Difference between revisions of "3D View Window"

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=Main Window overview=
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=3D View Window overview=
The main window displays a 3D model of your enclosure which you can manipulate in real time.
+
The 3D View window displays a 3D model of your enclosure that you can manipulate.<br>
[[File:window-main-labels.png|600px|thumb|centre|Main Window—U-Shape enclosure rotate to show rear face]]
+
[[File:3D View Window 1 3D View Window Overview.PNG|800px]]<br><br>
 +
 
 +
==3D Standard Toolbar==
 +
[[File:3D View Window 2 3D Standard toolbar.PNG]]<br><br>
 +
The 3D Viewer has a standard toolbar with different tabs: File, View, Help, Admin.
 +
 
 +
The functions within the File tab are as follows:
 +
 
 +
| '''New'''
 +
|  Create a new assembly.
 +
<br><br>
 +
 
 +
| '''Open'''
 +
|  Open a Protocase Designer Assembly you've previously created.
 +
<br><br>
 +
 
 +
| '''Save'''
 +
|  Save the assembly you're working on.
 +
<br><br>
 +
 
 +
| '''Save As'''
 +
|  Save the assembly in a specific location.
 +
<br><br>
 +
 
 +
| '''Preferences'''
 +
|  Change your settings and preferences.
 +
<br><br>
 +
 
 +
| '''Sub-Assembly'''
 +
|  Create a sub-assembly for your Protocase Designer assembly.
 +
<br><br>
 +
 
 +
| '''Export'''
 +
|  Export your design as a STEP file (.STEP).
 +
<br><br>
 +
 
 +
| '''Properties'''
 +
|  Change the properties for the template from which you started your Protocase Designer Assembly, including metal type, thickness, finish, hardware and more.
 +
<br><br>
 +
 
 +
| '''Transfer'''
 +
|  Transfer your design to a new enclosure template style.  
 +
<br><br>
 +
 
 +
| '''Move'''
 +
| Move your Protocase Designer Assembly in the 3D Viewer.
 +
<br><br>
 +
 
 +
| '''Edit Face'''
 +
| Edit a selected face of your Protocase Designer Assembly.
 +
<br><br>
 +
 
 +
| '''Check Design'''
 +
|  Check your design for manufacturabilty warnings and errors.
 +
<br><br>
 +
[[File:3D View Window Standard Toolbar View Tab.PNG]]<br><br>
 +
 
 +
The functions within the View tab are as follows:
 +
 
 +
| '''Rotate'''
 +
|  Rotate your Protocase Designer Assembly.
 +
<br><br>
 +
 
 +
| '''Pan'''
 +
|  Move the model around the plane of the viewport.
 +
<br><br>
 +
 
 +
| '''Preset Views'''
 +
|  Use the drop-down menu to change your model to a select view: Isometric, Front, Right, Top, Left, Bottom, Rear. Note: You can also use the View Selector Box at the bottom right of the 3D Viewer to change your view to a select face.
 +
<br><br>
 +
 
 +
| '''Reset'''
 +
|  Reset the view of your model to the starting view.
 +
<br><br>
 +
 
 +
| '''Bent View'''
 +
|  Display the model as it would look after the bending process in manufacturing.
 +
<br><br>
 +
 
 +
| '''Flat View'''
 +
|  Display the model as it would look prior to the bending process in manufacturing.
 +
<br><br>
 +
 
 +
| '''Part Tree'''
 +
|  View a hierarchical list of all the faces and objects in your enclosure.
 +
<br><br>
 +
 
 +
| '''Print'''
 +
|  Print views of each face of your model.
 +
<br><br>
 +
 
 +
| '''Explode'''
 +
|  Use the slider to create an exploded view of your model. The higher the number on the slider, the more exploded your view will be.
 +
<br><br>
 +
 
 +
==3D View Preferences==
 +
If you want to use a different unit of measure or have other preferences when using Designer, you can set global parameters in the [[Preferences_dialog_box | '''Preferences''' dialog box]].<br><br>
 +
 
