SpinFire Ultimate

Quick Training Guide

Updated for v. 11.6.3

ACTIFY, INC.
101 CALIFORNIA ST, SUITE 2710
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 9410
SUPPORT@ACTIFY.COM
 SpinFire Ultimate Quick Training Guide

Contents
Getting started ....................................................................................................................................... 3
3D Models ........................................................................................................................................... 3
Opening Files .................................................................................................................................. 3
Importing Models ............................................................................................................................ 5
Assembly Tree................................................................................................................................. 5
3D Tool Bar...................................................................................................................................... 6
3D Markups & Measurements.......................................................................................................... 8
3D Sectioning ................................................................................................................................ 14
3D User Views ............................................................................................................................... 15
2D Files ..............................................................................................................................................17
Opening Files .................................................................................................................................17
2D Tool Bar ....................................................................................................................................17
2D Markups & Measurements ....................................................................................................... 18
Saving ............................................................................................................................................... 22
Save Options ................................................................................................................................. 22
Save .............................................................................................................................................. 23
Printing ............................................................................................................................................. 23
Importer Options .............................................................................................................................. 24
Home Page ....................................................................................................................................... 24
Main Navigation Tab ..................................................................................................................... 24
Navigation Panel ........................................................................................................................... 24
Recent Documents ........................................................................................................................ 25
Library............................................................................................................................................... 25
Library Setup................................................................................................................................. 25
Library Folders .............................................................................................................................. 26
Library Files ................................................................................................................................... 27
Advanced Features ........................................................................................................................... 27
Keyboard Shortcuts .......................................................................................................................... 28
3D Smart Dimensioning .................................................................................................................... 28
Shortcut Toolbar ............................................................................................................................... 29
Reset to the Original View................................................................................................................. 30

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Change 3D Options ........................................................................................................................... 30

Copy Workspace Image to Clipboard ................................................................................................ 30
Gain Performance ............................................................................................................................. 30
Cycle through Standard Views .......................................................................................................... 30
Zooming and Panning ....................................................................................................................... 30
Open and Import via Drag-and-Drop................................................................................................. 30
Change Languages............................................................................................................................ 31
Videos List ........................................................................................................................................ 32
Performance Improvement Guide ..................................................................................................... 32
SpinFire Support Process .................................................................................................................. 32
Most Often Used Functions ............................................................................................................... 33
User Interface ................................................................................................................................ 33
Window Functions......................................................................................................................... 35
Part Manipulation.......................................................................................................................... 37
Dimension Functions ..................................................................................................................... 39
Measurements .............................................................................................................................. 40
Add Notes ..................................................................................................................................... 48
Coordinate Systems ...................................................................................................................... 50
Exploded Assembly & User Views.................................................................................................. 52
Shattered Assembly ...................................................................................................................... 55
Importing Multi-document .3D ...................................................................................................... 56
2D Snapshot.................................................................................................................................. 57
Section Cuts .................................................................................................................................. 58
Actify Resources ................................................................................................................................... 61

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 SpinFire Ultimate Quick Training Guide

Getting started
Actify SpinFire Ultimate is a revolutionary CAD Viewer with multi-CAD support for 3D and 2D viewing,
measuring, mark-up and other investigative functions. SpinFire is able to convert CAD models into a
compact, lightweight and neutral format for sharing with internal and external teams. Gain insight from
your product data. Actify’s SpinFire CAD Viewer will fulfil the Product Visualization needs of your
organization regardless of its size.

This document open files, perform essential tasks, saving and printing. For additional information see
the Actify Resources section.

3D Models
Opening Files
SpinFire Ultimate opens many types of 3D file formats.

Format Description Extension

Actify SpinFire Professional .3D
Actify SpinFire Ultimate .ACT3D
ACIS .SAT, .SAB
Autodesk AutoCAD .DXF
Autodesk Inventor .IPT, .IAM
CATIA v4 .MODEL, .SESSION, .DLV, .EXP
CATIA v5 .CATPART, .CATPRODUCT, .CATSHAPE, .CGR
CATIA V6 .3DXML
I-DEAS .MF1, .ARC, .UNV,.PKG
IGES .IGS, .IGES
Industry Foundation Classes .IFC, .IFCZIP
JT .JT
PDF .PDF
PRC .PRC
Parasolid .X_B, .X_T, .XMG, .XMT_TXT
ProE .ASM, .ASM., .NEU, .NEU., .PRT, .PRT., .XAS, .XPR
Rhino .3DM
STEP .STP, .STEP, .STP.Z
Siemens PLM Software’s NX .PRT
SolidEdge .ASM, .PAR, .PWD, .PSM
SolidWorks .SLDASM, .SLDPRT
STL .STL
Universal 3D .U3D
VDA-FS .VDA
VRML .WRL, .VRML

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 SpinFire Ultimate Quick Training Guide

To open a CAD file,

1. Click the Open File button (or use the File > Open menu item).

2. Browse to find your CAD file, SpinFire Professional 10.x.3D file, or SpinFire Ultimate .ACT3D
file.

Note: For a list of the file format versions supported navigate to Options > Importers
3. Click Open.

TIP: ACT3D files have a preview thumbnail to help you quickly find a file based on an image simply
by selecting it in the Open file dialog.

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Importing Models
Import 3D models into the existing work space in SpinFire Ultimate to build new exciting assemblies or
perform model compares.

To import a 3D model:

1. Select Import… from the open button.

2. Browse and find the file to add to the current work space.
3. Select the file.
4. Click Open.

Assembly Tree

• Expand nodes in the assembly tree by clicking the ‘+’ boxes.

• Collapse by clicking the respective ‘–’ boxes.
• Selecting nodes in the assembly tree highlights respective parts in the graphics window.
• Right-mouse-click on a node to view available commands which include:
o Hiding part
o Show only
o Focus
o Changing color
o Changing transparency
o Changing the render mode

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o Transforming
o Calculating volume, surface area, center of mass, weight, bounding box
o Deleting
o Renaming
o Retrieving and adding meta data properties

See related training videos:

http://chilp.it/a87865b - Load Only Assembly + File Import + Transform by Handle

3D Tool Bar
Use buttons on the 3D tool bar to change views of the model or analyze the model.

Icon Title Description

Hide/Show Browser Pane Controls the visibility of the browser pane on the
left side of the SpinFire Ultimate window.
Selection (or Picking) Mode The selection/picking mode determines whether a
part (left icon) or a surface (right icon) is selected
when you right-click on a model.
Background Color Menu Enables you to override the default Workspace
background color and gradient options.
Display Menu Controls whether or not notes, dimensions,
coordinate systems, or PMI annotations are
displayed in the scene. You can also use this menu
to turn on/off the grid, axis triad, or navigation
cube.
Viewports Menu Contains options for splitting the viewport into two
or more viewports.
Projection Mode Determines whether perspective (left icon) or
parallel (right icon) projection is used in the scene.
Rendering Menu Controls how the 3D objects are drawn.

Effects Menu Controls resolution, blurring, and intensity of

blooms (bright spots), reflections, and shadows.
Zoom Menu Contains mouse mode (pointer behavior) and
viewing options.
Section Menu Contains section plane and profile display
commands; controls profile colors and plane
alignment and placement.
3D Notes Menu Contains commands for inserting a note markup
label.
Linear Menu Contains commands for measuring lengths,
coordinates, and edges.

