Part Workspace
Parts are initially started with a closed 2D sketch that is then turned into a 3D feature by the use of an Extrude, Revolve, Sweep, Loft, or a Helix. A plane or a planar face of the existing geometry is then selected and another 2D profile is sketched and material is either added to or subtracted from original feature. This basic process is repeated until the model is complete.
Sheet Metal Workspace
Sheet Metal parts are created in the exact same process as regular parts, except that specific sheet metal features are used to add material or subtract from the model. Some of the more commonly used features are Tabs, Lofted Flanges, Contour Flanges, Flanges, Closed Corners, Dimples, and Cuts.
Assembly Workspace
Once the files have been created and saved (parts, sheet metal parts, or even other assemblies), they are then linked into an assembly. Because they are linked into an assembly, if the files are changed then they will also be automatically updated in the assembly. These files are then put together with real world methods known as assembly constraints. Assembly constraints are used with the geometry of the parts, the reference geometry of the parts (planes and axes), or a combination of both. Planar items can be mated, aligned, or angled to each other while cylindrical surfaces can be aligned or tangent to other surfaces.
Bill of Materials (BOM) Workspace
A Bill of Materials (BOM) is used in conjunction with assemblies and shows a variety of information about the files that comprise the assembly. If a part is used multiple times in an assembly then that part will be listed once in the BOM but will specify the number of times that it is used. Sub-assemblies can be either listed as a single item in the BOM or the parts can be shown as separate items.
2D Drawing Workspace
The 2D drawing is typically the final step in the design process. Either parts, sheet metal parts, or assemblies can be linked into a 2D drawing. Like assemblies, because these files are linked into the 2D drawing, if the files are changed, then the changes are reflected in the 2D drawing. When a file has been selected, a standard 3-view drawing is often made (Front, Top, and Right Side) and different engineering views can be made (Section, Detail, Broken, Auxiliary, and Partial).
Global Parameters Workspace
The Global Parameters workspace provides a central repository of variables, equations, and values that can be used across multiple parts or assemblies. It looks similar to the Equation Editor which can be found in a Part, Sheet Metal, and Assembly Workspaces - the primary difference is that Global Parameters can be used between files, whereas the Equation Editor is restricted to a single file.