 +
=Creating, opening, and saving assembly files=
 +
 
 +
==Creating a new assembly==
 +
#Click the '''New File''' button in the Pick An Option To Start window, choose '''File''' > '''New''', or click the '''Make New Enclosure From Template''' button in the 3D Standard toolbar. The New Assembly dialog opens.
 +
[[File:Start with a Template PD Nov 10 2022.PNG|300px]]
 +
#Select an assembly category on the left and then select an assembly.
 +
#;[[File:32XANM~Q.PNG|500px]]
 +
#Certain templates must be downloaded before they can be selected. Press the download button to download the template you require.
 +
#;[[File:Download required.PNG|500px]]
 +
#Modify the assembly parameters including size, thickness, material, and colour to meet your design requirements, conforming to any Manufacturing Constraints if they are listed at the bottom of the window. See '''[[3D_View_Window#Changing_enclosure_properties|Changing enclosure properties]]''' below for details.
 +
#*'''Note''': To create a custom bracket with cutouts and other elements, you use the 3D View window to create it, then you use the Face Editor to customize it and to add it to a face. See '''[[Face Editor#Creating and adding brackets|Creating and adding brackets]]''' for step-by-step instructions.
 +
#Click '''OK''' to view the 3D model.
 +
#;[[File:3D View Window 5 Click ok to view the 3D model.PNG|500px]]<br>
 +
====Opening an existing assembly====
 +
#In the 3D View window, choose '''Open''' from the '''File''' menu, or click the '''Open''' button in the Standard toolbar.
 +
#Select the file you want to open.
 +
====Saving an assembly====
 +
Files are saved in .PDA (Protocase Designer) format. (Note that you cannot save the enclosure design as a modified template; you can only save the enclosure design.)
 +
#Choose '''File''' > '''Save''' or click the '''Save''' button in the Standard toolbar.
 +
#If this is the first time the assembly is being saved, the Save dialog box opens. Select a location and enter a name for the file, then click '''Save'''.
 +
 
 +
====Saving a copy of an assembly====
 +
#Choose '''Save As''' from the '''File''' menu, or click the '''Save As''' button in the Standard toolbar.
 +
#In the Save dialog box that opens, select a location to save the file and enter a new name for the assembly, then click '''Save'''.<br><br>
 +
 
 +
=Changing assembly properties=
 +
At any point after you create a new assembly (enclosure, bracket, or panel) you can modify its properties such as size, thickness, material, colour, and screw type.
 +
#Choose '''Edit''' > '''Edit Enclosure Properties'''. The Edit Assembly dialog is displayed.
 +
#;[[File:3D View Window 6 Changing Assembly Properties.PNG|450px]]
 +
#Change any of the enclosure properties, being sure to conform to any Manufacturing Constraints if they are listed at the bottom of the dialog.
 +
#If the template includes screws, the '''Screw Type''' is displayed with a default value. (Brackets and panels do not use screws.) To change the default screw, click the '''Screw Type''' down-arrow and choose the color (Black, Natural [Zinc], or Stainless) and type (Flathead or Panhead).
 +
#To save the modifications, click '''OK'''.<br>
 +
'''Note'''<br>
 +
:*When you select a rackmount enclosure template, the parameters include the '''Full Height Chassis''' check box. Selecting this checkbox causes the screws to be countersunk, and the enclosure the same height as the front of the rackmount.
 +
 
 +
===Transferring an enclosure design===
 +
#Open the design that you want to transfer.
 +
#In the 3D View, choose '''File''' > '''Transfer to New Enclosure'''.
 +
#In the Transfer Design to New Assembly dialog that opens, select the new enclosure and modify parameters as needed.
 +
#:Designer will transfer parameters for enclosures of the same category; for example, if you are transferring between two types of Extruded enclosures, nothing needs to be changed. However, if you are transferring from a U Shape to a Rackmount, you may need to change some parameters manually.
 +
#Click '''OK'''.
 +
#:An untitled dialog opens, in which the face names of the original enclosure are listed on the left, and to the right of each name is a column of potential face names for the new enclosure. When the two designs use different names for a face (for example, a Rackmount has a "front panel," whereas a 1U Extruded has a "front plate," whereas a U Shape has just a "front"), select the appropriate face name for the new design. Many of these are pre-selected, but check them all and change the name or choose "Drop This Face" as necessary.
 +
#:'''Tip''' If you are unsure of a face name for an enclosure, you can check by loading the enclosure and viewing the face in the Face Editor. The face name is displayed in the Status Bar at the bottom of the Face Editor screen.
 +
#Click '''OK''' when done (or '''Cancel''' to abandon the new enclosure template and return to your original design).
 +
#Check each element of the new design against your original. For some transfers, the cutouts may need to be flipped or moved manually.<br><br>
  
: '''A—Standard Toolbar'''
 
:'''B—Viewport'''
 
<br>
 
=Creating, opening, saving assembly files=
 
Enclosures created in Protocase Designer® are saved as Protocase Designer® Assembly files (.pda file extension).
 
