representing the edge of the material.

Holes can also be clipped by setting the HOLEEANG DPVAR variable and then updating the items with the SYMUPD command. Subsequently drawn thru holes will be clipped according to the value of HOLEEANG. For instance, if you set HOLEEANG to 45, the end of thru holes will be drawn with a 45 degree exit angle.

ITEMCLIP Command

The ITEMCLIP command clips or trims hardware, hole, and shaft items. It is normally used on 2D side views. It is used on hardware to hide a portion that would be covered by other items. The following prompt sequence is presented:

Command: itemclip
Select item to clip: Do so.
Start of clip <insert point>: Pick point.
End of clip: Pick point.

If you press [Enter] instead of picking a start point, the clip will start at the insert point of the item. The clipped region can be completely blanked out or it can be shown as hidden lines. The display mode of the clipped region is controlled with the CLIPHID DPVAR variable.

You can use the SYMUPD command to restore items to an unclipped state.

See the following DPVAR variables that directly affect the ITEMCLIP command.

CLIPHID ITEMCLRH

SHAFT Command

The SHAFT command creates an infinite variety of shafts, including optional features. Features include chamfers, fillets, flats, gears, grooves, hardware, holes, keyways, offsets, pulleys, recesses, shafts, spheres, splines, sprockets, and threads. A units feature controls the relative scale of the shaft. Shafts can be represented as 2D views or 3D models.

Command: shaft
Solid, Front, 3 segment(s), 1 feature(s)
Insert point <options>: Pick point.
<Rotation angle>/Reference: Pick point or type angle.

The command line shows the current shaft settings. The settings can be changed by responding with [Enter] to the insert point prompt. A dialogue box similar to the following figure will be displayed:

Segment

This group contains a schematic of the defined shaft with the current segment highlighted. A diagonal cross in a segment indicates features are present on the segment. An edit box and direction arrows set the current shaft segment.

Apply

This button applies previously copied segment dimensions to the current segment.

Copy

This button copies the current segment dimensions to memory.

Delete

This button deletes the current segment.

Insert

This button inserts another segment identical to the current segment.

Mirror

This button mirrors the current segment if it is not symmetrical. Dimensions are mirrored, but features are not.

Undo

This button will undo the last segment operation.

Length:

This edit box specifies the length of the current segment. You can also use the associated pick button.

Pick <<

These buttons temporarily hide the dialogue box so that a value can be indicated graphically.

Size...

This button displays the Hardware dialogue box. The selected hardware item will be used to set the size of the current shaft segment. In this way, the segment can be sized to fit a bearing, clip, seal, or any other item.

Start dia

This group contains an edit box, pick button, and toggle. The edit box and pick button are used to specify the start diameter of the segment. The toggle is used to temporarily lock in the value so that it will not change automatically.

End dia

This group contains an edit box, pick button, and toggle. The edit box and pick button are used to specify the end diameter of the segment. The toggle is used to temporarily lock in the value so that it will not change automatically.

Taper ang

This group contains an edit box, pick button, and toggle. The edit box and pick button are used to specify the taper angle of the segment. The toggle is used to temporarily lock in the value so that it will not change automatically.

Orientation

This group contains a pop-up list to set the orientation of the item to be inserted.

Add/Edit...

This button displays the Edit Row dialogue box for the current orientation record in the view table.

Modes...

This button displays the ITEMODES dialogue box to configure how items are created.

Export...

This button displays the standard file dialogue box so that you can indicate a file name. The shaft definition will be written to the specified sft file. Saved shaft definitions can be used to create compact libraries of user-defined parametric parts to use in other drawings.

Import...

This button displays the standard file dialogue box so that you can indicate a file name. The file must be an sft file.

Features

Main and segment features appear as lists in the shaft dialogue box. Features can be applied on all views, but direct 2D and wire frame views will not display most features.

Main features

This group contains a popup list of available features that can be applied to the entire shaft.

Segment features

This group contains a popup list of available features that can be applied to the current shaft segment.

Current

These two list boxes show the features that have been applied to the shaft and the shaft segment.

Add...

These two buttons display the appropriate dialogue box to add a feature to the shaft or shaft segment.

Delete

These two buttons delete the indicated feature from the shaft or shaft segment.

Edit...

These two buttons display the appropriate dialogue box to edit a feature of the shaft or shaft segment.

Some features are mutually exclusive. When they are added, other features may not be used in conjunction with them and will not appear in the feature list.

Common Feature Options

Many of the features will have similar options that have the same affect on the individual features.

Location

Some features can be applied to the Start, End, or Both ends of a shaft segment. The Start is considered to be the left end of the shaft or segment as shown in the Shaft dialogue box.

Pattern

Some features can be applied as a pattern, such as hole patterns. It is similar to a polar array. When the pattern has more than one item, the Angle: between items is required. When a Tilt angle: and Radius: is specified, Spherical coordinates can also be used.

Position:

The position along the shaft can be specified. Features applied to the start are measured from the left end, and move right. Features applied to the end of the shaft are measured from the right end and move left.