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Advanced Measurement Menu Contains commands for measuring lengths,

minimum thickness and distances, and areas.
Radial Menu Contains commands for measuring arcs and circles.
Angular Menu Contains commands for measuring angles.

Smart Edge Dimension A versatile edge and surface measuring tool.

Length Units Menu Provides options for choosing length measurement

units. The new selection will override the default
settings only in the active viewport.
Angular Units Menu Lists options for choosing angle measurement
units. The new selection will override the default
settings only in the active viewport.
Weight Units Menu Lists options for choosing weight measurement
units. The new selection will override the default
settings only in the active viewport.
Materials Menu Provides options for choosing which material is to
be used when the object is manufactured. The
drop-down list originates from the Measurement
section on the 3D Viewer settings page > Define
Materials....

The new selection will override the default settings

only in the active viewport.
Analysis Perform further analysis on your model with color
mapped visuals with model compare, draft angle
analysis, wall thickness and curvature.
Exploded Assembly Exploded Assembly enables you to quickly
transform multiple or all parts of an assembly in a
chosen uniform pattern.
Coordinate System Opens a dialog box for creating/changing a
coordinate system.
Properties Shows the meta data found in the CAD file.
For parts, users can enter in additional data to be
saved with their ACT3D files.
3D Viewer Settings Opens an Options dialog box that allows you to
change 3D Viewer settings.

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3D Markups & Measurements

Utilize SpinFire Ultimate mark ups and measurements to label parts, provide notes for colleagues,
perform important measurements, and analyze critical features of the model.

To create a note, mark up, or measurement,

1. Choose the type of note, mark up, or measurement from the 3D tool bar.

2. Follow the instructions provided by the SpinFire Ultimate Interface.

3. Set the mark up in the location desired.

To further edit the mark up,

1. Navigate to the Markups panel by clicking on Markups.

2. Right mouse click on the mark up desired in the list on the markups panel or on the physical
markup itself within the graphical area.
3. The context menu differs depending on the note, markup, or measurement selected. View and
select the operation desired.

To change principal markup properties such as font, text color, markup color, line color, etc.
select Properties.

Note: Set up markup properties in Options > Settings > 3D Viewer under Colors and Label Fonts
and Colors if you desire all markups to have a specific look and feel moving forward.

3D Notes

There are a variety of notes you can apply to your work space to describe an item, jot down a though, or
leave a note for a colleague.

Type Description

3D Point Note A 3D Point Note is attached to a selected point

on a model.

3D Edge Note A 3D Edge Note is attached to selected edge on

the model.

3D Note A 3D Note is attached to a selected spot in the 3D

space and will rotate along with your model.

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2D Note A 2D Note "floats" above the scene and remains

in place as you pan, rotate, or zoom—it does not
move with the model.

3D Surface Note A 3D Surface Note is attached to selected surface

on the model.

Auto Note Auto Note enables you to automatically name or

number all or selected parts or subassemblies
that comprise your model.

See related training videos:

http://chilp.it/0d591c1 - 3D Notes

3D Linear Measurements

Quantify, evaluate and document your assembly and part dimensions using the many SpinFire Ultimate
Linear measurements.

Type Description

Point Coordinates Determines the X, Y, and Z coordinates of a

selected point on the model.

Arc Center Coordinates Determines the X, Y, and Z coordinates of the

center of a selected arc on the model.

Surface Point Coordinates Determines the X, Y, and Z coordinates of a point

on a selected surface.

Two Edge Intersection Point Coordinates Determines the X, Y, and Z coordinates where
two edges intersect.

Edge Length Measures the length of an edge on the model.

The edge is highlighted when the pointer is
properly positioned.

Thickness Measures the distance between a selected

surface and the nearest surface.

Point to Point Measures the distance between two selected

points on the model.

Point to Edge Measures the distance between a selected point

and an edge on the model.

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Arc Center to Edge Measures the distance between the center of a

selected arc on the model and an edge on the
model.

Arc Center to Arc Center Measures the distance between the centers of
two selected arcs on the model.

Arc Center to Surface Point Measures the distance between the center of a
selected arc on the model and a surface point on
the model.

Surface Point to Surface Point Measures the distance between two points on a
surface on the model or between two points on
two different surfaces.

Surface Point to Edge Measures the distance between a point on a

model surface and a selected edge.

Distance Between Two Surfaces Measures the distance between two flat parallel
surfaces.

Sum of Connected Edges Calculates the sum of any number of connected

edges selected by the user.

3D Advanced Measurements

Additional SpinFire Ultimate measurements are available to calculate special scenarios such as
measuring the length of a pipe or finding the volume of a void.

Type Description

Tube Length Measures the length of a tube between first and

last radii selections.

Minimum Distance Measures the length of a tube between first and

last radii selections.

Minimum Thickness Calculates the minimum thickness of a set of

points or surfaces.

Minimum Distance Between Edges Measures the shortest distance between two
edges on the model.

Minimum Distance Between Two Surfaces Measures the shortest distance between two
surfaces.

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Minimum Distance From Arc Center to Surface Measures the shortest distance from a selected
arc center point to a surface.

Boundary Center by Edges Determines the center point of a boundary

defined by connected edges.

Boundary Area by Edges Calculates the area of a boundary defined by

connected edges.

Boundary Volume by Surfaces Calculates the volume of a space defined by

connected surfaces.

Radial Measurements

SpinFire Ultimate Radial measurements enables users to perform measurements surrounding arcs and
circles.

Type Description

Arc Diameter Measures the diameter of a circle derived from a

selected arc on the model.

Arc Radius Measures the radius of a circle derived from a

selected arc on the model.

Circle by Three Points Draws a visible circle that passes through three
selected points on the model and determines the
diameter of the circle.

See related training videos:

http://chilp.it/e265212 - Arc Diameter

http://chilp.it/e721827 - Arc Radius

http://chilp.it/4db0e0c - Circle By Three Points

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3D Angular Measurements

SpinFire Ultimate angular measurements can calculate mundane angles between edges to presenting
tangent angles to arcs and surface draft angles.

Type Description

Three Points Angle Measures an angle defined by two segments

with a common point.

Two Edge Angle Measures an angle defined by two edges on the

model.

Surface Point to Point Angle Measures an angle defined by the line between a
point and a surface point and the normal vector
of the surface.

Surface Point to Edge Angle Measures an angle defined by a point on the

surface and a straight edge on the model.

Surface point to Surface Point Angle Measures the angle defined by points on two
surfaces.

Surface Point to Circle Tangent Angle Measures the angle defined by a point on a
surface and the tangent of a selected circle.

Two Points Draft Angle Measures an angle defined by a line between two
selected points and the X-, Y-, or Z-axis.

Surface Draft Angle Measures an angle defined by a surface point and

the X-, Y-, or Z-axis.

See related training videos:

http://chilp.it/30bb046 - Angular Menu

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3D Analysis

Use SpinFire Ultimate 3D Analysis tools to identify useful information quickly through a graphical color
representation of the analysis. Save the analysis as a user view to refer to later or markup appropriately.

Type Description

Model Compare Take two similar parts and view similarities and
differences through the use of coloring mapping.

Draft Angle Analysis Through color mapping, analyze a part(s) for

proper the draft angle.

Wall Thickness Analysis Discover the part thickness based on a color

mapping analysis.

Curvature Analysis Analyze the curvature of surfaces based on a

graphical color representation.