<br>
 
==Create new assembly file==
 
{{Procedure|
 
#Do one of the following:<br>&#8226; On the '''File''' menu, click '''New'''.<br>&#8226; On the '''Standard Toolbar''', click '''New'''.<br>Note: If the current assembly is not saved, you will be prompted to save.
 
# Select an enclosure category on the left and then select an enclosure type.<br><br>[[File:window-newassembly-noselection.png|400px|thumb|centre|New Assembly Window]]<br>
 
# Modify the enclosure parameters including size, thickness, material, and colour to meet your design requirements.<br><br>[[File:window-newassembly-ushape.png|400px|thumb|centre|New Assembly Window]]<br>
 
#Click OK to view a 3D model which you can manipulate in the main window.<br><br>[[File:window-main-ushape.png|600px|thumb|centre|New U-Shape Enclosure]]
 
}}
 
<br>
 
==Open existing assembly file==
 
{{Procedure|
 
#Do one of the following:<br>&#8226; On the '''File''' menu, click '''Open'''.<br>&#8226; On the '''Standard Toolbar''', click '''Open'''.
 
#Select a previously saved Protocase Designer® Assembly File to open.
 
}}
 
<br>
 
==Save current assembly file==
 
{{Procedure|
 
#Do one of the following:<br>&#8226; On the '''File''' menu, click '''Save'''.<br>&#8226; On the '''Standard Toolbar''', click '''Save'''.
 
#If this is the first time the assembly is being saved, the Save dialog box will open. Select a location to save the assembly file and type a name for the assembly, then click '''Save'''.
 
}}
 
<br>
 
==Save a copy of the current assembly file==
 
{{Procedure|
 
#Do one of the following:<br>&#8226; On the '''File''' menu, click '''Save As'''.<br>&#8226; On the '''Standard Toolbar''', click '''Save As'''.
 
#In the Save dialog box, select a location to save the assembly file and type a new name for the assembly, then click '''Save'''.
 
}}
 
<br>
 
=Changing enclosure properties=
 
At any point after you create a new enclosure you can modify your enclosure properties such as size, thickness, material, and colour.
 
{{Procedure|
 
#On the '''Edit''' menu, click '''Edit Enclosure Properties'''. The Edit Properties dialog box appears.
 
#Change any of the enclosure properties.<br><br>[[File:dialogbox-editproperties.png|500px|center|thumb]]
 
}}{{Note|The size of your enclosure must meet all the manufacturing constraints listed at the bottom of the dialog box.}}
 
<br>
 
 
=Viewing the model=
 
=Viewing the model=
 
There are several controls to allow viewing and manipulating the 3D model of your enclosure.
 
There are several controls to allow viewing and manipulating the 3D model of your enclosure.
 
<br>
 
<br>
==Rotate model==
+
==Rotating==
The Rotate command enables spinning the model about its center.
+
The '''Rotate''' command rotates the model around its center.
{{Procedure|
+
#Click the '''Rotate''' [[File:Rotate.PNG]] button in the Standard toolbar.
#On the Standard Toolbar, click '''Rotate'''.
+
#Drag the model to rotate it to the desired orientation.
#In the viewport, left-click and drag to rotate the model to the desired orientation.}}
 
  
==Pan model==
+
==Panning==
The Pan command enables moving the model about the plane of the viewport.
+
To move the model around the plane of the viewport, do any of the following:
+
*Right-click the model and drag it.<br>
To pan the model, do one of the following:
+
*Press and hold down the <Alt> key, then click and drag the model.<br>
<br><br>
+
*Click the '''Pan''' [[File:Pan.PNG]] button in the Standard toolbar, then click and drag the model.
'''Method 1'''
 
{{Procedure|
 
#In the viewport, right-click and drag the model to the desired location.}}
 
'''Method 2'''
 
{{Procedure|
 
#Press and hold the Alt key
 
#In the viewport, left-click and drag the model to the desired location.}}
 
'''Method 3'''
 
{{Procedure|
 
#On the Standard Toolbar, click Pan.
 
