The number of layers defines how many thicknesses (layers) have to be connected at the connector position.
| • | For seam and area connectors the number of layers is predefined as two. |
| • | For most spot connectors you will set the number of layers to two or three; though any higher number is possible. For spot connectors it is also possible to set the number of layers to auto. Then the exact number of layers is identified during the link detection and is written to each individual connector. |
| • | Bolt connectors can additionally be set to unlimited. This is for cases when the exact number of layers is not known. In this case, the number of layers is limited by other conditions like tolerance and cylinder dimensions. |
| • | For apply mass connectors a limit for entities can be set; this is optional. |
The number of layers has to be defined for:
| • | combined connector creation/realization in the top subpanel for spots, bolts, seams and areas. |
| • | pure connector creation in the create subpanel for spots, bolts, seams and areas. |
If connect when is set to now, a link detection is performed during connector creation. With respect to the given tolerance, the selected link candidates and options like non-normal projection the valid connector links are established. By default, if excess link candidates have been selected, the links are reduced to the minimum needed to fulfill the request for the number of layers. The request for the number of layers has to be fulfilled for each connector test point; this leads, for example, to seam connectors typically having more than just two link entities.
| Note: | The number of layers should not be mistaken for number of referenced links of a connector. In many cases the number of layers and the number of referenced links are equal, but that’s not mandatory. The number of referenced links can be less, equal or more than the number of layers, although the connector might be realized successfully if the links are provided in a manner that the request for the number of layers can be fulfilled. That means not all referenced links necessarily need to be used for the connection, and remain unused--or sometimes only one link is used twice, for example in the case of a flap. |
For spot and seam connectors extra links can be stored. This can be set individually on the appropriate option subpanels below links conservation.
|
The link entity options are set when creating the connector, or on the Add Links panel. The link entity can be edited/updated in the lower part of the Connector browser as well.
See Also:
Connector Terminology