See related training videos:

http://chilp.it/4564bf2 - Model Compare

http://chilp.it/3509284 - Draft Angle Analysis

http://chilp.it/5fa6250 - Wall Thickness Analysis

http://chilp.it/46b381f - Curvature Analysis

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3D Sectioning
The capability to display a cross section of a part or assembly is one of the most important and useful
features of SpinFire Ultimate.

Use the Section button from the 3D tool bar to enable sectioning.

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• Additionally flip sections, switch to multiple sectioning planes, align planes by axis, and place
planes by coordinates.
• Use the Define Section dialog to gain full control over your section planes.
• Right-mouse click on a section plane to find quick commands to control the section plane(s).
• On a single plane, step into projection mode and calculate the area projected.

• Single plane sectioning also permits you to

o Calculate area, perimeter, and centroid,
o Create a 2D document in the work space of the section profile,
o Export to DXF,
o And produce a section profile table of parts to create mark ups, user views, copy to the
clipboard, and export to a file (.TXT, .CSV, .XML, .XLS, .XLSX).

See related training videos:

http://chilp.it/7601fe6 - Section Menu

3D User Views
A user view is a custom view of the 3D scene that has been (named and) saved by a user. User view
information is saved in the Actify .ACT3D file.

• You can add a user view or access saved user views from the Views browser pane.
• A user view may be selected as the "startup view," which is displayed when the file is opened.
• Some features allow you to create a user view directly from the function.
o Exploded assemblies
o Model compare
o Draft angle analysis
o Wall thickness analysis
o Curvature analysis
o Section profiles

Creating a User View

To manually create a user view:

1. Arrange the model in the desired angle view, color, render mode, measurements, etc.
2. Go to the Views panel.
3. Right-mouse click on the User Views section.

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4. Select New User View…

5. Enter a name.
6. Select Make this the startup view if you wish the view to be the one that appears when loading
the saved ACT3D file.
7. Click OK.

Viewing a User View

To view a user view:

1. Go to the Views panel.

2. Click on the user view.

Updating a User View

If you are viewing a user view and decide to change the camera view of the model,

Update the user view by:

1. Right-mouse clicking on Camera for the respective user view.

2. Select Update Camera.

If you have changed the geometry or added models and wish to save the changes in the user view:

1. Right-mouse clicking on Geometry for the respective user view.

2. Select Update Geometry.

Mark ups and measurements can appear in your user view or be removed specifically form a user view
but appear in others. To adjust markups,

1. Go to the Mark up panel.

2. Right-mouse click on the mark up in question.
3. Select Remove Mark up from View to remove it.

To add a mark up to the user view,

1. Go to the Mark up panel.

2. Right-mouse click on the mark up in question.
3. Select Add Mark up to Another View or Add Mark up to All Views.

See related training videos:

http://chilp.it/a30a6fd - User Views

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2D Files
Opening Files
SpinFire Ultimate opens many types of 2D file formats.

Format Description Extension

Actify SpinFire Professional .3D
Actify SpinFire Ultimate .ACT3D
Autodesk AutoCAD .DXF, .DWG, .DWF
CATIA v4 .MODEL
CATIA v5 .CATDRAWING
CGM .CGM
EMF .EMF ,.WMF
HPGL .HPGL, .HPG, .HGL, .PLT, .HG2, .HP2, .GL2
Image Files .BMP, .JPT, .JPEG, .PNG
PDF .PDF
ProE .DRW, .DRW.
NX .PRT
SolidWorks .SLDDRW
TIFF .TIF, .TIFF
To open a 2D file,

1. Click the Open File button (or use the File > Open menu item).

2. Browse to find your CAD file, SpinFire Professional 10.x.3D file, or SpinFire Ultimate .ACT3D
file.
Note: For a list of the file format versions supported navigate to Options > Importers.
3. Click Open.

2D Tool Bar
Use buttons on the 2D tool bar to change views of the model or analyze the model.

Icon Title Description

Hide/Show Browser Pane Controls the visibility of the browser pane located
on the left side of window.
Background Color Menu Use the SpinFire Color dialog box to override the
default Workspace background color.
Display Choose to hide/show Notes, Dimensions, stamps,
Shapes, or the Scale Bar.
Zoom Fit Select to Zoom Fit, Zoom Window, or Focus on
View

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2D Notes Contains commands for inserting a note markup

label.
Linear Menu Contains commands for measuring lengths,
coordinates, edges, and areas.
Radial Menu Contains commands for measuring arcs and circles.
Angular Menu Contains commands for measuring angles.

Smart Edge Dimension Simply mouse over a drawing to highlight an edge,

and with one click quickly determine its length.
Length Units Menu Enables you to override default length/distance
measurement units.
Angular Units Menu Enables you to override default angular
measurement units.
Shapes Create rectangles, rounded rectangles, and ovals
within the 2D document.
Callouts Create right and left callouts as well as a cloud
callout in a 2D document.
Line Tools Create lines, polylines, curves, and closed polylines
within the 2D document.
Stamps Mark the 2D document with a predefined stamp.
2D Viewer Settings Opens an Options dialog box that allows you to
change 3D Viewer settings.

2D Markups & Measurements

Utilize SpinFire Ultimate 2D mark ups and measurements to label drawings, provide notes for
colleagues, and perform important measurements.

To create a 2D note, mark up, or measurement,

1. Choose the type of 2D note, mark up, or measurement from the 3D tool bar.

2. Follow the instructions provided by the SpinFire Ultimate interface.

3. Set the mark up in the location desired.

To further edit the mark up,

1. Navigate to the Markups panel by clicking on Markups.

2. Right mouse click on the mark up desired in the list on the markups panel or on the physical
markup itself within the graphical area.

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The context menu differs depending on the note, markup, or measurement selected. View and
select the operation desired.

2D Notes

Apply 2D notes to your work space to describe an item, jot down a though, or leave a note for a
colleague.

Type Description

2D Point Note A 2D Point Note is attached to a selected point in

a drawing.

2D Edge Note A 2D Edge Note is attached to a selected edge in

the drawing.

Drawing Note A Drawing Note is attached to a selected spot in

the drawing and moves with drawing as you pan.

2D Note A 2D Note "floats" above the drawing and

remains in place as you pan—it does not move
with the drawing.

2D Linear

Use 2d linear markups and measurements to perform calculations and place notes with points and
lines.

Type Description

Point Coordinates Determines the X, Y, and Z coordinates of a point

in the drawing. Crosshairs indicate a selectable
point.

Arc Center Coordinates Determines the X, Y, and Z coordinates of the

center of an arc in the drawing. The arc is
highlighted when the pointer is properly
positioned.

Two Edge Intersection Point Coordinates Finds the project intersecting point of two non-
parallel edges.

Edge Length Measures an existing straight edge in the

drawing. The edge is highlighted when the
pointer is properly positioned.

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Point to Point Measures the distance between two selected

points in the drawing.

Point to Edge Measures the distance between a selected point

and an edge on the model.

Arc Center to Edge Measures the distance between the center of a

selected arc and an edge in the drawing.

Arc Center to Arc Center Measures the distance between the centers of
two selected arcs in the drawing.

Sum of Connected Edges Calculates the sum of any number of connected

edges selected by the user.

Minimum Distance Between Edges Calculates the sum of any number of connected
edges selected by the user.