#In the viewport, left-click and drag to Pan the model to the desired location.}}
 
 
 
==Zoom model==
 
The Zoom command controls the visual size of the model displayed within the viewport.
 
{{Procedure|
 
#In the main window, rotate the wheel button forward or backward to zoom in or out.}}
 
{{Note|The model zooms in/out from the centre of the viewport, regardless of the pointer location.}}
 
  
==Show/Hide Parts==
+
==Zooming==
The Show/Hide Parts command allows for viewing inside the model by hiding one or more parts.
+
To zoom the model in or out, rotate the wheel button forward or backward.<br>
{{Procedure|
+
'''Notes'''
#On the '''View''' menu, click '''Show/Hide Parts'''. The Show/Hide Parts dialog box appears.
+
*The model zooms in/out from the centre of the viewport, regardless of the pointer location.<br>
#Select or clear the appropriate check boxes to show or hide parts.}}
+
*If your pointing device does not have a wheel, open the Face Editor and use the '''Zoom In''' and '''Zoom Out''' buttons in the Standard toolbar or the '''Zoom''' commands in the '''View''' menu.<br>
  
 
==Toggle flat/bent view==
 
==Toggle flat/bent view==
The Toggle Flat and Bent commands displays the enclosure parts as they are laid out prior to the bending process during manufacturing.
+
The Toggle Flat and Bent commands displays the enclosure parts as they are laid out prior to the bending process during manufacturing. These commands are for reference only, and do not affect the manufacturing of the final enclosure. You can do either of the following:<br>
Note: This feature is for reference only and does not affect the manufacturing of the final enclosure.
+
*To display the model in a flat view, click the '''Flat''' button in the Standard toolbar. To display the model in the bent view, click the '''Bent''' button. By default, the model is displayed in the bent view.
<br>
+
*You can also change between the two views by choosing '''View''' > '''Toggle Flat'''.
{{Procedure|
+
[[File:Bent View and Flat View.PNG‎]]
#Do one of the following:
 
#* On the Standard Toolbar, click Flat to display the model in a flat configuration or click Bent to display the model in the default bent configuration.
 
#* On the View Menu, click Toggle Flat to change a model between a bent configuration or a flat configuration.}}
 
  
 
==Reset view==
 
==Reset view==
 
The Reset View command displays the model in the center of the viewport in its original orientation.
 
The Reset View command displays the model in the center of the viewport in its original orientation.
{{Procedure|
+
*Click the '''Reset View''' button  [[File:Reset.PNG|text-bottom]] in the Standard toolbar, or choose '''Reset View''' from the '''View''' menu.<br><br>
#Do one of the following:
 
#*On the '''Standard Toolbar''', click '''Reset View'''.
 
#*On the '''View''' menu, click '''Reset View'''.}}
 
 
 
==Use Transparency==
 
The transparency option makes exclusion zones and the background of silkscreen images transparent. This allows you to view features that may be hidden behind exclusion zones or silkscreen images.
 
{{Procedure|
 
#On the '''Edit''' menu, click '''Preferences''' to display the preferences dialog box.
 
#Select the '''Use Transparency''' check box.}}
 
{{Note|Turning on the transparency option does not affect the final product.}}
 
 
 
==Change background color==
 
The '''Change background color''' command allows for customizing the background color of the viewport.
 
{{Procedure|
 
#On the '''Edit''' menu, click '''Preferences''' to display the preferences dialog box.
 
#Click '''Change Background Color'''. A dialog box appears allowing you to customize the background color of the viewport.
 
#Select the Swatches, HSB, RGB}}
 
  
==Change axis color==
+
=Editing a face=
The Change Axis Color command allows for customizing the color of the coordinate system axis displayed on the model.
+
You use the Face Editor to add cutouts, graphics, exclusion zones, masking, and construction lines to a face.
{{Procedure|
 
#On the '''Edit''' menu, click '''Preferences''' to display the preferences dialog box.
 
