Transmagic R14 SP2 allows you to create a drawing from a 3D model or assembly; in fact there are many ways to do it. In this article we will cover the Export 2D Sheet which is available on the View Browser tool, and is included in all TransMagic products.
The purpose of Export 2D Sheet is to create multiple views of parts or assemblies for team members who need 2D pdf or printed output. This can include machine operators and quality control personnel, who may not have access to CAD systems or viewers. Export 2D Sheet also allows the user to add dimensions and annotations to each view on a per-view basis. This massively improves the communications possibilities between the user and whoever is reviewing the printed output.
See a video of this feature:
Here’s a step-by-step guide for using Export 2D Sheet:
STEP 1 – Add Dimensions and Set Text Size. You can add dimensions and annotations from the Operations panel. You can adjust dimension text size from the Settings > Appearance page under Dynamic Dimensioning > Text Size.
Note that the change will not show on the dimensions until you add a new dimension to the part.
STEP 2 – Create Views of Part or Assembly. You can use the View Browser to generate views of your part or assembly. In this example, the views are all random, but you can easily create orthographic views using the View toolbar and clicking on the options in the Orientation group.
If you’re not getting the exact view you want, consult the Help guide under Special Features > View Orientation. In the screenshot, five views are generated. You can have as many views as you want, and they will be placed on a B-size sheet, four views per sheet.
STEP 3 – Control Visibility of Dimensions and Annotations. Select a view in the view browser, then select Add Dims to View or Add Annot To View, and select or deselect the dimension or annotation you want to adjust for that view, then click Done.
STEP 4 – Export 2D Sheet. This command writes the 2D sheet with four views per sheet to a PDF. If there are five views, you’ll end up with two sheets.
NOTE: There is an option under Settings > PDF Write to put each view on a separate sheet for Standard View Orientation (another method of creating 2D views of 3D parts and assemblies). This capability is coming to Export 2D Sheet in the R15.0 timeframe, so if that is of interest, keep a lookout for it.
The benefits of putting one view per sheet is that the views are larger, dimensions and annotations are larger, and so all the information is easier for a machine operator or other team member to read from a printed sheet, especially if the part is complex.
STEP 5 – Name the file. Then double-click the file to open it in Adobe Acrobat.
What the 2D PDF will look like. Note that you can easily achieve orthographic views using the View > Orientation controls, and you can add annotations to any view.