Boundary Center by Edges Determines the center point of a boundary

defined by connected edges. SpinFire Ultimate
will automatically find the connected edges that
form the boundary and then determine the
center point.

Boundary Area by Edges Calculates the area of a boundary defined by

connected edges. SpinFire Ultimate will
automatically find the connected edges that
form the boundary and then determine the
boundary area.

Boundary Area by Points Calculates the area of a boundary defined by

three or more selected points.

2D Radial

SpinFire Ultimate 2D Radial measurements enables users to perform measurements surrounding arcs
and circles.

Type Description

Arc Diameter Measures the diameter of a circle derived from a

selected arc in the drawing.

Arc Radius Measures the radius of a circle derived from a

selected arc in the drawing.

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Circle by Three Points Draws a visible circle that passes through three
selected points in the drawing and determines
the diameter of the circle.

2D Angular

2D angular measurements find the angle between points and edges.

Type Description

Three Points Angle Measures an angle defined by two segments

with a common point.

Four Points Angle Measures an angle defined by two segments

with a common point.

Two Edge Angle Measures an angle defined by two connected

straight edges.

2D Shapes

2D shapes in the 2D work space mark and draw attention to specific portions of your document.

Type Description

Rectangle Draws a rectangle based on two points.

Rounded Rectangle Draws a rectangle with rounded corners based

on two points.

Oval Draws an oval based on two points.

2D Lines

2D lines in the 2D work space mark and draw attention to specific portions of your document.

Type Description

Line Draws a line based on two points.

Polyline Draws a multiple segmented line.

Curve Draws a multiple curved line.

Closed Polyline Draws a multiple segmented line and finishes it

as a closed polygon.

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2D Stamps

Use Stamps on 2D documents to provide reviewing or status feedback

Type Description

Stamp There are none pre-defined types; Accepted,

Approved, Confidential, Draft, Final, For Review,
Preliminary, Received, Rejected

INFO: Navigate to Options > Settings > 2D Viewer > Stamps to create your own personalized
stamps.

Saving
Saving a workspace saves to an .ACT3D file. Perform this often enough to prevent data loss due to
emergency circumstances. It is recommended to set your Save ACT3D options before opening your first
file.

Save Options
SpinFire Ultimate offers different options to save with the ACT3D file. These can be found on the
Options > Settings >3D Viewer page.

Save Act3D Option Description Notes

B-Rep Compression Sets the compression level of Effects file size

the B-Rep if included.
Effect open file performance

Include B-Rep Saves B-Rep data in the ACT3D Effects file size
file.
Effect open file performance

Tessellation Compression Compresses the tessellation Effects file size

data.
Effect open file performance

3D Preview Saves a 3D preview file within Effects file size

the ACT3D file.

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Save
To save a workspace,

1. Click the Save button (or use the File > Save menu).

2. Browse to the location to save the ACT3D file.

3. Click Save.

NOTE: Saving only saves the active workspace. If multiple workspaces are open, then each must
be saved separately.

Printing
To print a workspace,

1. Select File > Print Preview.

2. Enter the number of copies to print.
3. Apply a template if necessary.
4. Scale the image appropriate if necessary.
5. Expand More Image Settings to disable or enable items to appear in the print out.
6. Select the printer.
7. Select the printer settings.
8. Expand More Page Settings to disable or enable the header and footer.
9. Click Print.

See related training videos:

http://chilp.it/a313f41 - Print Options

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Importer Options
Each importer format have various options that govern how a CAD file is opened into SpinFire Ultimate
depending on the data saved in the file.

To adjust an importer option,

1. Select Options > Importers.

2. Find the file format to alter.
3. Click Options for the respective format.
4. Adjust the appropriate options.
5. Click OK or Apply.

NOTE: Hover the mouse over an importer option to get tool tip help on what the option does.

Home Page
Use the Home page to quickly navigate to different parts of SpinFire Ultimate.

See related training videos:

http://chilp.it/7aa07d3 - Home + Library

Main Navigation Tab

Navigate to the four main areas of the SpinFire Ultimate application.

• Home
• Library
• Workspace
• Options

Navigation Panel
Use the navigation panel on the home page for more granular links within and outside the SpinFire
Ultimate application.

Link Destination

Licensed Options > License activation page

Registered Options > Registration page

Options Last options page visited

Application Settings Options > Settings > Application settings page

3D Viewer Settings Options > Settings > 3D Viewer settings page

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2D Viewer Settings Options > Settings > 2D Viewer settings page

Centro Settings Options > Settings > Centro settings page

Importers Options > Importers page

What’s New What's New in SpinFire 11 in the online Help

Support Knowledge Base http://support.actify.com/

More Downloads http://www.actify.com/resources/

Actify Site http://www.actify.com/

Recent Documents
The recent documents section lists the last documents that were opened and saved during previous
sessions. This is a shortcut to opening files you use more often.

To use recent documents,

1. Simply click on the document in the list to open.

2. Or right mouse click on an item to get more options.

Library
The SpinFire Ultimate library is useful for finding files that are in locations you frequent often. Open,
import, add, and convert files all from one location as well as opening multiple files at once.

Library Setup
To get started, you must set up library connections to a local or network folder.

To setup a connection,

1. Click on Add Connection.

2. Navigate to the folder to add as a connection.

3. Click Select Folder.
4. Enter a name for the connection.
5. Confirm the path as well as the types of file formats to show.
6. Click OK.

Repeat these steps to create additional library connections.

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Library Folders
Use library folders to navigate to a location of the files to view.

Click on to expand connection folders

Click on to collapse connection folders.

Right mouse click on a folder to choose from the context menu.

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Library Files
Once the location of a file has been discovered,

1. Click on a file to select.

2. Right mouse click to view actions you can take on the file such as opening, importing, or
converting.

Note: You can select multiple files with a SHIFT-click (multiple sequence) or a CTRL-click
(individual selections) and perform operations on all the selected files at once.

See related training videos:

http://chilp.it/7aa07d3 – Home + Library

Advanced Features
For instructions on how to use more advanced features, please see the Actify online help or refer to
some of our Most Often Used Functions section further down in this document.

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Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard Shortcuts

Here are a few short cuts that will help you perform repetitive actions quickly.

Feature Keyboard Shortcut

Open File CTRL-O
Save File CTRL-S
Print CTRL-P
Undo CTRL-Z
Redo CTRL-Y
Shortcut Toolbar CTRL-T
Full Screen toggle F11
Online Help F1

3D Smart Dimensioning
1. Select Smart Edge Dimension or Smart Surface Dimension from the 3D toolbar.
2. Hover your mouse over an edge or surface of interest.
3. Right mouse click to select a measurement that is relative the item chosen.

See related training videos:

http://chilp.it/8fe9d58 – Smart Edge Dimension

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Shortcut Toolbar
To configure the shortcut toolbar,

1. Navigate to Options > Settings > 3D Viewer

(Navigate to Options > Settings > 2D Viewer to configure the 2D shortcut toolbar)
2. Click on DEFINE SHORTCUT TOOLBAR…
3. Select frequently used measurements to add.
4. Click OK.

Note: You will need to save and reopen current documents to use new configurations.

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Reset to the Original View

Reset to the original view quickly by:

1. Clicking on the Views button.

2. Click on Default CAD View.

Change 3D Options
Typically when changing 3D options, you must save them in the Options > 3D Viewer Settings then
reopening the model.