#Click '''Change Axis Color'''. A dialog box appears allowing you to customize the axis colour.}}
 
=Editing a face using the Face Editor=
 
To customize your enclosure, you add features such as cutouts, silkscreen, exclusion zones, and construction lines to a face in the Face Editor Window.
 
 
<br>
 
<br>
 
To open the Face Editor:
 
To open the Face Editor:
{{Procedure|
 
 
#Rotate the model to show the face you want to edit.
 
#Rotate the model to show the face you want to edit.
#On the '''Standard Toolbar''', click the Edit Face button. [[File:button-editface.png|40px|bottom]]. The pointer will change to a crosshair.
+
#Click the '''Edit Face''' button. [[File:Edit Face.PNG|bottom]]. The pointer will change to a crosshair.
#Click a face to edit. The Face Editor window opens.}}
+
#Click a face to edit. The [[Face Editor|Face Editor window]] opens.<br><br>
 
 
See [[Face Editor|Face Editor Window]] for details on using the Face Editor.
 
  
 
=Viewing the Part Tree=
 
=Viewing the Part Tree=
The Part Tree shows a hierarchical list of all the faces and objects in your enclosure. You can change the name and description of objects as well as open a face in the Face Editor Window directly from the Part Tree.
+
The Part Tree shows a hierarchical list of all the faces and objects in your enclosure. You can change the name and description of objects as well as open a face in the Face Editor Window directly from the Part Tree.<br>
 
+
[[File:3D View Window 9 Part Tree Icon PNG.png|500px]]
[[File:window-parttree-ushape-note.png|600px|thumb|centre|Part Tree window–adding notes]]
 
  
 
==Navigate the Part Tree==
 
==Navigate the Part Tree==
{{Procedure|
 
 
#Click the icon to the left of a face to display the objects on that face below.
 
#Click the icon to the left of a face to display the objects on that face below.
#Click an object name to display description, and notes on the right of the Part Tree window.}}
+
#Click an object name to display description, and notes on the right of the Part Tree window.
 +
[[File:3D View Window 10 Viewing the Part Tree.PNG|500px]]
  
 
==Change object name and description==
 
==Change object name and description==
{{Procedure|
 
 
#Click an object name on the left.
 
#Click an object name on the left.
#Type a new name or description on the right.}}
+
#Type a new name or description on the right.
  
 
==Add/Delete notes==
 
==Add/Delete notes==
{{Procedure|
+
You can add notes to parts, faces, and objects for your own reference or to provide additional information to technical support
 +
such as "Please scrub this with a scouring pad". You can also use it to place features that might not be permitted in Protocase Designer but can be manufactured with certain restrictions. For example, you could create a circle using construction lines near the edge of a face on the exclusion zone (where you wouldn't normally be able to place a self-clinching standoff) and add a note "Add 6-32 x 3/8" standoff here".
 
#Click an object name on the left.
 
#Click an object name on the left.
 
#Do one of the following:
 
#Do one of the following:
Line 148: Line 204:
 
#*If there are existing notes, click '''New Note''' and type a note in the notes field.
 
#*If there are existing notes, click '''New Note''' and type a note in the notes field.
 
#Click the arrows to view each note.
 
#Click the arrows to view each note.
#Click '''Delete Note''' to delete the currently displayed note.}}
+
#Click '''Delete Note''' to delete the currently displayed note.
  
 
==Editing a face from the Part Tree==
 
==Editing a face from the Part Tree==
{{Procedure|
 
 
#Click a face name on the left.
 
