In part modeling, you create sketches , use Feature commands to create three-dimensional features , and then combine the features to create parts .
Sketch shape is controlled by constraints (by default, they are automatically applied as you sketch) and sketch size is controlled by dimensions . You can leave some sketch geometry undimensioned if you want to change its size later.
Although you create most features from sketched shapes ( profiles ), some features are well-defined mechanical operations that do not require sketches, such as chamfers, fillets, shells, and face draft. Sketched features can join, cut, or intersect with another feature.
You combine features to create complex parts. Features are positioned using geometric constraints and dimensions. If you leave some curves on features undimensioned, you can make the feature adaptive , so it can change size when you constrain it to fixed geometry in an assembly.
Show Me about the difference between sketched and placed features
How part environment differs from assembly environment
When you create or open a file of the part type, you are in the part environment. Sketch commands and Feature commands manipulate sketches and features which combine to form parts.
When you create or open a file of the assembly type, you are in the assembly modeling environment. Assembly commands manipulate whole parts and subassemblies , which combine to form assemblies . When you edit a part from an assembly, you activate it and make edits in the part environment, where Sketch and Feature commands are available. When you finish edits, you save the file and double-click the top-level assembly icon in the browser to return to the assembly environment.
Tasks performed in part modeling environment
- Create or open a part file.
- Use Sketch commands to create, constrain, and dimension sketch geometry.
- Use Feature commands to create three-dimensional models from sketches.
- Combine features to create parts.
- Use the browser to edit sketches or features, show or hide features, create design notes, make features adaptive, control browser consumption, and access Properties.