Use the Define Custom Shape dialog to define a custom shape in PartMaker.
To display the Define Custom Shape dialog, select Part Features > Define Custom Shape.
The following settings are available:
Use as Initial Stock Shape — Select this option if you want to use the custom shape as the initial stock shape, as shown in simulation.
Shape Definition — Select the method for defining the custom shape from the geometry:
- Revolve — If you are using 2D profile geometry to define the custom shape, selecting this option creates the shape by revolving the 2D profile around a horizontal axis. Note: You must draw the profile in the second quadrant. Also ensure that 2D profile of the custom shape is closed, so the start and end points coincide.
- Extrude — If you are using 2D profile geometry to define the custom shape, selecting this option creates the shape by extrusion. Specify the extrusion vector (the stock length) on the Setup dialog.
- Solid Model — Select to create the shape using a solid model file. Click the Model Data button to display the Model Data dialog, where you can select the solid model file you want to use.
PartMaker cannot represent a custom bar stock using a solid model.
Shape Tolerance — Enter a tolerance value for the custom shape. PartMaker uses this value when saving the custom shape to an .stl file and when calculating surface machining toolpaths whose machining limits are defined using this custom shape.
Shape Name — Enter a name for the custom shape.
Shape Preview — Click to display the Stock Shape Preview window, where you can preview a 3D representation of the custom shape.
Save as STL File — Click to save the custom shape to an .stl file. PartMaker displays the Export STL File dialog, where you can specify the folder location and filename of the file.
Close — Click to save any changes you have made and close the dialog.
Cancel — Click to discard any changes you have made and close the dialog.
Apply — Click to save any changes you have made to the dialog.