rename

This organizational tool renames layers which have been assigned layer names consistent with their name, color or shape. This would be of assistance when creating a Bill of Materials where it is preferable to isolate a category or part according to its description.

In the example below, the layer STEP Model and the constituent parts are shown in the editor.

STEP Model layer and components shown in the Concept Explorer

The layer STEP Model is then deactivated, isolating only the fasteners in the assembly.

The Rename tool is selected from the PowerPack Utilities menu and the isolated parts in the editor are selected, shown below. The STEP Model layer has been dimmed for illustrative clarity.

Entities identified as part of the selected components

For this exercise, we wish to assign the entity name ‘Fasteners’ to the lifting jack assembly components such that when a Bill of Materials is extracted, the prefix ‘Fasteners’ can be used to identify assembly components.

In the example below, 12 parts have been identified, all with the prefix ‘lifting jack assembly’

In the Rename box, select the Search & Replace method, then input the search algorithm lifting jack assembly shown below. Next input Fasteners: into the Replace field and click OK.

Using the Search & Replace method

By exiting this command and selecting the entities in the editor, the Concept Explorer shows how the Search & Replace function has prefixed all components with the prefix ‘lifting jack assembly’ to Fasteners.

Prefix ‘Fasteners:’ given to all parts selected

In the example below, two sets of parts are identified – one part being a component located on the main STEP Model layer and the other on the specific layer for the part. Overall entity attributes are found by right clicking onto the Entity name and selecting Inspector Attributes, shown below.

Identifying the Attributes of an entity