Content area
Full Text
Mechanical Desktop
Application: Autodesk Mechanical Desktop 2005 and 2006
It has become commonplace to electronically share data instantly. In the mechanical design world, you often need to share accurate design data. A particular client may need to review a design to approve any modifications prior to changing a product. A vendor may need accurate design data to create the product that your company sells. A large firm may have satellite offices in many locations, requiring the sharing of the design of a product among these locations. Whatever the reasons, it can be critically important to share design data quickly and accurately. Mechanical Desktop offers some tools for accomplishing this task. This month, we examine several methods of sharing files.
Don't forget to share
We'll start by explaining the file sharing process in general. Then, we'll explain how to use the eTransmit feature. Finally, we'll cover file conversions that you can use when you need to share files between MDT users and other software users.
The file sharing process
Sharing MDT design data is an accurate process between multiple users of the same software. However, when sharing files between users of different software packages, you typically need to share part models independent of assembly models and drawings independent of their linked models. Since MDT is a parametric modeler, part and drawings links and constraints may not be available between different software packages. The data will still be accurate, but the models will not retain all features and constraints and drawings will not include their links to the models. When sharing data across different software packages, a file conversion is necessary. The conversion process creates a base model with no features, as converting drawings creates a simple 2-D drawing. As we explain later in this article, you can use common conversion formats to ensure readability by most software packages.
Share with etransmit
The simplest and most direct way of sharing files between MDT users is through the use of the eTransmit feature. This command transmits files electronically. The command allows you to collect files linked together via assembly and/or external referencing and organize them into a single file for transmitting. Files retain their constraints, drawing links, and other pertinent data as long as the recipient...