#Click a face name on the left.
#Click '''Edit Face'''. The '''Face Editor''' window opens.}}
+
#Click '''Edit Face'''. The '''Face Editor''' window opens.
 +
#:[[File:3D View Window 11 Editing a Face from the Part Tree.PNG|500px]]
 +
'''Note''': The Part Tree window can also be accessed from the Face Editor.
 +
 
 +
==Exporting an IGES file==
 +
You can export your PDA file into an IGES file, allowing you to import your project into other CAD software.<br>
 +
This IGES export feature is currently only compatible with the 2018 release of Solidworks (as well as NX).
 +
#Open the existing PDA file that you saved from the Protocase Designer software
 +
#Select the '''Export Menu''', and in the drop down, click '''Export Assembly to IGES'''. <br> '''Note:''' Depending on the complexity of your design, the software could take a considerable amount of time to export the file, as it must export each feature individually.
 +
#Once the export is completed, you can now open your exported IGES file in various CAD software.
 +
 
 +
'''Note:''' In order to import your IGES file into SolidWorks 2018, the Enable 3D Interconnect setting must be enabled. This can be found under Tools->Options->Import->General.
 +
<br>Also, this is currently only intended as a means of archiving your projects. We are working on improvements to this functionality to increase the usability of the exported file.
 +
<br>This will be released in a future version of Designer.
 +
 
 +
View full video tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fdyi_QXU7M0
  
[[File:window-parttree-ushape-editface.png|600px|thumb|centre|Part Tree window—editing a face]]
+
==Exporting a STEP File==
  
{{Note|The Part Tree window can also be accessed from the Face Editor Window.}}
+
You can export your Protocase Designer Assembly as a STEP file, allowing you to import your project into other CAD software.
  
=Main Window Preferences=
+
To export your file:
You can change the background color and the axis color in the main window viewport.
+
#Open your existing PDA file saved in the Protocase Designer software.
 +
#Select the "Export Assembly to IGES" option under the Export Menu in the tool bar at the top of your screen.
 +
#The software will process your request. The time that this step will take depends on the complexity of your design.
 +
#Once the export is completed, open your other CAD software and select your design.
  
See [[Face_Editor#Face_Editor_Preferences|Face Editor Preferences]] for changing the background color and axis color. The same Preferences dialog box is accessed from the Main window or Face Editor Window.
+
Note: We support AP203 and AP214 STEP Application protocols.

Latest revision as of 14:48, 14 November 2022

3D View Window overview

The 3D View window displays a 3D model of your enclosure that you can manipulate.
3D View Window 1 3D View Window Overview.PNG

3D Standard Toolbar

3D View Window 2 3D Standard toolbar.PNG

The 3D Viewer has a standard toolbar with different tabs: File, View, Help, Admin.

The functions within the File tab are as follows:

| New | Create a new assembly.

| Open | Open a Protocase Designer Assembly you've previously created.

| Save | Save the assembly you're working on.

| Save As | Save the assembly in a specific location.

| Preferences | Change your settings and preferences.

| Sub-Assembly | Create a sub-assembly for your Protocase Designer assembly.

| Export | Export your design as a STEP file (.STEP).

| Properties | Change the properties for the template from which you started your Protocase Designer Assembly, including metal type, thickness, finish, hardware and more.

| Transfer | Transfer your design to a new enclosure template style.

| Move | Move your Protocase Designer Assembly in the 3D Viewer.

| Edit Face | Edit a selected face of your Protocase Designer Assembly.

| Check Design | Check your design for manufacturabilty warnings and errors.

3D View Window Standard Toolbar View Tab.PNG

The functions within the View tab are as follows:

| Rotate | Rotate your Protocase Designer Assembly.

| Pan | Move the model around the plane of the viewport.

| Preset Views | Use the drop-down menu to change your model to a select view: Isometric, Front, Right, Top, Left, Bottom, Rear. Note: You can also use the View Selector Box at the bottom right of the 3D Viewer to change your view to a select face.

| Reset | Reset the view of your model to the starting view.

| Bent View | Display the model as it would look after the bending process in manufacturing.

| Flat View | Display the model as it would look prior to the bending process in manufacturing.

| Part Tree | View a hierarchical list of all the faces and objects in your enclosure.

| Print | Print views of each face of your model.

| Explode | Use the slider to create an exploded view of your model. The higher the number on the slider, the more exploded your view will be.

3D View Preferences

If you want to use a different unit of measure or have other preferences when using Designer, you can set global parameters in the Preferences dialog box.

Creating, opening, and saving assembly files

Creating a new assembly

  1. Click the New File button in the Pick An Option To Start window, choose File > New, or click the Make New Enclosure From Template button in the 3D Standard toolbar. The New Assembly dialog opens.

