Overview

Conceptual design is a method which permits an engineer/designer to quickly capture ideas in a three dimensional model. These models can later be refined by defining sizes of components using constraints.

The three dimensional design can readily converted to:

• a two dimensional drawing containing dimensions, sectional views and detail views.
• an album which displays the 3D model made from selected materials and displayed under a variety of lighting conditions.

• For an overview of the process as illustrated in the construction of a pencil box click here.

Work pane

This is the area where you do all your design work.

Workplane

Workplanes are the surface upon which you draw shapes. To be able to draw a shape, a workplane must have a sketch attached.

Design toolbar

The design toolbar provides a quick method to activate tools. The tools can also be found in the menu bar.

Object browser pane

The object browser pane becomes important in the editing of designs. It allows you to see and access:

• workplanes and sketches
• features which you have created on your model
• components of an assembly design

Menu bar

The menu bar allows the user to access all tools available in the program. Parts of the File and Edit menu's will be familiar.

Status bar

The status bar is like a hidden treasure. It is located in a position where people seldom look. It:

• is located at the bottom left corner of the screen
• gives a detailed description of the tool which is being pointed to by the mouse
• describes the workplane and sketch being used when designing
• reports on the progress of the updating operations

A sample status bar report:

was displayed when the mouse was moved over the rectangle tool

Standard toolbar

The standard toolbar contains tools which are common to all programs

• New
• Open an existing design
• Save the design
• Print the design
• Cut
• Copy
• Paste
• Delete
• Undo (only one level of undo is provided)

Getting Started

To start a new 3D model:

• click the Start button at the bottom left of the screen

• from Programs select PTC ProDESKTOP

• close the tip of the day

• click the New icon in the standard toolbar

• select Design

• click OK