Some of the 3D viewer settings can be changed immediately by clicking on the Options icon.

Note: the changes are only for the active workspace and are not saved.

Copy Workspace Image to Clipboard

Press CTRL+C

Gain Performance
Turn off Rendering Effects to get full performance rotating, zooming, and panning the model.

Cycle through Standard Views

Press F6 to cycle through all the standard 3D views.

Zooming and Panning

Use the middle mouse button wheel to zoom in and out.

SHIFT + Left-click + Drag pans the model view.

Open and Import via Drag-and-Drop

In an empty workspace, drag-and-drop a CAD file from the Windows file explorer to open the file.

If a model occupies the workspace, drag-and-drop a CAD file to import the model.

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Change Languages
From the keyboard, press CTRL+ALT+F1 to change languages immediately.

See related training videos:

http://chilp.it/7e1d058 – Application Settings

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Videos List

http://chilp.it/a87865b - Load Only Assembly + File Import + Transform by Handle

http://chilp.it/0d591c1 - 3D Notes

http://chilp.it/e265212 - Arc Diameter

http://chilp.it/e721827 - Arc Radius

http://chilp.it/4db0e0c - Circle By Three Points

http://chilp.it/30bb046 - Angular Menu

http://chilp.it/4564bf2 - Model Compare

http://chilp.it/3509284 - Draft Angle Analysis

http://chilp.it/5fa6250 - Wall Thickness Analysis

http://chilp.it/46b381f - Curvature Analysis

http://chilp.it/7601fe6 - Section Menu

http://chilp.it/a30a6fd - User Views

http://chilp.it/a313f41 - Print Options

http://chilp.it/7aa07d3 - Home + Library

http://chilp.it/8fe9d58 – Smart Edge Dimension

http://chilp.it/7e1d058 – Application Settings

Performance Improvement Guide

Performance Improvement Guide

SpinFire Support Process

SpinFire Support Process

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Most Often Used Functions

User Interface

Options->Settings

Application Settings

Select: Options->Settings->Application

Change the Theme between Modern and Classic. This allows current users of

SpinFire 10.x to get used to SpinFire Ultimate. They can then transition to the Modern

Theme to take advantage of the new layout

3D Viewer Settings

Select: Options->Settings->3D Viewer

There are many user settings that can be change to customize the 3D viewer to the users

liking.

• Displayed Point Size

• Displayed Background, Edge, and Markup colors
• Display Navigation Cube
• Measurement Units
• Save .ACTD Options

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2D Viewer Settings

Select:Options->Settings->2D Viewer

There are many user settings that can be change to customize the 2D viewer to the users liking.

• Displayed Background, Edge, and Markup colors

• Measurement Units

3D Viewer Window Settings

While viewing a CAD file, you can control many settings to your liking;

• Background Color
• Display of Notes, Dimensions
• Rendering: Shaded, Wireframe
• Rendering Effects: Shadow, Reflection
• Units
• Material Properties
• Navigation Cube location
• And more

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Window Functions

Zoom Fit

The Zoom Fit button on the Viewer toolbar pans and zooms to provide a close-up view of
the model while still fitting the model entirely within the Viewport.

The Zoom Fit command may also be called by right-clicking the background in the 3D scene
and selecting Zoom Fit from the menu.

The Preset Views options lets you cycle through all the Standard Views by right-clicking the
background in the 3D scene and selecting Preset Cameras.

Pressing the F6 Button does the same.

Focus Commands

The Focus on Point/Part command shifts the center of the view to a selected Point on the
model, or Part selected. The center of the view is also the
center of rotation.

To focus on a point/Part:
1. Open the Zoom Fit menu on the Viewer toolbar. Or, Right-
click in Viewer
2. Click "Focus on Point".
A white dot will appear when your cursor hovers over
available points on the model.
3. Click a Point on the model.
The Point will shift to the center of the view.

Or

4. Right-click on the desired Part to move it’s Center Point

to the center of the screen to be used as the new
rotation Point.

Select Focus on Surface Normal to rotate the view Normal to the Surface selected

Select PMI Annotation to rotate and center the view Normal to the PMI annotation selected

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Select Annotation Plane to rotate the view Normal to the PMI annotation selected and do a Zoom Fit

Multiple Viewports

• Selecting the “Multiple Viewports” Icon allow you to select up to 4-Viewports. Each one is can
be Activated by selecting it, one at a time, so you can work with that viewport.

Multiple Viewports

• Selecting the “Multiple Viewports” Icon allow you to select up to 4-Viewports. Each one is can
be Activated by selecting it, one at a time, so you can work with that viewport.

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Part Manipulation
Working with Assemblies and Parts

Add Transparency

You can adjust the level of transparency of any part, subassembly, or assembly.

To change the transparency of an object:

1. Right-click the part in the graphics window, or the name of the object in the Assembly Tree.
This opens the Object context menu.
2. Click Transparency.
This opens the Set Transparency slider.
3. Adjust the slider until the object is at the desired transparency.
To guide you, the transparency of the object in the Viewport will reflect the real-time
adjustments you make with the slider.
4. Click Close.

Change Color

You can determine the color for any part, subassembly, or assembly. You can choose a predefined color
or define your own color. You can choose to have the color applied to the "Front" (Exterior), "Back"
(Interior), or both.

To change the color of an object:

1. Right-click the part in the graphics window, or the name of the object in the Assembly Tree.
2. Hover the cursor over Color.
3. Click either "Front and Back", "Front", or "Back"
This opens the Color dialog box.
4. Click a color swatch. Or Select from the Custom Colors to create your own color.
5. Click OK.
To Hide or Show Points and Wire-Frame Entities

1) Right-Click on the Assembly “Scene”

2) On the drop down, Select “Display->Wire-Frame
Entities”
3) This will un-check “Wire-Frame Entities”

NOTE: This will hide any wireframe entities that may be

causing the part to disappear due to very long lines that
were imported. It is also an easy way just to hide all the construction wire-frame that was
imported instead of hiding them by selecting.
Do this for Points and Surfaces and Solids as well

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To Hide or Show Display information

This function can be used to hide and show display information such as Notes, Dimensions and
Coordinate Systems.

1) Select the Display Icon to get the drop down list

2) Select the item you want to Hide or Show

NOTE: This will hide/show the item selected in the current

workspace. The “Grid” option will hide the Grid while in a 2D
Standard view, such as Top, Bottom, etc.

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Dimension Functions
3D Dimensions

Note

• If you want to add several of the same type of markup, you may select the Lock tool check
box that appears when you select a markup command. This will allow you to keep adding
the same type of markup to the scene until you click Stop.

Copy to Clipboard
When a Dimension is created a Dialog box appears that allows you to copy to the “Clipboard” the
displayed value.

NOTE: You can move this Dialog box anywhere you want. This goes for any of the Dialog boxes of this
type.

To copy to the “Clipboard”:

1. Create the desired dimension

2. The dialog box appears
3. Select the Copy button
4. Paste the value into the desired document

Note: You can also right-click on the Dimension Markup already created and select “Copy”

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Change the Unit Value

You can change the default dimension units displayed in the Markup on the fly by
selecting the “Units” drop-down box (Length, Angular, and Weight) and select the
desired Unit. Once changed, any new dimension Markup will display the selected
units.