Start with a Template PD Nov 10 2022.PNG

  1. Select an assembly category on the left and then select an assembly.
    32XANM~Q.PNG
  2. Certain templates must be downloaded before they can be selected. Press the download button to download the template you require.
    Download required.PNG
  3. Modify the assembly parameters including size, thickness, material, and colour to meet your design requirements, conforming to any Manufacturing Constraints if they are listed at the bottom of the window. See Changing enclosure properties below for details.
    • Note: To create a custom bracket with cutouts and other elements, you use the 3D View window to create it, then you use the Face Editor to customize it and to add it to a face. See Creating and adding brackets for step-by-step instructions.
  4. Click OK to view the 3D model.
    3D View Window 5 Click ok to view the 3D model.PNG

Opening an existing assembly

  1. In the 3D View window, choose Open from the File menu, or click the Open button in the Standard toolbar.
  2. Select the file you want to open.

Saving an assembly

Files are saved in .PDA (Protocase Designer) format. (Note that you cannot save the enclosure design as a modified template; you can only save the enclosure design.)

  1. Choose File > Save or click the Save button in the Standard toolbar.
  2. If this is the first time the assembly is being saved, the Save dialog box opens. Select a location and enter a name for the file, then click Save.

Saving a copy of an assembly

  1. Choose Save As from the File menu, or click the Save As button in the Standard toolbar.
  2. In the Save dialog box that opens, select a location to save the file and enter a new name for the assembly, then click Save.

Changing assembly properties

At any point after you create a new assembly (enclosure, bracket, or panel) you can modify its properties such as size, thickness, material, colour, and screw type.

  1. Choose Edit > Edit Enclosure Properties. The Edit Assembly dialog is displayed.
    3D View Window 6 Changing Assembly Properties.PNG
  2. Change any of the enclosure properties, being sure to conform to any Manufacturing Constraints if they are listed at the bottom of the dialog.
  3. If the template includes screws, the Screw Type is displayed with a default value. (Brackets and panels do not use screws.) To change the default screw, click the Screw Type down-arrow and choose the color (Black, Natural [Zinc], or Stainless) and type (Flathead or Panhead).
  4. To save the modifications, click OK.

Note

  • When you select a rackmount enclosure template, the parameters include the Full Height Chassis check box. Selecting this checkbox causes the screws to be countersunk, and the enclosure the same height as the front of the rackmount.

Transferring an enclosure design

  1. Open the design that you want to transfer.
  2. In the 3D View, choose File > Transfer to New Enclosure.
  3. In the Transfer Design to New Assembly dialog that opens, select the new enclosure and modify parameters as needed.
    Designer will transfer parameters for enclosures of the same category; for example, if you are transferring between two types of Extruded enclosures, nothing needs to be changed. However, if you are transferring from a U Shape to a Rackmount, you may need to change some parameters manually.
  4. Click OK.
    An untitled dialog opens, in which the face names of the original enclosure are listed on the left, and to the right of each name is a column of potential face names for the new enclosure. When the two designs use different names for a face (for example, a Rackmount has a "front panel," whereas a 1U Extruded has a "front plate," whereas a U Shape has just a "front"), select the appropriate face name for the new design. Many of these are pre-selected, but check them all and change the name or choose "Drop This Face" as necessary.
    Tip If you are unsure of a face name for an enclosure, you can check by loading the enclosure and viewing the face in the Face Editor. The face name is displayed in the Status Bar at the bottom of the Face Editor screen.
  5. Click OK when done (or Cancel to abandon the new enclosure template and return to your original design).
  6. Check each element of the new design against your original. For some transfers, the cutouts may need to be flipped or moved manually.

Viewing the model

There are several controls to allow viewing and manipulating the 3D model of your enclosure.

Rotating

The Rotate command rotates the model around its center.

  1. Click the Rotate Rotate.PNG button in the Standard toolbar.
  2. Drag the model to rotate it to the desired orientation.

Panning

To move the model around the plane of the viewport, do any of the following:

  • Right-click the model and drag it.
  • Press and hold down the <Alt> key, then click and drag the model.
  • Click the Pan Pan.PNG button in the Standard toolbar, then click and drag the model.