Radius:

A radius is used by patterns to specify a radial distance from the center of the shaft to the feature.

Rotation angle:

Features can have a rotation angle relative to the shaft. Patterns can be rotated as well as features such as gears, splines, and sprockets.

Tilt angle:

The tilt angle locates features in a radial pattern. An angle of 90 degrees orients the item perpendicular to the shaft.

Twist angle:

The twist angle rotates features so that the axis of the feature no longer intersects the axis of the shaft.

Chamfer

A chamfer can be applied to the start or end of segments and recesses.

Distance:

This edit box sets the distance of the chamfer measured horizontally along the recess or segment form start to end.

Angle:

This edit box sets the angle of the chamfer. When the angle is negative or greater than 270 degrees, the chamfer is added to the diameter. When the angle is less than 90 degrees, the chamfer is subtracted from the diameter.

Data field

The Data field is non-graphical data that can be attached to an item. This feature has a field name and a value. Field names that match names of balloon attributes will be used by the BALLOON command and APTLST command. Data fields named DESCP and DESCP2 will be used by the LABEL command.

Field name:

This edit box sets the name of the data field.

Field value:

This edit box sets the value of the data field.

Type

This group of buttons sets the type of data that will be entered.

Fillet

A fillet can be applied to the start or end of segments and recesses.

Radius:

This edit box sets the fillet radius. A positive radius adds to the diameter. A negative radius subtracts from the diameter.

Fix point

The Fix point feature is the insert point for the item. The position lies along the Z axis. The rotation angle and radius specify the polar coordinates in the XY plane.

Flat

Flats can be applied externally on segments or internally on recesses. Patterns of flats can be used to form polygon shaped features.

Gear

Gears can be applied externally on segments or internally on recesses. Internal gears can also be applied through the length of a shaft. Segments and recesses are automatically resized to fit the gear.

Pressure angle

This group of buttons sets the pressure angle of the gear. Standard angles are listed. Custom angles can be entered in the Custom group.

Pitch/Mod:

This pop-up list sets the pitch of the gear. Inch gears use teeth per inch of diametral pitch. Metric gears use the module system. Custom pitches can be entered in the Custom group.

Teeth:

This group sets the number of gear teeth.

Standard

This button sets the gear to use standard addendum and dedendum values. It cannot be set for gears with a non-standard pitch or pressure angle.

Stub

This button sets the gear to use stub tooth Addendum and Dedendum values. It cannot be set for gears with a non-standard pitch or pressure angle.

Custom

This button enables the Custom group to allow setting of non-standard gear parameters. Addendum and Dedendum values are ratios of the pitch.

Groove

Grooves for clips, retainers, and rings can be applied externally to segments and internally to recesses. The groove is sized by selecting a clip or other item from the HARDWARE dialogue box. See the HARDWARE command for more information. You will be warned if the item does not fit the current segment or recess.

Type

This group shows the clip that will be used in the groove, the position, and a select button. The minimum distance to the edge of the segment is set automatically in the Position: edit box when a new clip is selected.

Hardware

Hardware can be applied to shafts and segments. Hardware can be in patterns, either axial or radial. The hardware is specified by selecting from the HARDWARE dialogue box. See the HARDWARE command for more information.

Type

This group shows the current hardware settings, the position, and a select button.

Hole

Holes can be applied to shafts, segments, and recesses. Holes can be in patterns, either axial or radial. The holes are specified by selecting from the HOLE dialogue box. See the HOLE command for more information.

Hole type

This group shows the current hole settings, the position, and a select button.

Keyway

Keyways can be applied externally to segments and internally to recesses. The keyway is sized by selecting a key from the HARDWARE dialogue box. See the HARDWARE command for more information.

Type

This group shows the key that will be used on the segment or recess, the position, and a select button. The position is measured to the insert point of the key.

You will be warned if the key does not fit the current segment or recess. The correct radius is set automatically when a key is selected. The radius is measured to the insert point of the key.

Offset

An offset or pattern of offset segments can be generated. Single offsets can be used to create a crankshaft.

Pulley

A pulley can be applied to any segment. Segment length is automatically set to fit the pulley. The current segment diameter and the recommended range for the current pulley size is shown.

Rows:

This group sets the number of rows for the pulley.

Size

This group contains a pop-up list to set the size of the pulley.

Add/Edit...

This button displays the Edit Row dialogue box for the current record in the pulley table.

Recess

Recesses are applied to shafts or segments. They can be used to form webs on flywheels, gears, pulleys, and sprockets. They can also be used to create through bores and internal tapers.

Major

This group controls the inside overall dimensions of a recess.

Minor

This group controls the dimensions of a protrusion from the center of a recess.

Diameter:

These two edit boxes set the diameters of the major and minor dimensions. A minor diameter of 0.0 indicates no minor dimensions.

Taper angle:

These two edit boxes set the taper angles of the recess.

Depth:

This edit box sets the depth of the recess. A depth of 0.0 indicates that the recess extends through the shaft or segment.