Measurements
Part Volume

To measure the Properties of a part

OPTION1:

1. Right-click on a Part or Assembly in the Assembly pane.

2. Open the Calculate menu.
3. Click the desired measurement
4. Drag the label and click to set the position.

Note: You can alternate among a Part Volume, Part

Surface, Part Center of Mass, or All label by right-
clicking the label and selecting the new
measurement from the menu.

OPTION2:

1. Right-Click on a part in the Graphics window.

2. Select Calculate
3. Select the desired measurement

Note: You can select multiple parts by using the <Ctrl> key and Right Mouse Button, or the Box
Selection option shown in the “Assembly Functions” section above.

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To measure the Weight of a part

1. Select the desired Material from the Drop-down list
2. Right-Click on a Part
3. Select Calculate->Weight

To measure the Area of a single Surface:

1. Select the Part Selection Mode Icon to toggle to Surface Selection

Mode
2. Select the surface on the part that you would like to measure.
3. Open the Calculate menu as described above.
4. Click Surface Area or Bounding Box
5. Drag the label and click to set the position.

Note: You can select multiple surfaces using the <Ctrl> key on
your keyboard

Radial Dimensions

To measure an arc diameter or Radius:

1. Open the Radial Dimension menu on the Viewer toolbar.

Click the arrow to the right of the Arc button. You should see a drop-down menu listing
the available commands for Diameter, Radius, and Circle by 3 Points
2. Click "Arc Diameter or Arc Radius".
3. Position your pointer over the arc you want to measure in the model.
SpinFire Ultimate indicates when your pointer is over an arc by highlighting the arc with
a circle.
4. Click on the arc.
5. Drag the label into position and click once.

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• Note: You can also Right-Click on the new Dimension and display either Radius, Diameter,
Length, or All
• Note: You can also Right-Click on the new Dimension and Hide the Center Point Coordinates

Distance between (2) Points

The Point to Point Distance command measures the distance between two Points you select.

To measure the distance between two points:

1. Open the Linear menu on the Viewer toolbar.
2. Click "Point to Point” and one of the (4) options".
• A White Dot with a Red cross-hatch indicates when the pointer is properly
positioned over a Point.
3. Click two points on the model.
4. Drag the label into position and click the mouse.

Arc Center to Arc Center

The "Arc Center to Arc Center Distance" command measures the distance between the
centers of two existing arcs on the model

To measure the distance between two arc centers:

1. Open the Linear menu on the Viewer toolbar.
• Click the drop-down arrow to the right of the Linear button. You should see a
drop-down menu listing the available commands.
2. Point to Arc Center to Arc Center.
3. Click the first arc you want to measure in the model.
• SpinFire Ultimate indicates when your pointer is over an arc by highlighting the
arc with a circle.
4. Click the second arc.
5. Drag the label into position and click once.

Sum of Connected Edges

The Sum of Connected Edges command measures the sum of any number of connected
edges selected by the user.

To measure the sum of connected edges:

1. Open the Linear menu on the 3D Document toolbar.
• Click the drop-down arrow to the right of the Linear button. You should see a
drop-down menu listing the available commands.

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2. Click Sum of Connected Edges.

3. Click each connected edge that you would like to measure.
• SpinFire Ultimate indicates when your pointer is over an edge by highlighting
the edge with a line.
4. Click one of the already selected edges to complete the selection process and display the
measurement label.
5. Drag the label into position and click once.

Measure a Boundary Center by Edges

The Boundary Center by Edges measures the center point of a boundary defined by
connected edges.

To measure a Boundary Center by edges:

1. Open the Advanced menu on the 3D Document toolbar.
2. Click Boundary Center by Edges.
3. Click an edge or arc on the assembly.
4. If necessary, continue clicking connected edges or arcs on the assembly.
• When SpinFire Ultimate can determine the edges of a boundary, the center
point will be measured.
5. Drag the label into position.

Measure a Minimum Distance Between Edges

The Minimum Distance Between Edges command measures the minimum distance between
two edges.

To measure the minimum distance between two edges:

1. Open the Linear menu on the 3D Document toolbar.
2. Click Edge to Edge.
3. Click an edge on the assembly.
4. Click another edge on the assembly.
5. Drag the label into position and click once.

Measure the Distance Between Two Planar Surfaces

The Distance Between Two Surfaces command measures the distance between two flat and
parallel surfaces on the model.
To measure the distance between two parallel surfaces:

1. Click the drop-down arrow to the right of the Advanced button. You should see a drop-down
menu listing the available commands.
2. Click Minimum Distance Between Two Surfaces.

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3. Select the first surface.

4. Select the Second Surface.
5. Drag the label into position and click once.

Measure Arc Centerline to Arc Centerline

The “Arc Centerline to Arc Centerline” function allows the measurement of the distance
between two holes by using their Centerline Axes, not just the selected Arcs center
points. This also removes the need for the Coordinate system to be in alignment with the
dimension taken.

To Measure Arc Centerline to Arc Centerline:

1. Open the Linear menu on the 3D Document toolbar.
2. Click Arc Center to->Arc Center.
3. Select two holes to create the measurement.
4. Now, Right-Click on the dimension Markup and select Centerline.

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Measure Arc Centerline to Edge

The “Arc Centerline to Edge” function allows the measurement of the distance between an Arc Center
and an Edge by using the Centerline Axis of the Arc, not just the selected Arcs center points. This
removes the need for the Coordinate system to be in alignment with the dimension taken.

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To measure Arc Centerline to Edge:

1. Open the Linear menu on the 3D Document toolbar.

2. Click Arc Center to->Edge.
3. Select two holes to create the measurement.
4. Now, Right-Click on the dimension Markup and select Centerline.
• Note how the Dimension Markup now states Dc “Distance Centerline”

Bounding Box
The Bounding Box command draws a bounding box around a part(s) or Assembly and measures either
along the X-, Y-, and Z-axes (Axis-Aligned Bounding Box) or creates the smallest box possible (Minimum
Bounding Box)

1. Right-Click the part, assembly, or sub-

assembly that you would like to measure
a) From the Assembly Tree
b) From the Graphic representation of the
Part
2. Select Calculate
a) Select Axis-Aligned Bounding Box
b) Select Minimum Bounding Box

The Minimum Bounding Box will create a Bounding box around the Part or Assembly that
represents the Minimum size Box available.

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Smart Dimensions
Smart Dimensions

Smart Dimensioning allows you to mouse over your model(s) and quickly determine object point
coordinates and lengths, distances between objects, angle measurements, and more.

Depending on the object, SpinFire will present a menu of possible measurement choices.

Smart Edge Dimension

With this command, you can quickly and easily determine edge
lengths, edge to point and edge to arc center distances, and the minimum distance between two edges.
You can also choose to measure arc characteristics, such as diameter, radius, center coordinates, and
the distance between two arc centers.

Smart Surface Dimension

Use this command to quickly and easily determine surface point coordinates; distances between a
surface and a point, edge, or another surface; and surface angles.

To Create a Smart Edge Dimension:

1. Select the Smart Dimension Icon and Select
Edge
2. Hover your cursor over an Edge
3. Selecting the Edge creates the Default
dimension, such as Length or Diameter.
4. Right-click on a highlighted Edge to see the
Smart Dimension Options
5. Select an Option and select another Edge

To Create a Smart Surface Dimension:

1. Select the Smart Dimension Icon and Select
Surface
2. Hover your cursor over a Surface

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3. You will see the Draft Angle Value display, which indicates the Angle Dimension and, if you
select the surface, will create the dimension markup
4. Selecting the Edge creates the Default dimension, such as Length or Diameter.
5. Right-click on a highlighted Surface to see the Smart Dimension Options
6. Select an Option and select another Surface

Add Notes

3D Notes

SpinFire Ultimate offers six types of notes:

• 3D Point Note: Attached to a Point on the model.

