|
What are model variants used for? |
Scroll |
A model file can contain model representation variants (or simply representation variants) and model composition variants (in short, composition variants).
During the design process, it may be necessary to analyze the model under various operating conditions, such as when moving components are positioned in their extreme positions, or when sheet metal parts are represented in their bent and unfolded states, etc. It may also be necessary to explore manufacturing options for certain structural elements—such as tool exit grooves, chamfers, etc.—or to consider simplified model variants or variants with different surface optical properties. Model representation variants are used to address these tasks.
Learn more about the model's representation variants...
A model composition variant is designed to isolate a portion of the model’s geometry so that it can be loaded separately from other objects in the model. The primary purpose of this isolation is to generate simplified models for various tasks. For example, a composition variant may include the part’s body—that is, the result of solid operations—but exclude the operations themselves, their sketches, and other source objects. In assemblies representing a mechanism or device enclosed in a housing, you can create detail variants that include only the housing parts. In fastener models, composition variants can be created that represent these fasteners in a simplified form: without chamfers, fillets, or holes. Using such simplified fastener variants in an assembly reduces the time it takes to open the assembly and also produces a drawing with image simplifications as required by the standard.
The composition variants contain only the data of the selected objects (the results of the construction), they do not contain data from intermediate operations, as well as data from other objects that were not added to the option. This reduces the loading time, updates (rebuilds) of the model, and reduces computer performance requirements.
Learn more about the model's composition variants...
If necessary, the geometry included in a representation or composition can be simplified using various operations. For example, you can remove small elements using direct modeling commands.
Using representation variants and/or composition variants allows you to speed up the loading of the assembly model and provides the ability to solve the current design problem.
