Create Beams tool dialog

The Create Beams tool allows you to create beam (1-dimensional) mesh elements. Typically, beams represent runners and cooling circuits on a model.

Click (Mesh tab > Mesh panel > Create Beams).

Note: Many of the mesh tools involve selecting or manipulating nodes. Ensure that the nodes in the part are visible and selectable by activating the required layers in the Layers pane.

Dialog elements

Dialog element	Explanation
Coordinates(x,y,z)	Specifies the coordinates, on the global X, Y and Z axes. You can either enter the coordinates directly, or click in the graphics window to identify the location. First Defines the start of the beam. If multiple beams are being defined, the end node of the previous beam becomes the start node of the next beam. These co-ordinates are automatically added into the First field. Second Switch the focus to this field and define the end of the beam. Tip: Activate the mesh node layer. To identify the ends of the beam by selecting existing nodes, ensure the layer containing the mesh nodes is visible, set Filter=Nearest Node in the field below, then click on the required nodes in the graphics window.
Number of beams	Specify the number of equal length beam elements between end points.
Automatic apply when selection complete	This option enables the quick creation of a system that is comprised of multiple beams. The End co-ordinate of the previous beam becomes the Start co-ordinate of the next beam. Check Automatic apply when selection complete and, after defining the first beam, specify the next end co-ordinate and the beam is created. Options such as the Number of beams and Create as will also be applied. Continue defining end co-ordinates until the system is complete.
Create as	Allows you to simultaneously create a modeling entity and assign properties to it. Click Browse > New and select the applicable property. Edit enables the definition of more specific details such as dimensions, Heat Transfer Properties, etc.
Filter	The filter helps you select a desired model or mesh entity. When you use a filter, the pointer will snap to the specified entity. For example, the filter option Nearest Node can help select the start of a beam element.