Feature Reducibility in CAM2
Overview
Feature Reducibility is a term used to describe that one type of feature can be used like another type in some situations, even though the ‘reducible feature’ cannot be seen.
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Reducible Feature Types
There are 3 ‘reducible’ feature types:
Point: Is not 'feature reducible', nor does it have a vector (direction). |
Line: Is not ‘feature reducible'. The vector (direction) is shown by the arrow, and is determined by the 1st to 2nd point measured. |
Plane: Is not 'feature reducible'. The vector (direction) is shown by the arrows, relevant to the compensation direction when measured. |
Reducible Features
All geometrical features contain at least one ‘reducible feature’ type, which are used as the ‘anchor’ for dimensions, coordinate systems, alignments & constructions. The following diagrams below shows by feature, it’s ‘reducible feature’ and where they are positioned.
Circle (Arc): 3 'Reducible' Features:
Point - at the center | Plane - which it is projected onto | Line - through the center, parallel to planes vector (GD&T datum only) |
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Round Slot: 3 'Reducible' Features:
Point - at the center | Plane - which it is projected onto | Line - from arc center to arc center |
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Rectangular Slot: 3 'Reducible' Features:
Point - at the center | Plane - which it is projected onto | Line - running center along length |
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Ellipse: 3 'Reducible' Features:
Point - at the center | Plane - which it is projected onto | Line - running center along length |
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Sphere: 1 'Reducible' Feature:
Point - at the center |
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Cylinder: 1 'Reducible' Feature:
Line - through the center |
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Cone: 2 'Reducible' Features:
Point - at the apex | Line - through the center |
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Torus: 2 'Reducible' Features:
Point - at the center | Plane - parallel to the section center circle |
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Therefore, when creating constructions, the option ‘treat as’ refers to the reducible feature.
See Also
Keywords:
Help Sheet, MS002