Using datum features such as datum points, curves, surfaces, and axes can help you simulate a variety of effects and apply a number of different types of modeling entities. For example, you need datum points to create such entities as point loads, local measures, mesh controls, and certain idealizations such as springs, masses, and spot welds. You use datum curves and surfaces to create surface and volume regions, enabling you to isolate loads and constraints, add loads and constraints to free portions of merged surfaces, and so forth.

You can create datum features for your part in either Pro/ENGINEER or Mechanica. There are differences implicit in where you create these features:

Pro/ENGINEER — If you create the datum features in Pro/ENGINEER, the datum features will be visible on your part in both Pro/ENGINEER and Mechanica. You can also take advantage of certain Pro/ENGINEER part building techniques not available with Mechanica datum geometry creation, such as patterning and mirroring.

However, you may find that adding these features in Pro/ENGINEER creates visual clutter that may prove distracting when you use your model for other purposes, such as manufacturing or documentation. If this is the case, consider creating the datum features within Mechanica instead, as they will not be visible when you return to Pro/ENGINEER.

Mechanica — If you create the datum features within Mechanica, these are known as simulation features. You can create simulation features at any time during your Mechanica session—before you add modeling entities or as you define those modeling entities. Simulation features are only available to you during your Mechanica sessions unless you promote them. The software turns off these features each time you return to Pro/ENGINEER.

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