• 3D Edge Note: Attached to a straight line on the model.
• 3D Note: Attached to any point in the 3D space.
• 2D Note: Not attached to any point in the 3D space. Label remains stationary.
• 3D Surface Note: Attached to any point of a surface.
• Auto Note: Automates creation of markups containing component name for all parts and
subassemblies in the assembly.

Add Note Hyperlinks Linking to Views and Workspaces

A markup label can be made into a link so that a user can access a file, Web page, or User
Defined View by clicking the label. A markup label that's a link will be underlined.

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Examples of valid link paths include:

• http://www.actify.com
• C:\MyDocs\SomeDocument.doc
• #view2 – Creates a link from the Note to the User Defined View labeled “view2”
• [2D Markup] - Creates a link from the Note to the Workspace labeled “2D Markup”
• [3D Model]#view2 - Creates a link from the Note to the Workspace labeled “2D Markup” and
positions to the User Defined View labeled “view2”

To link to another Workspace within the .3D file, surround the name of the workspace with
square brackets [ ]. For example, [Wheel] would open the Wheel Workspace.

If you would like to link to a user view within a 3D Workspace, add the pound sign # and the
view name. For example, the link [Wheel]#view2 would open the Wheel Workspace and
display the view named view2.

SpinFire Ultimate will append the http:// protocol header to any relative link. Therefore, links
to files must use an absolute path.

To add a link to a current markup label:

7. Right-click the label.
You can do this on either the label itself or the name of the label in the Markups tab.
This opens the Markup context menu.
8. Click Properties on the menu.
This opens the Markup Properties dialog box
9. Click in the Arrow on the Folder Icon
10. Select Document and User View.
11. Select the User Defined View or
Imported CAD View.
12. Click OK.
The text of the label should be now
underlined.

To add a link while creating a New Note:

1. Create a new Note
2. Select the “folder” icon to get a drop-down for the File and View
Selection
3. Select “Document and View”
4. Select the desired User or CAD View
5. The View is now shown in the Hyperlink Field

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Coordinate Systems

Users can define their own coordinate systems and include multiple coordinate systems in a 3D scene.

Every scene viewed in SpinFire Ultimate contains the Global Coordinate System, which defines the
(0,0,0) point and the direction of the x-, y-, and z-axes. You can also include additional coordinate
systems with your own positions and orientations. The Markups panel lists all the coordinate systems in
a scene.

Like markups and views, coordinate systems are included when you save a model as .ACT3D

Creating and Editing a Coordinate System

To create or edit a coordinate system, you will use the Coordinate System dialog box.

The Coordinate System dialog box contains the Position, Orientation, and Rotation tabs, which set
the location and direction of the coordinate system. Both the Position and Orientation tabs offer two
methods for defining position and orientation: either pick an element in the scene or enter precise
figures into the dialog box.

• Select the icon on the Toolbar

• This opens the Coordinate Systems context menu.
• In the Name field, type a name for the Coordinate System.
• This dialog box contains a Position tab and Orientation tab. The Position tab should be
selected.
• Choose one of two methods to set the origin point:

Picking a point on the model:

a. From the drop-down menu, choose a method for setting the origin.

The methods for determining the origin point are:

• Pick a Point: Select an available Point on the model.

• Pick a Circle: Select a circle on the model. The origin will be set to the circle's center point.

The Pick button should appear pressed in before you pick an element in the scene.

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Offsetting the origin with respect to another Coordinate Systems:

a. Select Coordinate Systems from the Relative To drop-down menu.

• The origin point of the new Coordinate System will be offset relative to the
origin point of the Coordinate System in the Relative To field.

b. Enter the number of units you want the origin point offset in the Position X, Position Y,
and Position Z fields.

c. Click Apply.

2. Select the Orientation tab.

• This tab lets you set an axis of the Coordinate System equal to a vector. This can be
done either by selecting a vector from the 3D scene or by entering vector values in the
dialog box.

3. Select the option button for the axis you want to orient.

• The options buttons are the round buttons to the left of the X-Axis, Y-Axis, and Z-Axis
options. The selected axis will be oriented.

4. Choose one of two methods to set the orientation of the axis:

Selecting a vector in the 3D scene:

a. From the drop-down menu, choose a method for setting the axis.

The methods for determining the orientation of an axis are:

o Pick 2 Points: Select two available Points on the model. The axis direction will be
toward the first point picked.

o Pick an Edge: Select an edge on the model. When the pointer is properly
positioned over an edge, the edge will be highlighted on the model.

o Pick another Coordinate System Axis: Click the axis of another Coordinate System
in the scene.

o Pick 3 Points (Normal Plane): Pick three points to define a plane.

If the method you would like to select is already visible in the drop-down menu, you may simply click
the Pick button.

The Pick button should appear pressed in before you pick an element in the scene.

b. Click the desired location in the 3D scene.

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—OR—

Entering vector values in the dialog box:

a. From the Relative To drop-down menu, choose the Coordinate System you would like
the vector to be relative to.

b. Enter values in the x, y, and z fields next to the selected axis.

c. Click Apply.

5. Click OK to save the settings of the Coordinate System and close the dialog box.

Exploded Assembly & User Views

User Defined View

You can save any Camera Angle of your model and choose from previously saved "user views"
from the View tab in Viewer.

A user view may consist of just the position of the "camera" or it might also include part
rotations and translations that are specifically applied to that user view.

A "user view” may also store the State of the Parts selected. That is, it will store the Color,
Render Mode, as well as Visibility of the Parts.

A "user view” may also store any Markups added, such as Notes and Dimensions.

To save a view:

1. Position your view of the model to the one you want to save.
2. Click the Views tab.
3. Right-Click on User Views
This opens the New User View dialog box.
4. Accept the default name, or, Type a name for your view
and click OK.
Your view will appear under "User Views" along with
your username and the time it was saved.

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Create Exploded Assembly

You can create an "Explode Assembly" automatically by using the Exploded

Assembly Feature.

1. Select the Exploded Assembly Icon

2. Select the Type

3. Select Coordinate System
4. Select All Parts or Specific Parts
5. Drag the Tab on the Percentage Bar to see the Parts
Explode Real Time
6. Select Create User View when satisfied with the results

Now, select the Views tab and select the “Assembled View” view just created. You will see the Part
move as defined. Now, select the "Explode View" view to explode the parts.

To add additional parts to the Explode View follow the instructions above. However, instead of adding
an additional View, just expand the “Explode View”, Right-Click on Geometry, and select Update
Geometry.

Create Exploded View Option #1

You can create an "Explode View" animation by doing the following.