Shaft

Shafts can be applied to shafts and segments as a feature. Shafts can be in patterns, either axial or radial. The shafts are specified by selecting from a SHAFT dialogue box. See the main SHAFT command for more information.

Type

This group shows the current hardware settings, the position, and a select button.

Sphere

A sphere can be applied to a segment. The sphere is automatically fit to the segment size.

Sphere diameter:

This edit box sets the sphere diameter. The segment is automatically resized to fit the sphere when a new value is entered.

Spline

Splines can be applied externally on segments or internally on recesses. Internal splines can also be applied through the length of a shaft. Segments and recesses are automatically resized to fit the spline. Inch and metric splines are included.

Size

This group contains a pop-up list to set the size of the spline.

Add/Edit...

This button displays the Edit Row dialogue box for the current record in the spline table.

Sprocket

A sprocket can applied to any shaft segment. Segments are automatically resized to fit the sprocket.

Heavy duty

This toggle sets the row spacing for heavy duty chains on some sizes of multi-row sprockets.

Teeth:

This group sets the number of sprocket teeth.

Rows:

This group sets the number of rows for the sprocket.

Size

This group contains a pop-up list to set the size of the sprocket.

Add/Edit...

This button displays the Edit Row dialogue box for the current record in the sprocket table.

Thread

Threads can be applied externally on segments or internally on recesses. Internal threads can also be applied through the length of a shaft. Segments and recesses are automatically resized to fit the thread. Inch and metric threads are included.

Size

This group contains a pop-up list to set the size of the thread.

Add/Edit...

This button displays the Edit Row dialogue box for the current record in the thread table.

Unit

Units can be assigned to a shaft to insure the shaft is scaled correctly, regardless of the current drawing unit setting. When exporting shafts, units should always be assigned so that the shaft can be imported correctly into drawings with different units.

The SYMCHG command can be used to change the shaft item at a later time. See the SYMCHG and SYMUPD commands for more information.

The symbols are created as a single entity. If the symbol is exploded it reverts back to the base entities. Once a symbol has been exploded it cannot be edited with SYMCHG or SYMUPD.

See the following DPVAR variables that directly affect the SHAFT command.

ITEMALTD, ITEMCLYR, ITEMCLRH, ITEMCTRL, ITEMCTRM, ITEMDSPL, ITEMGEN, ITEMHIDLIN, ITEMTAND, ITEMVIEW, THREAD, TOOTHMAX, TOOTHSEG, UNIT

CTRLINE Command

The CTRLINE (CenTeR LINE) command draws center lines and center marks on hardware, hole, and shaft items.

Command: ctrline
Select objects: Do so.

The ITEMCTRL and ITEMCTRM DPVAR variables control which centers will be drawn. The centers are grouped with the items so that when an item is changed, the centers will be updated.

See the following DPVAR variables that directly affect the CTRLINE command.

ITEMCTRL, ITEMCTRM

Group Editing of Items

Two commands are provided for grouping hardware and hole items by size and type. Grouped items are automatically changed together when any item in the group is changed. For instance, you might want to have a nut and bolt change size whenever you change the size of a corresponding hole. Both commands have the following prompt:

Select objects: Do so.

Any valid items in the selection set will be grouped.

The AutoCAD PICKSTYLE system variable controls how grouped items are selected. If you want to select grouped items individually, PICKSTYLE should be set to 0. Items that are grouped by size or type will still be updated automatically.

GRPSIZE Command

The GRPSIZE (GRouP by SIZE) command will group selected hardware and hole items so that when the size of one item is changed, SI Mechanical will attempt to change the size of the other grouped items. If any of the other items are not available in the specified size, the item will not be changed.

GRPTYPE Command

The GRPTYPE (GRouP by TYPE) command will group selected hardware and hole items so that when the type of one item is changed, SI Mechanical will attempt to change the type of the other grouped items. If the size of any of the other items is not available in the specified type, the item will not be changed.

Global Editing of Items

Several commands are provided that will make changes to selection sets of hardware, hole, and shaft items. For instance, you might want to change all hardware in an assembly from one size to another or from front view to an isometric view. These commands change the selected items to match the current DPVAR variable settings. Each command has the following prompt:

Select objects: Do so.

Any valid items in the selection set will be changed.

NEWLG Command

The NEWLG (NEW LenGth) command will change all hardware items that have a variable length to the current setting of the HDWLG DPVAR variable.

NEWSIZE Command

The NEWSIZE command will change all hardware and holes sizes to the current setting of the ITEMSIZE DPVAR variable. Only hardware and hole types that have a matching size in the database will be changed. For instance, if ITEMSIZE was set to ".250-20 UNC", and you selected a DIN standard hardware, it would not be changed. You would first have to change the hardware type using the SYMCHG command.

NEWTYPE Command

The NEWTYPE command will change all hardware items to the current setting of the HDWTYPE DPVAR variable and all hole items to the current setting of the HOLETYPE DPVAR variable. Only hardware and hole types that have a matching size in the database will be changed.

NEWVIEW Command

The NEWVIEW command will change all hardware, hole, and shaft items to the current setting of the ITEMVIEW DPVAR variable.