## Constructing New Features from Existing Features: Introduction

The Insert | Feature | Constructed submenu is used when probing on a required element is not possible (for example, the intersection point of two edges).

The items from this menu allow you to create features (points, lines, circles, etc.) from existing features (ones already probed or constructed). The "Navigating the User Interface" section describes the several ways to specify the input feature(s). See the "Selecting Features Using the Graphics Display Window" topic in the "Editing the CAD Display" section for a description of the several ways to specify the input feature(s).

Once the feature is constructed, PC-DMIS draws the new feature on the screen. For 3D features (Cylinder, Sphere, Cone) and for a 2D plane, PC-DMIS will draw the feature with a shaded surface. (If desired, you can modify the feature color used during feature creation by using the ID Setup tab in the Setup Options dialog box. See the Color check box that appears after choosing Features under the Labels For item).

Sample cylinder feature, CYL1, drawn with shaded surfaces, constructed from two circles, CIR1 and CIR2

Features can be constructed by selecting features in the dialog boxes or the Edit window (see "To construct a feature from the Edit window" and "To construct a feature using the construction dialog boxes:"). The specific rules for constructing a feature from other features are found in the appropriate sections, and apply to both methods of construction. The default method for constructing a feature is Auto. In this case, PC-DMIS automatically determines the best construction type based on the input feature(s). The order of selection (unless noted otherwise) is usually not important. It is only necessary that the correct feature type(s) be chosen. For example, to construct an intersect point between a line and a slot, simply select the necessary line and slot. PC-DMIS will create a point where the line intersects the slot.

It is important to note that the documented conventions are simply a tool allowing you to become familiar with the rules governing the Edit window. The actual Edit report will be displayed using all CAPITAL LETTERS. | Example of the command line showing a constructed point in the Edit window: CONSTR/POINT, INTOF, line_id, slot_id or, CONSTR/POINT, INTOF, slot_id, line_id.

The main topics discussed in this section include:

- Understanding the General Command Format

- Specifying Feature Theoreticals

- Constructing a Point Feature

- Constructing a Circle Feature

- Constructing an Ellipse Feature

- Constructing a Sphere Feature

- Constructing a Line Feature

- Constructing a Cone Feature

- Constructing a Cylinder Feature

- Constructing a Plane Feature

- Constructing a Round Slot Feature

- Constructing a Square Slot Feature

- Constructing a Curve

- Constructing a Surface

- Constructing a Set of Features

- Constructing a Filter Set

- Constructing an Adjusted Filter