About This Manual

This online manual was designed to assist both new users and experienced modelers.

A new user will benefit from the Contents section which takes the user starting with software basics to the more advanced functions. This manual was designed to provide easily accessible modeling assistance for all subjects including adding assembly information and analyzing a completed model. It gives step-by-step instructions for most routine modeling functions.

An experienced user will find the Index part of the Help Manual very helpful in locating additional information for specific topics. The Index function allows the user to type in a keyword for the function which they are looking for information on. Then the help window is also indexed to that page.

Below are sections within this Help Manual that can help new and experienced users to guide them through and find specific areas of interest.

Introduction

The Introduction explains the layout and function of the Software Manual, as well as the basic ingredients for creating a model in 3DCS. This section also gives instructions on how to use this Help menu and describes the latest enhancements and features within 3DCS.

Getting Started

This section displays a process about using 3DCS. How and when to create moves or the Assembly Process; creating and validating measures or the Objective.

Features and Operations

This section describes the 3DCS menu structure of tool bars, dialogs, and keyboard and mouse controls.

Analysis Modeling

The Analysis Modeling section details use of creating different Moves, Tolerances and Measures. Each Move, Tolerance and Measure can also have different setup and options, as well as setting up floats, specifying defined directions and more.

Analysis Output

The math behind creating an Analysis Model and the outputs.

Utilities

The Utilities section lists quite a few features available in 3DCS that give the user a step-by-step process or more information about a specific function or option available.

Importing and Exporting Files/Data

Importing and exporting functions are essential for creating most models within 3DCS. Most models begin by importing CAD information in the IGES format. Therefore, this section is included near the beginning. Other file formats discussed are .wt3 , .w3d , WTX, and Geo files.

Creating, Modifying and Deleting Geometry

Even if part information is imported into the 3DCS file, the user will still need to create or manipulate the parts and features (points, lines, holes, pins etc.) in order to achieve the desired results. This section covers the information on how to create, modify and delete geometric entities in 3DCS. Unique features covered in this section include Creating a Fixture, Convert CAD Circle, Modifying 3DCS Entities.

Manipulating Parts

Information contained in this section discusses some of the tools available within 3DCS. These tools were created to aid the user and can speed up the modeling process when used properly. Some of the topics discussed here are Translate/Rotate, Merge parts, Mirror To etc.

Moves, Tolerances and Measurements

The three core elements of a tolerance model, Moves, Tolerances, and Measures are covered in this section. The Moves section discusses the different types of Moves used to assemble the parts within 3DCS. After Moves have been created, Tolerances are added in respect to the build objectives. Measurements are then created to analyze the effects of the Tolerances and Moves.

MTM Settings

MTM (Moves, Tolerances, and Measures) section discusses how the user can turn On/Off Moves, Tolerances and Measurements individually or globally.

Analyzing the Model

After the parts have been modeled with complete Moves, Tolerances and Measurements, it is time to let the software perform its functions. This section discusses the different ways to Simulate the build process, Deviate the parts within the tolerance range, perform a Simulation Analysis, perform a Sensitivity Analysis, and save the statistical information derived.

Appendix

The Appendix lists different types of methods used within 3DCS, such as Calculation Method, Plane and Axis Definitions, Cylinder Definitions; Errors and Warnings and previous version lists of changes.