Extra Vault Viewing Options

One of the comments I often hear when discussing Vault with somone is that the viewing tab within Vault doesn't give them enough space to really view a drawing well. There are a couple of other viewing options including:

1) The View button (Launches a separate viewing window)

2) The "Open in DWF application" right click option

Check out this video for a demonstration:

Watch Video Here

Contributed by Ben of the INCAT CAD Geeks

Power Snaps.....Not just for Rock Stars anymore!

Well, Twas the night before Christmas and all through the shop not a Geek was working including the boss.

From all of the CAD Geeks may you have a wonderful Holiday Season and A Happy New Year.

Well let's talk Power Snaps:
Just like AutoCAD, AutoCAD Mechanical has all of the same functionality for object snaps but AutoCAD Mechanical has more tools as usual.
Power Snaps:
These are object snaps with bonus functionality to them.
There are multiple settings that can be stored for use over and over.
Filter settings allow you to remove out objects from selection when using a snap.

Check out this quick video:

Enjoy,
Jim....Another INCAT CAD Geek!

Stretchy Parts in Inventor and Productstream

Sometimes you must wear stretchy pants... Is just for fun...

Jack Black - Nacho Libre

Well this isn't the movies but in Inventor the phrase might go like this...

Sometimes you must use stretchy parts... Its just for the best Digital Prototype...

The problem with stretchy parts like springs or oRings in Inventor is that you may need to show them in different stretched positions, maybe even on the same drawing sheet. By placing multiple part variations in your assembly we have the ability to document these type of parts in the context of a mechanistic assembly drawing. Just tweak a BOM setting, create a View Represtentation, and you'll be all set to create just the right assembly drawing views with your "stretchy parts".

I have created a video of a stapler with a spring that must be extended in any view where the stapler is open. In addition, with a BOM setting changed, Productstream will even display exactly the right BOM for the design as well.

Watch Video Here

Contributed by Ben of the INCAT CAD Geeks

AliasStudio - CV Tracing

In this tutorial I will demonstrate CV Tracing. The concept of CV Tracing allows the user to duplicate changes to surfaces across a center line without losing construction history.

Click HERE to watch the video...

Created by Aaron... Your Alias CAD Geek

Wire Tags AutoCAD Electrical

When configuring your AutoCAD Electrical one area that can be confusing is setting up your wire tag information so that all your wire numbers read the way you want them too. First thing first is where do we configure your wire tags. This can be accomplished in two areas the first being under the properties for a given project or you can do this by a sheet by sheet basis when selecting the drawing properties. Just remember the %N must always be part of the wire format string. Below is a little cheat sheet to help better understand what parameters you have to work with.

Let's take a look

http://www.screencast.com/t/BthvNxgFXoH

Created by Dave one of the Cad Geeks