Basic 3D

 

Let's go further with Picador3D and  3D folding:

 

Download the CAD file and open it in Picador : Picador_training_ex2.des

Use 3d folding "Create a 3D folding"  to import the file in Picador3D. You can also directly open 2D files in Picador3D such as DXF,Ai,PDF,CF2,EPS,DES, to create a 3d preview of an existing drawing.

In Picador3D, create a new foldable solid 3D foldable , name the part, validate the window and clic on the drawing define the referencial (video 1):

ex2 1 miniat a

 
Define the material thickness and flute, then create a detailed folding sequense (video 2):
 
ex2 2 miniat a

 

The step by step folding is one of the most usefull feature of Picador3D. After this opening, let's zoom out a bit to give you a better anderstanding of the interfaces.

The 3D interface is made of multiples windows: 

ex2 3D interface1

- In the centre, the 3D view, our 3D models are visible here, you can manipulate them.

- On the top, the menu and toolbars. It is here you can find most of the functions and appearance setting.

- On the left side, the model explorer. It is arborescence that detail all the content of your Picador3D files.

model explorer 2D The 2D entities are the drawing you have imported in Picador3D.
model explorer parts  The Parts are all the 3D models you create or import, clic on a part name to see it in the 3D view.
model explorer assembly The Assembly is a different view, as its name suggested it is the interface to combine different part to make an assembly.

 

Different specific interface are available for the Parts view or Assembly view:

ex2 3D interface2 ex2 3D interface3

For now we will focus on the Parts view, the Assembly will be the subject of one of our future chapter:

ex2 3D interface parts 

 

Display the Referencial tab:

 ex2 3D interface4

In this tab you can see your Part and a point formed by the three axis XYZ, that is the part referencial.

The referencial is basicaly use as the rotation center of the part. rotate the object with your right clic and see it is rotation around the referencial point. 

In the referencial tab you have the ability to move or rotate the referencial position, but much more effective, you can initialise in the center of the object, what is very usefull.

When you initialize the referencial, the position is set in the midlle of the bounding box. It will be a different point if the box is close or not:

 ex2 3D interface5  ex2 3D interface6

It is easier to initiate the part referencial in the center of the box completly closed like the first image.

Now you have a better anderstanding of the 3D folding, you can manipulate the object properly and create your own 3D prototypes.

 

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