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Defining Mounting Points

Mounting points are used to define points, surfaces or lines on 3D objects on which other components can be placed. Mounting points can be used for the exclusive placement of a suitable handle on a 3D object. Example: Placement of the center of a mounting rail drill hole on the center of a drill hole on a support. A mounting point is therefore a snap point.

The placement of 3D objects on a mounting point can be controlled according to the following rules:

  • Mounting points adopt the Z direction of a surface selected during the definition. The Z direction indicates how the object to be placed on the mounting point is to be oriented.
  • The orientation of the XY plane of the mounting point can be additionally rotated in 90° steps or in a free angle in the Placement options dialog, which results in an additional rotation of the object to be placed there. A coordinate cross at the cursor allows for graphical control of the current direction settings.

Note:

Mounting points and base points can also be inserted on mounting surfaces or mounting grids.

Tip:

To subsequently change the alignment and rotation of a mounting point, use the Rotate around axis functionality.

Preconditions:

  • You have opened a project.
  • You have opened the layout space navigator and a layout space.
  • The layout space contains 3D objects.
  1. Select the following commands: Tab Insert > Command group Mounting aids > Mounting point.
  2. Move the cursor over the 3D objects.

    Points, edges or surfaces below the cursor are automatically highlighted. Snap points are displayed.
  3. Click on a point on the desired surface.

    The mounting point to be defined is indicated by a coordinate cross at the cursor.
  4. Using the shortcut key [Ctrl] + [Shift] + [R] you rotate the X axis of the mounting point perpendicularly in steps of 90°.
  5. Select the Placement options popup menu item to specify any rotation angle for the X axis in the Placement options dialog.
  6. Click to place the mounting point.
  7. Enter the corresponding values in the fields Name and Description of the property dialog. Or alternatively click the [...] button to select the name and the description of an existing mounting line in the following dialog.
  8. Click [OK].

See also