Did you know that in Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire 2.0, you can search through a part or assembly for a specific feature or component?  Did you know that you can also search to find specific features or components whenever Pro/ENGINEER prompts you for a selection?  This search tool is just a <ctrl> f away whenever you need it! The following examples show how the search tool works in three different situations:

1. Finding a feature in a part

2. Finding a part in an assembly

3. Pro/ENGINEER prompts you for a selection

Finding features in parts.  With a part active, click the search icon or press <ctrl> f.  Either of these actions will bring up the search tool shown in Figure 1.

The Search Tool has a number of filters to help you narrow your search. For example, if you need to find all the datum planes in the part, you would configure the Search Tool as shown in Figure 2, then press the Find Now button. Your search results will show in the lower section of the dialog box. Then it’s a simple matter of moving the appropriate items form the Items Found panel to the Items Selected panel. 

This example is very simple. The next example will show just how powerful the search tool can be.

Finding components in assemblies.  For this example, let’s say you need to find all parts in the current assembly that were modeled by Scott Adams. Finding parts that fit this criterion is a simple matter of configuring the search tool, and pressing the Find Now button at the bottom of the Search Tool dialog box.  Figure 3 shows the results of the search. 

The drop down menus in the criteria section of the dialog contain the names of all parameters and values that are used in the model, so you don’t need to remember the exact names or values of the parameters you would like to search on.  In our example, Scott Adams has modeled five of the parts in this assembly. To select any or all of these parts, simply highlight them in the Items Found panel, and move them to the Items Selected panel.

Searching when prompted for a selection.  The Search Tool can also be used any time Pro/ENGINEER prompts you for a selection. Just press <ctrl> f or click the search icon when prompted for a selection.  In Figure 4, a coaxial hole is being created, and the system is prompting for an axis. In this case, the Search Tool is configured automatically because the system is looking for an axis. Pressing the Find Now button produces the output in the Items Found panel at the bottom of the dialog box.

As you can see, the Search Tool is not only powerful, it’s also accessible whenever you need it.

When your model tree is long, or when you have lots of geometry displayed, try using the search tool when you need to find an item quickly, or when you are prompted for a selection. Remember, it’s just a search icon click or <ctrl> f away!

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