1. First create a User Defined View and call it "Assembled View", or “Start View”
2. Right-click the Part or Subassembly in the Assembly Tree or on the Graphics Window
3. Point to Transform
4. Select the Move tab
5. From the "Relative to:" drop-down menu, select the Coordinate Systems you want to translate
with respect to
• The default is the current active Coordinate Systems.
6. Type the movement value in the proper fields
• The units can be positive or negative
7. Select Preview to see what the translation will look like.
• The object will briefly be translated to the new position and then will return to its original
location.
8. Select Apply to perform the translation
9. Select Apply again to move the same distance

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10. Change the value and select Apply again

11. Select OK to complete the translation procedure
12. Create a New User View named ”Explode View”

Create Exploded View Option #2

You can create an "Explode View" animation by doing the following.

1. First create a User Defined View and call it "Start"

o This is so we can back to the original view
2. Right-click the Part or Subassembly in the Assembly Tree or on the
Graphics Window
3. Point to Transform
4. The Handles tab is default
• This opens the Transformation Control dialog box and displays
a box with handles (Points) around the object.
5. From the Relative to: drop-down menu, select the coordinate system you want to translate
with respect to.
6. Drag one of the Grey handles to translate the object.
• A label will display the distance that the object is being
translated.
7. Drag one of the Red handles to Rotate the object.
• A label will display the Degrees that the object is being
rotated.
8. Click Apply to save the translation.
9. Click OK to close the dialog box.
10. Create a New User View named ”Explode View”
Now, select the Views tab and select the “Assembled View” view just created. You will see the Part
move as defined. Now, select the "Explode View" view to explode the parts.

To add additional parts to the Explode View follow the instructions above. However, instead of adding
an additional View, just expand the “Explode View”, Right-Click on Geometry, and select Update
Geometry.

Create a View that Hides and/or Changes Part Color

You can create a view that shows Parts Hiding, reappearing, and/or changing Color by doing the
following.

1. First create a User Defined View and call it "Start"

2. Right-click the Part or Subassembly in the Assembly Tree or on the Graphics Window
3. Translate the part as described previously
4. Right-Click on the Part(s) or assembly
5. Hide the Part(s) or change their Color
6. Create a New User View

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Shattered Assembly
A shattered assembly is comprised of links to the individual part files that make up an assembly. Instead
of having to open an entire .ACT3D file in order to work with just one part, you can select to open
specific subassemblies.

A shattered assembly file has the following advantages:

• The file size of the assembly is small.

• Parts can be reused in multiple assemblies.

• You can load just the assembly parts you need, instead of having to load the entire assembly.

• The assembly can be updated incrementally. Because parts are loaded from the assembly file
by a link, you can update just the parts that have changed.

To open a .ACT3D shattered assembly, you must select Load Only Assembly Tree... located on the File
menu, and then import the desired subassemblies.

Or, use Library function to open the file.

Once a shattered assembly is opened, a new menu item appears on the File menu, Save
Monolithic Assembly... .

If you want to save to a normal SpinFire .ACT3D file, or Monolithic, select that option.

Only those components that have been Imported will be saved in the .ACT3D file.

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If you want to Save Shattered Assembly, preserving the assembly links, just select the Save
option as this is the default

Save Shattered Assembly... acts to save one SHATTERED.ACT3D file for the overall
assembly and separate PART.ACT3D files for each part file (subassembly) that was imported
(See Image to the right).

You can then re-open the SHATTERED.ACT3D file and Import additional files if necessary.

Importing Multi-document .3D

Working with Documents

When importing a multi-document .3D file into an existing document, a dialog box will be displayed
that enables the user to choose the operation to perform on each document in the file:

a. Add: The document will be added to the

WorkSpace. A new tab with that document will
be created.
b. Import: The document will be imported into the
current active document: the scene will display
the geometries of both the documents. This
option is available only for 3D documents
c. None: The document will be skipped.

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2D Snapshot
Take a 2D snapshot of a 3D model

SpinFire Ultimate allows you to take a 2D snapshot of a 3D model and work with it in 2D mode.
The snapshot will be a 2D image of the current view of the model. You may take a snapshot
and immediately open it in as a new 2D document (using the Snapshot button ). Or you may
copy the snapshot to your clipboard and paste it into an existing open 2D document (using the
Copy Snapshot and Paste Snapshot buttons).

To take a snapshot and create a new 2D document:

1. Select the document where you would like

to take a snapshot so that it is active.
If multiple Sessions are open, you should
click the tab of the Session you want.
2. Click the Snapshot button on the General Toolbar and select New Snapshot.
A new 2D document with the snapshot will be created.

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Section Cuts
Cross-Sectioning a 3D Model

The capability to display a cross-section of a part or assembly is one of the most important and
useful features of SpinFire Ultimate. Mechanical designers look at cross-sections to have a
better understanding of the structure of a part and of hidden components in an assembly.

Planes

The Cross-Section Plane menu in the Viewer toolbar lists the available cross-section planes.
You can recognize a cross-section plane by the eight handles that surround the rectangular
plane.

By default, the cross-section plane will be bounded by the YZ axis that passes through the
(0,0,0) point of the global coordinate system. Use the Settings, Movement, Position, and
Orientation, and options (tabs on the Define Section dialog box) to precisely define other
viewpoints and settings

There is also the ability to have 2 and 3 sections planes, as well as the Offset Section

Enable/Disable the Cut of a Cross-Section

By default a cross-section plane cuts through the geometry in a 3D scene so that the material
on one side of the plane is visible and on the other side is invisible. This behavior may be
enabled or disabled through the Cut Material option.

A cross-section plane must be enabled for the cross-section profile to be available.

To enable/disable the cut of a cross-section:

1. Open the Cross-Section menu on the 3D Document Toolbar.

2. Select Single, Two, or Three Planes
• Single Plane is the default
3. The Plane(s) will Section through the Active Coordinate System

Open the Define Section Panel

The Define Section Panel lets you control many aspects of the currently
Activates Section Planes

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Activate Section Plane to Re-position

When there are Multiple Section Planes you must Activate the one you want to re-position. To do this
just Right-Click on the Plane and you will see it activate and display the Grab Handles

Re-position Section Plane

Activate the desired Section Plane and do the following;

To slide the plane along a plane axis, click and drag one of the white grippers slightly offset from the
center of each edge. Yellow direction arrows appear indicating in which direction you can move the
plane.

To rotate the plane around a horizontal or vertical axis, click and drag one of the red grippers located in
the center of each edge. Yellow direction arrows appear indicating in which direction you can move the
plane.

To slide the plane along the normal axis, click and drag one of the white grippers located in the center of
the plane and at each corner. Yellow direction arrows appear indicating in which direction you can
move the plane.

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PROJECTION MODE / PROJECTION AREA

This selection enables users to easily view and then calculate the area of a model's projection
on a plane. The projected surface area is very useful in
sheet metal–forming applications to calculate the
necessary press tonnage.

Control of the projection plane is the same as that of

the cross-section plane.

To obtain the Projection Area of a Part or Parts with the

Projection Mode Option
1. Define a cross section
2. Right-Click on the Section plane and select
Projection Mode
3. Position the Plane as needed by using the grey
nodes to move the plane away from the Parts
4. Right-Click on the Section plane and select Calculate->Projection Area
5. Select Projection Area
6. Position the Area Markup Label accordingly

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Actify Resources
Additional materials can be found at Actify’s training video website, Actify’s online help site, and
Actify’s Knowledge Base.

Actify Information Location

SpinFire Ultimate Online Help http://help.actify.com/display/SF1100/SpinFire+Ultimate
Actify Knowledge Base http://suport.actify.com
Actify Training Call your Actify representative for additional services

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