ZW3D Part Libraries

Utilities > Part Library... (Object/Part level)

Part Library... (Object/Part level)

ZW3D Part Libraries When you create a new part during the New File command or from the ZW3D Object Manager, options are available to create the part from a ZW3D Part Library (*.z3l) file. These files contain parametrically defined standard parts that you can use in your designs.

ZW3D Part Table are similar to ZW3D Part Libraries and both share the same file format and both can be referred to as part tables. Part Libraries are pre-defined libraries of standard parts. You can use Part Table to create your own family of parts.

Part tables, libraries and mold bases

ZW3D provides many options for creating families of parts (Part Tables) and inserting standard parts and mold bases from libraries. Here are some options:

Select Utilities > Part Table to open or create a Part Table.

Select Utilities > Part Library to create a component from a ZW3D Part Library. By default, ZW3D Part Library files are located in the "/part_libraries" directory of your ZW3D installation folder. This directory contains ANSI and DME standard components.

Basic Procedure

The first time you run this command the File Browser will display and prompt you to select a ZW3D Part Library (*.z3l, *.vxl) file. The ZW3D Part Library Form (see below) will then be displayed. When you run the command again, this library will be loaded by default.
Use the ZW3D Part Library Form to select the standard part to create and then pick OK. The part is created and activated for editing.

The ZW3D Part Library Form

The top of the form indicates the name of the default Part Library. You can use the folder icon to select a different Part Library file. Use the upper portion of the from to select a part from the library. The lower portion provides information about the selected part.

You can place a check in the box to Use a simplified representation of the part. This means that it will contain less detail and require less system resources. When you're ready, pick OK to create the part. Be sure to review the Notes section below for additional information.

Customize a Part Library

You can customize a ZW3D Part Library by loading its (*.z3l, *.vxl) file into the ZW3D Part Table Form, making changes, and then saving the library under a different name. Always make a backup copy of your ZW3D Part Library files before modifying them. Go to Utilities > Part table... to access the form. See ZW3D Part Tables for information about the form and the Part Table file format.

Notes

The Part Library interface is higher-level than the ZW3D Part Table interface. However, the ZW3D Part Table interface gives you a few tools for creating part tables. Alternatively, you can use a spreadsheet or word processor to create part tables based on the format outlined in ZW3D Part Table File Format.
When the Part Library is invoked from "File > New" using the New File/Object Form, the new part is inserted in a new file. The new file and part are activated for editing.
When the Part Library is invoked from the ZW3D Object Manager, the new part is inserted in the root object list of the active file.
When the Part Library is invoked in part edit mode ( Utilities > Part Library), the new part is inserted in the active part as a component, unless the new part is derived from the same seed part as the active part. In this case, you are given an option to regenerate the active part with driving parameters selected for the new part.
This option allows you to use the Part Library interface to modify the driving parameters of an existing part, as opposed to always creating a new part. If the option is not selected, the standard procedure is followed (i.e. insert the new part in active part as a component).

In this Article:

ZW3D Part Libraries

Basic Procedure

The ZW3D Part Library Form

Customize a Part Library

Notes