Translating part or model instances

Select InstanceTranslate from the main menu bar to move selected part or model instances along a selected vector. The direction and magnitude of the vector are arbitrary except that you can translate axisymmetric part instances only along the axis of rotation. If the translation conflicts with a previous position constraint; for example, a constraint that aligns two faces, Abaqus/CAE applies the components of translation only along the unconstrained degrees of freedom. If all of the degrees of freedom are constrained, Abaqus/CAE displays an error message and the translation fails.

Related Topics
Using the Instance menu
Creating the assembly

Context:

When you create the first instance in your assembly, Abaqus/CAE displays a graphic indicating the origin and orientation of the assembly's default coordinate system. You can use this graphic to help you decide how to translate your part instances. In addition, you can use the Query toolset to review the sum of the translations and rotations previously applied to an instance and the distance between selected vertices. Translations and rotations are not considered features of the assembly and cannot be edited or deleted.

  1. From the main menu bar, select InstanceTranslate.

    Tip: You can also translate instances using the tool from the Assembly module toolbox. For a diagram of the tools in the Assembly toolbox, see Using the Assembly module toolbox.

    Abaqus/CAE displays prompts in the prompt area to guide you through the procedure.

  2. Select the part or model instances to translate. You can also click the Instance List button on the right of the prompt area and select the instances to translate from the Instance List dialog box that appears.

    Tip: If you are unable to select the desired instance, you can use the Selection toolbar to change the selection behavior. For more information, see Using the selection options.

    You can use a combination of CtrlClick and ShiftClick to select multiple instances.

    Abaqus/CAE highlights the selected instances.

  3. Select the start point of the translation vector. You can select any existing vertices or datum points, or you can enter the coordinates in the text box in the prompt area.

  4. Select the end point of the translation vector. Again, you can select any existing vertices or datum points, or you can enter the coordinates in the text box in the prompt area.

    Abaqus/CAE displays a temporary image indicating the translation that will be applied to the selected instance. You cannot edit or delete a translation after it is applied. Attempting to translate an instance may result in a conflict with existing position constraints. Abaqus/CAE applies the components of translation only along the unconstrained degrees of freedom. If all of the degrees of freedom are constrained, Abaqus/CAE displays an error message and the translation fails.

  5. Do one of the following:

    1. If you are satisfied the translation is correct, click the OK button in the prompt area.

      Abaqus/CAE translates the instance and positions it at the same location as the temporary image of the instance.

    2. If you are not satisfied with the translation, click the Previous button () and specify a new translation vector.
    3. Abort the translation by clicking the cancel button ().