Zooming

To zoom the model in or out, rotate the wheel button forward or backward.
Notes

  • The model zooms in/out from the centre of the viewport, regardless of the pointer location.
  • If your pointing device does not have a wheel, open the Face Editor and use the Zoom In and Zoom Out buttons in the Standard toolbar or the Zoom commands in the View menu.

Toggle flat/bent view

The Toggle Flat and Bent commands displays the enclosure parts as they are laid out prior to the bending process during manufacturing. These commands are for reference only, and do not affect the manufacturing of the final enclosure. You can do either of the following:

  • To display the model in a flat view, click the Flat button in the Standard toolbar. To display the model in the bent view, click the Bent button. By default, the model is displayed in the bent view.
  • You can also change between the two views by choosing View > Toggle Flat.

Bent View and Flat View.PNG

Reset view

The Reset View command displays the model in the center of the viewport in its original orientation.

  • Click the Reset View button Reset.PNG in the Standard toolbar, or choose Reset View from the View menu.

Editing a face

You use the Face Editor to add cutouts, graphics, exclusion zones, masking, and construction lines to a face.
To open the Face Editor:

  1. Rotate the model to show the face you want to edit.
  2. Click the Edit Face button. Edit Face.PNG. The pointer will change to a crosshair.
  3. Click a face to edit. The Face Editor window opens.

Viewing the Part Tree

The Part Tree shows a hierarchical list of all the faces and objects in your enclosure. You can change the name and description of objects as well as open a face in the Face Editor Window directly from the Part Tree.
3D View Window 9 Part Tree Icon PNG.png

Navigate the Part Tree

  1. Click the icon to the left of a face to display the objects on that face below.
  2. Click an object name to display description, and notes on the right of the Part Tree window.

3D View Window 10 Viewing the Part Tree.PNG

Change object name and description

  1. Click an object name on the left.
  2. Type a new name or description on the right.

Add/Delete notes

You can add notes to parts, faces, and objects for your own reference or to provide additional information to technical support such as "Please scrub this with a scouring pad". You can also use it to place features that might not be permitted in Protocase Designer but can be manufactured with certain restrictions. For example, you could create a circle using construction lines near the edge of a face on the exclusion zone (where you wouldn't normally be able to place a self-clinching standoff) and add a note "Add 6-32 x 3/8" standoff here".

  1. Click an object name on the left.
  2. Do one of the following:
    • If there are no notes, type a note in the notes field.
    • If there are existing notes, click New Note and type a note in the notes field.
  3. Click the arrows to view each note.
  4. Click Delete Note to delete the currently displayed note.

Editing a face from the Part Tree

  1. Click a face name on the left.
  2. Click Edit Face. The Face Editor window opens.
    3D View Window 11 Editing a Face from the Part Tree.PNG

Note: The Part Tree window can also be accessed from the Face Editor.

Exporting an IGES file

You can export your PDA file into an IGES file, allowing you to import your project into other CAD software.
This IGES export feature is currently only compatible with the 2018 release of Solidworks (as well as NX).

  1. Open the existing PDA file that you saved from the Protocase Designer software
  2. Select the Export Menu, and in the drop down, click Export Assembly to IGES.
    Note: Depending on the complexity of your design, the software could take a considerable amount of time to export the file, as it must export each feature individually.
  3. Once the export is completed, you can now open your exported IGES file in various CAD software.

Note: In order to import your IGES file into SolidWorks 2018, the Enable 3D Interconnect setting must be enabled. This can be found under Tools->Options->Import->General.
Also, this is currently only intended as a means of archiving your projects. We are working on improvements to this functionality to increase the usability of the exported file.
This will be released in a future version of Designer.

View full video tutorial here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fdyi_QXU7M0

Exporting a STEP File

You can export your Protocase Designer Assembly as a STEP file, allowing you to import your project into other CAD software.

To export your file:

  1. Open your existing PDA file saved in the Protocase Designer software.
  2. Select the "Export Assembly to IGES" option under the Export Menu in the tool bar at the top of your screen.
  3. The software will process your request. The time that this step will take depends on the complexity of your design.
  4. Once the export is completed, open your other CAD software and select your design.

Note: We support AP203 and AP214 STEP Application protocols.