Importing from the component library

Use the Component Library tool to import components into your project from the Component Library. A component library is a folder containing a collection of ArtCAM Assembly (.3da) files, each of which you can import separately. It is similar to using a vector library or relief clipart library.

Each component:

• can only be imported into an open project;
• has up to three parametric dimensions;
• can be resized proportionally;
• creates at least one new assembly in the Project Tree, each with its own associated mesh.

To import a component:

1. In the Project panel, select the root Assembly or assembly item in the Project Tree below which you want to import a component. The Assembly panel is displayed below the splitter bar.
2. In the Children area of the Assembly panel, click the Component Library button to display the Component Library panel.
3. Select a library from the Choose Library list from which you want to import a component. The components associated with the selected library are displayed below the Options area.
4. Select the component you want to import. Its name and dimensions are displayed.

   For example, with the Primitives library selected, clicking Cone displays the Component Name, Base Diameter and Height.

5. To control the dimensions and set their parameters:
   1. Click the Advanced Options control bar. Its settings are displayed below.
   2. Click the Dimension list, then select the dimension you want to add or modify.

      Each dimension is numbered. If your chosen dimension is already used by the component, the Active check box is selected and three parameters are displayed: Description, Reference Size and Links.

   3. If you are using a new dimension, select the Active check box, then go to the next step.

      If you are editing parameters, go to the next step.

      If you are removing the dimension, deselect the Active check box, then go to step g.

   4. In the Description box, enter the dimension's name.
   Note: If you enter ShankDiameter or ShankWidth, Standard and Size lists alongside Diameter and Width boxes are included in the component's settings.
   5. In the Reference Size box, enter its distance.
   6. In the Link area, ensure the check box for each of the plane's axes is selected.

      For example, the first of the cone's dimensions is its base diameter. Here, the distances along the X-axis and Y-axis on the X-Y plane are respectively 10 mm.

   7. Click Apply.
6. In the Component Name box, enter the component's name.
7. Specify each component's dimensions in the boxes.

   For example, the cone has two dimensions, Base Diameter and Height, and both of these are set to 10mm.

8. Click Import to add the component to the Project Tree.

   One or more assemblies are created in the Project Tree, each with its own associated mesh. Any gems associated with the component are also imported.

9. Click the close button to close the panel.

Note: The availability of this feature is license dependent.